Day 18 Avignonet- St Jory 65 km

We’d enjoyed our quiet stay in the pretty village of Avignonet.

A small building near the church had been empty for 30 years but a French couple had lovingly restored it, making it a perfect place for us.

It was a very short descent to the canal where we rejoined it. This was just after it’s highest point, the watershed at the Seuil de Naurouze. 190 metres above sea level,

Now all the locks were going down, towards the Atlantic which meant that for us, it was downhill too!😁

We’d left the gravelly paths behind so now we were flying along on smooth tarmac, in the cool shade of the magnificent plane trees.
A colourful day of reflections, as there was very little wind.
The cycle route was very busy, however this seemed to be a guided tour on hire bikes; not our idea of fun!
We thought the diseased plane trees had finished, until we saw this one. Then we passed another section of replaced trees, a short while after.
The new oaks replacing the old planes, as we entered some healthy ones.
An English narrowboat. A long way from Appley Bridge, in Lancashire!!
We saw a small restaurant on the side of a lock so stopped for lunch; as an added bonus they stocked Prosecco😁👍🏼
The Prosecco worked a treat!!
We were getting close to Toulouse, so the
« live- aboard » boats were becoming more frequent. Many were pretty huge compared to the UK narrowboats. 35 metres is the longest boat the locks can accommodate
Entering Toulouse over the southern périphérique.
Approaching the city centre.

As Carcassonne was poor for cyclists. Toulouse was excellent. Apart from 3 traffic light road crossings in the centre, it was like a bike motorway through the city along the canal.

Chaotic at times with locals trying to get somewhere fast, mingling with touring cyclists like us, then fast, double battery electric scooters dodging in between everyone at huge speeds, at least 30 kph🫣

Walkers on the right, two lanes for bikes; no cars👍🏼
17 days ago, on our first blog, Sue was sitting by this sign outside the station, with the suitcase, about to board our train to Italy!
Still in the city.
Heading out of the city, with very familiar signs above. Our usual route to our home from Toulouse airport. We never knew before that the cycle route was so close!

For our last night on the trip we’re in the less beautiful suburban town of St Jory.

It’s very pleasant apartment but was a nightmare to book.

Normally Booking .com is pretty straightforward. However, now some owners are insisting on a deposit. This isn’t mentioned on the accommodation policies until you get to the final payment stage; then in small writing it states that a deposit is required directly to the owner.

If you fail to spot this, as I did, then having spent the non refundable fee for the apartment, you’re then sent a request for the deposit to cover any damages etc😡.

They will not send the entry code for the key box until you pay. Then if all is good you’ll receive your deposit back in 7 days😡😡

Rant over, but this is a new thing with Booking.com. Beware to read the small print at the payment stage.

We don’t have to worry about anymore bookings; as we’re back tomorrow in our own bed😁😁🤞

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Published by Robkeene

Sue and I are both over 60 and looking to explore the cycle routes in France

2 Comments

  1. Ian Wood's avatar Ian Wood says:
    September 19, 2025 at 9:30 am

    Bloody brilliant!

    Hope to see you both soon.

    Where are you going to cycle next year?

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    1. Robkeene's avatar Robkeene says:
      September 19, 2025 at 9:54 am

      👍🏼👍🏼We’re having a year off😁
      I promised Sue. (Maybe a little trip, but don’t tell her🤭🤫

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