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- THE CANAL
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Stretching
from the Mediterranean sea to the Atlantic Ocean, there is a man
made waterway called Canal du Midi or Canal des Deux Mers.
In the dry Aude department climat the
Montagne Noire is the cradle of the canal's water supply system.The
water irrigates the Lauragais plains and then the Corbières and
Minervois country sides.
A variety of trees, primarily centenarium
plane trees and poplars line the banks of the Canal des Deux Mers
against the hot summer sunshine.
For people in search of calm and peaceful time,
this is great place for a relaxing vacation.
The Canal run through 3 regions of prestigious past and offers
first class surroundings.
From
Sète to Bordeaux you can moor your craft in the many pleasure
boats harbours and visit the surrounding villages and towns cycling
on the paths.
The
best is to arrive with "autoroute du Canal des deux Mers"
french highway .
This part of France is well known for its wineyards, its mouthwatering
regional specialities and its very nice weather.
After Sète, taking
the Canal du petit Rhône that is also part of the Canal des Deux
Mers, you reach the XVIII century town of Beaucaire crossing the
magnificent Camargue.
One can also choose to take on the Robine
and sail downstream to port La Nouvelle between huge pine trees,
holm oaks and olive trees.
Going west, on the Méditterranean
slope will take you across the Pays Cathar to the watershed.
In memory of the Canal des
Deux Mers creator, Pierre Paul Riquet, an obelisk was raised
at the watershed sill. It stands among a luxurious vegetation
between plains and hills on the Massif central inforcements.
From then on the traveler
will be on the Atlantic side.
Crossing
Toulouse the pink Occitanie capital, you enter the Garonne river
valley.
The Basin de l'embouchure is the beginning
of the Canal Lateral to the Garonne". Weaving its way through
one of the world 's oldest vineyards you navigate across the Fronton
vineyards and the Lomagne region, the Saint Sardos vineyards and
the town of Moissac. Then Buzet and the region of Quercy invite
you along a picturesque journey in the discovery of France's prettiest
countryside.
From the Canal des Deux Mers, heading
downstream on the Tarn , the Garonne or the Lot and Baïse rivers
is possible and deserves to be explore for its landscapes and
beautiful cities.
From
all over the world visitors are coming to boat sail freely
on the southern waterways. But the canal is not an amenity restricted
to boats .Walkers, cyclists and riders can enjoy the old tow paths
that is the longest cycle path in France.
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