A weekend to cycle together, with the wind in your hair and a light heart. For a moment of complicity far from the city and the crowds, on a freshly laid-out cycle route, along the most romantic canal in France.
From Lézignan station, the loop is more pleasant to do in a clockwise direction. The wind pushes us and the landscapes are revealed with more delicacy and surprise.
Distance: 55km
Ideal seasons: spring & fall
“When we left early in the morning, when we set off on the paths, by bicycle…”
Here we are at the crossroads, between the emblematic city of Carcassonne and the Mediterranean Sea. Lezignan-Corbieres, “Al cor de las Corbieras e del Menèrves, a country with a good life in all seasons”. We pass through the city center to reach the crossing that leads to Conilhac-Corbières. Small bonus of Wednesday is the market day. We dismount and make our way between the stalls to reach the pretty market hall. As soon as we arrive, we are already immersed in local life. The locals come here every week to shop for local products. Which specialties will we succumb to?
The canal reveals its secrets little by little
A few pedal strokes further, the city slowly fades away. The countryside settles around us, the scent of flowers fills the air, a feeling of lightness invades us. Climb in sight! We are very happy to be on an e-bike* to increase the electric assistance (the ride must remain a pleasure). At the top of the hill, the effort is rewarded, the view is breathtaking. A selfie break is essential! The canal is getting closer, the vineyards line the road, the Montagne Noire looms in the background. The idyllic setting for this romantic getaway begins to take shape. Arriving along the Canal des 2 mers cycle route, each village is a stage in itself.
The charm of small, lively port of Homps grabs us instantly. We can't resist the urge to climb onto the blue footbridge that immediately catches our eye. It's an ideal spot for another selfie, with the Canal du Midi in the background, the traditional gabare of the Cruises of the South and pleasure boats. At the foot of the footbridge, we cross the gate of the Harbor Master's Office – the Minervois Wine House. Mauricette welcomes us with a smile on her face. She knows the best places for a candlelit dinner. She also recommends activities to do as a couple and solo because we also want to try activities each on our own! Then, she describes the beauty of the Jouarres lake as the sun sets. We will meet there for a romantic moment contemplating the golden light of the sun's reflections on the calm water. We can't wait to be there!
Indulge in the pleasure of riding to recharge your batteries mentally
The cycle route is very pleasant. Sometimes under the sun, sometimes under the trees, the landscapes slowly reveal themselves, we see bell towers, stone bridges, we pass under elegant umbrella pines, we go along cypress hedges. It smells so good of the South!
Passing through the locks requires us to dismount. We walk forward to get a closer look at these century-old structures (not too close to the shore, though!). The boaters greet us with a friendly wave and easily start up a conversation (as long as they are not in the middle of mooring!). We have this common point of traveling slowly, taking our time and simply meeting people. When the lock gates open, the flow is impressive and noisy. We watch, fascinated, as the water level rises or falls, allowing the boats to continue their journey. It is time for us to get back on the saddle.
In Paraza by bike, we pass the boats
This is our favorite on the Canal du Midi!
This small village of artists literally made us “get a sunburn, a love stroke, a I love you stroke”. We explore the maze of narrow and steep alleys on foot, and we take the stairs that lead to secret squares. It is colorful and flowery, the birds sing… We escape hand in hand, we are somewhere else!
We discover the Balcon de Paraza where we have fun playing a remake of the famous scene from Romeo and Juliet. To really enjoy the moment, we sit side by side on a bench to contemplate the panoramic view of the Corbières, the Pyrenees, the Alaric massif and the sea of vines that stretches at the foot of the Canal du Midi. It is so calm here. This evening, a concert evening is organized at the CLAP*, an atypical exhibition space. We will go there to soak up the local festive atmosphere and talk about our lives with the locals. And then, the time will come to ring the final clap of our escapade. But one thing is sure, we will not return to Paraza by chance…
