Active Journeys France SelfSelf----GuidedGuided Cycling Tour Tour descriptions Day 1 Arrive Toulouse Day 2 65 km To Castelnaudary Day 3 48 km To Carcassonne Canal du Midi Cycling Day 4 47 km There is something very special about the Canal du Midi, something that simply makes peo- Loop ride or day off ple fall in love with it. Running from the city of Toulouse down to the Mediterranean, the Canal du Midi is arguably the most beauful and well-known stretch of inland waterway in Day 5 75 km Southern France. To Narbonne Day 6 49 km These days the Canal du Midi is a haven for cyclists from across the world who come to To the Mediterranean bask in its beauty and soak up the scenery, meandering on the designated bike trails by the river. In the summer the weather is gorgeous, but the colours and its serenity make it an Day 7 ideal locaon for spring and fall as well. It is easy to see why it was inscribed as a UNESCO Tour ends World Heritage Site in 1996. First me visitors will certainly be bowled over by its magnifi- cence and even old hands will find new and excing things to explore on every visit. It is truly a magical holiday desnaon. Spanning the regions of the Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées, the Canal du Midi Tour Details boasts some unique and truly breathtaking landscapes. The canal passes through a great number of wine growing areas, including the Herault, the Aude, Minervois and Corbieres. Fri/Sat/Sun March to mid-October You will also see many fields of sunflowers, meander through lile villages and past cafes and see a wide variety of wildlife. Stop along the route in the many villages or any of the Cost: $1450 per person many vineyards for a wine tasng. This parcular route stops in the ancient cies of Castelnaudary, Carcassone and Narbonne to add culture and history to the mix. Single Supplement: $400 Length: 7 days/ 6 nights Fast Facts Bicycle: $225 • Lovely accommodaons, always with pri- E-Bike Info : Grade : Moderate vate facilies • E-bike rental: $350 Starts: Toulouse • 6 breakfasts • Limited supplies available, so reser- Ends: Narbonne • Luggage transport vaons upon booking recommended • Route notes and maps • SCOTT E-Sub models Active Journeys Contact: 11----800800800----597597597----55945594 or 416416----236236236----50115011 Email: [email protected] ITINERARY Day 1 Arrive Toulouse Arrive on your own and sele into your hotel. Toulouse is a won- derfully vibrant place and it is well worth spending some me look- ing around. Ochre roo ops and blushing brick churches earned Toulouse the nickname ‘La Ville Rose’ (the pink city). Its enchanng Vieux Quarer (Old Quarter) is a dreamy jumble of coral-coloured shopfronts and churches. Day 2 From Toulouse to Castelnaudary 48 km Your journey starts riding alongside the canal, passing through the city and out into the neighbouring countryside on a smooth paved bike trail. Allow yourself me to explore the area, stop to chat to the local fishermen or watch the tourist boats chugging ever so slowly through this idyllic scenery. Spend the night in a delighul two star hotel on the banks of the canal, at Castelnaudary. Try the “Cassoulet” which has made this parcular town famous through- out France. Day 3 From Castelnaudary to Carcassonne 45 km This is a day which urges you to dawdle! One cannot help but feel at the very heart of the French countryside. The views along the tree-lined canal out towards the agricultural fields and to the Pyre- nees beyond make it a special day. You are entering wine country, with plenty of vineyards within metres of the banks of the canal. The desnaon for this evening is a real treat. Carcassonne boasts two World Heritage Sites and is really unique. Spend me in the medieval city before heading back to your three star hotel on the banks of the canal. Day 4 Carcassonne, Castles and Caves loop tour 47 km with some steep climbs With an extra day in Carcassonne, you have the opportunity to take it easy and spend more me exploring this fabulous city. For those feeling fit and adventurous, you can head into the heart of Cathar country. The ride takes you into the Black Mountains where you can visit the Chateaux de Lastours as well as an underground cave at Limousis. There are many opportunies to taste the local wines. Return to Carcassonne. Day 5 Carcassonne to Narbonne 75 km This is a challenging day, as the distance covered is the longest on the trip and the cycle track by the side of the canal is rough and slow going. However, with plenty of me, this is a rewarding day with many small towns, villages and ports to enjoy along the route. Near the end of the ride, you will leave the Canal du Midi to join the Canal de la Robine. This trail takes you into the medieval city of Narbonne, where you will spend the night in a three star hotel close to both the canal and the heart of the city. Day 6 Narbonne to the Mediterranean 48 km A er the previously long day, this makes for an easy ride and a rewarding one as you reach the Mediterranean with the possibility of a dip in the sea! The dedicated bike trail takes you easily from the centre of Narbonne, and then out through a cluster of lakes before arriving at Port-la-Nouvelle. The Port has a fabulously long golden-sand beach and hosts many restaurants at which you can celebrate the end point of your ride from Toulouse. For those in- clined to finish there, it is possible to take the local train back to Narbonne. Night in Narbonne. Day 7 End of trip in Narbonne. End of trip a er breakfast. What to Expect What will the weather be like? The dayme temperature will be warm and sunny in the spring and fall. You can Getting There expect high 70’s maybe even 80’s (high 20’s C), and cooler evenings. Sunscreen is a must during the day, as is a sweater for the cooler nights. Tradionally it does There are frequent internaonal not rain. flights to France, closest airport is How many hours of cycling a day? Toulouse. You can take the train Be prepared to ride between 4-6 hours daily, o en on flat terrain. The French from Paris to the starng point. On countryside is all hills, but alongside the river is relavely flat. the return take the train from Nar- bonne to Toulouse or Paris. How fit do I need to be? The fier the beer, so you will enjoy the rides each day. A fit beginner will enjoy this tour. What are the hotels like? We use charming inns, 2 and 3* accommodaons, with twin-bedded rooms, all with private facilies in the standard inerary. ABOUT INDEPENDENT HOLIDAYS: You explore at your own pace, cycling along quiet roads. Arrive at a new desnaon without the hassle of carrying any lug- gage. Our detailed route notes and up-to-date maps, combined with the official marker posts ensure that you enjoy your holiday without the worry of finding the routes. Who will help? The Route Manager is always on hand to help out in emergencies or difficules, and is available by cell phone. They live locally and are available if required. How to book your holiday • Contact our office to make sure there is space available. One of our travel planners will walk you through the en- tire booking process. • Download the reservation form from our website and send in completed form by fax or email. Once this is done, your space is confirmed and a pre-departure packet will be sent immediately. • Deposit is required immediately, and final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Terms & conditions are out- lined on the back of our Reservation Form. Extra Services • Plan your air travel as soon as possible. Bike rentals are not included in the price of this • We encourage you to purchase travel insurance, either holiday. These are hybrid bicycles of 12 or more through us or directly a travel insurance provider. gears. All bikes come equipped with panniers, a handlebar-mounted bag with a transparent map/ • Ensure that you are in proper health for the trip chosen. booklet pouch, a water bole and holder, a pump and a lock. You are required to bring your own hel- Contact us for more information on vaccinations, inocula- met. tions, and fitness requirements. Private transfers can be arranged in advance. .