TV viewers may have seen comedy's best mates David Badiel and Huddenis Pedal through the sweet French landscape along the Canal du Midi, famous for two men on Channel 4 on bicycles earlier this year. Perhaps you were inspired to go on your own bike adventure this summer.
The canal Dumidi in southern France is an extraordinary feat of 17th century engineering, history, beauty, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and cyclists' paradise. This iconic waterway extends to 223km (150 miles) and connects the Mediterranean Sea through the Garonne River to the Atlantic Ocean. Technically speaking, “Canal du Midi” refers to the part originally built from Toulouse in the Mediterranean Sea, which can be explored by boat and on foot by two wheels. This long-distance cycle through Languedoc in the southern part of France can circulate in a week and is fairly flat, making it suitable for both first-time experienced long-distance cyclists.
Tourist Site Canal-du-Midi.com said: “Bikes are the perfect way to experience this exceptional waterway, and truly unique experiences await you through the villages soaked in the iconic engineering structures of history and past.
The boats sailing along the Midi Canal were initially caught up in the horses of the Whor sailing. Today, the w routes that run alongside banks are being transformed and are suitable for cyclists, pedestrians and other users.
After many renovations have worked, the entire route between Toulouse and Agudet boasts a smooth and stable path.
Canal du Midi is headed by Pierre-Paul riquet. Thanks to his talent and knowledge of hydraulic systems, he came up with a solution to provide water to this landmark. This is a problem no one else could solve.
The system, still in operation today, carries water from the streams and rivers of Montagne Noir, to the Suile de Naurose, the highest point of the canal, which flows into one side of the Mediterranean Sea and the other Atlantic Ocean.
Cities near Carcasonne, Narbonne and Toulouse are also worth adding to your holiday itinery. Some cycling holiday companies, such as thenaturaladventure.com and cycling for softies.com, both offer bike ride tours in the area, or you can plan for yourself.
Comedian David Badiel recalled a bike trip along the Radio Times canal. He said: “The food is lovely, the small town is great, and it's very zen, because the canals create this endless sense of water flowing. If you're on a boat, it's great to cycle along it.
“The only bad bit was that cycling really hurts your ass, and I wanted to soak in the bus or bidet at the end of the day, but the hotel only had a shower and I can't put on a headstand.
A more experienced cyclists will choose the entire route, but covering 50 km per day means you will need at least five days from Toulouse to Sate. To make the most of the surrounding area, you will need to stop by towns and villages along the way, admire the engineering structures, and take a week or two to take the time to truly embrace the Canal du Midi experience!
However, there are some short loop trails to explore the Midi Canal and see some iconic sites ranging from 12 to 35 km, so there's something for everyone. Don't forget the bucket!
