Cycling in Southwest France

Cycling in southwest France:



Has anyone cycled the Canal du Midi recently?

Can one cycle the whole way on a path?? Is it pretty? Is it so
flat that it is boring?

Are there busy traffic-filled roads immediately adjacent to the
canal-side path?

Is the entire length from Toulouse to Sete nice, or is there a
"preferred" section?

Which direction is preferable?

Does one really need a mountain /hybrid bike, or can a sturdy
touring bike "do"?

Any recommended stops/hotels?

Why doesn't the 2001 Lonely Planet Cycling France book talk
about this route?



Has anyone cycled The Canal Laterale du Garonne from Toulouse west to
Bordeau?

Is there a cycle path? Is it nice?



Has anyone cycled the Atlantic southwest coast of France? Were there cycle
paths the entire way? How are the ocean views? Is it pleasant, scenic
enough?



Does anyone know if cycles are allowed on the GR8? I believe this is the
walking path running up the Atlantic coast of SW France.



Does anyone recommend a fun, scenic full-service campground either on the SW
of France along the Atlantic coast, or on the Riviera SE coast of France?
Fun for teenagers, with pool, disco, ocean beach, tennis, etc.