Canal du Midi

Since 2001, over 90,000 cyclist's have joined Cycling Forums to discuss topics from general cycling to equipment, training, racing and travel or vacation destinations (especially in europe during the tour de france). We also feature an great deals in our online store, 100's of articles, classifieds and product reviews.

SWMBO and I are planning a tandem tour for 2009. She loves the south of France and I happened across info on Canal du Midi. We would be credit card touring, but have lots of time for planning the trip.

I've been to the best travel book store in Canada and came up empty.

Does anyone have experience biking the tow paths? Are there specialty/dedicated maps?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I cycled the Canal de la Robine during a tour in 2003, which (I think) connects to the Canal du Midi in Narbonne. It was only like a 20 mile stretch or so (goes to Port-la-Nouvelle), but it was an interesting route, and I think I'd do the Canal du Midi if I was in the area again. The only problem I had was with dirt paths turning to mud, but I'm not sure if that would be a problem on the Midi (not sure if they're paved or not). I guess I don't really have much to say about it, but I think it will be a great trip.

SWMBO and I are planning a tandem tour for 2009. She loves the south of France and I happened across info on Canal du Midi. We would be credit card touring, but have lots of time for planning the trip.

I've been to the best travel book store in Canada and came up empty.

Does anyone have experience biking the tow paths? Are there specialty/dedicated maps?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

We cycled through the Dordogne region last year and had a great time. It would be one of the most beautiful and historic areas in France and the towns are just the right distance for cycling between. We had some memorable meals their as well.
After the Dordogne we caught the train from Cahors to Carcassonne and cycled through the Languedoc to Nimes, Avignon and across the Haute Provence to Nice. The Dordogne is the pick of the bunch.

We used the Lonely Planet Cycling France Guide
Cheers

Geoff