Canal du Midi
- Thread starter apb
- Start date
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We did the section from Toulouse south (in 2010), and it started out absolutely great. However, it deteriorated badly once we got to the Languedoc department border and became a vile muddy mess.
If you want an option to get to Toulouse, the Canal Lateral a la Garonne is another very good path.
If you want an option to get to Toulouse, the Canal Lateral a la Garonne is another very good path.
fraefreuchie
Veteran
- Location
- Howe of Fife
The path from Bordeaux to Castelnaudary is excellent. After Castelnaudary it is best to seek out the D routes which follow the course of the canal du midi. June could be hot but in 2012 it was cool and rained on two thirds of the days. http://briansbigbikeride.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/raissac-to-carcassonne.html
bigjim
Legendary Member
- Location
- Manchester. UK
I did Tours to Beziers in September using the Garonne. It's all on my blog.Hi - I planning to do Bordeaux to Beziers end of June by Garonne et Midi on a Brompton. Do update what you find so I can plagiarise your plans
I thinking its going to be quite warm.
jay clock
Massive member
- Location
- Hampshire UK
Now on my radar. Can I safely assume that from the dept border near Labastide d'Anjou towards the sea is not great. I will be heading west in early May. Also what happens through the centre of Toulouse? Any real world tips gratefully received
Tigerbiten
Guru
I did the other way (S->N) around last year.
I found Toulouse not bad, just another big city in the way.
Just keep on the road/pavement cycle path closest to the canal.
The route was mostly signposted.
The hardest bit to follow was when the path crossed to the other side of the canal, as it does a couple of times.
South of Labastide d'Anjou towards the sea is off road single track.
It was just passable on my recumbent trike, but hard work and slow due to mud/tree roots. Stick to the road unless you are on a MTB.
I found Toulouse not bad, just another big city in the way.
Just keep on the road/pavement cycle path closest to the canal.
The route was mostly signposted.
The hardest bit to follow was when the path crossed to the other side of the canal, as it does a couple of times.
South of Labastide d'Anjou towards the sea is off road single track.
It was just passable on my recumbent trike, but hard work and slow due to mud/tree roots. Stick to the road unless you are on a MTB.
jay clock
Massive member
- Location
- Hampshire UK
cheers. if N to S assume you started near Bordeaux and headed to Med? I have found this site (in French) that gives useful breakdown in segments. http://www.canaldes2mersavelo.com/itineraires/canal-des-deux-mers-a-velo
Tigerbiten
Guru
I'm running my route backwards to go southwards. I was doing around 50-60 miles a day.
From the ferry at Royan, I followed the coast south to Lacanau Ocean. This was a mixture of roads and cycle paths through the sand dunes.
From Lacanau Ocean then I followed the D801 cycle track to Bordeaux. Good flat old railway track.
The route through Bordeaux was fairly simple to pick up the V80 which then goes up an old railway line. Slow climb.
When the railway line ends, I just dropped down to the Canal Lateral on roads.
Follow the Canal Lateral through Toulouse onto the Canal Midi. Mostly good tarmac.
Where it goes from green to red on your route map is where the tarmac ends.
jay clock
Massive member
- Location
- Hampshire UK
cheers. I have already done the whole coast from North to South (using the Royan ferry) so I may veer off north after Agen and head east of Bordeaux just to vary it. Athough I do fancy a stealth camping session on the beach or in the forest if nice weather
I found it a great way to get into Toulouse, without having to fight normal city traffic. The detail escapes me but it was stress free IIRC.
edit - I agreed with my past self but it's short on detail Jay!
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=tS&page_id=173580&v=24
edit - I agreed with my past self but it's short on detail Jay!
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=tS&page_id=173580&v=24
I really enjoyed the ride from Bordeaux to Agde in 2014. Its a great ride out of Bordeaux NOT on the canal but a converted ex-railway line tarmacked as only the French can. Includes a well lit tunnel, vineyard views and ends in a nice medieval town in time for lunch. The Garonne was fine apart from the tarmacked towpath undulating due to the plain tree roots so speeds need to be modest for comfort.
Toulouse is best done with a SatNav as you leave the canal. The problem is getting in the right lane ahead of the signposting. Onwards is fine and occasionally spectacular until Ocean Lock. Leave the canal there and don't be tempted back. Besides which the roads I used were not busy and a pleasant change from towpaths. There are some lovely towns and villages to eat and drink.
If you are a lazy cyclist - this is the tour for YOU!
Toulouse is best done with a SatNav as you leave the canal. The problem is getting in the right lane ahead of the signposting. Onwards is fine and occasionally spectacular until Ocean Lock. Leave the canal there and don't be tempted back. Besides which the roads I used were not busy and a pleasant change from towpaths. There are some lovely towns and villages to eat and drink.
If you are a lazy cyclist - this is the tour for YOU!
