River Cruise in Midi, France

1 WEEK – RETURN TRIP
162km • 62 locks • 42hr cruising time
1 WEEK – ONE WAY TRIP
(OR VICE-VERSA)
81km • 31 locks • 21hr cruising time (non stop)

Canal du Midi – A classic Canal du Midi cruise through rolling countryside under the dappled shade of the plane trees. Visit the impressive medieval walled city of Carcassonne and taste wine at the many ‘caves du vin’ en route. At the pretty port of Homps, visit nearby Minèrve, an historic Cathar village, before returning to base.

1 WEEK – RETURN TRIP
130km • 48 locks • 26hr cruising time

Canal du Midi – From Castelnaudary, home of the classic ‘cassoulet’ dish, arrive at Narouze – the highest point on the canal for some splendid views. Excellent tow paths are great for cycling. Shop at Port Lauragais and visit pretty medieval villages and ancient ‘bastide’ towns en route. The beautiful ‘pink city’ of Toulouse is home to St. Sernin Basilica, the largest Romanesque church in the world.

1 WEEK – RETURN TRIP
128km • 46 locks • 27hr cruising time

Canal du Midi – Canal de la Robine – The magnificent staircase of locks at Fonsérannes gives you stunning views over the Orb Valley and the city of Béziers. Enjoy wines at the 400-year-old vineyard next to the Guery aqueduct. Pick up a rare edition from the famous bookshop at Le Somail. Pass under the spectacular Merchant’s Bridge lined with shops and houses as you enter Narbonne.

1 WEEK – RETURN TRIP
168km • 2 locks • 27hr cruising time

Canal du Midi – Canal du Rhône à Sète – Walk or cycle a short distance from Port- Cassafières to relax beside the Mediterranean Sea. Cruise in the Camargue at leisure, taking in a guided tour of the Noilly Prat vermouth cellars at Marseillan before reaching medieval Aigues-Mortes.

1 WEEK – ONE WAY TRIP
80km • 18 locks • 16hr cruising time

Canal du Midi – From sunny Port-Cassafières cruise to Béziers where the splendid cathedral provides a perfect backdrop to the magnificent staircase of locks at Fonsérannes. Stop at waterside towns and village en route to Homps where you can take an excursion back in time to the beautiful medieval town of Minèrve before returning to base.

1 WEEK – ONE WAY TRIP
157km • 64 locks • 35hr cruising time

Canal du Midi – From the beaches and edge of the Camargue at Port-Cassafières, cruise to the vibrant city of Béziers. Head up the staircase of locks at Fonsérannes and cruise in the shade of the plane trees stopping when the mood takes you. Stop at the famous ice-house and bookshop at Le Somail. Head on to Castelnaudary, a beautiful 14th century town and home to ‘cassoulet’. En route stop and visit Carcassonne, France’s famous medieval fortified town.

SHORT BREAK ONE WAY TRIP – 3 or 4 DAYS
53km • 30 locks • 10hr cruising time

Canal du Midi – Spend a long weekend or enjoy a mid-week break on the beautiful Canal du Midi, departing from the delightful old port of Castelnaudary and heading to Carcassonne – a medieval fortified town famous for hosting vibrant festivals, firework displays and open-air concerts. Enjoy the timeless appeal of this historic waterway before stopping at Trèbes.