BICYCLING ITINERARIES

At seuil de naurouze, from 10 km Castelnaudary, to visit the canal of south.
Enjoy vistas of sunflower fields in bloom, and see the play of light and shadow across the leaves of centuries-old plane trees. Stop for a picnic or a snack with your children along the Canal du Midi, where you can enjoy the cascade of water at any of the numerous locks, or the mirror-like calm of the water in between. An outing by bicycle is an invitation to experience the refreshing serenity of the countryside, to spend a wonderful day at your own pace.

The easiest, and best suited to families with small children or those seeking a very leisurely ride, is along the tow path that borders the Canal du Midi. This path is just a few turns of the pedals from our location at the Seuil de Naurouze. The tow path is ideal because it is easy to find, and virtually free of any major road crossings. Water and public toilets are available at regular intervals along the tow path, and you can find lunch in any number of small villages and towns just off the Canal, such as Villefranche de Lauragais, Gardouch, Montesquieu, Ayguesvives, Montgiscard, Deyme, Castanet Tolosan, Ramonille, indeed all the way into the historic center of Toulouse. If you're adventurous enough to ride the approximately 45 kilometers (about 28 miles) all the way to Toulouse, plan on an entire day for the round trip!

You can also ride the opposite direction along the Canal, toward Castelnaudary, approximately 15 kilometers (10 miles) away, and on toward Carcassonne (50 km, or about 30 miles), Narbonne (100 km, 60 miles), or even all the way to Sète. The tow path in this direction is sometimes a bit more rugged, dirt instead of paved, slightly more difficult in places, but all the more enjoyable for being closure to nature. Food and facilities are available in Le Segala, Castelnaudary, Bram, and a few locks along the way to Carcassonne.

Our bicycles are all recent models, manufactured by Arcade, Gitane or Météor and receive regular maintenance. sizes of 16, 24, 26 and 28 inches. A helmet is included as part of every rental.

Accessories provided: racks, paniers (overnight saddlebags are available as well for multi-day kick-stands, security cables with locks, and tire repair kits.

We also have equipment suited for your small children, with both rack-mounted baby seats accommodating children up to 18 kilos (39 pounds) and towable trailers. We can also provide a "follow-me" kit with a tow bar that connects the front of a child's bicycle to the rear of an adult bicycle. This attachment is ideal for younger children on long outings.

HOURS : Every day from 9:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m., from April 12 through October 18, 2009.

DIRECTIONS

From Toulouse: A61 autoroute direction Montpellier. Exit no. 20, Villefranche de Lauragais. Follow signs for Carcassonne on the departmental route D6113 for about 8 kilometers. Pass through the small village of Avignonet. Two kilometers past Avignonet turn right at the "Poteries de Naurouze." Look for our "Location Velos" sign on your right just past the pottery.

From Carcassonne: A61 autoroute direction Toulouse. Exit no. 21, Castelnaudary. Follow signs for Toulouse on the departmental route D6113 for about 10 kilometers. Look for the obelisque on a hill on your left; 200 meters further turn left at the "Poteries de Naurouze." Look for our "Location Velos" sign on your right just past the pottery.

RENTAL TERMS

Please be prepared to provide:
Photo identification
Parental authorization for minors
Proof of liability insurance
Payment in cash or by check, due upon signing our rental contract

All damage or loss will be charged to the renter at the prices posted at our premises.

Rentals begin and end at our premises, unless you arrange with us for transport (see below).

TRANSPORTATION AND TAXI SERVICES

Taxi: We are licensed as a taxi service, Permit #1 for the Commune of Montferrand. Our rates are fixed law by the local departmental government (the Prefecture of the Department of Aude). We can provide both tourist and medical transport in a taxi seating four persons.

Transportation of baggage or bicycles: We can deliver anywhere from 2 to 20 bicycles to your hotel in Toulouse, Castelnaudary or Carcassonne, and pick them up again at the end of your rental. If you plan a one-way to ride with return to your point of origin by train, we advise that you confirm train schedules (and purchase tickets to reserve seats, if desired) in advance. We can also carry your baggage from your point of departure to your destination, in either direction between Toulouse/Castelnaudary or Castelnaudary/Carcassonne.