The Mediterranean Sea, the Pyrenees and the Canal du Midi - all in one unique bike tour.
This tour leads you through overwhelming landscapes and although it is situated in the Pyrenees Mountains, it's planned so that any cyclist can do it. It starts in Narbonne and goes along the Mediterranean coast to Perpignan. The following day you will get up into the heart of the Pyrenees with one of the most beautiful mountain railways in Europe. During the next day you are cycling through the Capcir and the wild high valley of the Aude River, which is guiding you down and out of the mountains. Untouched landscapes and deep canyons awaits you as well as small villages and wonderful towns on your way to Carcassonne. From here you’ll follow the Canal du Midi back to Narbonne.
Day 1: Arrival in Narbonne
Come to Narbonne and settle down in your splendid 3*** / 4**** hotel in the heart of the town. Take the time to discover Narbonne and especially the Archbishop’s Palace and the Gothic Cathedral.
Day 2: Narbonne > Perpignan, ~80 km
The first stage leads you along the Canal de la Robine and the Mediterranean coast to Catalonian Perpignan. You will realize that the Spanish border can’t be far away from here. And your charming 3*** / 4**** hotel in the town center will astonish you.
Day 3: Perpignan > Mont-Louis 1650 m (by bus/train)
Visit Perpignan, its historical center and the amazing royal palace before leaving. Then take the train to the Pyrenees towards the medieval town of Villefranche-de-Conflent. After a visit continue with the yellow mountain railway „Petit Train Jaune“- a real highlight! It leads you through the mystic Pyrenees Mountains up to the fortified town of Mont-Louis (1650m), which was built by Vauban. From your 2** hotel with swimming-pool you’ll have a wonderful view of the Puigmal (2913m).
Day 4: Mont-Louis > Quillan, ~70 km
On the plateau you will first go over a mountain pass at 1710m above sea level. Then follow the Aude River from its source down through wild canyons to Quillan. For those who like good honey we recommend to make a stop in Axat at Le Rucher de l'Ours.
Day 5: Quillan > Carcassonne, ~55 km
The Aude leads you to Carcassonne. Take a break in the former bishop’s town Alet-les-Bains and cycle on to Limoux, which is well-known for the oldest sparkling wine worldwide, the Blanquette de Limoux. After this refreshing potion, which medieval kings already ordered to their castles, you pedal on through the lovely Aude Valley until you arrive in Carcassonne. And from your elegant 4**** hotel you’ll see the impressive fortress on the other side of the river.
Day 6: Carcassonne > Homps / Olonzac, ~40 km
Ride along the Canal du Midi on small roads or towpaths and in the shade of centuries-old plane trees towards La Redorte, Olonzac or Homps.
Day 7: Homps /Olonzac > Narbonne, ~40 km
Stop on the Canal du Midi to have a picnic at one of the picturesque places and then continue along the Canal de la Robine until Narbonne.
Day 8: Unfortunately end of the trip
