Your ride, your way
Choose between guided group adventures or go self-guided at your own pace.
A 17th-century engineering masterpiece that transformed southern France — and one of the finest cycling routes anywhere in Europe, shaded by thousands of plane trees along 240km of towpath.
The Canal du Midi is one of the great cycling routes of Europe. Built in the 17th century to connect the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, it runs for 240km through the heart of Languedoc, providing a virtually flat, traffic-free corridor shaded by the famous double row of plane trees. The cycling is unhurried and deeply pleasurable — a lock every few kilometres gives a reason to stop, the canal-side auberges are excellent, and the surrounding wine country is among France's most underrated.
Beyond the towpath itself, the Canal du Midi passes through or near some of Languedoc's finest wine appellations — Minervois, Corbières, Faugères — and within reach of the extraordinary walled citadel of Carcassonne. The route ends at Sète on the Mediterranean coast, one of southern France's most characterful fishing ports, where the arrival by bike feels genuinely earned.
The Canal du Midi region has a Mediterranean climate, warm and dry from May through October. The towpath itself is almost entirely flat, making it one of the most accessible cycling routes in France for all fitness levels. The plane tree canopy provides welcome shade in the summer months. Light winds from the west are typical but rarely disruptive.
“The Canal du Midi was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, recognised as one of the greatest construction achievements of the modern era when it was completed in 1681.”
LukeCo-founderThe towpath is largely flat and runs continuously from Toulouse to the Mediterranean coast at Sète, providing around 240km of almost entirely traffic-free cycling through vineyards, villages and historic locks.
The full route from Toulouse to Sète takes around 4 to 6 days at a comfortable touring pace. Our holidays take the best sections, staying in canal-side towns and exploring the surrounding Languedoc wine country on rest days.
May to June and September to October are ideal — warm enough to enjoy the outdoor dining culture but avoiding the peak summer heat. The canal's plane tree canopy provides shade in summer, making July and August perfectly enjoyable too.
Choose between guided group adventures or go self-guided at your own pace.
We handle your luggage and accommodation, so you can focus on enjoying the ride.
Every tour is handpicked for scenic beauty, tasty food stops, and unforgettable moments.
You can ride easy knowing your money is fully protected by PTS, and tours run by our trusted local partners.
Speak to one of our experts and get a bespoke quote today.