Published by Lyn on 31 October 2014
Published by Lyn on 31 October 2014
From Pont du Gard aqueduct to the flamingos of the marshlands
Offered by:
Abicyclette Voyages
Phone number:
+33 (0)2 55 99 92 92
Tour length:
8 days / 7 nights
Price:
€1005
This self-guided bike getaway around Nimes gives you the chance to discover the richness and variety of the south of France. Pedal gently between Gard, Provence and the Camargue. Discover thousands of years of history and explore diverse landscapes from the hilly and limestone landscapes of the Alpilles to the ponds, plains and green meadows of Camargue. Enjoy the ancient art and history of Nimes and Arles and take in Les Baux de Provence, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, and visit other highlights like Uzès, Saintes-Maries de la Mer and Aigues Mortes. And how could we not mention the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard? Then this easygoing getaway crosses the Camargue and the meadows and marshes formed by the Rhone delta. See flamingos, white horses and bulls, the symbols of the Camargue. Across the Gard, Provence and the Camargue, indulge in Provencal scents, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, tapenade, fougasse, wines, goat cheeses, sausages, honeys and, of course, the herbs of Provence. The price of this tour includes 7 nights' accommodation, 7 breakfasts, luggage transfers, phone assistance, a personalised greeting, travel documents and maps, GPS, and local recommendations for restaurants.
Ride Bordeaux-Sete via the Canal de Garonne and the Canal du Midi
Offered by:
Le Velo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
14 days
Price:
From €1799
Ride the famous and popular two canals route in one go from Bordeaux to Sète. This is a well-planned itinerary that combines both the Canal de Garonne and the Canal du Midi into a single self-guided tour. The route is flat along greenways and canal towpaths, making it ideal for riders of all abilities. Ride the Garonne from Bordeaux to Toulouse, alongside the river and the canal, passing vineyards as you go. Begin in wonderful Bordeaux before following the Roger Lapebie bike path to Sauveterre-de-Guyenne and then backroads to La Réole. Follow the canal to towns and villages like Mas d’Agenais, Damazan and Agen, with its beautiful canal bridge, and to Moissac to see its beautiful abbey and cloister. From the Pink City of Toulouse, it's on to the Canal du Midi, which takes you through Castelnaudary to Carcassonne and its outstanding medieval fortress. Continue cycling along the canal to Béziers then Agde and the pond Thau. Then look ahead to a swim in the Mediterranean Sea before arriving in the vibrant city of Sète. The price includes baggage transfers, accommodation, full route notes and maps, as well as bike hire.
Ride one of France's most famous canals in a leisurely 4 days
This short break links two of the Canal du Midi's strongholds: the starting point of the canal – the pink city of Toulouse – and the medieval fortress of Carcassonne. The route follows the canal towpath as well as low-traffic country backroads, leading you across the Lauragais, a large fertile plain surrounded by hills where the pastel trade prospered in the 15th and 16th centuries and brought wealth to Toulouse. Ride through Castelnaudary, the capital of cassoulet, and past the abbey of Saint-Papoul before arriving in Carcassonne to explore the city in all its medieval glory. This is a self-guided ride, with bike hire and accommodation included, as well as maps, route notes and lots of local biking advice. Daily distances: 24-49km.
Follow the course of the Canal du Midi, visiting local gems along the way
Offered by:
Le Vélo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
8 days
Price:
From €999
This self-guided cycling tour takes you from Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea along the Canal du Midi. Ride on the hauling path or further afield to discover abbeys, vineyards and lakes. Start your cycling holiday in Toulouse, where you already feel the way of life of the south of France, discover its gastronomy and wonder at its soft colours. Ride through the Lauragais, a vast fertile plain dotted with nice churches and ride through Castelnaudary, the home town of cassoulet, before reaching the cute port of Bram. Head then to Carcassonne and its famous medieval fortress before riding into Minervois, where you will pass many peaceful wine villages along the canal. Stop in one of them before going to your next stop in Béziers. Afterwards, the sea is only a few kilometres away. You reach first Agde and the Thau Lagoon. Ride the last stretch along the sea and arrive in the town of Sète and its port, your ultimate destination. The price of this tour includes bike hire, accommodation, luggage transfers and all the maps and information you need to get the most out of your trip.
Relaxing waterside cycling and stunning villages
Offered by:
Discover France
Phone number:
+33 (0)4 67 15 82 04 (US/Canada: 1-800-929-0152 or Australia: 1-800-823-710)
Tour length:
7 days / 6 nights
Price:
From €1590
Explore France's most famous canal as you ride self-guided from the walled city of Carcassonne to the Mediterranean coast at Sete. En route, take in Narbonne and Beziers, which offer important historical sites and are yet so typical of this southern France coastal region. Experience the rural French lifestyle while enjoying both the waterway of the canal and the inviting Mediterranean. Don't forget to allow extra time to experience the marvellous and intact medieval city of Carcassonne, one of the most beautiful villages in France. This tour could be combined with a regional ride to make give you a longer break to fully explore the best of the Languedoc. Price includes 6 nights' accommodation in superior hotels, breakfast and 2 dinners. Hybrid bike hire is included (plus option to upgrade to electric bikes). You also get a detailed road book, a meeting with a local guide, access to a 24/7 helpline, and a complimentary Discover France water bottle.
Let Freewheeling France help you plan your French cycling adventures
If you want to cycle in France but you're not sure where to go or how to sort it – maybe you're strugglng to find accommodation or the right self-guided or guided ride for you – then this service is for you. It's my own bespoke service that matches your holiday wishlist to the right tour operator or accommodation option for you. This is for riders who need a little support on the road – anything and everything from accommodation advice and route planning to hiring bikes and luggage transfers. I'm working with a network of cycling specialists across France to offer you the best cycling holidays possible – and tailored just for you, your dates and your cycling ability. Hit the brown button below or see this link for details.
I've launched a 'bespoke' bike hire service to help you find bike rental in France. Here's how I can help you.
Posted: 21 Mar 2024
Guidebook: Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way and Western Ireland
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