Puichéric, along the Canal du Midi

Access: Whether you’re coming from the east or the west via the Minervoise (D610), take the eastern exit from Puichéric to join the D111, which heads north. Carry on along this road until you reach the bridge over the Canal du Midi and turn left immediately after the bridge. After about 1 km, you’ll come to a road on the right leading to a place called ‘Le Magasin’. You can park in front of these buildings.

(S/E) Head back and cross the bridge over the Rigole de l’Étang. Turn left and walk down alongside the vineyards. Follow the road at the foot of the large embankment that runs alongside it. After 500 metres, turn right onto a wide path between the vineyards and head towards a corner marked by tall trees.

(1) When you reach this corner, pass between the tall trees and you’ll find yourself back at the edge of the Canal du Midi. Turn left and walk alongside the canal as far as the Aiguille lock. The two footbridges are closed to pedestrians, so you’ll need to walk down to the road.

(2) Turn right and cross the bridge. Immediately after the bridge, head back down to the other bank of the canal by turning left. Follow the canal for 300 metres until you reach the Canal Bridge.

Turn right immediately after the Pont Canal and continue along this wide, carriageable track. Take the first big bend to the left, then to the right, and continue along this road, which will become tarmac. You’ll reach a hedge of cypress trees.

(3) When you reach the hedge, turn right and walk alongside the cypress trees. At the end of the hedge, you’ll be on a road; take a left here. Continue until you reach the canal again.

(4) At the edge of the canal, turn left and follow either the narrow path right next to the water or the track a little further up. Both will take you to the Canal Bridge. Cross it in the opposite direction and retrace your steps along the route you took earlier until you reach the Aiguille lock. Cross the bridge.

(2) After the bridge, carry on a little further and head down to the left along the vineyards. Walk alongside the road and the Rigole de l’Étang at the top of the embankment that you followed on the way out. After 1 km, you’ll reach your cars (S/E).

Wear sturdy shoes after rain, as the ground is often muddy.

Around the Aiguille lock, you’ll see the lock-keeper’s amusing sculptures. Do feel free to go up to the house, as there are more there.