From city TO THE SEA

Freewheel from Toulouse to the Med along the Canal du Midi, the historic French waterway

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Built in the 17th century to link the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, the Canal du Midi is an iconic waterway that runs through glorious countryside, historic cities and sleepy villages. Starting in Toulouse, it navigates four different French departments before reaching the sunny seaside town of Sète, 240km away. The best way to experience it? Breeze along the traffic-free towpath on an e-bike, staying in small hotels and guest houses along the way.

Toulouse to Carcassonne

Start your break in Toulouse, whose terracotta buildings have earned it the nickname of La Ville Rose. Take in the Place du Capitole and the Opera, and stroll over Pont-Neuf to Saint Joseph Chapel and its gleaming copper cupola. Then sit on the grassy banks of the Garonne river - on warm days it's alive with locals picnicking and watching the sunset.

To exit the city, follow the towpath through the suburbs and into the countryside. Relax into an easy rhythm as you cruise by sunflowers and under flickering-leaved plane trees.