Cycling the Canal du Midi

Cycle the Canal du Midi and follow one of southern France's most celebrated waterways, a UNESCO World Heritage route from the vibrant pink city of Toulouse to the sparkling shores of the Mediterranean at Sète, passing through a landscape of plane tree-lined towpaths, ancient locks, vineyards, and medieval towns. Flat, car-free, and taking around a week to complete, this route is suitable for beginners and experienced long-distance cyclists alike. This comprehensive guidebook by author Declan Lyons describes the 260km (162-mile) route in 5 stages west to east, each between 40 and 63km (25–39 miles) in length. Optional excursions to nearby towns and countryside are also included, making it easy to tailor the trip to your interests and schedule. Cycle the Canal du Midi in 5 manageable stages from Toulouse to Sète, following the flat, largely car-free towpath through the heart of the Languedoc, with each stage between 40 and 63km and completable in a single day Explore beyond the canal with optional excursions to historic towns and villages, including Carcassonne, Narbonne, Minerve, and Béziers, adding cultural depth and variety to your cycling holiday Navigate with confidence using 1:200,000 maps and elevation profiles included for each stage, giving you a clear picture of the route and terrain throughout your journey from Toulouse to the Mediterranean Plan your trip with ease using handy stage planning tables, comprehensive accommodation listings, and practical notes on refreshments, cycle shops, and repair facilities along the Canal du Midi route Discover the rich history, wildlife, and culture of the Languedoc with introductory sections covering the canal's remarkable engineering history, the varied landscapes and wildlife of the region, and the food and drink traditions of southern France Plan your Canal du Midi cycling adventure with confidence using this trusted Cicerone guidebook. Immerse yourself in the landscapes, history, and culture of southern France on one of Europe's easier and most rewarding long-distance cycle routes.