by Steve Tanham
I didn’t expect to be going back to Carcassonne in 2024. A few years ago, we began our cycling trip along the Canal du Midi here. I wrote extensively about the trip at the time. But then my son, who recently moved their family to Canada as part of a job promotion, announced he had booked a few days in Carcassonne to allow the … Read More Seven from Carcassonne
by Steve Tanham
Knock-knock-knock-knock-knock… Pierre-Paul Riquet was having a bad night, as he tossed and turned… Louis XIV was his patron, although he doubted even the Sun King’s sponsorship would alleviate his growing debts – debts that had now risen to a level he knew he would never be able to repay. It was all down to an obsession, no, the obsession – to connect the waters … Read More French Postcards 11: knock, knock…
by Steve Tanham
Bézier is a beautiful city. It was established five hundred years before the Christian Era and thrives today. It is located in an fascinating region: that of Languedoc-Rousillon, the border Départment between the Mediterranean side of southern France and Spain. Many view this part of France to have been kept economically disadvantaged for a long time, following the internal persecutions of the Albegenisan period. … Read More French Postcards 10
by Steve Tanham
It was hard to leave Narbonne. We had formed a very special bond with the place; but, we had another 50 km ride in front of us, one that would see us arriving at our penultimate destination – Bezier. First, we had to retrace our steps back up the Canal Robine to rejoin the land of the Midi. The few kilometres up to Cuxac … Read More French Postcards 9
by Steve Tanham
Sunday morning are strange things on these trips. You set off from your auberge all kitted up like you’re off to the moon, and the first ten people you meet are sandal-clad, sleepy locals carrying their baguettes back from the boulangerie and looking at you in wonder… And who can blame them! Sunday had dawned cool and overcast – it was wonderful. As our … Read More French Postcards 7
by Steve Tanham
On days like this people often ask why we do it? Why do you spend precious holidays pitting yourselves against the weather, particularly the hot sun, just to travel a few hundred miles by bicycle? No-one’s asking. I’m running this conversation alone in my head, as the temperature climbs to thirty three and the cloudless, blue sky dominates everything with its intense heat. There … Read More French Postcards 6
by Steve Tanham
Bernie and I are creatures of contrasts. We will, on such a holiday, take a train some thirty kilometres to visit a highly recommended canalside fish restaurant. Then, having taken our bikes on said train (an experience in itself), the meal over, and hopefully noted in our little book of highlights, we will spend the next six hours struggling back along the canal path … Read More French Postcards 5
Sun in Gemini 
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