About Canal du Midi
Boat along the picturesque Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy wine tasting, cycling, and sightseeing at medieval villages.
When it comes to barging in the South of France, the scenic Canal du Midi is a must. Cruising this 300 year old waterway, you will savor the slow easy pace of travel as you pass lush vineyards in the heart of the Languedoc wine region.
Passing through historic water locks you will discover charming medieval villages and ancient fortress cities. Sightseeing, wine tasting, and sun-kissed cycle rides await, all the way from bustling Toulouse to the golden sands of the Mediterranean Sea.
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The perfect boating region for...
= Le Boat base 
= Canal
The perfect boating region for...
Wine Tasting
Nestled in the Languedoc wine region, the Canal du Midi is an ideal locale for wine tasting vacations. Tour vineyards, visit wine caves and taste free samples. 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 gastronomy specialty 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!
Useful information
Download our region guide
We've produced a handy PDF guide for this region to give you an overview of all the stops and things to do along the waterway.
Truly an outstanding feat of engineering when completed in 1694, the main course of the Canal du Midi runs 240 kilometres (150 miles). Its very name is imbued with resonance—the canal of two seas—since its network of waterways connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and once served as a major trade route.
Its designer, Pierre-Paul Riquet, created a work of art with aqueducts, bridges, 91 locks and a tunnel. More than 42,000 plane trees line its often-shaded banks!
Canal du Midi Boating Vacations present an opportunity to experience this fabulous waterway firsthand with your family and friends, inviting you to travel at a pace that lets you meet the people and relax amidst stunning natural beauty. Canal du Midi vacations are amongst our most popular offerings, and with so many bases to choose from there’s a perfect cruise for you!
As with many great canals, the idea to build the Canal du Midi had been around a long time. In 1516, King Francis I comissioned Leonardo da Vinci to survey a route. When Pierre-Paul Riquet got going in 1667, one problem was how to lift boats over the 190-metre (620-foot) heights at Naurouze. Reservoirs and dams were built. You’ll see neoclassical elements in many structures on your Canal du Midi vacation! In 1996, the canal became a UNESCO World Heritage site.
We've partnered up with some of the best local businesses from the towns and villages along the Midi to help you get the most out of your Le Boat vacation.
Discover our range of exclusive offers, only available to Le Boat customers.
The Canal du Midi is easy to navigate and ideal for beginners.
Tips : If you are cruising down to Béziers, consider mooring at the top or bottom of the locks of Fonsérannes if you want to walk or cycle into Béziers for sightseeing.
Take a look at our waterway and lock closures page to find out if there are any scheduled cruising restrictions that will affect your vacation plans.
The locks along the Midi are manned and free of charge.
Please note that the locks along the Midi are not fully automatic.
Some ‘simple locks’ are automatic, these can be found in the route towards Toulouse and towards Carcassonne.
The majority of the locks are electrified with a lock keeper.
Opening hours:
During the busy Summer season (from 17 March until 30 October) locks are open between 09:00 and 19:00 (7:00 p.m.).
Locks are closed for lunch between 12:00-13:00 (1 p.m.).
Public holidays: Locks are closed on some public holidays: 1st May & 1st November
The locks can get busy in peak season.
The Fonsérannes staircase has specific opening hours for rising VS. down navigation. Please speak to our sales team for more advice.
Moorings are plentiful on the Canal du Midi, most of them are offering electricity and water refill for a small charge.
You could also moor where you want to along the canal thanks to the ropes and spikes on-board your boat. Please do not cross the pathway with the ropes in order to allow the passage of walkers and cyclists.
To find out how to get to each of our bases in this boating region, as well as what facilities and amenities are available at each base or nearby, click on the relevant base below:
- Castelnaudary
- Homps
- Trèbes (Closed until March 2022)
- Port Cassafières
- Rental of the boat and its onboard equipment
- A fully equipped kitchen
- Towels and linen for all passengers
- A boat handling demonstration prior to departure
- Technical support
- On-board maps and visitor information
- Passage through locks
- Optional vacation extras
- Boat damage waiver
- Running costs (diesel, gas, engine wear and tear) - charged by the engine hour (by the litre in Scotland).
- Travel to and from the base(s)
- Waterside services if you use them (i.e. moorings where a charge is applicable, pump-out if needed, water, etc)
- Cancellation plan & any travel/personal insurance
- Food and drink
Interactive map of the Canal du Midi
= Le Boat base 
= Point of interest
Great to see...
Itinerary suggestions
To help you get an idea of how far you can travel in the time you have, here's a selection of routes to and from our bases in this region. You dont have to stop at all the places listed or follow the route exactly. So long as you return your boat to your end base by the date you've booked - you're free to enjoy your cruise however you like. For a comfortable pace, allowing you time to regularly stop and explore, we'd recommend an average of 2 - 4 hours cruising each day.
= Click the arrow icon on each route suggestion, to flip the 'card' and reveal more details.
The Naurouze Short Break
Castelnaudary
Avignonet-Lauragais
Gardouch
Villefranche-de-Lauragais
Port-Lauragais
Castelnaudary
11 hr(s) of cruising
52km 18 locks 3 nightsThe Naurouze Short Break
Castelnaudary RETURN via Gardouch
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview:
A short return cruise that takes you along a peaceful stretch of the canal with quiet villages, ideal for those looking for a relaxed getaway.
Top highlights:
- Escape from it all - enjoy tranquil countryside
- Sample the local wine in peaceful villages
- Discover fine examples of traditional local churches
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.
- Avignonet-Lauragais: A sweet little town perched on a hill with an attractive church, towers and restored watermill to dicsover.
- Gardouch: Visit the village's beautiful church and eat in one of the excellent restaurants.
- Villefranche-de-Lauragais: 2km from Renneville Lock, you’ll find a variety of amenities and a fine example of a church with a traditional wall bell-tower.
- Port-Lauragais: This purpose-built tourist marina has good moorings for the night with a restaurant.
- Arrive Castelnaudary (again)
11 hr(s) of cruising
52km 18 locks 3 nights
The Little Midi Cruise
Castelnaudary
Villepinte
Villesèquelande
Trèbes
Carcassonne
Bram
Pexiora
Castelnaudary
21 hr(s) of cruising
104km 48 locks 7 nightsThe 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)
21 hr(s) of cruising
104km 48 locks 7 nights
The Toulouse Cruise
Castelnaudary
Avignonet-Lauragais
Gardouch
Castanet-Tolosan
Toulouse
Montgiscard
Villefranche-de-Lauragais
Port-Lauragais
Castelnaudary
24 hr(s) of cruising
120km 34 locks 7 nightsThe Toulouse Cruise
Castelnaudary RETURN via Toulouse
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview:
A week-long return cruise that takes you through tranquil villages on a quieter section of the canal, before you arrive at Toulouse with its cosmopolitan buzz and ample cultural attractions.
Top highlights:
- Escape from it all - enjoy tranquil countryside
- Sample the local wine in peaceful villages
- Vibrant Toulouse with its famous ‘pink’ architecture
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.
- Avignonet-Lauragais: A sweet little town perched on a hill with an attractive church, towers and restored watermill to discover.
- Gardouch: Visit the village's beautiful church and eat in one of the excellent restaurants.
- Castanet-Tolosan: A short distance from the Canal, Castanet-Tolosan has a busy shopping centre where you will find everything you should need.
- Toulouse: Fourth largest city in France with a cosmopolitan vibe, strong café culture and a wealth of museums and tourist attractions.
- Montgiscard: A quiet 13th century town with a gothic church and a good restaurant close to the lock.
- Villefranche-de-Lauragais: 2km from Renneville Lock, you’ll find a variety of amenities and a fine example of a church with a traditional wall bell-tower.
- Port-Lauragais: This purpose-built tourist marina has good moorings for the night with a restaurant.
- Arrive Castelnaudary (again)
24 hr(s) of cruising
120km 34 locks 7 nights
The Canal du Midi Cruise
Castelnaudary
Pexiora
Villepinte
Bram
Villesèquelande
Carcassonne
Trèbes
Millepetit
Marseillette
La Redorte
Puicheric
Homps
20 hr(s) of cruising
81km 45 locks 7 nightsThe 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 hire 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.
20 hr(s) of cruising
81km 45 locks 7 nights
The Golden Midi Cruise
Castelnaudary
Pexiora
Villepinte
Bram
Villesèquelande
Carcassonne
Trèbes
Millepetit
Marseillette
Puicheric
La Redorte
Homps
Argens-Minervois
Roubia
Paraza
Ventenac-en-Minervois
Le Somail
Argeliers
Capestang
Poilhes
Colombiers
Fonseranes
Béziers
Villeneuve-lès-Béziers
Cers
Portiragnes
Port Cassafières
33 hr(s) of cruising
157km 63 locks 7 nightsThe 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 hire 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.
33 hr(s) of cruising
157km 63 locks 7 nights
The Medieval Short Break
Castelnaudary
Pexiora
Villepinte
Bram
Villesèquelande
Carcassonne
Trèbes
14 hr(s) of cruising
52km 31 locks 4 nightsThe Medieval Short Break
Castelnaudary to Trèbes ONEWAY
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview:
A short one-way cruise, that takes you past pretty quiet villages on your way to the magnificent Carcassonne
Top highlights:
- Escape from it all - enjoy tranquil countryside
- Sample the local wine in peaceful villages
- Enjoy the café-culture of charming canal-side villages
- 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 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.
- Arrive Trèbes: Stock up on excellent local produce including wine, olives, jams and confits. Then visit the family friendly Cavayère Lake.
14 hr(s) of cruising
52km 31 locks 4 nights
The Languedoc Short Break
Homps
Roubia
Ventenac-en-Minervois
Le Somail
Paraza
Argens-Minervois
Homps
11 hr(s) of cruising
40km 12 locks 3 nightsThe Languedoc Short Break
Homps RETURN via Le Somail
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview:
A short return cruise along a section of the Midi with lots to see and to do on your way to beautiful little Languedoc village of Le Somail.
Top highlights:
- Charming Argens-Minervois, with its cobbled streets and château
- Winetasting at the historic Paraza Chateau
- Ventenac-en-Minervois' waterside wine cellar
- The idyllic village of Le Somail
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Arrive Homps (again)
11 hr(s) of cruising
40km 12 locks 3 nights
The Languedoc Vineyards Cruise
Homps
Puicheric
Millepetit
Carcassonne
Marseillette
La Redorte
Trèbes
Homps
20 hr(s) of cruising
80km 42 locks 7 nightsThe Languedoc Vineyards Cruise
Homps RETURN via Carcassonne
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
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 hire 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)
20 hr(s) of cruising
80km 42 locks 7 nights
The Classic Midi Cruise
Homps
Argens-Minervois
Roubia
Paraza
Ventenac-en-Minervois
Le Somail
Argeliers
Capestang
Poilhes
Colombiers
Fonseranes
Béziers
Villeneuve-lès-Béziers
Cers
Portiragnes
Port Cassafières
13 hr(s) of cruising
77km 18 locks 7 nightsThe Classic Midi Cruise
Homps to Port Cassafières ONEWAY
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
- 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
- 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.
13 hr(s) of cruising
77km 18 locks 7 nights
The Cathar Short Break
Homps
La Redorte
Puicheric
Marseillette
Millepetit
Carcassonne
Trèbes
13 hr(s) of cruising
52km 28 locks 4 nightsThe Cathar Short Break
Homps to Trèbes via Carcassonne ONEWAY
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Overview:
A short one-way cruise perfect for those travelling with kids. Visit Cavayère Lake and Carcassonne for family fun that is sure to keep the little ones (and big ones) entertained.
Top highlights:
- Stunning Minerve – one of France’s most beautiful towns (accessible from Homps)
- Family fun at Cavayère Lake (accessible from Trèbes)
- Stop for a wonderful cooking school in Millepetit
- Historic and famous fortress at Carcassonne
Example itinerary:
- 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.
- 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 hire 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 Trèbes: Stock up on excellent local produce including wine, olives, jams and confits. Then visit the family friendly Cavayère Lake.
13 hr(s) of cruising
52km 28 locks 4 nights
The Cathar Cruise
Homps
Roubia
Ventenac-en-Minervois
Sallèles d'Aude
Narbonne
Le Somail
Paraza
Argens-Minervois
La Redorte
Puicheric
Marseillette
Millepetit
Carcassonne
Trèbes
29 hr(s) of cruising
120km 51 locks 7 nightsThe Cathar Cruise
Homps to Trèbes via Narbonne & Carcassonne ONEWAY
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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 hire 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 Trèbes: Stock up on excellent local produce including wine, olives, jams and confits. Then visit the family friendly Cavayère Lake.
29 hr(s) of cruising
120km 51 locks 7 nights
The Sunshine Cruise
Port Cassafières
Cers
Béziers
Colombiers
Capestang
Narbonne
Sallèles d'Aude
Le Somail
Argeliers
Poilhes
Fonseranes
Villeneuve-lès-Béziers
Portiragnes
Port Cassafières
27 hr(s) of cruising
128km 44 locks 7 nightsThe Sunshine Cruise
Port Cassafières RETURN via Narbonne
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Overview:
A week-long return cruise past quiet villages and historic sites, all within short distance of Mediterranean beaches.
Top highlights:
- The golden sands of the Mediterranean
- Béziers, the birthplace of Pierre-Paul Riquet, the engineer behind the Canal du Midi
- Descend the The Fonserannes Locks – a marvel of the Midi
- The Malpas Tunnel, built in just eight days and the first canal tunnel in Europe
- Roman Narbonne with its impressive Cathedral and Archbishop’s Palace
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 Port Cassafières: Port Cassafières is a small marina where Le Boat has a base with fresh water and electricity points.
- Cers: A busy little town, but there’s not much to stop for besides the very large Intermarché.
- Béziers: The birthplace of Pierre-Paul Riquet, the engineer behind the Canal du Midi. Wander Béziers’s medieval streets, bright squares and leafy parks.
- Colombiers: A lively place, just to the west of the town you'll come across the Malpas Tunnel, the first canal tunnel in Europe.
- 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!
- 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.
- Sallèles d'Aude: Stroll around to find the quirky Chapel of St. Roch and Le Calvarie, then enjoy the village’s several restaurants.
- 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.
- Poilhes: Poilhes is a charming canal-side village with a small shop and a handful of lovely restaurants
- The Fonserannes Locks: Delight in ascending or descending the seven chambered Fonserannes Locks – one of the marvels of the Midi.
- 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.
- Portiragnes: A cheery town, stop here for the Monday morning and Tuesday morning markets.
- Arrive Port Cassafières (again)
27 hr(s) of cruising
128km 44 locks 7 nights
The Medieval Cruise
Trèbes
Marseillette
La Redorte
Argens-Minervois
Homps
Puicheric
Millepetit
Carcassonne
Villesèquelande
Bram
Villepinte
Pexiora
Castelnaudary
32 hr(s) of cruising
118km 53 locks 7 nightsThe Medieval Cruise
Trèbes to Castelnaudary via Argens-Minervois ONEWAY
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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 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 hire 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.
32 hr(s) of cruising
118km 53 locks 7 nights
The Carcassonne Short Break
Trèbes RETURN via Carcassonne
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Overview:
A short return cruise ideal for those looking to visit the magnificent citadel of Carcassonne - the biggest medieval construction in all of Europe.
Top highlights:
- Historic and famous fortress at Carcassonne
- Family fun at Cavayère Lake (accessible from Trèbes)
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 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.
- Arrive Trèbes (again)
7 hr(s) of cruising
26km 12 locks 3 nights
The Pierre-Paul Riquet Cruise
Trèbes
Carcassonne
Millepetit
Puicheric
Homps
Roubia
Ventenac-en-Minervois
Capestang
Colombiers
Fonseranes
Béziers
Poilhes
Argeliers
Le Somail
Paraza
Argens-Minervois
La Redorte
Marseillette
Trèbes
36 hr(s) of cruising
180km 58 locks 10 nightsThe Pierre-Paul Riquet Cruise
Trèbes RETURN via Béziers
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Overview:
A week-long return cruise that takes you past the Midi’s most impressive engineering feats at the Malpas Tunnel and the Fonserannes Locks. All on the way to ancient town of Béziers – birthplace of Pierre-Paul Riquet, the engineer behind the Canal du Midi.
Top highlights:
- Historic and famous fortress at Carcassonne
- Stunning Minerve – one of France’s most beautiful towns (accessible from Homps)
- 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 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.
- Millepetit: Stop for a wonderful cooking school – learn how to create classic French cuisine with a modern twist!
- Puichéric: A village full of medieval character with a lovely church and worth a stop if you love watersports – you can hire canoes, kayaks or standup paddle boards and ‘mess about’ on the adjacent River Aude.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- Poilhes: Poilhes is a charming canal-side village with a small shop and a handful of lovely restaurants.
- 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.
- 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.
- Marseillette: Famed for growing rice, a clock tower in the centre of Marseillette served as a relay for the first telecommunications network.
- Arrive Trèbes (again)
36 hr(s) of cruising
180km 58 locks 10 nights