Canal du Midi

The Canal du Midi is a great place to enjoy the outdoor life, lovely for a scenic stroll, whilst getting some shade from the hot summer sun. But it is particularly suited to cycling, safe and convenient for families. I can recommend two areas that you can drive to, unolad the bikes and take off! One route is to drive to Beziers port and you can cycle all the way to Portigranes, a distance of 15km. Alternatively drive 10 minutes past Beziers and out to the pleasant village of Colombiers, designed as a stopping point for barges and  pleasure boats. Park up and you can cycle a shorter distance. (And of course reward yourself with a long lunch at one of the canalside restaurants). This map is taken from the Creme de Languedoc website, a good english-language portal on holidaying in this region. Take a look at the cycling section of their website for general information on cycling in this area.

http://www.creme-de-languedoc.com/Languedoc/activities/cycling-biking.php

For more information on the history of the Canal du Midi, they reference a French website which, luckily, has an English translation. http://www.midicanal.fr/

If you're interested in learning more about the Canal network, or indeed hiring a boat or planning some daytrips around it, check our this official website with zoomeable maps and information on amenities. http://www.plan-canal-du-midi.com/index.php

My husband's girlfriend....

People often have a funny reaction when I mention that my husband's girlfriend always comes on holidays with us, and here is a photo of his precious companion, his pride and joy Cervélo.

She's the cycling equivalent of an 18 year old Spanish au-pair: young, sexy, attracts attention, and importantly, doesn't nag or answer back.  So how have I long accepted my status as Cycling Widow? Well there's that old saying if you can't beat them, join them. So let me introduce my cycling "raison d'etre", newly appointed Leopard Team member, Fabian Cancellara, aka Spartacus, as he's known in the cycling community. I wonder why?

 

Of course, if you check out some video footage of this guy, you will see his true divinity - in interviews, he's funny, loyal, and "nice". Yes, and happily married. A great team player, an all rounder!

Here's a 4 minute montage of his 2010 victories, entitled "Fabian Cancellara is God". No exaggeration then.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcNBkQXPFog&feature=related

I'm really looking forward to the Classics in March/April to see if Fabian can repeat his victories, and of course the Tour de France in July will be a 3 week window to gaze and ponder his divine status..... It's a shame that we won't be in Pézenas this July to see him (and the rest of the Tour) pass through on the way from Limoux to Montpellier, but it would probably be too much for me anyway!

If Fabian is the new Leopard, does that make me a cougar?????

Tour de France 2011 - Pézenas

The Tour de France last came directly through Pézenas town in July 2006, although it has been close to the route every year. It's very likely going to make its way here again this year on the way from Limoux to Montepllier. In this photo from 2006, you can see the peleton cruising through the main square, with the Hotel Moliere in the background. The atmosphere is just electric with the air of anticipation building all day. It's a great way to learn about the French, their culture and values. When they speak about passion, it's most visible in their love of the national sport. Although we can't be there this year, we will be watching avidly on TV, the next best alternative. Our holiday home is currently available during that time if you're interested! Check out more details on this blog.

Cycling in Languedoc = Cycling Heaven

"Going to Languedoc without your bike is like going to a golf club without your clubs." (Armstrong, 2005). Well no actually, that's just me and my opinion... Having over 20 years' experience cycling the length of France twice and on into Italy, this region has all you could ask for. Within 30 kms of Pezenas you can have mountains, climbs or coastal flat roads, and in between there are a maze of fantastic villages between the vast vineyards of the Languedoc. I have had some truly glorious spins here.
It's no wonder that 'le Tour' passes within striking distance every year. See the clip below of the Tour spinning through on the very scenic road to Roujan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUzdA5xkpbs

As you would expect the French cyclists are abundant in this area, the sight of whom will leave you hankering for your bike!
There are several cycling clubs in the area - notably Pezenas VCLL, and the very pro Montagnac AC. In fact, most the towns have a club or group who are usually welcoming to a fellow velo'ist and will show you through the labyrinth of minor backroads and villages on their Sunday morning spins. All ages and abilities are involved but don't be misled by appearances - some of the older chaps can easily humiliate someone 20 years younger; their life long passion for cycling has seen them easily maintain their fantastic condition...:)