Cycling the Canal des Deux Mers across France

[@AWACSRAYMOND]

This is such a warm and precious thing, that it is almost sad. Thank you for sharing a wonderful part of your memories.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Oh, how sweet - thanks for your charming words, they are appreciated.

[@kbarrett1844]

Delightful Piece. More like this please!!!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thank you, I'll do my best.

[@ScottWilliamsPhotography]

Perfect video for me as a cyclist and photographer. Lovely. Thank you very much.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks, I also enjoy combining these two activities. I appreciate the kind words.

[@tekguyphoto]

As a cyclist and a hobby photographer I really enjoyed this video. Hope my wife and I can do something like this one day. Cheers.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it - you absolutely should, even if you only do half the trip. This was the third time Kim and I had done the Toulouse to Sete section.

[@SydneySlowRider]

Wow - outstanding quality video, this was incredibly helpful. I learned so much in under 7 minutes. Thank you!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks, it was nice to read your kind words.

[@CallMeChato]

Documenting and enjoying the experience, hard to do both. Stunning job.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks! I honoured to read your kind words, thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@kayakerjer]

Loved your video! I cycled the same route catching memories with a Sony 6500 and Osmo Pocket. Not only did you capture the essence of the trip infinitely better than me, you did so better than every other filmmaker on KZbin. I’m now using your video to bait another couple to join me for a second trip. Fantastic trip and fantastic film! Thanks!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for the. kind words. It is a great trip - and we are looking forward to the return - it will be our fourth time on the Canal du Midi.

[@PeterRatsch]

great tour and photo's videos. Love the "passable glass of wine" comment. Look forward to this type of trip in my retirement years.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

It's passable because it only cost 1 euro, the cheapest thing on the menu, cheaper than coffee or cola. There's no need to wait until you retire - take a week and go for it. And remember that you can also rent boats along the Canal du Midi that come with bikes (leboat.com), and you don't need a boat license for that. It's just such an idyllic place.

[@badger0888]

Stunning. Subed for pure inspiration. I've booked marked this as a future destination. Keep up the great videos.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Your kind words were read with pleasure, thanks. This is a trip (in whole or in part) that's well worth taking.

[@adriannelson3045]

Good to see a really useful and informative video as opposed to just an annoying sound track with zero commentary. Well done!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for commenting.

[@capt1089]

Excellent video Maarten! Thoroughly enjoyed it. Looks like terrific fun!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for the kind words, always nice to hear from an appreciative viewer - and yes, it was a most enjoyable holiday.

[@paulszilard1685]

Beautiful! Very inviting. Nicely captured too.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks - it was a trip I've wanted to do for a long time, and it fulfilled all my expectations. And I'd do it again in a minute.

[@james2397]

Great video - high on my list of things to do. Any chance you could publish the itinerary and hotels? I have done the Burgundy Canal and am planning to finish the "tour de bourgogne a velo" this year on the Lateral, Centre and Nivernais canals.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

You'll find the details on the LaRabenne website, where they have multiple options for this trip.

[@antonoat]

What a wonderful trip. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

It is a great trip, I'd recommend it for anyone who's reasonably fit, enjoys spectacular scenery and likes great meals with nice wine. Thanks for the kind words.

[@antonoat]

@@MaartenHeilbron Thank you Maarten, it would be a great way to see more of France which we love as a country!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Always my pleasure - and we too are always ready to return to France.

[@cwjonesII]

Wow! Beautiful video of a stunning trip.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

That's very kind of you to say, glad to hear you enjoyed the video.

[@oliverbagnara9396]

Hi Maarten we are planning to do exactly this on a lower budget but here are my questions. 1. which half would you recommend with 2 bikes? 2. Which half would you recommend with a tandem? Cheers!! O.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Although the Toulouse to Sete section (the Canal du Midi) is nicer, the trail is less well maintained (as I showed in the video). From Bordeaux to Toulouse the entire trail is paved, which is likely an easier ride. On a tandem, I would not attempt the Canal du Midi unless you're prepared to spend some time on roads instead of the path.

[@paduchiu]

LOVELY! Wish I can do that one day...

[@MaartenHeilbron]

You should absolutely do it soon.

[@BBQHoorn]

Hi Maarten, nicely done. Enjoyed it from start to finish. Did you bring your own drone - or rent one in France? If you brought your own: did you have issues at the airport bringing a drone?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks, I appreciate the kind words. I did bring my own Mavic Air -I do not expect and have not had any issues bringing it across any border. Should I be worried bring it into Holland? What time should we be there for the BBQ?

[@BBQHoorn]

Hahaha, no, I was just curious. I am thinking having one myself, and once it's there it's going to travel with me for video work - I have three channels. Here on continental Europe I do not expect any issues, not even when I travel by air, but transatlantic trips make me a little nervous -hence the question. People do (or can do) ''funny'' things with drones, and I do not want to run into issues when I cross North-American borders - and risk losing my investment. Other than that: I haven't looked into the matter - I will never bring my gear when issues can be expected. Bbq? Funny you should say so. That is how this channel once started way back in the dark age. It started out as some sort of joke, reporting from our annual Bbq party in my home town - Hoorn (Holland).

[@MaartenHeilbron]

In general I find there's little concern for anything except commercial instruments (money) and agriculture related products when entering a country. There are some countries that require registration (US) or a licence (Thailand), but in general they don't hassle you at customs. It is of course, as you point out, that one behaves in a cautious and respectful manner when flying a drone - France, like Canada and the US requires certain practices to be followed, but they are generally just good behaviour. So, when is the BBQ? We were planning to spend a few hours in Hoorn next week, but may be a little hungover from Koningsdag.

[@BBQHoorn]

Ha, a meet-up eh? Nice. I will shoot you an email on my schedule shortly.

[@BBQHoorn]

Oh, and whilst over here, there's a pretty good store at Urk. I know you'll have fun there. CameraNU.nl

[@allisongrant2064]

Fantastic Martin! This would be a terrific trip. Thanks for the inspiration. How's all your family?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for the kind words, always nice to see our friends in the comments. Everyone here is fine, thanks for asking - hope all is fine with you too.

[@TomMcMahon-td6nl]

Your video mentions Domaine d’Arles (?) that you specifically requested but the Canal des Deux Mers does not go to Arles. (?) we are beginning to plan a trip to bike the Canal des Deux Mers and are in communication with La Rabenne. I would like to mention the Domaine that you mention in your video but I can’t seem to find a link or website to send to them. Can you please help me understand the name of the place and a link to it?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

It is Domaine de l'Ale, just west of Capestang. www.domainedelale.fr

[@isthatsoh]

Love how you edited this to the beat of the music! Can't wait for the Holland video!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

That's very kind, thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@peteT269]

I use my Sony RX100 IV when cycling in the Swiss alps. The other day I dropped it, and the EVF no longer works. I'm seriously considering the RX100 VI, since I'm not sure there's a better quality camera that can fit in a jersey pocket, and the extra reach could be very handy for landscapes, and the occsaional Alpine wildlife. How do you find the quality compared to larger cameras (e.g., XT30)? Do you think it's worth the money over a high end smartphone camera? Also, if you're interested in another cycling adventure, I can recommend the Rhone Route in Switzerland. Starts in the high Alps, and ends in Geneve. Great cycle paths and spectacular scenery.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

I've enjoyed the portability of the RX100 series since the first model, and it's the perfect jersey pocket camera, as I demonstrated in my review - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpTTpqeApKqLrdU Clearly the images are not quite the same quality as a larger sensor, but I've printed many, in both photobooks and wall prints and have always been very pleased with the results. As for comparison to a phone, I haven't done that. X-T30 review will be completed soon. Finally, thanks for the tips on more cycling adventures - we're always on the lookout, although we're currently thinking about Croatia as our next destination.

[@gmillermorris]

Can you please spell the name of the former winery/wedding venue? Would love to stay there! LOVE this entire video. Thanks.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Domaine d'Ale. Definitely worth a visit. Thanks for your kind words.

[@sibykakkoor]

Fabulous,great video and photography.which device used for photography?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks, I appreciate the kind words. Mostly the Sony RX100VI kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpTTpqeApKqLrdU

[@boysherman]

Such an amazing trip and presentation. It is tough for us to travel with our disabled teen, just usually short day trips recently. I think she would enjoy most of the ride, but the logistics would be a nightmare. Ah C'est la Vie!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks, I appreciate your kind words. Although it might be a challenge - you could consider doing short sections or day trips. Another option is to rent a boat along the Canal du Midi - they also have week long excursions, don't require a license and usually have bikes on board to rent.

[@boysherman]

@@MaartenHeilbron Sounds interesting. We would need something to pull the teen along. She does not walk, but she is not big either.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

The boat - check out leboat.com sounds like an ideal solution.

[@colmranger]

Next time come to Ireland we have beautiful new cycle trails from East to West coast and also the Wild Atlantic Way :)

[@MaartenHeilbron]

So we've heard, thanks for the invite.

[@colmranger]

@@MaartenHeilbron our Easy to West cycle trail is also developed along the old canal waterways

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Perfect, checking it out now.

[@juliarohsmann6703]

What a delightful video!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

You are so kind, a pleasure to read your comments.

[@FinnBaygan]

Nice, now i want to do a bicycle tour in france. Are you gonna review the ricoh gr iii?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Understood. I have been trying to arrange a loan with Ricoh, but they are very passive/aggressive. They say yes, but never follow through.

[@ThePhotographyHobbyist]

So, which camera did you take? :-) Looks like a nice, relaxing ride.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Most of these images were taken with the Sony RX100M6, the perfect camera to fit in the back of a cycling jersey. Review (and more France photos) here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpTTpqeApKqLrdU

[@Paul_anderson_creative]

Cool. Just been travelling across France in an RV.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

I'm very envious.

[@marcelbarriel]

Heyyyy, I missed this video 😔 Looks like a great trip, thanks for sharing .

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Glad to see you found it now. Thanks for your kind words.

[@royalcityjazz]

Awesome trip! Thanks for this!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Entirely our pleasure, thanks for the kind words.

[@colnagocowboy]

That sounds like a blast. An ideal chance to ride and shoot my smaller cameras (like my Rollei 35se)

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Sounds like an excellent plan.

[@RawGreySun]

This was Fabulous!!! I would love to be able to do this.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

It is fabulous. It's a pretty easy and manageable ride, and you certainly don't have to do all of it. And if you don't want to cycle, there are lots of boating options along the Canal du Midi.

[@manoftheroad55]

Wonderful film.. I now looking forward to exploring your canal route to Toulouse. and beyond .., has many childhood memories driving from the 60s UK (England) to Spain holidays The Eiffel tower was cast in Toulouse foundries, say the Paris tourist plaques .

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for your kind words. Toulouse is a great starting point for the Canal du Midi section - in previous rides we've started with a few days in Toulouse.

[@rexroganblat2690]

Who organized your trip? Thanks.

[@MaartenHeilbron]

www.larebenne.com/fr/velo-vtc-canal-deux-mers-bordeaux-sete

[@gusrodriz]

Beautiful!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

It truly was.

[@MarkoKoskenoja]

Your video makes me want to do this cycling trip :)

[@MaartenHeilbron]

That was the plan - you totally should. Such a great, easy and enjoyable ride.

[@nethajiprabhugunasekaran6349]

Wonderful!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for the kind word.

[@johnyoung8103]

Hello Mr. Heilbron ,,, Of all of the vloggers I trust and enjoy your camera reviews. ThankYou for all of Your hard work. With all available gear. What would be YOUR KIT for still work?? Portraits (I have a 3yr old grand daughter) Travel pix. No video,sports,landscape,or animal pix, I am not into telephoto lens work either.... Thanks again John (interchangeable lens cameras are a must)

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for your very kind words, appreciated. There are lots of great options - so it does depend on how much camera you'd like to haul around. My current choice is the Fujifilm X-H1, which serves both stills and video with the XF16-55 lens. I'd be equally happy with the A7III, but the good (GM) lenses are pricey - however, the AF-On button on the lens makes this a killer combination for fast moving kids.

[@marioplus321]

Will u provide us with more detailed videos or u end up with just 1 episode ?

[@MaartenHeilbron]

That's it. What more detail are you looking for?

[@marioplus321]

@@MaartenHeilbron sth like a daily vlog

[@MaartenHeilbron]

I see. No, sadly too late to do that.

[@indiekyd]

Amazing. Do more travel videos!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks - they're never big hits, but I'll do some more.

[@patrickmackay741]

Great !!!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for the kind word.

[@sandrasdcuocsongcanada9415]

Bon voyage...

[@MaartenHeilbron]

Merci beaucoup.

[@arnauddesaintvaulry6664]

you should come in val de loire also!

[@MaartenHeilbron]

I should, that's definitely on the to-do list. There's no end to the amount of time I'd like to spend cycling in France.

[@michaelgreen4585]

What no yellow vest protesters

[@MaartenHeilbron]

This was recorded last September, mostly before the protests.