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Post by bjd on Dec 21, 2012 20:01:53 GMT
Here is a sad news item about the canal that runs south from Toulouse to the Mediterranean. They have already started cutting trees further south, and they have been talking about this problem for a few years. Near my place (I live 10 minutes from the canal) they haven't been cutting any yet. www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20815665 |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2012 22:30:12 GMT
Ever since Dutch elm disease, these sorts of events have been a scourge all over the world. Luckily, the people who deal with this work on long term solutions. If these trees are removed, they will be replaced by "better" (more resistant) trees. Unfortunately, most of us do not have the next 50 years to see how nice they will look when they are fully mature.
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Post by htmb on Dec 21, 2012 22:54:22 GMT
This is certainly distressing. All those beautiful trees gone. I've seen photos of some of the sections that have already been cut and the canal just doesn't look the same.
We have had something similar in the state of Florida as disease has attacked the sour root stock of citrus trees. Some citrus growers have replaced their trees, but most have chosen to either sell their land for development, or plant other crops.
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Post by mossie on Dec 22, 2012 8:09:00 GMT
Yes, a growing problem. Please excuse the dreadful, unintentional pun  The big man in charge is getting increasingly desperate. The world is grossly over populated. He throws ever more diseases at us in a vain attempt at control but we find a way of defeating them, so now he is resorting to plant disease to try and get our attention. Next step Armaggeddon  |
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Post by tod2 on Jan 12, 2015 17:03:57 GMT
Kerouac - I have tentative bookings for arrival in Munich - one day after the Oktoberfest starts,(19th Sept) so want to get out of there a.s.a.p. Our apartment is only from 24th September so have some days to spare. I desperately want to go to Sete in the south of France and follow the Canal du Midi up a little way (By car).
If you were doing this stretch and could add on another 3 or 4 days how would you go about it?
Giving the whole journey 7 days.
I'm asking your opinion because when I look at the map of France and see how far Lourdes is from Paris - I am sure with a little guidance and tips, I can do this!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2015 17:41:49 GMT
I'll think about it and get back to you. I'm sure that other people will have ideas, too.
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Post by tod2 on Jan 13, 2015 4:46:45 GMT
Thanks for the replies - I forgot to say that our apartment is booked for Paris, not Munich, on 24th onwards. I would like to set off from Munich and take a train, several trains?, down south via (I don't care). I have been on the internet for hours and found a wonderful bike excursion around the canal stopping off in various towns. I would like to copy most of it and use a small car. I don't want to drive from Munich however. I would love any kind of advice and suggestions. Here is the website I found: www.relaxrentals.fr/en/canal-du-midi-bike-revel-sete.htm |
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Post by onlyMark on Jan 13, 2015 7:43:03 GMT
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Post by tod2 on Jan 13, 2015 12:16:50 GMT
Yes Mark - I have used them before - what I'm wanting to know from anyone is, if there would be a special route suggested, a quicker route, a scenic route and all that kind of thing.
I'm still searching for ideas myself.
At one time my wander-lust wanted to take the train from Munich to Venice and then directly back to Paris. Then I saw the Canal du Midi thing and that appeals more.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2015 14:35:27 GMT
Tod, would you be driving from Sète to Paris or from Sète to a closer city (Toulouse, Biarritz...?) and taking the train from there?
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Post by tod2 on Jan 13, 2015 15:38:07 GMT
Kerouac - I was thinking of getting on a train at Munich - then my dilemma is which train?
Should I be looking at a single journey if there is such a thing, I doubt it. Then after hiring a car in Sete or nearest -Montpelier? - driving at leisure up the canal with overnight stops, then maybe down the otherside back to Sete or Montpelier.
I've been watching Rick Stein's journey and if it takes such a long time (boatwise) to cruise down, by car we can pick and choose our stopping points if I research them well.
The only thing I'm a bit shaky on is the Munich to Sete part.
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Post by onlyMark on Jan 13, 2015 16:24:26 GMT
tod, I'm only looking at this as journeys like this interest me and I hope I'm not interfering too much. I don't know the area but the logistics of getting from one place to another are something I can while away my time on for ages.
On the DB website the quickest trains between Munich and Sete go through Stuttgart and Paris. The slower ones have a number of changes and weave through Switzerland. It is 12 hours as opposed to 20 hours. Maybe you might want to go the longer way, time wise, but break for the night somewhere? Just a thought.
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Post by bjd on Jan 13, 2015 16:32:59 GMT
Tod, you can't really "drive up the canal". You could cycle! The point is that roads don't run just along the canal, so much of the time, if you keep to small roads or even the freeway, you would spot the trees that are along the canal, but wouldn't actually see it.
Staying closer to Munich, there are also canals in Burgundy -- which would be on your way to Paris.
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Post by tod2 on Jan 13, 2015 16:58:20 GMT
Mark - You could never interfere too much! Your information is invaluable.
Bjd - Yes I agree about not driving directly alongside the canal all the way. Our aim would be to drive through the interesting towns and wherever possible be able to drive very near the canal and stop, affording us the chance to sit or walk a portion of the canal and 'boat watch'.
I have seen several roads very near the canal in places which would suite us just fine. What do you think Kerouac?
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2015 18:44:18 GMT
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Post by htmb on Jan 13, 2015 19:44:34 GMT
I've visited some of the towns in the area, but not Sète, but I'm sure glad you brought up this thread, Tod. Interesting report, Kerouac!
I would think seeing a bit of the Canal when in this area would be fun (it was for me), but I think you'd be a bit happier visiting some of the little towns that are away from the canal, as well. I spent a week near Mirepoix and Limoux, and I've always wanted to go back to this part of France.
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Post by tod2 on Jan 14, 2015 6:03:30 GMT
Thanks for putting up the map Kerouac - (which I certainly could not have done)! Good idea.
htmb - you mention those two villages/towns a bit away from the canal. This is interesting as
I was looking at the roads leading to Andorra. I haven't really seriously calculated the mileage between the canal and getting up into the mountains, but we have friends here who used to live in Andorra and I have always had a suppressed desire to go there. Or, will it be a case of 'so close and yet so far'...! I haven't a clue whether our Schengen visas will even be adequate.
All intentions and plans can fall apart so quickly when actually on site. I'm a great planner for things ahead but I am not thinking of booking hotels anywhere, hoping that mid- September will have a few rooms available in most towns and little villages along the way.
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Post by bjd on Jan 14, 2015 9:03:14 GMT
Well, Tod, if you are in the area, you will have to come visit me in Toulouse!
I think September is pretty easy for arriving without accommodation in advance. About calculating mileage, it's not that simple, because as the crow flies it's not that far from the canal to Andorra, but these are mountain roads, so are slow to drive, especially if you have someone pulling a caravan or a truck in front of you. There are nice villages to visit that are not too far off the main road, and in proximity to Carcassonne, like Minerve, Saissac, and south of the road in the Corbières. Not to mention old Cathar castle ruins like Montségur.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2015 11:03:05 GMT
Yes, you have to calculate some of your must-see side trips and then weave them together with following the canal.
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Post by tod2 on Jan 14, 2015 13:54:35 GMT
This is beginning to look like a holiday all on it's own  I must constantly remind myself that France is smaller than what we are used to and distances between little towns and villages are not far apart. Then I instantly make a mental note of not trying to cram too much into too little time..! That in itself can be exhausting. That old saying of needing a holiday from a holiday comes to mind. bjd - It would be wonderful to sit and chat over a glass of wine. Thanks for the input. Every crumb of information is being added to this recipe before it's ready to go into the oven ! |
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Post by htmb on Jan 14, 2015 20:45:58 GMT
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Post by mich64 on Jan 14, 2015 21:11:52 GMT
Very interested in your planning Tod. I wish I could offer assistance but I have not been to this area of France yet but you are already getting excellent input. Before the holiday season, I had actually looked at arriving in Toulouse (there is a direct flight from Toronto) with the intent of exploring Andorra as well. Planning the holiday is almost as fun as completing it.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2015 21:38:57 GMT
Frankly, I love Andorra but mostly just as a symbolic visit. If you drive up through France to Pas de la Case, it is just an ugly collection of shopping opportunities. This said, the prices are fantastic, especially for alcohol and spices. If you drive all way through the country (basically there is just one road), Andorra La Vella is even worse, because even though it is bigger and more "impressive" it is somewhat less friendly unless you are Spanish (basically, Pas de la Case is for French shopping, Andorra La Vella is for Spanish shopping). But both are actually very friendly if you are interested in spending money there.
I actually spent 3 nights in Andorra once and loved it, in the village of Encamp, down in the valley from Pas de la Case. I stayed in a hotel right along a rushing mountain stream which I could hear through my window, and every day I took long hikes nearby in the splendid mountains. But I must admit that it was about 25 years ago, and I have passed through Andorra 3 or 4 times since then (I generally enter through France and drive out through Spain even though Spain has a relatively stressful customs station where everybody is stopped and searched, unlike the French side. But the Spanish customs ignore most people, even if you have gone 2 or 3 times over the official allowances -- they are looking for people with 100 cartons of cigarettes and/or 10 cases of alcohol in the boot.). There has been so much development since my 3-day trip that everything looks huge and overbuilt now. But of course if you stop in September, you have most of the intermediate places to yourself since all of the new places are intended to be ski resorts.
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Post by tod2 on Jan 15, 2015 4:22:53 GMT
Very interesting Kerouac! There are few places you have not been and I am convinced you are the ultimate 'itchy feet' traveller  I will have to find out if we as South Africans would need visas to enter Andorra - I'm convinced we will. I thought Andorra was a Principality on its own but maybe Spain has some interest there? Thanks for adding that link htmb. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2015 6:41:38 GMT
A Schengen visa is valid for Andorra since it does not have its own visa services.
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Post by tod2 on Jan 15, 2015 11:36:59 GMT
That is superb news!
During my latest search for transport from Munich, I found a Lufthansa flight for 130euros each directly to Montpelier -
LH2258 15:25 - 17:05 Sat 1hrs 40min
This seems even better than doing the trip by train. Coming off a 11hr something flight another 2 hrs seems reasonable enough. BUT, our flight gets in at around 7am, so what do we do until just after 3pm? We might as well be on a train....Aah, maybe not when I read this:
Travelling from Munich to Montpellier Saint-Roch by train
How long does it take to travel from Munich to Montpellier Saint-Roch by train?
The average journey time between Munich and Montpellier Saint-Roch is 12 hours and 52 minutes and the fastest journey time is 10 hours and 26 minutes. On an average weekday, there are 14 trains per day travelling from Munich to Montpellier Saint-Roch. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays; use our journey planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
Are there direct train services between Munich and Montpellier Saint-Roch?
No, it is not possible to travel from Munich to Montpellier Saint-Roch without having to change trains. To travel from Munich to Montpellier Saint-Roch will require a minimum of 1 change. More changes may be necessary on weekends and holidays; use our journey planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What time is the first and last train of the day from Munich to Montpellier Saint-Roch?
The first train from Munich to Montpellier Saint-Roch departs at 03:23. The last train from Munich to Montpellier Saint-Roch departs at 23:50. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services. Alternatively, some popular routes may run throughout the night at a reduced frequency. There may also be less services on weekends and holidays; use our journey planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
The information above is calculated based on scheduled train services for Munich to Montpellier Saint-Roch for a typical week day using timetable data fo
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Post by onlyMark on Jan 15, 2015 13:55:19 GMT
tod, where have you seen that flight price? Which website?
Lufthansa website says about 180 euros.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2015 14:50:09 GMT
If you have not purchased your ticket from South Africa yet, try adding the Montpellier segment to the same ticket. "Add-on" fares are always cheaper (and safer) than separate tickets.
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Post by tod2 on Jan 16, 2015 10:01:21 GMT
Mark, you are probably right. Here is the link which says fares start at 130euros. www.rome2rio.com/s/Munich/MontpellierKerouac, I haven't purchased flights yet but if Lufthansa is one of the Star Alliance airlines I might be able to. Thanks for the tip. |
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Post by mich64 on Jan 16, 2015 11:27:24 GMT
Tod we chose Lufthansa last fall and they were a Star Alliance member.
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