The new cycle path along the Canal du Midi offers an easy, rolling and very pleasant ride. In the saddle for a discovery of the Canal du Midi between vineyards, hills, scrubland and pretty southern villages.
A day along the water, from Homps to the Répudre aqueduct in Paraza
From the port of Homps, we get on our bikes for a stroll along the Canal du Midi. After the first bridge, the path heads towards the Ognon lock. This surprising structure allows barges to change level.
Convenient !
The proposed walk makes 26 kilometers in total, round trip, Homps to the Répudre canal bridge just after paraza.
The development of the cycle path has been completed on most of the route of this ride (from Argens to Paraza and beyond, to Argeliers via Le Somail). At the exit of Homps, the path is not quite finalized but it is very rolling and it is quite passable by VTC.
The path continues to Argens-Minervois, passing close to Pech Laurier lock. After that, a break in the shade is welcome while watching the boats pass through this ingenious device!
Argens-Minervois, its castle and its lake on the banks of the Canal du Midi
Around a bend, Argens-Minervois appears. It is a pretty little village built around a (private) castle, bordered by the Canal du Midi. In season, several restaurants offer a welcoming terrace by the water.
From the heart of the village, on the opposite bank, it is also possible to go back and forth a few hundred meters. On the banks of the needle lake, you can observe the many birds that nest there and picnic in the shade. However, you cannot swim there.
On the way to Roubia
The path continues to Roubia and passes close to another lock, the Argens lock. Arrived at Roubia, we can put down the bikes for discover the village and its heritage thanks to the panels which are installed there.
Convenient !
The grocery-restaurant Lou Mercat offers a supply point on the course, for a dish of the day, a drink or something to prepare your picnic.
Between Paraza and Roubia, the path leaves the edge of the canal to cross the vineyards. We just find it in the village of Paraza, staged above the pretty quay.
Paraza, artists' village
The village of Paraza is very pleasant with its pedestrian quay, her babies restaurants by the water and its streets which climb towards the heights. THE CLAP, Local Center of Parazanian Art, regularly presents art exhibitions and offers workshops, concerts or other events. Labeled “Accueil Vélo”, CLAP is a place not to be missed! In the heart of the village, other artist studios have bloomed. All the more reason to stroll peacefully through the small streets. On the heights, the Paraza Castle will welcome you for a tasting.
The Répudre canal bridge
A few hundred meters after Paraza, there is a amazing work of art : the Repudre canal bridge. It is the first work of this type. Its realization has contributed to the fame of Pierre Paul Riquet. He stayed at Paraza Castle during the construction of the Canal du Midi. The Canal du Midi is also classified asUnesco as a testimony to the creativity of the engineers of the time of Louis XIV.
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![canal du midi Paraza pont canal du Répudre]()
The Repudre canal bridge between Paraza and Ventenac
From the Répudre canal bridge, the return to Homps will be done quietly by the same route as that followed on the outward journey.. The more athletic can continue to Ventenac then Le Somail (the round trip Homps-Le Somail is 40 km in total).
Swimming in Jouarres lake
Back in Homps, a small detour of a few minutes by bike to reach the beach of Jouarres lake will offer a bathing very pleasant! Back at the port of Homps, a visit to the House of Wines of Minervois will allow you to discover the wines of this appellation. You can also enjoy a meal by the water to end the day in style!
![Lac Jouarres baignade Homps Vélo canal du Midi Aude]()
![Lac Jouarres baignade Homps Vélo canal du Midi Aude]()
![Lac Jouarres baignade Homps Vélo canal du Midi Aude]()
![Lac de Jouarres]()
Jouarres Lake, Homps
