Chapter 59: Exploring Canals in France

Today, I'd like to discuss the canals in mid-France, particularly the extensive network from Paris to Lyon and from the southern regions to the Rhone. These canals serve as exquisite bike routes, providing a car-free, serene environment for cycling. Some paths are covered in dust, while most are beautifully asphalted and perfect for covering long distances.

However, despite their beauty, after a couple of hours, the scenery can become monotonous. Continuously seeing the same canal, rows of trees, and glimpses of buildings—often just the backyards or garages of people's homes—can grow somewhat tiring. It's interesting to observe life along the canal with boats and communities, but the constant view can become repetitive and less engaging after an extended period.

In my experience, while these canal routes offer a peaceful journey, exploring the real countryside provides a more diverse and interesting experience. Although I've covered my fair share of canal paths, I've found that after several hours of the same scenery, it's beneficial to venture off these main routes to witness the genuine French countryside.

Hence, while the canals are a significant part of trip planning, I suggest including detours to explore more of the authentic countryside. This provides a more varied and rewarding experience, allowing you to witness different aspects of France beyond the familiar canal landscapes.

In summary, while the canals offer a tranquil and beautiful biking experience, supplementing these journeys with detours into the countryside can provide a richer and more diverse perspective of France during your cycling adventure.

This is a part of my personal journey and reflects my perspective. Additionally, you can find this video series soon to be available in book format. Thank you for following along, and I look forward to sharing more insights in the future.