the canal du midi by bike for families from toulouse … · heavenly setting. at castelnaudary, a...
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THE CANAL DU MIDI BY BIKE FOR FAMILIES
FROM TOULOUSE TO CARCASSONNE
Part 1 - 6 days / 5 nights
HIGHLIGHTS
• A Toulouse-based
company, situated on the
Canal du Midi, in front of the
main railway station
• A selection of
accommodation ideal for
your family, very often with
a swimming pool
• An itinerary specially
designed for families, with a
variety of other activities
proposed
• New, comfortable bicycles,
adapted to all sizes
THE CANAL DU MIDI BY BIKE FOR
FAMILIES
This first part of this cycling holiday along the Canal du
Midi proposes an itinerary from Toulouse to
Carcassonne. To start off, we suggest a tour of Toulouse,
before crossing the Lauragais. This is a gentle first stage
and you spend the night in a pretty B&B with a swimming
pool. We recommend a family boat trip on the Canal du
Midi in this magical landscape. You arrive next in
Castelnaudary, home of Cassoulet, where we advise you
on the best restaurants to delight your taste buds! Half
way between Castelnaudary and Carcassonne, you spend
the night in a ‘Guesthouse’ just outside the charming
village of Bram. The Canal leads you finally to the
medieval city of Carcassonne.
DAY BY DAY
Day 1 : TOUR OF TOULOUSE BY BIKE OR ON FOOT
B&B/ 2* Hôtel
Arrival in Toulouse. Time to soak up the atmosphere of this latin
town, with its numerous lively squares. Whether on foot or by bike,
explore the many narrow, historic streets of “la ville rose” (the pink
town), with its exceptional architectural heritage. Le Capitole, la
basilique Saint Sernin and the Jacobins are amongst the unavoidable
sights.
Passionate ourselves about our city of Toulouse, we will know how to
help you discover the very best and most authentic places. Night in
Toulouse with dinner of your own choice.
Tour of Toulouse by bike and supplementary nights possible.
See “our supplementary services”
Day 2 : THE CANAL DU MIDI FROM TOULOUSE TO
RENNEVILLE
B&B/ 2* Hotel
From 9A.M., you can collect your bike, equipment and trip documents
from our offices. These are situated near your hotel, where we will
take care of your luggage. Our team will welcome you and give you
plenty of good advice for your journey.
After 35km of tarred cycling path, you arrive at your B&B in the
charming village of Renneville.
Cycling: 35 km
DAY BY DAY
DAY 3 : THE CANAL DU MIDI DE RENNEVILLE A
CASTELNAUDARY
B&B/ 2* Hotel
Today’s route takes you to the delightful seuil de Naurouze,
watershed between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. This is the
perfect place for the children to understand how the canal works, in a
heavenly setting. At Castelnaudary, a family boat trip on the Canal du
Midi is possible.
Dinner of your own choice and night in Castelnaudary, the largest
inland port between Toulouse and Carcassonne.
Cycling: 25 km
Day 4 : THE CANAL DU MIDI FROM CASTELNAUDARY
TO BRAM
B&B/ 2* Hôtel
Upon your arrival in Bram, you have another chance to hire a boat for
your family on the canal (25€ per hour). Dinner of your own choice
and night in a lovely Guesthouse in Bram.
Outdoor pool.
Cycling: 17km
NB: According to availability at the time of inscription, you could be
accommodated in another nice Guesthouse or in a 2* hotel in the
village.
DAY BY DAY
Day 5: THE CANAL DU MIDI FROM BRAM TO
CARCASSONNE
B&B / 2* Hotel
You set off along the banks of the Grand Bassin de Castelnaudary, a
small lake at the foot of the town. Suddenly, far away, you can see the
unbelievable splendour of the medieval city of Carcassonne. This
short stage leaves you free to explore Carcassonne during the
afternoon.
Cycling: 25 km
Day 6: CARCASSONNE
Your holiday ends after your breakfast.
Bike hire for the day is an option (15€ per person).
We recommend a pretty tour that starts in Carcassonne, allowing you
to discover the city as well as vineyards and the Cavayère lake.
THE CANAL DU MIDI BY BIKE FOR FAMILIES- (Part 2)
It is possible to prolong your trip to go as far as the sea, with the 2nd
part of the Canal du Midi by bike, from Carcassonne to Agde, Sète or
Montpellier.
DEPARTURE DATES
Departure on the dates of your choice
TO BOOK
Contact us by email:
By telephone: +33 (0)7.68.64.02.02
Au fil des jours
DISCLAIMER
The names and the photos of accommodation are given for
information purposes. According to availability, the B&Bs or hotels
could be modified and replaced without warning by another
accommodation of the same category.
OUR SELECTION OF ACCOMMODATION
You sleep in pretty Bed and Breakfasts, or welcoming 2*
hotels, ideally situated for your overnight stays along the
length of the canal. The swimming pools will give you the
chance of a refreshing bathe at the end of the day (always
possible). Breakfast is included.
We have selected for you B&Bs with cachet where you will find
a warm welcome and often a swimming pool (3 nights). These
are ideally situated along the length of the canal. According to
availability at the time of your inscription, it could be possible
that you are booked into a different B&B of the same category
or into a 2* hotel.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET HERE
In order to limit your CO2 emissions, we encourage you to
carpool or use public transport.
IF YOU COME BY TRAIN
Tariffs and timetables on the website:
https://www.oui.sncf/
SNCF Train station Toulouse Matabiau.
Our offices are located opposite the train station
Matabiau.
IF YOU COME BY PLANE
Aéroport de Toulouse Blagnac
Navettes allow you to go from the airport to the railway
station in 30 minutes.
Our offices are located just opposite the bus station in
Toulouse.
IF YOU COME BY CAR
Find your route on the website: www.viamichelin.fr or
www.mappy.fr
YOUR STAY
MEALS:
To give you maximum flexibility, we
have left you free to choose your own
dinners rather than include these in the
holiday price. There are numerous
restaurants possible on each night.
LEVEL:
Stages of 25 to 35 km per day. Almost
entirely flat, bike paths are not
tarmacked on the whole itinerary.
Possible with young (less than 12 years
old).
GUIDING/MONITORING:
Self-guided, unaccompanied holiday.
QUALITY BIKES AND EQUIPMENT
● Arcade hybrid bikes made in France, perfectly adapted
to the Canal du Midi
A fresh stock of more than 60 bikes of different sizes,
2017 models
Ride the latest, up to date bikes!
Our bikes are renewed each season and checked after
each hire by our specialist mechanics.
● All your equipment is included: helmet, panniers front
and back, lights front and back, lock, repair kit, yellow
high visibility jacket.
● A bike that fits you, we have 6 sizes available
● Electric bikes (e-bikes) available as an optional extra
CHARACTERISTICS
Aluminium frame, 21 speeds, ‘V-brake’ brakes, ‘Royal’ saddle, puncture resistant tires, 28" wheels,
mudguards, weight 14 KG.
Given the nature of the terrain, 2 wheel trailers for children are not possible on the
section between Toulouse and Castelnaudary.
WE CAN ALSO PROPOSE
Tandems Bob Yak bike trailers Children’s trailers Panniers
Security deposit is to be given at the time of taking the rented equipment. A guarantee (a swipe of your credit card) as well as a proof of identity are also requested. The guarantee is reimbursed upon the safe return of the bikes.
Bring one bag or suitcase for a change of clothes during your week. Transported by vehicle, you will
find your bag each evening in your B&B or hotel.
WHAT TO BRING
Clothes
• 1 sun hat or baseball cap • 1 neck scarf • 1 woolen/fleece hat or bandana • Breathable T-shirts Avoid cotton, which takes a long time to dry; bring short sleeve t-shirts in breathable material • I base layer (breathable material) or 1 shirt with long sleeves • 1 fleece • 1 jacket made of Gore-tex or similar, waterproof and breathable • I long and 1 short pair of cycling shorts, preferably padded for more comfort cycling • 1 pair of trousers for the evening • Under wear • Socks. Avoid cotton ‘tennis’ type socks which are slow to dry • 1 swimming costume for the swimming pools and your arrival at the sea
Shoes
• 1 pair of shoes ‘multi-activity’ for cycling and walking • Pumps or sandals for the evening This list should be adapted according to the season.
Equipment
• 1 pair of sun glasses of excellent quality • 1 head torch (optional): our bikes are equipped with lights • 1 pocket knife (to be put in the hold luggage on the plane) • 1 small waterproof bag for valuables and money Si vous prenez votre propre vélo : • 1 casque (non obligatoire en France mais fortement conseillé) • 1 paire de gants de vélo (facultatif mais fortement conseillé) • 1 porte-carte (facultatif) • 1 gourde (1,5 litre minimum)
• Necessary toiletries: preferably biodegradable products • 1 quick drying towel • Toilet paper • Sun cream and protective lip balm • Soothing cream
If you take your own bike
• 1 helmet (not obligatory in France but strongly recommended) • 1 pair of cycling gloves (optional but strongly recommended) • 1 map carrier (optional) • 1 water container (1,5 liter minimum) • 1 repair kit (spare inner tube, pump, puncture repair kit) • 1 bicycle lock • panniers • water carrier (optional)
Personal Pharmacy • Your usual medicines
• Vitamin C ou multi-vitamins
• Pain killers : preferably paracetamol
• Adhesive tape (eg : Elastoplast) 6 cm wide
• Plasters of different sizes and antiseptic
wipes
• 2nd skin dressings for blisters (eg : Spenco)
• Mosquito repellent
For all additional information or in case of
emergency, please contact +33 7 68 64 02 02.
A bike specialist who knows the itinerary will
be at your disposal.
YOU HAVE A QUESTION?
WE HAVE AN ANSWER!
CONTACT US
BY TELEPHONE
00 33 (0)5 34 40 64 72 or 00 33 (0)5 61 71 00 55
BY E-MAIL
BY MAIL
Véloccitane - Maison du Vélo Toulouse
12 Boulevard Bonrepos, 31000 Toulouse
VÉLOCCITANE, THE CYCLING TRAVEL AGENCY
Véloccitane is a travel agency dedicated to self-guided biking tours. Our office is ideally located along
the Canal du Midi in Toulouse, in front of the train station Matabiau. From there, why not visiting the
gorgeous routes of the south-west of France? The Canal du Midi, Canal de Garonne, Canal de la
Robine, Rigole de la Plaine are waiting for you!
Our website www.veloccitane.fr
Our facebook: https://fr-fr.facebook.com/veloccitane/
Registration under the travel agencies register Atout France : IM031160002
Financial guarantee : Groupama Assurance Crédit - 5/7 rue du Centre 93199 Noisy le Grand
Professional liability insurance : MMA – 14, bd Marie et Alexandre OYON 72000 LE MANS
Sandrine, your travel agent
This cycling and hiking tours-enthusiast will be your privileged interlocutor in
order to conceive a tailor-made quotation. Sandrine has a long experience in
customer relationship and she likes challenge and new experiences. She’s ready
to help you!