The Canal du Midi was built in the 17th century, and has beautiful oval locks and stone canal-bridges over rivers. It links the Lauragais plains to the wine-growing regions of the Aude and the Herault, and continues to the sea. The canal visits Toulouse, Carcassonne, Beziers, Agde, and Sète. There is a good towpath, and it is shaded by tall trees. The flat, safe, 280km cycle tour from Toulouse to Sète is ideal for families, and takes 4 to 7 days. 20% of the trail is asphalted, the rest has a hard earth surface. It is best to travel in dry weather. ATBs or hybrid bikes are ideal.
Guide book for cyclists
The Association Vélo has published the « Guide n°1 Toulouse-Sète à vélo le long du canal du Midi ». It contains all the practical information you need for this bike tour: advice, addresses, distances, trains that carry bikes, bike-rental shops, and all the lodging facilities along the canal (campsites, youth hostels and gîtes, hotels, bed and breakfast).
To buy a copy, write to: Association Vélo, 5 Avenue Colignon, 31200 Toulouse, France. Tel: 33 (0)5 34 30 94 18 Sale on the Web : www.cartovelo.com.
Organized Tours
La Bicyclette Verte. 36, route de St-Hilaire 79210 Arçais France Tel: 33 (0)5 49 35 42 56. Site: www.bicyclette-verte.com |
www 