About Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best places to visit in France. Rent a houseboat and cruise through scenic landscapes, passing vineyards, medieval villages, and historic locks.
This 300-year-old waterway winds through the heart of the Languedoc wine region, offering a relaxed pace perfect for sightseeing, wine tasting, and sun-soaked cycling. From vibrant Toulouse to the Mediterranean coast, every stop brings charm and discovery when barging in the South of France.
Canal boat rent is easy with Le Boat. With many departure bases available, your perfect France vacation starts now!
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Interactive map of the Canal du Midi
Le Boat base
Point of interest
No license or experience required
Never handled a boat? You don’t need a license or prior experience to be the captain of your own houseboat. Our base teams will show you everything you need to know before you set off safely on your houseboat cruise.
Our customer reviews on Canal du Midi
See all reviews >Customer service is there for anything you might need. Happy to help in any way.
Pleasant trip from Trebes to Carcassonne
Narbonne is very convenient because of its proximity to the market for provisioning.
Axelle is very professional and attentive when handing over the boat.
Our 7 day cruise with Le Boat was truly memorable. The support was fantastic and we will return for another cruise.
Very relaxing at this time of the year. Great staff at each end .
Would be great if the ports could have a list of costs that was available at the boat office.
Saying that we had great port staff with lot’s of helpful advice.
Meet slot of people doing the same thing along the way
We cruised this section of the historic Canal du MIDI in early May. It is a lovely, pastoral route. We enjoyed using “ nature” moorings along the way instead of being in towns overnight. The LeBoat staff were extremely pleasant and helpful.
There was a problem at one location so le Boat made some fast changes to another location, canal du midi. We very much appreciated their efforts to save the holiday, as we couldn’t alter our plans.
It was a lovely trip and plenty of places to stop and adventure. We absolutely loved the views.
Great vacation that anyone can do with their family.
Easy to navigate locks
A few nice towns and restaurants along the way.
Boat past its best.
The area around Beziers we amazing. The special 6 Locks were fun and nostalgic for the 7 guests . We loved it.
We followed the suggested route and stops and it worked very well.
Great location easy travel times to beautiful spots
The scenery was very beautiful, but the villages nd restauranrts were quite far away from the canal. If you cruise the canal, ensure you have plenty of provisions.
We chose this cruise as it allows a for a two night stay at Carcassonne so the old city can be explored throughly.
The staff at Le Boat Castelnaudary were friendly, professional and helpful. This just added to the fabulous experience we had on the boat journey.
We used Le Boat barge to travel from Castenaudery to Homps. With plenty of time, we actually traveled beyond Homps and returned on the day we dismbarked, so we enjoyed locks from both directions. We hired bikes which was essential to ride to the villages closest to where we stopped for the nights. It was a GREAT family vacation with 5 adults enjoying time together.
Great trip we will definitely go again and make it longer next time. Especially want to thank Freddy who did the orentation with us.
nice good condition boat. small issues that couldnt get tv to work & some USB ports didnt work
Our Canal du Midi boating vacation recommendations
Wine Tasting
Nestled in the Languedoc wine region, the Canal du Midi is an ideal locale for wine-tasting vacations. Visitors can tour vineyards, visit wine caves, and sample wines for free. Trèbes, Homps, Ventenac, Paraza, Marseillette and Capestang offer much for wine connoisseurs!
History & Heritage
The Canal du Midi is steeped in history and heritage. You’ll see stunning cathedrals, grand châteaux, ancient ruins and medieval cities. Carcassonne is a real gem. Museum fans will love Castelnaudary, Béziers, Narbonne and Toulouse!
Gastronomy
Friendly cafés and gourmet restaurants abound on the Canal du Midi! Try La Raffinerie in Béziers, Carcassonne’s La Marquiere and L’Arbousier in Homps. Don’t miss the slow-cooked bean and meat cassoulet (casserole), a French gastronomic speciality of Castelnaudary.
Family
There’s something for the entire family on the Canal du Midi – amusements and rides at Luna Park in Le Cap d’ Adge and the Raymond Chésa Leisure Park near Carcassonne. The kids will love watersports at Lac de Jouarres in Homps and Toulouse’s Cité de L’Espace!
Why choose Le Boat for your Canal du Midi cruise rental?
Le Boat takes the stress out of your vacation, offering seamless check-ins and expert technical support whenever you need it.
Step onto one of our comfortable boats, complete with cosy cabins, fully equipped kitchens, and private bathrooms, all designed to make you feel right at home on the water.
Take the helm and chart your own adventure. With Le Boat, you’re in control, free to explore at your own pace and create unforgettable memories.
Canal du Midi: Read our Articles
Celebrating 30 years of UNESCO heritage on the Canal du Midi
Exploring the Canal du Midi: a travel and boating vacation guide
Our 4-day cruise on the Canal du Midi
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Port Cassafières is perfect for families, with the sandy beach of Portiragnes nearby and a 1hr cruise to the east await the fairgrounds, adventure golf and go-karts of Vias. Further east, once you have crossed the open waters of the Etang du Thau, the flamingoes, wild horses and sandy beaches of the Camargue await. A short 2hr cruise to the west will find you in Béziers, a city bursting with history, art and culture with a flight of seven locks just a little further along the canal, at Fonserranes. Then it’s onwards past a multitude of historic sites and pretty villages until you reach a junction (9hrs from Port Cassafières) – you must decide whether to travel south towards historic Narbonne, or maintain course along the Midi, past pretty Le Somail.
Travel connections
- 9km from Béziers (BZR)
- 77km from Montpellier (MPL)
- 205km from Toulouse (TLS)
- 15km from Agde station
- 17km from Béziers station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
Homps is at the very heart of the Midi. It’s a great base if you wish to travel far and see lots – with loads of villages and attractions and very few locks to the east. You can branch off towards the Canal de la Robine and the Roman city of Narbonne (7hrs from Homps), or continue to the Fonserannes staircase of seven locks and lively Béziers (5-6hrs away). Historic Carcassonne is a quiet and peaceful 10hr cruise to the west. You can’t leave Homps without traveling 12km inland to the beautiful town of Minerve, perched high on a rocky promontory surrounded by deep gorges – spectacular!
Travel connections
- 33 km Carcassonne (CCF)
- 45km Béziers (BZR)
- 129km Toulouse (TLS)
- 12km from Lézignan Corbières station
- 35km from Narbonne station
- 45km from Carcassonne station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
The iconic Cathar stronghold of Carcassonne is a 3hr cruise, and only a 15minute drive (8km) west, from our Carcassonne (Trèbes) base. This makes for the perfect start or finish to you boating adventure, and the short distance by car means you can save cruising time if you’d rather. Before or after you visit this ‘must-see’ attraction, we recommend you navigate to the east of our base into the very heart of the Canal du Midi. The vineyards and wine cellars at Ventenac & Paraza are an 8hr cruise away and the pretty village of Le Somail is not long after that. Carcassonne (Trèbes) is also a good start or end base if you have kids – a 5km taxi ride away is Lake Cavayère, home to a host of outdoor fun and activities.
Travel connections
- 15km from Carcassonne (CCF)
- 112km from Toulouse (TLS)
- 153km from Montpellier (MPL)
- 15km from Carcassonne station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
Castelnaudary, the capital of Cassoulet offers a variety of things to see – not least the impressive views over the Black Mountains from the Cugarel Windmill view point. It is a great start (or finish) for boaters looking to enjoy pleasant countryside and a lazy meander past quiet towns and villages. A 7-night cruise to the west is a peaceful return journey to the contrasting hubbub of cosmopolitan Toulouse. However, most boaters choose to head east where, after two days of tranquil cruising, you’ll reach the spectacular fortified citadel of Carcassonne, the second most visited tourist attraction in France.
Travel connections
- 38km from Carcassonne (CCF)
- 71km from Toulouse (TLS)
- 650m from Castelnaudary station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
Port Cassafières is perfect for families, with the sandy beach of Portiragnes nearby and a 1hr cruise to the east await the fairgrounds, adventure golf and go-karts of Vias. Further east, once you have crossed the open waters of the Etang du Thau, the flamingoes, wild horses and sandy beaches of the Camargue await. A short 2hr cruise to the west will find you in Béziers, a city bursting with history, art and culture with a flight of seven locks just a little further along the canal, at Fonserranes. Then it’s onwards past a multitude of historic sites and pretty villages until you reach a junction (9hrs from Port Cassafières) – you must decide whether to travel south towards historic Narbonne, or maintain course along the Midi, past pretty Le Somail.
Travel connections
- 9km from Béziers (BZR)
- 77km from Montpellier (MPL)
- 205km from Toulouse (TLS)
- 15km from Agde station
- 17km from Béziers station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
Homps is at the very heart of the Midi. It’s a great base if you wish to travel far and see lots – with loads of villages and attractions and very few locks to the east. You can branch off towards the Canal de la Robine and the Roman city of Narbonne (7hrs from Homps), or continue to the Fonserannes staircase of seven locks and lively Béziers (5-6hrs away). Historic Carcassonne is a quiet and peaceful 10hr cruise to the west. You can’t leave Homps without traveling 12km inland to the beautiful town of Minerve, perched high on a rocky promontory surrounded by deep gorges – spectacular!
Travel connections
- 33 km Carcassonne (CCF)
- 45km Béziers (BZR)
- 129km Toulouse (TLS)
- 12km from Lézignan Corbières station
- 35km from Narbonne station
- 45km from Carcassonne station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
The iconic Cathar stronghold of Carcassonne is a 3hr cruise, and only a 15minute drive (8km) west, from our Carcassonne (Trèbes) base. This makes for the perfect start or finish to you boating adventure, and the short distance by car means you can save cruising time if you’d rather. Before or after you visit this ‘must-see’ attraction, we recommend you navigate to the east of our base into the very heart of the Canal du Midi. The vineyards and wine cellars at Ventenac & Paraza are an 8hr cruise away and the pretty village of Le Somail is not long after that. Carcassonne (Trèbes) is also a good start or end base if you have kids – a 5km taxi ride away is Lake Cavayère, home to a host of outdoor fun and activities.
Travel connections
- 15km from Carcassonne (CCF)
- 112km from Toulouse (TLS)
- 153km from Montpellier (MPL)
- 15km from Carcassonne station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
Castelnaudary, the capital of Cassoulet offers a variety of things to see – not least the impressive views over the Black Mountains from the Cugarel Windmill view point. It is a great start (or finish) for boaters looking to enjoy pleasant countryside and a lazy meander past quiet towns and villages. A 7-night cruise to the west is a peaceful return journey to the contrasting hubbub of cosmopolitan Toulouse. However, most boaters choose to head east where, after two days of tranquil cruising, you’ll reach the spectacular fortified citadel of Carcassonne, the second most visited tourist attraction in France.
Travel connections
- 38km from Carcassonne (CCF)
- 71km from Toulouse (TLS)
- 650m from Castelnaudary station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
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Marcus has been an integral part of Le Boat’s sales team for several years, so knows our destinations and fleet very well. After many cruises with us he particularly loves our stunning Irish and Italian destinations!
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Itinerary suggestions
Our boating vacations allow you the freedom to stop when you want and take each day as it comes. However, you might like to be guided by one of our day-by-day suggested itineraries, complete with estimated cruising times and restaurant recommendations. You can follow it religiously or just use it for ideas – whatever ‘floats your boat’. Please bear in mind that our itineraries are just suggestions. Cruising times are estimates and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
Castelnaudary RETURN via Carcassonne 7-Night Itinerary
Port Cassafières to Homps 7-Night Itinerary
Homps RETURN via Argeliers 3 Night Itinerary
Homps RETURN via Béziers 7-Night Itinerary
Route suggestions
As well as the suggested itineraries shown above, all the routes available in this region are shown below. They aren’t as detailed, but they should help you get an idea of how far you can travel in the time you have. You won’t have time to stop at every single place listed on each suggestion – but they should give you an idea of what’s possible. Of course, cruising times are approximations and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
= Click the arrow icon on each route suggestion, to flip the 'card' and reveal more details.
The Classic Midi Cruise
The Classic Midi Cruise
The Classic Midi Cruise
Homps to Port Cassafières ONEWAY via Narbonne
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview:
A week-long one-way cruise along an action packed section of the canal, taking in idyllic villages and the engineering marvels of the Malpas Tunnel and the Fonserannes Locks.
Top highlights:
- Ventenac-en-Minervois’ waterside wine cellar
- The idyllic village of Le Somail
- Roman Narbonne with its impressive Cathedral and Archbishop’s Palace
- The Malpas Tunnel, built in just eight days and the first canal tunnel in Europe
- Ascend the The Fonserannes Locks – a marvel of the Midi
- Béziers, the birthplace of Pierre-Paul Riquet, the engineer behind the Canal du Midi
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Depart Homps: The small village of Homps, where Le Boat has a base, was for a long time an active trading port where barrels of Minervois and Corbières wine were loaded for their journey to Bordeaux.
- Argens-Minervois: Home to a 14th century château and cobbled streets, this is a lovely place to stop and enjoy the ample cafés and restaurants.
- Roubia: Roubia is very pretty with an old stone church and tower, there’s also a grocery store and restaurant in the village.
- Paraza: Small village famed for its Chateau which produces excellent wine. Stop for a wine tour and tasting.
- Ventenac-en-Minervois: This village is noted for its waterside wine cellar in the canal-side Château de Ventenac-en-Minervois. Visit, and sample local wines for free.
- Le Somail: Enjoy al-fresco dining in one of the fabulous canal-side restaurant in this popular and very pretty village. Check out the books and the antique bookshop.
- Sallèles d’Aude: Stroll around to find the quirky Chapel of St. Roch and Le Calvarie, then enjoy the village’s several restaurants.
- Narbonne: Enjoy a wonderful southern French atmosphere with a Spanish twist. Visit the Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur Cathedral (the third tallest in France) and the Archbishop’s Palace.
- Argeliers: A 700m stroll along a tree-lined avenue and into town will take you to a handful of restaurants, a grocery store, a butcher, two bakeries and a café-bar.
- Capestang: A small market town to stock up on provisions. Enjoy passing under the stone bridge, which is one of the lowest on the canal!
- Poilhes: Poilhes is a charming canal-side village with a small shop and a handful of lovely restaurants
- Colombiers: A lively place, just to the west of the town you’ll come across the Malpas Tunnel, the first canal tunnel in Europe.
- The Fonserannes Locks: Delight in ascending or descending the seven chambered Fonserannes Locks – one of the marvels of the Midi.
- Béziers: The birthplace of Pierre-Paul Riquet, the engineer behind the Canal du Midi. Wander Béziers’s medieval streets, bright squares and leafy parks.
- Villeneuve-lès-Béziers: The large and lively village of Villeneuve-lès-Béziers has great restaurants and bars. It is also an excellent spot to stock up on supplies.
- Cers: A busy little town, but there’s not much to stop for besides the very large Intermarché.
- Portiragnes: A cheery town, stop here for the Monday morning and Tuesday morning markets.
- Arrive Port Cassafières: Port Cassafières is a small marina where Le Boat has a base with fresh water and electricity points.
The Golden Midi Cruise
The Golden Midi Cruise
The Golden Midi Cruise
Castelnaudary to Port Cassafières ONEWAY
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview:
A week-long one-way cruise that takes in most of our Canal du Midi cruising region, all the way from our base Castelnaudary in the west to Port Cassafières in the east.
Top highlights:
- Sample the regionally famous cassoulet in Castelnaudary
- Historic and famous fortress at Carcassonne
- Stop for a wonderful cooking school in Millepetit
- Winetasting at the historic Paraza Chateau
- Ascend the The Fonserannes Locks – a marvel of the Midi
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Depart Castelnaudary: The capital of the Cassoulet (a local specialty) try some before you leave. A stroll to the Cugarel windmill for stunning views across the Black Mountains is also worthwhile.
- Pexiora: A delightful 2km walk or cycle from the canal, this quiet village has a bakery and small grocery store.
- Villepinte: You will find all you need in town to replenish your provisions. Upstream of Villepinte Lock, look out for the Mézéran Aqueduct.
- Bram: A pretty and quiet village built on a circular plan with a 13th century church at the heart. Check out the Archaeology Museum to discover more than 4,000 artefacts found onsite or nearby.
- Villesèquelande: Seek out the pretty church and clock the Sully Elm, planted in the square outside; it is one of the oldest elms still alive in France!
- Carcassonne: Breath-taking, UNESCO-listed, fortified citadel with 3km of ramparts, a castle, cathedral and shops and restaurants within the city walls.
- Trèbes: Stock up on excellent local produce including wine, olives, jams and confits. Then visit the family friendly Cavayère Lake.
- Millepetit: Stop for a wonderful cooking school – learn how to create classic French cuisine with a modern twist!
- Marseillette: Famed for growing rice, a clock tower in the centre of Marseillette served as a relay for the first telecommunications network
- Puichéric: A village full of medieval character with a lovely church and worth a stop if you love watersports – you can rent canoes, kayaks or standup paddle boards and ‘mess about’ on the adjacent River Aude.
- La Redorte: A pretty and leafy town built around a grand Chateau, now a luxury hotel with an excellent restaurant..
- Homps: The small village of Homps, where Le Boat has a base, was for a long time an active trading port where barrels of Minervois and Corbières wine were loaded for their journey to Bordeaux.
- Argens-Minervois: Home to a 14th century château and cobbled streets, this is a lovely place to stop and enjoy the ample cafés and restaurants.
- Roubia: Roubia is very pretty with an old stone church and tower, there’s also a grocery store and restaurant in the village.
- Paraza: Small village famed for its Chateau which produces excellent wine. Stop for a wine tour and tasting.
- Ventenac-en-Minervois: This village is noted for its waterside wine cellar in the canal-side Château de Ventenac-en-Minervois. Visit, and sample local wines for free.
- Le Somail: Enjoy al-fresco dining in one of the fabulous canal-side restaurant in this popular and very pretty village. Check out the books and the antique bookshop
- Argeliers: A 700m stroll along a tree-lined avenue and into town will take you to a handful of restaurants, a grocery store, a butcher, two bakeries and a café-bar.
- Capestang: A small market town to stock up on provisions. Enjoy passing under the stone bridge, which is one of the lowest on the canal!
- Poilhes: Poilhes is a charming canal-side village with a small shop and a handful of lovely restaurants
- Colombiers: A lively place, just to the west of the town you’ll come across the Malpas Tunnel, the first canal tunnel in Europe.
- The Fonserannes Locks: Delight in ascending or descending the seven chambered Fonserannes Locks – one of the marvels of the Midi.
- Béziers: The birthplace of Pierre-Paul Riquet, the engineer behind the Canal du Midi. Wander Béziers’s medieval streets, bright squares and leafy parks.
- Villeneuve-lès-Béziers: The large and lively village of Villeneuve-lès-Béziers has great restaurants and bars. It is also an excellent spot to stock up on supplies.
- Cers: A busy little town, but there’s not much to stop for besides the very large Intermarché.
- Portiragnes: A cheery town, stop here for the Monday morning and Tuesday morning markets.
- Arrive Port Cassafières: Port Cassafières is a small marina where Le Boat has a base with fresh water and electricity points.
The Canal du Midi Cruise
The Canal du Midi Cruise
The Canal du Midi Cruise
Castelnaudary to Homps ONEWAY
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview:
A week-long one-way cruise that takes in a good balance of must-see sights (including not-to-be-missed Carcassonne) as well as the quieter parts of the canal.
Top highlights:
- Escape from it all – enjoy tranquil countryside
- Historic and famous fortress at Carcassonne
- Enjoy the café-culture of charming canal-side villages
- Stunning Minerve – one of France’s most beautiful towns (accessible from Homps)
- Winetasting at the historic Paraza Chateau
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Depart Castelnaudary: The capital of the Cassoulet (a local specialty) try some before you leave. A stroll to the Cugarel windmill for stunning views across the Black Mountains is also worthwhile.
- Pexiora: A delightful 2km walk or cycle from the canal, this quiet village has a bakery and small grocery store.
- Villepinte: You will find all you need in town to replenish your provisions. Upstream of Villepinte Lock, look out for the Mézéran Aqueduct.
- Bram: A pretty and quiet village built on a circular plan with a 13th century church at the heart. Check out the Archaeology Museum to discover more than 4,000 artefacts found onsite or nearby.
- Villesèquelande: Seek out the pretty church and clock the Sully Elm, planted I the square outside; it is one of the oldest elms still alive in France!
- Carcassonne: Breath-taking, UNESCO-listed, fortified citadel with 3km of ramparts, a castle, cathedral and shops and restaurants within the city walls.
- Trèbes: Stock up on excellent local produce including wine, olives, jams and confits. Then visit the family friendly Cavayère Lake.
- Millepetit: Stop for a wonderful cooking school – learn how to create classic French cuisine with a modern twist!
- Marseillette: Famed for growing rice, a clock tower in the centre of Marseillette served as a relay for the first telecommunications network
- Puichéric: A village full of medieval character with a lovely church and worth a stop if you love watersports – you can rent canoes, kayaks or standup paddle boards and ‘mess about’ on the adjacent River Aude.
- La Redorte: A pretty and leafy town built around a grand Chateau, now a luxury hotel with an excellent restaurant..
- Arrive Homps: The small village of Homps, where Le Boat has a base, was for a long time an active trading port where barrels of Minervois and Corbières wine were loaded for their journey to Bordeaux.
The Little Midi Cruise
The Little Midi Cruise
The Little Midi Cruise
Castelnaudary RETURN via Carcassonne
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview:
A week-long return cruise along a peaceful section of the canal that takes in charming small villages on the way to the impressive Carcassonne.
Top highlights:
- Historic and famous fortress at Carcassonne
- Escape from it all – enjoy tranquil countryside
- Enjoy the café-culture of charming canal-side villages
- Sample the local wine in peaceful villages
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Depart Castelnaudary: The capital of the Cassoulet (a local specialty) try some before you leave. A stroll to the Cugarel windmill for stunning views across the Black Mountains is also worthwhile.
- Villepinte: You will find all you need in town to replenish your provisions. Upstream of Villepinte Lock, look out for the Mézéran Aqueduct.
- Villesèquelande: Seek out the pretty church and clock the Sully Elm, planted in the square outside; it is one of the oldest elms still alive in France!
- Trèbes: Stock up on excellent local produce including wine, olives, jams and confits. Then visit the family friendly Cavayère Lake.
- Carcassonne: Breath-taking, UNESCO-listed, fortified citadel with 3km of ramparts, a castle, cathedral and shops and restaurants within the city walls.
- Bram: A pretty and quiet village built on a circular plan with a 13th century church at the heart. Check out the Archaeology Museum to discover more than 4,000 artefacts found onsite or nearby.
- Pexiora: A delightful 2km walk or cycle from the canal, this quiet village has a bakery and small grocery store.
- Arrive Castelnaudary (again)
The Medieval Cruise
The Medieval Cruise
The Medieval Cruise
Carcassonne (Trèbes) to Castelnaudary via Argens-Minervois ONEWAY
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview:
A week-long one-way cruise that takes in some of the Midi’s top sites, as well as some of the peaceful villages that line the banks.
Top highlights:
- Family fun at Cavayère Lake (accessible from Trèbes)
- Historic and famous fortress at Carcassonne
- Stunning Minerve – one of France’s most beautiful towns (accessible from Homps)
- Pretty Bram, laid out on a circular town-plan
- Sample the regionally famous cassoulet in Castelnaudary
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Depart Carcassonne (Trèbes): Stock up on excellent local produce including wine, olives, jams and confits. Then visit the family friendly Cavayère Lake.
- Marseillette: Famed for growing rice, a clock tower in the centre of Marseillette served as a relay for the first telecommunications network.
- La Redorte: A pretty and leafy town built around a grand Chateau, now a luxury hotel with an excellent restaurant.
- Argens-Minervois: Home to a 14th century château and cobbled streets, this is a lovely place to stop and enjoy the ample cafés and restaurants.
- Homps: The small village of Homps, where Le Boat has a base, was for a long time an active trading port where barrels of Minervois and Corbières wine were loaded for their journey to Bordeaux.
- Puichéric: A village full of medieval character with a lovely church and worth a stop if you love watersports – you can rent canoes, kayaks or standup paddle boards and ‘mess about’ on the adjacent River Aude.
- Millepetit: Stop for a wonderful cooking school – learn how to create classic French cuisine with a modern twist!
- Carcassonne: Breath-taking, UNESCO-listed, fortified citadel with 3km of ramparts, a castle, cathedral and shops and restaurants within the city walls.
- Villesèquelande: Seek out the pretty church and clock the Sully Elm, planted I the square outside; it is one of the oldest elms still alive in France!
- Bram: A pretty and quiet village built on a circular plan with a 13th century church at the heart. Check out the Archaeology Museum to discover more than 4,000 artefacts found onsite or nearby.
- Villepinte: You will find all you need in town to replenish your provisions. Upstream of Villepinte Lock, look out for the Mézéran Aqueduct.
- Pexiora: A delightful 2km walk or cycle from the canal, this quiet village has a bakery and small grocery store.
- Arrive Castelnaudary: The capital of the Cassoulet (a local specialty) try some before you leave. A stroll to the Cugarel windmill for stunning views across the Black Mountains is also worthwhile.
The Cathar Cruise
The Cathar Cruise
The Cathar Cruise
Homps to Carcassonne (Trèbes) via Narbonne & Carcassonne ONEWAY
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview:
A week-long one-way cruise that lets you explore both the Canal du Midi and the Embranchment de la Nouvelle.
Top highlights:
- Winetasting at the historic Paraza Chateau
- The idyllic village of Le Somail
- Roman Narbonne with its impressive Cathedral and Archbishop’s Palace
- Stop for a wonderful cooking school in Millepetit
- Historic and famous fortress at Carcassonne
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Depart Homps: The small village of Homps, where Le Boat has a base, was for a long time an active trading port where barrels of Minervois and Corbières wine were loaded for their journey to Bordeaux.
- Roubia: Roubia is very pretty with an old stone church and tower, there’s also a grocery store and restaurant in the village.
- Ventenac-en-Minervois: This village is noted for its waterside wine cellar in the canal-side Château de Ventenac-en-Minervois. Visit, and sample local wines for free.
- Sallèles d’Aude: Stroll around to find the quirky Chapel of St. Roch and Le Calvarie, then enjoy the village’s several restaurants.
- Narbonne: Enjoy a wonderful southern French atmosphere with a Spanish twist. Visit the Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur Cathedral (the third tallest in France) and the Archbishop’s Palace.
- Le Somail: Enjoy al-fresco dining in one of the fabulous canal-side restaurant in this popular and very pretty village. Check out the books and the antique bookshop
- Paraza: Small village famed for its Chateau which produces excellent wine. Stop for a wine tour and tasting.
- Argens-Minervois: Home to a 14th century château and cobbled streets, this is a lovely place to stop and enjoy the ample cafés and restaurants.
- La Redorte: A pretty and leafy town built around a grand Chateau, now a luxury hotel with an excellent restaurant.
- Puichéric: A village full of medieval character with a lovely church and worth a stop if you love watersports – you can rent canoes, kayaks or standup paddle boards and ‘mess about’ on the adjacent River Aude.
- Marseillette: Famed for growing rice, a clock tower in the centre of Marseillette served as a relay for the first telecommunications network
- Millepetit: Stop for a wonderful cooking school – learn how to create classic French cuisine with a modern twist!
- Carcassonne: Breath-taking, UNESCO-listed, fortified citadel with 3km of ramparts, a castle, cathedral and shops and restaurants within the city walls.
- Arrive Carcassonne (Trèbes): Stock up on excellent local produce including wine, olives, jams and confits. Then visit the family friendly Cavayère Lake.
The Languedoc Vineyards Cruise
The Languedoc Vineyards Cruise
The Languedoc Vineyards Cruise
Homps RETURN via Carcassonne
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Overview:
A week-long return cruise past some of the top sites on the Midi to the historic fortress of Carcassonne and back.
Top highlights:
- Historic and famous fortress at Carcassonne
- Stop for a wonderful cooking school in Millepetit
- Enjoy the café-culture of charming canal-side villages
- Stunning Minerve – one of France’s most beautiful towns (accessible from Homps)
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Depart Homps: The small village of Homps, where Le Boat has a base, was for a long time an active trading port where barrels of Minervois and Corbières wine were loaded for their journey to Bordeaux.
- Puichéric: A village full of medieval character with a lovely church and worth a stop if you love watersports – you can rent canoes, kayaks or standup paddle boards and ‘mess about’ on the adjacent River Aude.
- Millepetit: Stop for a wonderful cooking school – learn how to create classic French cuisine with a modern twist!
- Carcassonne: Breath-taking, UNESCO-listed, fortified citadel with 3km of ramparts, a castle, cathedral and shops and restaurants within the city walls.
- Trèbes: Stock up on excellent local produce including wine, olives, jams and confits. Then visit the family friendly Cavayère Lake.
- Marseillette: Famed for growing rice, a clock tower in the centre of Marseillette served as a relay for the first telecommunications network
- La Redorte: A pretty and leafy town built around a grand Chateau, now a luxury hotel with an excellent restaurant.
- Arrive Homps (again)