The Canal du Midi and Mediterranean Wine Route: From Carcassonne to Collioure

Welcome in Carcassonne

Welcome to Carcassonne, an iconic medieval city in the Languedoc region and your gateway to the Canal du Midi and the vineyards of the Pays d’Oc. Before settling into your partner accommodation, take time to explore the surroundings: cobbled streets, ramparts, fortified towers, and viewpoints overlooking the lower town. A blend of history, heritage, and gastronomy, Carcassonne offers an authentic first taste of the region.

After your stroll, check in at your accommodation.

Dinner at leisure and overnight in Carcassonne.

Distance : 55 - 60 km

For this first cycling stage, you leave Carcassonne and follow a pleasant route through vineyards, traditional Languedoc villages, and pine-lined paths. The terrain is smooth and ideal for an easy warm-up ride.
Along the way, a stop in Homps is recommended: its small river port provides the perfect setting for a coffee break or a tasting of Minervois wines.

You then continue on to Paraza (or Olonzac, depending on the selected accommodation), a typical village overlooking the canal. Here you’ll find galleries, artists’ studios, and—depending on the season—the opportunity to join wine tastings at the estate that dominates the village.

Dinner at leisure and overnight in Paraza (or Olonzac).

Distance : 45 km

You continue your cycling journey along the canal, through the heart of the Minervois vineyards and its historic villages. The route is accessible to all, dotted with viewpoints over wine estates and gently rolling landscapes. A stop at Le Somail, a charming hamlet crossed by the Canal du Midi, offers a relaxing break or the chance to visit its beautiful old bookshop.

A few kilometres further on, you gradually leave the main canal to join the Canal de la Robine, which leads you directly to Narbonne, a former Roman city with more than 2,500 years of history. Take time on arrival to explore its historic centre, cathedral, and lively riverbanks.

Dinner at leisure and overnight in Narbonne.

Distance : 35 - 40 km

You leave your charming estate and resume your cycling route towards the Sainte-Lucie Nature Reserve. The scenery gradually changes: vineyards give way to lagoons, salt marshes, and wetlands typical of the Mediterranean coastline. Several viewpoints offer great opportunities to observe local wildlife, including the flamingos frequently seen in the area.

Along the way, a stop at the wild Plage de la Vieille Nouvelle provides the chance for a swim in a beautifully preserved natural setting. At the end of the day, you reach Leucate, a seaside town renowned for its wines, cliffs, and oysters. Here you can discover red wines made from Syrah and other local grape varieties, offered by your accommodation or at nearby wine estates.

Dinner at leisure and overnight in Leucate.

Distance : 55 - 60 km

For this final stage, you follow the Mediterranean coast towards Collioure. The route alternates between cycle paths and gentle roads, regularly offering sea views and opportunities to stop along the long sandy beaches of the coastline.

You pass through Le Barcarès, Canet-en-Roussillon, and Saint-Cyprien, seaside resorts where you can enjoy oysters and fresh seafood directly from beachside huts, paired with fuller-bodied local wines typical of the Roussillon.

By late afternoon, you reach Collioure, a former fishing village and emblematic destination of the Côte Vermeille. Its cobbled streets, small coves, art galleries, and terraced vineyards give this stage a distinctive atmosphere.
A wine tasting with our partner wine merchant is possible to round off the trip with a local touch.

Dinner at leisure and overnight in Collioure or Argelès-sur-Mer.

End of stay

Enjoy your last moments with our exceptional partner over breakfast.
End of our services.