Part 2, day 15 : Avignonet-Lauragais to Ayguesvives

The three of us, Dominique, Francine and I, had a lovely stay in Avignonet as Danielle turned out to be a most pleasant and helpful hostess.  Anticipating a long 24km walk to Ayguevives, she first drove us to a bakery where we picked up sandwiches and lunch supplies, and then gave us headstart along the Canal du Midi. It was a long but pleasant walk and we met a group of people from a pilgrim organization which enabled two physically challenged woman experience a portion of the Voie d'Arles along the canal, we were able to see two boats go through the locks, and then visit a small chapel along the way, normally closed to visitors.

La Goutille

Danielle at the boulangerie where we bought sandwiches for lunch

Me with Francine and Dominique

The Canal du Midi is one of the oldest canals in Europe still operating.  It was authorized by Jean-Baptiste Colbert in October, 1666 under Louis XIV, with the aim of developing the wheat trade.  We were fortunate enough to see one of the locks in operation when two small boats passed through and we waited several minutes for the water to fill up.

 

Here two boats lie between the locks as the water fills up

While eating lunch Francine talked with a man stationed near the canal and we got permission to cross via the lock and visit the chapel

Chapel

Here we left the canal for the long 3,3km walk in the afternoon sun to our gîte

Michael, a young man also staying at the Accueil pèlerin de Ayguevives