Old Bridge of Carcassonne – Fresquel Lock loop from Rustiques

Mountain biking trails

Old Bridge of Carcassonne – Fresquel Lock loop from Rustiques

Moderate

4.3

(11)

riders

Old Bridge of Carcassonne – Fresquel Lock loop from Rustiques

02:39

35.8km

170m

Mountain biking

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 24, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 15.8 km for 86 m

After 17.4 km for 81 m

After 17.7 km for 230 m

After 20.0 km for 203 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

11.3 km

The Canal du Midi crosses the Fresquel.

Highlight (Segment) • Other

17.3 km

Carcassonne

Highlight • Other

"Carcassonne, located in southern France between Montpellier and Toulouse, was founded in the 6th century BC by Iberian Celts. The Romans transformed the hill into a fort by building a defensive wall. In the 5th century, the Visigoths conquered the city, followed by the Arabs in the 8th century, who were expelled by Pepin the Short in 759. In the 12th century, Count Trencavel built a castle on top of the Roman city wall at the highest point of the hill. Carcassonne became a central element in the defense system on France's border with Aragon. In the mid-13th century, the dilapidated wall was protected by a second, outer city wall." This is how the website for the television series "Treasures of the World – Heritage of Humanity" describes the city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

... The 15-minute film is available – but only in German – in the ARD media library at the following link => ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/carcassonne-frankreich-folge-125/swr/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS83MTc1NzUw

Translated by Google •

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17.9 km

Aude Gate

Highlight • Historical Site

There's something new to discover everywhere

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18.9 km

Old Bridge of Carcassonne

Highlight • Bridge

The oldest document concerning the bridge dates back to 1184. Roger Trencavel authorized the inhabitants of the city to build a new bridge on the condition that they covered the cost. By his will, in 1194, he only retained the principle of his toll tax which he limited to an annual payment of two measures of wheat. This bridge, built in around ten years, had to be made of wood. Jacques-Alphonse Mahul pointed out that the bridge referred to in this act must have been the king's mill bridge which was on the old arm of the Aude.

The Albigensian Crusade must have led to the destruction of this bridge. The inhabitants of Carcassonne return after a seven-year exile. The king had the town which surrounded the ramparts destroyed, the Aude diverted, and the marshes drained. Louis IX authorized the inhabitants to build the lower town. A new bridge is needed. At the beginning of the 14th century, the king authorized the inhabitants to build a stone bridge.

Translated by Google •

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19.0 km

Notre-Dame-de-Santé Chapel

Highlight • Other

One of many churches in the city

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20.2 km

Place Carnot

Highlight • Other

The Neptune Fountain on the beautiful Place Carnot (18th century) offers itself for a break through the many cafes around it

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24.5 km

Fresquel Lock

Highlight • Monument

The Fresquel lock is in reality a series of locks: a first double structure followed by a single one. There are therefore three pools, each with a separate guard house. The locks were formerly lined with plane trees. Today, cyclists with allergies can cycle with complete peace of mind!

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32.4 km

Orbiel Aqueduct

Highlight • Other

Located at the intersection of the Canal du Midi and the Orbiel, the Orbiel canal bridge allows the crossing of the two streams of water. A truly remarkable work of engineering!

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35.8 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types