Cycling holiday along the Canal du Midi | France Itinerary

Route

You stay four nights at Domaine de Camboyer in the Lauragais region, setting out on daily loops along the Canal du Midi, through hilltop villages and into the centre of Toulouse.

Pace

During the day, you cycle along quiet country roads with wide-open views. In the evening, you return to the same manor house, where the pool and a good glass of wine await.

Highlights

The towpath along the Canal du Midi, medieval villages perched on hilltops and a rewarding ride into the heart of Toulouse.

Accommodation

Domaine de Camboyer, a 19th-century manor house set within a park, featuring spacious bike storage and the charm of the French countryside.

Profile

For those who enjoy active travel without changing accommodation every day. Ideal for cyclists who value tranquillity, scenery and a welcoming address.

Day 1: Arrival

The driveway of Domaine de Camboyer sets the tone: calm, shade and space. You store your bikes in the secure bike room, equipped with charging points for e-bikes. Guests renting on site receive a personal briefing and bike fitting. A short test ride along the tree-lined driveway is enough to find your rhythm. The rest of the afternoon is yours.

Day 2: The Water Route: Revel & Saint-Ferréol (approx. 42 km return)

You leave the hotel heading north along quiet country roads winding through wheat and sunflower fields. After about half an hour, the bastide town of Revel comes into view. Pause for a coffee beneath the 14th-century wooden market hall before continuing. From Revel, you follow the Rigole de la Plaine, a narrow shaded channel leading towards the lake. Lac de Saint-Ferréol may look modest, but its story is remarkable: built in the 17th century to supply water to the Canal du Midi, it was long considered the largest reservoir in Europe. Take time for a picnic by the shore before returning along the same peaceful route.

Day 3: Along the Canal du Midi to Toulouse (approx. 50 km, return by train)

From the hotel, cycle six kilometres south to reach the Canal du Midi at the Gardouch lock. From here, simply follow the water. The towpath is entirely traffic-free, sheltered beneath a canopy of centuries-old plane trees. The occasional lock or passing barge provides gentle distraction. Fifty kilometres later, you roll into the heart of Toulouse. Park your bike and explore: Place du Capitole, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, lunch on a sunny terrace. For the return journey, take a regional TER train from Toulouse-Matabiau station towards Castelnaudary and get off at Villefranche-de-Lauragais. Bicycles travel free of charge in designated carriages. From the station, it’s just a ten-minute ride back to the estate.

Day 4: The Pastellus Route: hills, views and history (approx. 38 km loop)

Today’s ride takes you through the rolling hills of the Lauragais, a region that prospered in the 15th century thanks to the trade in pastel, the plant used to produce indigo-blue dye. The highlight is Saint-Félix-Lauragais, a small medieval village perched on a ridge. On clear days, the Pyrenees appear on the horizon. The village square is the perfect lunch stop before heading back. The return ride passes windmills and quiet hamlets along peaceful country roads.

Day 5: Breakfast & departure

One final breakfast overlooking the garden. Your legs feel the past few days — in the best possible way. Then the bikes go back on the rack… unless you decide to stay one more night. No one will object.