The Midi Canal
The canal passes several works of art design by
Pierre Paul Riquet : numerous canal bridges, vaulted bridge,
oval locks and even a small tunnel.
Leaving from Colombiers
Weekend : Argens and back ( 50km without a lock ).
Short Week : Port-la-Nouvelle and back - Homps and back.
1 week :
Carcassone and back.
One way : to Le Ségala.
2 weeks : Toulouse and back.
Your ports of call
To the sound of the cicadas...
You will cruise on this most relaxing 50km stretch between Agens
and Colombiers.
Following the several meanders of the canal to Capestang,
you will have time to admire the wonderful 13th-century abbey which
overlooks the whole countryside. On entering the port, you will
discover a very lively and friendly town whose life is totally based
around the river.
Towards Argeliers, the canal is lined with parasol pines
ans oaks giving it a very mediterranean which may entice you to
take a few opportune moments to go sunbathing.
Just as the artists who settled here permanently, you will be
won over by the charms of the incredibly picturesque little village
of Somail with its 17th-century church right beside the old
stone bridge.
From Homps, where you will admire the castle of the
Maltesse Knights, the Musee traditionnel de
la vigne et du vin, the traditional viticulture and wine
museum at Lézignan-Corbière is only a bike-ride away
and well worth the visit.
From Trèbes, where you will dock in the shade of the
old plane trees, you will be able to visit the city of Carcassonne
only a few kilometres away.
Following the footsteps of the Cathar knights, the city of
Carcassonne, Europe's largest fortress, restored by
Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century, will open its gates to you.
In Castelnaudary you will visit the very old pottery
workshops which still do business. You can also try the local
speciality, Cassoulet.
In Villefranche de Lauragais, an ancient 12th century
walled town, which recommend you discover by bike, you will admire
a monumental gothic church build in pink stone, with a belfry dating
from the 12th century.
Toulouse : in the charming Pink City, a visit
to St Sernin's Basilica, the largest romanesque church in France, as
well as the 13th century Dominican monastery, Capitole square and the
various 18th century town houses will all bring its rich past to life.
