About our Canal boat holidays in Canal du Midi, France
Luxuriate in the laid-back charm of a beautiful cruise on the Canal du Midi
With our Canal du Midi boat hire, you can savour the slow and easy pace of travel past lush vineyards in the heart of the Languedoc wine region. Our river cruises allow you to enjoy wine tasting, cycling, and sightseeing at medieval villages and ancient fortress cities from bustling Toulouse to the golden sands of the Mediterranean Sea.
Cruise at your own leisurely pace, meet welcoming locals, and immerse yourself in the stunning natural and architectural heritage. With many departure bases available, a perfect Canal du Midi adventure is waiting just for you!
It’s always a good time to boat with 30% off* spring and summer holidays. Book by 13 May.
Interactive map of the Canal du Midi
Le Boat base
Point of interest
Enjoy this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site from the comfort of your own boat. We have a range of boats to choose from and you don’t need a licence or prior experience to operate them.
A member of the Le Boat team will be in the area to meet you at our Castelnaudary, Homps, Trèbes, or Port Cassafières bases to show you the ropes. Then, you’re free to set sail on your canal boating holiday through the Canal du Midi.
No boat licence or experience required
Not many of our new customers have driven a boat before. However, they quickly realise how easy it is and soon become confident navigating the waterways. Our base teams will show you everything you need to know, so you can relax and enjoy your time away.
What our customers think of canal boat holidays in Canal du Midi Canal du Midi
See all reviews >Customer service is there for anything you might need. Happy…
Customer service is there for anything you might need. Happy to help in any way.
Pleasant trip from Trebes to Carcassonne
Pleasant trip from Trebes to Carcassonne
Narbonne is very convenient because of its proximity to the…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
It was a lovely trip and plenty of places to stop and adventure. We absolutely loved the views.
Great holiday that anyone can do with their family.
Great holiday that anyone can do with their family.
Easy to navigate locks A few nice towns and restaurants…
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…
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
Great location easy travel times to beautiful spots
The scenery was very beautiful, but the villages nd restauranrts…
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…
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…
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…
We used Le Boat barge to travel from Castenaudery to Homps. With plenty of time, we actually travelled 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 holiday with 5 adults enjoying time together.
Great trip we will definitely go again and make it…
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…
nice good condition boat. small issues that couldnt get tv to work & some USB ports didnt work
The Canal du Midi is the perfect boating region for…
Wine tasting
The Canal du Midi is ideal for wine-tasting holidays in the Languedoc wine region. Tour vineyards, visit wine caves, and taste free samples during your Canal du Midi boating holiday. Trèbes, Homps, Ventenac, Paraza, Marseillette and Capestang offer much for wine connoisseurs!
History & Heritage
The Canal du Midi is steeped in history and heritage. On your French boating holiday, 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!
Discovering regional 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 boating holidays
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!
When you hire a boat on the Canal du Midi, your children will be spoiled for choice for entertainment on the most beautiful of holidays.
Why choose Le Boat for your Canal du Midi boating holiday?
Le Boat makes your holiday easy and enjoyable, with hassle-free check-ins and on-demand technical support whenever you need it.
Climb aboard our well-appointed boats, featuring cosy cabins, fully equipped kitchens, and private bathrooms; you’ll have everything you need to feel at home on the water.
Take the wheel and choose your own route. With Le Boat, you’re the captain, free to explore at your own pace and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Our articles about boat hire on the Canal du Midi
The best cycling destinations along the Canal du Midi
Our 4-day cruise on the Canal du Midi
Celebrating 30 years of UNESCO heritage on the Canal du Midi
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Select your route
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 sixth 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
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 travelling 12km inland to the beautiful town of Minerve, perched high on a rocky promontory surrounded by deep gorges – spectacular!
Travel connections
- 33km 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
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. 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
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 sixth 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
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 travelling 12km inland to the beautiful town of Minerve, perched high on a rocky promontory surrounded by deep gorges – spectacular!
Travel connections
- 33km 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
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. 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
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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 holidays 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.
7-Night Canal du Midi Itinerary: Castelnaudary via Carcassonne Return
7-Night Canal du Midi Itinerary: Port Cassafières to Homps
3-Night Canal du Midi Itinerary: Homps via Argeliers Return
7-Night Canal du Midi Itinerary: Homps via Béziers Return
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.
Castelnaudary RETURN via Gardouch
Castelnaudary RETURN via Gardouch
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)
Castelnaudary RETURN via Carcassonne
Castelnaudary RETURN via Carcassonne
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)
Castelnaudary RETURN via Toulouse
Castelnaudary RETURN via Toulouse
Castelnaudary RETURN via Toulouse
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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)
Castelnaudary to Homps
Castelnaudary to Homps
Castelnaudary to Homps
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 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..
- 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.
Castelnaudary to Port Cassafières
Castelnaudary to Port Cassafières
Castelnaudary to Port Cassafières
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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.
Castelnaudary to Carcassonne (Trèbes)
Castelnaudary to Carcassonne (Trèbes)
Castelnaudary to Carcassonne (Trèbes)
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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 Carcassonne (Trèbes): Stock up on excellent local produce including wine, olives, jams and confits. Then visit the family friendly Cavayère Lake.
Carcassonne (Trèbes) to Castelnaudary via Argens-Minervois
Carcassonne (Trèbes) to Castelnaudary via Argens-Minervois
Carcassonne (Trèbes) to Castelnaudary via Argens-Minervois
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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 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 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.
Carcassonne (Trèbes) RETURN via Carcassonne
Carcassonne (Trèbes) RETURN via Carcassonne
Carcassonne (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 Carcassonne (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 Carcassonne (Trèbes) (again)
Carcassonne (Trèbes) RETURN via Béziers
Carcassonne (Trèbes) RETURN via Béziers
Carcassonne (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 Carcassonne (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 Carcassonne (Trèbes) (again)
Homps RETURN via Le Somail
Homps RETURN via Le Somail
Homps RETURN via Le Somail
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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)
Homps RETURN via Carcassonne
Homps RETURN via Carcassonne
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 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)
Homps to Carcassonne (Trèbes) via Narbonne & Carcassonne
Homps to Carcassonne (Trèbes) via Narbonne & Carcassonne
Homps to Carcassonne (Trèbes) via Narbonne & Carcassonne
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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 Carcassonne (Trèbes): Stock up on excellent local produce including wine, olives, jams and confits. Then visit the family friendly Cavayère Lake.
Homps to Carcassonne (Trèbes) via Carcassonne
Homps to Carcassonne (Trèbes) via Carcassonne
Homps to Carcassonne (Trèbes) via Carcassonne
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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 Carcassonne (Trèbes): Stock up on excellent local produce including wine, olives, jams and confits. Then visit the family friendly Cavayère Lake.
Homps to Port Cassafières via Narbonne
Homps to Port Cassafières via Narbonne
Homps to Port Cassafières via Narbonne
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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.
Port Cassafières RETURN via Narbonne
Port Cassafières RETURN via Narbonne
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)