Getting out of town

This morning, we got on the toll roads and headed west.  Best way to tell you are going in the right direction is if Barcelone is listed as an option.

Our target was Beziers, where we went cyling along the Canal du Midi.  This canal was designed by a man from Beziers, named Pierre Paul Riquet, and work began in 1667.  It connected Toulouse, a big inland city, to the Mediterranean, and involved some marvels of engineering.  At any rate, the canal facilitated the textile industry of Toulouse, and was very important until trains took over the route.  The canal opened in 1680.

Many of the original plane trees that were planted to stabilize the canal still remain.  Freight is no longer hauled on the canal, but it is popular with recreational boaters, who have to pass through many locks as they travel along it.  A large portion of the old tow-path trail has been converted into a bike path, and there were lots of people out riding today.  Quite a lovely ride.

This is beautiful country to ride through, with lots of agricultural land including extensive vineyards and gardens of produce such artichokes, tomatoes, and strawberries.