Biking the Towpaths

When boating on the canals, most people carry bikes aboard their boat for cycling the towpaths. Towpaths were used by beasts of burden, or a team of human pullers, to tow a boat or barge. Due to the tunnels and bridges, it was impractical for sailing vessels of the time to use the canals.

Some of these towpaths are now used for bicycling along the Canal du Midi. The bicycle trails/paths are shown on the maps in the guidebook, which is provided by the boat rental company. The towpaths usually consist of gravel and dirt; only partially maintained, the towpaths can be a little rough in places so following the map is helpful.

Lovely Countryside seen along the Towpath

We found that cycling the towpaths provides the opportunity to get an up-close view of the vineyards, the lovely countryside, and also offers a different view or perspective of the locks. Organized bike tours and horseback tours can be reserved ahead of time for those visiting the area.

Stone Markers show the Public Waterway Boundaries

One can also get an up-close view of the markers seen at regular intervals along the Canal du Midi. King Louis XIV claimed or acquired adjacent land when the canal was first dug. Later, around 1786, Riquet’s descendants sought to have the canal purchased by the States of Languedoc and mark the limits of their domain. Hundreds of stone boundary markers were placed along the length of the canal from Toulouse to Les Onglous. What is known as the “public waterways domain,” is defined by these markers. It is reported that 90 percent of these markers still remain.

At Homps, we decided it was time to do some exploring by bike. Linda, another crew member from our boat, joined us for part of the day’s ride.

A boat passes the Argent-Double Spillway

As we neared the village of La Redorte, we came to the impressive Argent-Double Spillway and walked our bikes across the narrow, stone pathway. The spillway serves to dump excess water under its arches to the Argent-Double River below.

Past the spillway, we bicycled across a small bridge into the village of La Redorte. Leonard’s nose led us right to the town bakery, time for some refreshing drinks and tasty bakery goods.