France · Sud-Ouest de la France
FR

Many threads here are in French, the community’s main language. English translations are added over time.

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Lolo1604 3 weeks ago · Partirester
Questions about the Vélosud route from Biarritz to Le Barcarès
Hi there, I’ve been road cycling for several years, and I’m about to switch to gravel in the next few days—I’m waiting for my bike, which should arrive this week. I’m planning a bikepacking trip in a few weeks along the Véloroute V81, also known as the Vélosud, from Biarritz to Le Barcarès. Has anyone here already done this route? Any info is welcome, whether it’s about the route itself, gear, or accommodation. I’ll prioritize staying with locals as much as possible. On that note, I just signed up for the brand-new site *Guidon et Couette* ((www.guidon-et-couette.fr)), which offers free accommodation between cyclists across the country, but there’s almost no one listed along my route! Thanks in advance. Laurent.
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Puma2A 2 months ago · FamilleUS
Cantal—have you heard of it?
...

After Southern Tanzania, I’m sharing a travel story about the Cantal region with you...

...

For us, at the start of 2025, Le CANTAL was a true “Terra Incognita”!!

After seeing some tempting TV reports, we decided to fill this gap—especially in terms of landscapes. On the same trip, we’ll also head to the Arcachon Basin, the International Seaplane Gathering in Biscarrosse, and my native Landes region...

So, on May 20th, we left Marseille in the rain and thunder, heading toward Nîmes, Saint-Hippolyte, Mont Aigoual, Florac, and stopping in Marvejols to give my arthritic back a break for the night.





The next morning, we decided to revisit the Parc aux Loups du Gévaudan (Europe’s largest wolf park). As someone used to photo safaris in the wilds of East Africa, I’m not a fan of zoos at all—but I *do* have a deep admiration for wolves!!



Since it’s pretty unlikely I’ll ever see one in the wild, I’ll settle for this Parc aux Loups in Marvejols. This will be our third visit to this incredible gathering of these fascinating canines.

Some are still finishing their chilly night...





...
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Sebastoudu31 3 months ago
Questions about planning the stages for the GR10 Pyrenees traverse
Hi there,

I’d like to get some info about the GR10 Pyrenees traverse. I need help planning the daily stages and accommodations—my wife isn’t an experienced hiker but walks a lot, so I’d like to schedule shorter walking days and thus a longer overall trip in terms of number of days.

Could anyone give me some help and advice? Best regards,
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Camlila 5 months ago · Puma2A
Visiting beautiful villages in Gironde and Les Landes (with kids)
Dear Travelers,

We’re a family with young kids (6 years old, 3 years old, and a newborn) and we’d like to spend about ten days in Aquitaine (in Gironde or Les Landes). We’d love to be near pretty villages to visit and, if possible, close to the sea. We’re planning to stay at a campsite with a pool so the kids can play. Could you recommend any places/villages/campsites for us? We don’t know the region at all.

Thanks so much!

Camille
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Patrigc 6 months ago
How can I get to Hendaye from eastern France with my bike?
Hi there,

I’m planning to cycle the Vélodyssée from Hendaye to Saint-Brevin in July 2026. My issue: how do I get to Hendaye with my bike? FlixBus doesn’t take bikes, and SNCF is complicated. Any ideas? Has anyone got a solution to suggest? Thanks in advance! Cheers, Patrig
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Pierrecoq 6 months ago · Jeanluc49mel
Cycling the Lot and Célé Valleys
Hi there,

Last summer, I cycled through the Lot and Célé Valleys. There were two couples of us, in "camping mode," with hybrid bikes (except for one road bike with tires that weren’t hybrid at all (!) plus a Bob trailer). We completed the route in the first half of July in just under 15 days (allowing time to explore along the way). The odometer totaled 550 km. We started in Aiguillon on the Lot River and finished in Saint-Geniez-d’Olt. It was an absolute delight. First off, a big thank you to everyone who helped us plan this trip by sharing tips, favorite spots, and practical guides—there were many, and some will recognize themselves (a Jakez from Brittany, a local postman, etc.). A major project seemed to have been launched, but since 2011, not much has materialized beyond Cahors (a signposted cycle route). Don’t let that stop you—it’s totally worth it! In return for the great tips we received, I’m happy to help anyone considering the same route with details on the itinerary, stages, road conditions and traffic, campsites, highlights, and more. Best regards,

Pierre from Lorient
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Bobbycad 7 months ago
ROCK & CARS Festival in Lavaur (81) from June 12 to 14, 2026
ROCK & CARS Festival in Lavaur (81) from June 12 to 14, 2026 - Open to all - Vintage cars, US cars, Rods, Kustoms, and Motorcycles, - Blues, Rockabilly, and Rock 'n' Roll festival.

FREE ENTRY - Over 900 cars expected, - Hundreds of Harley bikes and other brands, - Pin-up contests, various stalls, refreshment stands, - Several rides, - On-site food options.

FRIDAY, JUNE 12: 7:00 PM – Bands playing in Lavaur bars

SATURDAY, JUNE 13: 2:00 PM – Site opens / Car and motorcycle exhibition / Stalls / on-site food

6:00 PM – THE SOPHISTICATED CATS Big Band (France – Rock 'n' Roll) 8:00 PM – GAELLE BUSWEL (France – Blues Rock) 10:00 PM – THE LORDS OF ALTAMONT (USA – Garage Rock) Midnight – ROD BARTHET (France – Blues Rock)

SUNDAY, JUNE 14: 9:00 AM – Site opens 10:00 AM – Car and motorcycle ride 11:00 AM – Car exhibition / stalls / on-site food 12:00 PM – Pin-up parade and contest

1:00 PM – MAT & The Messengers (France – Americana) 3:00 PM – ERVIN TRAVIS & His Wild Blue Caps (France – Rockabilly) 5:00 PM – Awards for cars and motorcycles 5:30 PM – ERVIN TRAVIS & His Wild Blue Caps (France – Rockabilly)
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Lemieu 9 months ago · Mathews
Hiking Collioure to Cadaqués: Questions About Bus Frequency and Reservations
I want to do sections of the Collioure-Cadaqués trail. I plan to stay in Collioure first to hike the paths on the French side using the bus. Speaking of which, I’m wondering if it’ll be easy to find a seat on the buses at the end of April, beginning of May.

After that, I’ll head to Figueres to do sections of the trail on the Spanish side. I’m worried the buses might not be too crowded at the end of April.

Here’s what I’m interested in: Llanca - Port de la Selva: Figueres - Llanca by train in the morning and Port de la Selva - Figueres on the way back Port de la Selva - Cadaqués: Figueres - Port de la Selva in the morning and Cadaqués - Figueres on the return trip

I’d also like to go to Cadaqués from Figueres as a day trip. I’m concerned about how busy this route might be at the end of April.

I’m wondering if I need to get tickets in advance and where to buy them.
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Marcheur17 9 months ago · Kenzos
Looking for recent info on the Tour de l'Aubrac and the Stevenson Trail
Hi, I was wondering if this forum is still active. The last discussions seem to be from several years ago?... If so, I’m looking for information on these hikes—the **Tour de l'Aubrac** in 8 days and the **Chemin de Stevenson** in 12 days... Lists of accommodations with: - Locations - Prices - Capacity (how many people they can host)

The stages— I’d like to do these routes with a group of 8 to 10 people. Thanks in advance... Jean-Claude BOULET Email: marcheur117@gmail.com Phone: 06 67 49 28 22 Residence: Royan 17, Charente-Maritime
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Manondugard 12 months ago
I Tried Nordic Power Walking (in the Cévennes, France) with Poles
Hi everyone.

I’ve been doing brisk walking every day for years (an hour every morning at dawn) through forests, along rivers, on trails, tracks, and pavement. I wanted to try Nordic walking, so I bought the poles (apparently, they work your abs extra). I lasted 5 days 😄 And I’m stopping because, for me, it’s incompatible with how I combine sport and wildlife. I tried all the tips (rubber and steel), and they all make a racket that scares off every animal 😅

I get that some athletes go from point A to point B without paying attention to what’s in between, but that’s not me. I love intense exercise, but whenever something’s beautiful, I stop to enjoy it for a few moments (same when I spot an animal). With the poles, it’s impossible—they’re too noisy, even if you don’t press hard.

Oh well, I wasted 20 € on this purchase (though they might come in handy for scrambling, for example).

Anyway, for the brisk walking I do, the poles I totally mastered by the second day (syncing the movement) actually slow me down. Plus, it’s annoying to hear that constant noise in a dreamy landscape when my shoes barely make a sound. And on roads (pavement), they make all the dogs in their houses bark 😅

As for working the abs, brisk walking without poles lets you engage your core if you want, so it works those muscles too.

Into the bin go my poles and their tips, already dead after 5 days (long live wildlife and nature!) 🤘
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Hannahannah 12 months ago · Puma2A
A little walk in Lozère: the Gorges de la Jonte and the Grands Causses
Hello everyone,

Lozère seems like a department that’s been forgotten on this forum—just like in real life, actually.

So if you love strolling through peaceful, exotic places, landscapes that remind you of Mongolia in some spots and of ruiniform shapes in others, and watching the flight of large griffon vultures in the Gorges de la Jonte and the Tarn, I’d like to share a few photos of these places I love. I’ve been exploring here for about thirty years, and I recently took a walk in mid-April with a few detours to the Larzac plateau, which straddles Aveyron and Lozère.

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We head straight to the start of the Gorges de la Jonte. Our accommodation is right in the middle of these gorges, between Le Rozier and Meyrueis.

Le Rozier, a small village where the Jonte meets the Gorges du Tarn:



The village has three campsites side by side, with a beautiful view:



The Gorges de la Jonte at a spot called Les Douzes:





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Jerome72 last year · Mathews
The most beautiful mountain hikes in France?
Hi everyone,

I usually travel abroad in the summer, but given the circumstances, I think this year I’ll be staying in France. I’d love to know which places you’d recommend for the most stunning mountain landscapes and the best hikes.

Thanks in advance for your help!

😉
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Dubri last year · Desman
GR10: overnight at Col d'Ibardin
Hi there, My partner and I are planning to hike a section of the GR10 this summer, mostly staying in campgrounds. But at Col d'Ibardin, where we’ve planned a stop, there’s only one guest room that’s pretty expensive... Does anyone know if there are any bivouac spots in the area? Thanks
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Facteur4 last year
Biking (MTB) along the Canal between the Two Seas (France)
Why bike (MTB) along the canal between the Two Seas: the lateral canal of the Garonne from Bordeaux to Toulouse, and the Midi Canal from Toulouse to the Mediterranean?

This canal was created to connect the Mediterranean to the Atlantic without going around Spain, and along its entire length, there’s an old towpath (used to pull barges). Since this path is closed to traffic (except for service vehicles from Voies Navigables de France), no cars drive on it—it’s dangerous, noisy, and polluting. The Canal between the Two Seas was built for transporting goods, so it passes through many towns you can explore without dealing with traffic. You can stock up on supplies or spend the night. You’ll discover the varied landscapes of the countryside, always in the serenity brought by the calm and slow flow of the canal’s water. Most of the time, you’ll be in the shade of trees planted to stabilize the banks with their roots. All you have to do is follow this blue—or rather green—ribbon without needing to consult a map. But the biggest advantage is that it’s flat! Of course, on the Canal du Midi, water flows from the watershed divide at Naurouze eastward to the Mediterranean and westward to Toulouse. On the lateral canal of the Garonne, water flows toward Bordeaux. But this slope is almost imperceptible, which is a huge plus when you want to travel by bike for several days with luggage.

When I say "bike," I really mean MTB because, while the towpath has been replaced in some places by a paved bike path, it mostly resembles a dirt trail—sometimes smooth, sometimes rocky, and often cluttered with roots from the magnificent trees lining it. Since the canal was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, improvements have been underway, but it won’t be tomorrow that you’ll be able to ride from Bordeaux to Sète on a road bike. And I’m afraid the first sections of the path will be worn out before the rest is finished. You might even run into construction work for this bike path. That’s what happened to me during the spring of 2007.

Sunday, 03/11 – Valence d'Agen 08:15 to Toulouse (Rangueil) 16:30 97 km in 8h15 (6h on the bike) I started on the recently paved path along the lateral canal of the Garonne. The first locks appeared, and as I approached Moissac, the path turned into a billiard table until Castelsarrasin. After the Cousteau port, I was back on the classic dirt towpath with its rocks, roots, and nutria holes. But not for long—soon, I hit ruts left by backhoes and bulldozers, which, fortunately, were resting for the Sunday. A pile of rubble taller than me blocked the entire width of the path. I didn’t want to turn back to find the previous bridge and ride on the other bank, which was just as impassable (dense grass). It wasn’t easy to carry a bike with full panniers, so I lifted it over several mounds. I kept going, sometimes on foot, unsure how far the construction extended. Another bulldozer—luckily, the ground was dry. The work went all the way to Montech, making the path impassable. I recommend taking the N113, which runs parallel (that’s what I did on the way back). In Montech, the famous water slope was at rest, waiting for tourists. For many kilometers, I was back on the traditional towpath. The closer I got to Toulouse, the better the surface became, and the more cyclists and pedestrians I saw—until the city center, where there was nonstop bike traffic, especially students heading to Rangueil.

Monday, 03/12 – Rangueil 09:10 to Revel 16:30 86 km in 7h20 (5h30 on the bike) As soon as you reach Toulouse, you make a 90° turn to follow the connection between the lateral canal and the Canal du Midi. Heading east, you pass the barge selling the famous Toulouse violet souvenirs. A real bike path has been built for 50 km to Port Lauragais. It’s a true joy for Toulousains and travelers. Restrooms have been installed or shared with highway rest areas, allowing you to refill water (of course, bikes are banned from ASF rest areas, but cleverly placed racks let you secure your bike and walk in). At Port Lauragais, it’s another rest area shared by highway users, cyclists, and boaters. You’ll find a cafeteria, restaurant, hotel, and a shop selling regional souvenirs. But the real pleasure is reaching the watershed divide at Naurouze, where water flows toward the Mediterranean on one side and the Atlantic on the other. There, I decided to leave the Canal du Midi, which continues toward Castelnaudary with a much rougher towpath, to follow the *Rigole* that feeds the canal with water from the Saint-Ferréol basin. For me, it was like returning to the source—a bit like a pilgrimage in honor of the brilliant Pierre-Paul Riquet, the designer of this magnificent work. I followed the service trail along the *Rigole*. It’s actually a variant of the GR 653, leading to Revel alongside this artificial waterway. It’s fed by water from the Montagne Noire, and I was worried about a steep climb. But that wasn’t the case—the *Rigole* winds for 40 km, flowing gently under the trees. It was better than a dream: a smooth dirt path with the crunch of pine needles under the wheels, where I only crossed paths with a few fishermen... And to soothe sore buns, the last kilometers were on packed earth—a paradise (ATVs, stay away!). More walkers and cyclists appeared there.

Tuesday, 03/13 After a restful night in Revel, I started the morning with a walk around Lake Saint-Ferréol. A very pleasant 10 km hike, but I don’t recommend it for mountain bikers unless you’re used to mountain terrain and have strong calves. Otherwise, you can take the road—there are at least two hotels near the lake. In the afternoon, I began the return trip to Tarn-et-Garonne via the same path, with the same pleasure.

Total: 378 km of suffering and bliss, for which I must thank the departmental and regional councils for their funding, Voies Navigables de France for maintenance, and the volunteers who mark the hiking trails. And don’t you think you’re exaggerating a bit with your 378 km of bliss and the paradise of the *Rigole*?

Okay, fine—it wasn’t always idyllic. Sometimes the path was downright *pierrique*... but I had great weather, and the landscapes were so beautiful (water, sun, vegetation). In the rain or mud, it would’ve been less fun. What does *pierrique* even mean?

*Pierrique* is worse than rocky. I know a Pierrick, and he’s tough. And why *Facteur4*?

It’s France’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a factor of 4 by 2050. I’m doing my part by biking to work 3 out of 4 times. And your cassoulet?

Guilty as charged. I ate the best cassoulet of my life at the Hôtel du Midi in Revel. But it was very productive in methane. My stomach hurt so much I couldn’t sleep and ended up writing my postcards between 3 and 4 AM. So many great memories!
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Wanderer91 last year · Desman
Camino de Santiago from Aumont-Aubrac to Cahors
A few years ago, I walked the Camino de Santiago from Le Puy-en-Velay to Aumont-Aubrac with every intention of continuing my journey the following year. Life had other plans, and it was several years before I picked up my "pilgrim’s staff" again on this legendary trail, starting from Aumont-Aubrac, which I did last September 30th.

Reaching Aumont-Aubrac wasn’t easy since I come from Brittany: first a TGV from Brittany to Paris, then an overnight train from Austerlitz to Rodez, followed by a bus from Rodez to Millau, and finally a TER from Millau to Aumont-Aubrac. I eventually arrived on Sunday, September 30th at 1:30 PM to begin a first stage of 15 km, reaching the Gentianes hostel in Finieyrols, halfway between Aumont and Nasbinals.
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Hera74 last year · Lescaribous
Paris - Marseille/Montpellier by train with bikes
Hi everyone,

I’m trying to figure out how to get from Paris to Marseille or Montpellier with non-disassembled bikes by train in early July 2025... and it’s a total flop!!! Can’t find any trains that offer the bike-on-board option! It’s so complicated between SNCF-CONNECT, OUIGO, and TER INTERCITÉS!!! Nothing’s simple! I want to take my teens and their cousins on a bike trip to the Camargue, but I’ll have to start planning way ahead to sort out bike transport!!! So glad I found VoyageForum for tips! !
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Clau05 last year
Where to park a camper van to visit Toulouse?
Hi everyone,

Could anyone recommend a place to park with a camper van (parking lot or camper van area) so I can visit central Toulouse using public transport?

Thanks in advance for your tips. Best regards
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RDZ08 last year · Desman
Family road trip across the Pyrenees (Spain)
Hi there,

We live in Lyon and usually stay in the Alps, but we don’t know the Pyrenees at all. It’s a mountain range that’s quite a long way from where we live. This summer, we’re thinking of traveling along the Pyrenees from west to east (Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Hautes-Pyrénées - PO). We might explore both the French and Spanish sides. We’d do this trip over 3 weeks, aiming to stay in each place for about 3 days before hitting the road again—so we don’t feel like we’re driving for hours every day...

Do you think a 3-week trip like this is doable? (Just to give you an idea, I’ve simplified the route with the link below, using random stops to illustrate the plan.) https://maps.app.goo.gl/eaShLrZzcmN54mZJ7

Two things that are influencing our planning: - We’re a family of 4 (2 kids, aged 9 and 6 1/2) - We’ll be in an electric car For the second point, could you tell me if there are plenty of electric charging stations along the mountain range, or if we’ll need to head to the main towns in the 3 Pyrenean departments?

Looking forward to your thoughts!

Thanks in advance.
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Daudée last year · Bigmatt
What to visit between Toulouse and Narbonne?
Hi! I’m planning a pénichette (canal boat) cruise on the Canal du Midi. We’re flying in from Quebec, so we’ll arrive in Toulouse (4 adults). We’ll have about 7 days before boarding, and we’d like to explore the stretch between Toulouse and Narbonne since we want to see the Mediterranean. Besides Carcassonne, where we’ve already planned to spend a day, what else is worth visiting? And where’s the best place to stay for good value, considering we’ll have a car?
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Almigama 2 years ago · SylvainD66
Crossing the Pyrenees by e-bike
Hi, We crossed the Pyrenees by e-bike last July, from Bayonne to Perpignan, taking small roads as close to the border as possible (25 mountain passes in 10 days). It was an absolute delight, and we can share tips with anyone interested in this experience.
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Jeanluc49mel 2 years ago · Wegg
What cycling route between Ariège and Drôme?
Hi fellow bike-packers, so I’m heading out solo by bike this spring, like I do every year—around 1,500 to 2,000 km in total. This time I want to explore the south of France. I’ll start by meeting up with a buddy in Ariège, and after that the road’s wide open toward the east, aiming for Drôme. If anyone has route ideas—especially quiet backroads, places I can wild-camp pretty much anywhere, and climbs that aren’t too steep—I’m all ears! Thanks, and see you around here or on the road. Take care.
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Chnoupi 2 years ago
Trip report: 2,700 km scooter ride from Lacanau-Océan to Névache (Briançon)
From Lacanau Océan to Névache, July 4–13, 2024. Stopping at roadside markers and signs in towns, on trails. I left home in Corsica, took the boat from L'Ile-Rousse to Sète, then headed up to Lacanau-Océan for the start of the 45th parallel. Destination: north of Briançon, Plampinet (Névache municipality). For more info and photos, check out my FB page "45th Parallel". I did it solo, on a 125cc scooter, a Honda Forza with no mechanical mods. Under-seat storage, a top case, a bag strapped to the rear seat with bungees, and two side bags that gave out in the first few days due to poor quality. Used a GPS, smartphone apps like the famous "68°", "my exact location", and "Ventusky" for weather. Plus paper road maps and a travel journal. Various accommodations (camping, B&Bs, a yurt, and staying with friends). In total: 2,700 km total, including 1,800 km from Lacanau to Névache via small, lost-but-so-pleasant backroads. Crappy weather from Sète to Lacanau, then nice conditions. Estimated fuel consumption: 3 liters per 100 km. No mechanical issues—neither with the scooter nor myself. One regret: I didn’t take enough time to meet people. For info...: At nearly 77, I still feel the need to do things differently—like the GTA (Grande Traversée des Alpes 😠, the climb to the metallic globe at Nordkapp, Norway (which I did by sea)😠, the trip to southern Portugal😠, etc. On top of that, after an accident and two major knee surgeries, I can’t hike, bike, trek in the desert, or even walk 1 km on sand. That’s also why I can’t ride a motorcycle with bent legs… * Feel free to share your thoughts or ask for more details.
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AlbertV 2 years ago · Bleuvacances
Lascaux Caves: Which Replica Should We Visit?
Hi there,

We're really into prehistory and want to visit the cave replica. But there are two—Lascaux 2 and Lascaux 4. What are the differences, and which one should we visit? Plus, there’s also the Prehistory Museum in Les Eyzies. Is that worth checking out too? Thanks for your advice!
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Mcabarre 2 years ago
Bike trip: from Carcans Maubuisson to Plaisir (Yvelines)
Monday, August 21, 2023 - Rochefort - Marans

No journal for the first two days. Day 1 - CARCANS-ROYAN Day 2 - ROYAN - ROCHEFORT Tonight I'm in MARANS in the "dry marsh" according to the campsite manager—it’s the first time I’ve heard of a "dry marsh"?!

Photos from the first two days

My gear



The Landes region—nothing extraordinary, but the calm and serenity are nice.



Le Verdon



The wild coast



This marsh isn’t dry, though.

Today is the third day of my trip, and I’m writing to you from a campsite in Marans. I’ve set out to bike from Carcans Maubuisson back to Plaisir. Why Carcans? Because we spent a week there as a family—a great week that lets everyone reconnect for a long stretch. Also, on Saturday, we all headed home—some by car, and me by bike. This journey is about 850 km via bike paths and small cycling roads. It’s not a sporting feat, just a nice long ride for fun. As the old Chinese sage says, "The destination doesn’t matter—it’s the journey that counts." But he also told me, "Traveling is great, but what’s the point if you don’t share it?" You see, this old sage has told me a lot of things—he often keeps me company when I’m biking. Of course, he doesn’t pedal, but we travel in harmony. Sure, he can be a bit annoying sometimes, but we still get along. All this to say I’ve created a group to share my story. I’d be happy to share this experience with you—it’s an adventure for me. On Saturday, I wasn’t sure I’d even leave because I’d been dealing with sciatica for days. Luckily, Juliette, a friend of the old Chinese sage, recommended a lifesaving remedy: Alternately stretching your legs with an elastic band under your foot. Obviously, a jam jar rubber band won’t cut it.

From Marans - The mosquitoes are attacking; time to head back to shelter.

The first two legs took me to Royan and then Rochefort. The Sèvre Niortaise flows nearby, and I followed a canal from La Rochelle. You could say the area is as dry as the marsh, judging by the state of the crops.



As I mentioned, it’s the third day, and if Jesus rose again on this day, for me it was more like the crucifixion. The scorching heat—only bearable when you’re moving—combined with rough trail conditions, and the old Chinese sage says, "Terrible roads, slow speed, and watch your limbs." I set out to do 60 km but ended up doing 80, and the last 20 were tough. I kept checking the GPS to see how much farther until the campsite. Today: Rochefort to Marans, sticking to the coast until La Rochelle, then no notable towns after that—just a constant canal. But since the sky isn’t too low, it hasn’t gotten lost. I’ve still got plenty of anecdotes to share, but it’s pitch black out, and the mosquitoes are still around. This morning, I counted ten in my tent, all full of my blood. Yesterday, at the end of the leg to Rochefort, I was really looking forward to crossing the Charente using the transporter bridge, but a sneaky GPS conspiracy led me far from it. I ended up crossing the Charente on a completely ordinary bridge, watching the transporter bridge in the distance with disappointment.

End of the first episode. Until tomorrow, if you’d like!
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Muriel65 6 years ago · Vidalm
Le Canal du Midi à vélo de Toulouse à Sète
Bonjour,

Nous venons de faire le Canal du Midi à vélo. Voici un petit retour de notre itinéraire, hébergements, restaurants et de nos remarques.

Notre parcours : TOULOUSE - MAS-SAINTES-PUELLES (CASTELNAUDARY) – environ 60 km MAS-SAINTES-PUELLES (CASTELNAUDARY) – CARCASSONNE – environ 40 km CARCASSONNE - ARGENS-MINERVOIS – environ 47 km ARGENS-MINERVOIS – POILHES – environ 41 km POILHES – AGDE – environ 39 km AGDE – SETE – environ 26 km

Nous avons loué nos vélos à TOULOUSE au CANAL A VELO et nous les avons laissés à SETE (nous avons fait un rapatriement de vélos au prix de 80 €).

Nous avons pris l'option "transport de bagages", c'est vraiment bien, on n'a qu'un petit sac à dos pour la journée et les bagages sont livrés tous les jours à votre étape du soir (hôtel ou chambre d'hôte). Vu l'état de certains chemins c'est bien de rouler léger...

Globalement se fut une super expérience. Par contre il faut savoir que de TOULOUSE à CASTELNAUDARY, la piste est bitumée donc très bien. Il y a encore beaucoup de platanes donc de l'ombre et les nombreuses écluses sont autant de haltes sympathiques. Après cela se complique, plus de bitume mais des chemins (souvent très étroits) faits de gravillons, de cailloux, de terre, avec des racines, des trous, des bosses... Donc un VTT est plus que conseillé. Moi j'avais un VTC, il a fait beau donc j'ai pu passer partout, mais s'il pleut je pense que cela doit devenir très galère car qui dit pluie, dit boue... Avec un VTC je pense que certains endroits doivent être impraticables. Il n'y a pas non plus d'indications, mieux vaut avoir une carte (nous avions commandé le "guide n° 1 du Canal à Midi à vélo" sur le site 2pieds2roues qui est bien fait) et nous avons téléchargé l'application "canal du midi" qui permet de préparer les étapes et de voir à quel endroit du parcours vous vous trouvez.

Les Hôtels, chambres d'hôtes de nos étapes : TOULOUSE-HOTEL LA CHARTREUSE-www.chartreusehotel.com (bien, super petit déjeuner) CASTELNAUDARY-(MAS-SAINTES-PUELLES)-LA BONNE PLANQUE-www.labonneplanque.com (super) CARCASSONNE-LE MAGNOLIA-www.le-magnolia.com (super) ARGENS-MINERVOIS-BASTIDE DES MAELS-domainedesmaels.com/bastide.htm (super) POILHES-ATMOSPHERE-www-chambres-hotes.fr (super) AGDE-CHAMBRES ROSA-www.chambresrosa.com (exceptionnel) SETE-HOTEL SABLES D'OR-www.hotel-sablesdor.com (bien)

Nos restaurants : TOULOUSE : LE BISTROQUET (bien) MAS-SAINTES-PUELLES : délicieux cassoulet de notre chambre d'hôte "LA BONNE PLANQUE" CARCASSONNE : LE PLO (dans la cité, très bien) ARGENS-MINERVOIS : LA GUINGUETTE (super sympa) POILHES : LES PLATANES (très bien) AGDE : LARCEN LA SUITE (exceptionnel) SETE : LE MISTRAL (super)

Donc très chouette expérience, dépaysante, avec des paysages très variés.

Cordialement. Muriel.
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CB
Cbandiera 6 years ago
Bambée sur les contreforts des Cévennes
claudio avait l'intention de finir cette année 2020 par une bambée de la Savoie à Sète en tangentant le bas des Cévennes , et puis voila comme chaque année en cette période, un épisode cévenole se présente https://www.midilibre.fr/2020/09/19/lherault-en-crue-et-fortes-precipitations-dans-les-cevennes-9082524.php

il serait suicidaire de braver ces orages

et le tour de france a échappé de peu à la cata Ce matin à 8h00 au sommet du Mont-Aigoual Brouillard, pluie et orage La visibilité est estimée à 30 mètres Le vent de Sud souffle en pointes à 66 km/h La température est de 12° Cette nuit, les rafales ont atteint 121 km/h. La pluie a déja amené 34 mm d'eau faut il laisser passer l'orage ? ou renvoyer le projet à une autre année ?

http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2020-salagou/





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