cycling along the Midi Canal
It is now possible to link the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean sea by boat and also by bike, (more than 400km long) through [1] :
the Voie Verte
the towpath
the cyclepath
The route along the canal du midi is about 400km and not only offers you the opportunity to discover prestigious sites, beautiful landscape, but also provides access to forgotten places and to meet with the local people.
The « Voie Verte »
![Le canal et la voie verte - © VNF Sud-Ouest Le canal et la voie verte - © VNF Sud-Ouest](local/cache-vignettes/L268xH177/voie_verte-f5c86.jpg?1618261113)
It is a road only for cyclists, walkers, in-line skaters, and non-motorized vehicles .
Cars, motorbikes, quads, tractors and all motorized vehicles are strictly forbidden to use this road and also to park on it.
Regarding Tourism and leisure rules and customs, a « Voie verte » must be :
easy access : a flat slope that allows the use by all types of users, including people with reduced mobility or disabled.
Secure : with its physical separation of the non-motorized vehicles road and pedestrians’.
Respectful of the environment, culture and heritage of the visited aeras
The towpath
![Les chemins de halage © Cécile Morillère Les chemins de halage © Cécile Morillère](local/cache-vignettes/L301xH216/Halage-fde84.jpg?1618261113)
The towpath is located along the banks of the “Canal du Midi”. Initially the purpose of a pathway is to allow the harness of horses to tow along a boat.
“Les voies navigables de France”, the organization in charge of the towpaths tolerates biking, but you must ask them autorisation specially for cycling. Requests in writing to “Les voies navigables de France” in Toulouse.
Contact : VNF Bureau des Usagers
The Bikeway
![La Véloroute - © VNF Sud-Ouest La Véloroute - © VNF Sud-Ouest](local/cache-vignettes/L268xH201/veloroute-5ac32.jpg?1618261113)
The Bikeway is a marked cycle route which is also used by motorized vehicles (motorbikes, cars..)
However, the bikeway is a preferred route as they are small quiet roads with a pleasant environment and avoids excessive slopes.
Notes
[1] For details of the route, see the maps on the homepage. Always respect road safety rules.