Canal du Midi

(8-12 May 2008)

The Canal du Midi and the Languedoc-Roussillon Region

May is an easy month for workers in France: because of several National Holidays, you can profit of long spring week-ends.

This year, there was one particularly attractive 5-day week-end, and I planned to spend it on my bicycle, on the Canal du Midi.

A masterwork of engineering, this channel was placed on UNESCO's list of Cultural Heritage Sites. It was built during the 17th century, in order to connect the Mediterranean Sea with the river Garonne and hence the Atlantic Ocean. The length of the Canal du Midi proper is 240 km (from Toulouse to Etang de Thau). A complex system of over 60 locks assures the level of the water is kept under control and the towpaths along the channel (formerly used by animals and men to tow barges) are excellent for cycling and hiking.

Enticed by some delightful pictures of the channel I decided to leave Paris by train for Toulouse, and then cycle along its banks to the sea.

Normally Southern France has very pleasant weather in May: it wasn't so during that particular week-end! Despite it being sunny and warm everywhere else in France, I had 3 days of strong headwind, rain and cold temperatures. Moreover, the rain resulted in extremely muddy towpaths, which made cycling quite tiresome, especially on the second day.

Slowed down by the ground conditions and low-spirited because of the autumnal weather, once I reached the sea I rode to Sète and took the train to Nimes, arriving during the Feira. The festive atmosphere in town definitely cheered me up.

On my last day I cycled to beautiful Avignon, from where I took the TGV back to Paris.