Are you looking for the best places to spend a boating holiday in France? The Canal du Midi is a perfect waterway to discover the region. Created in the south of the country in the 1600s, it is a canal that connects Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea. This canal offers many beautiful viewpoints and great attractions along the way.
The popularity of this channel is due to the boat rental on the Canal du Midi which is incredibly simple. If you want to explore the waterway and enjoy a relaxing vacation on the water. In this guide to cruises on the Canal du Midi, Locaboat, a boating holiday agency, explains everything you need to know to have a great holiday in this region.
Reservations: Canal du Midi boat hire
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Where is the Canal du Midi?
The Canal du Midi is one of the most popular waterways in France. It is located in the Languedoc region, in the south of the country. The Canal ensures the connection between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It extends over 240 km through the countryside, vineyards and numerous villages.
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Where does the Canal du Midi start and end?
The Canal du Midi stretches from the town of Sète, on the coast, to the city of Toulouse, connecting a Mediterranean lagoon to the Canal de Garonne. The cruise on this canal goes from the seaside to the fourth largest French city. It also passes through rural landscapes, which promises you plenty of variety along the journey.
You can cruise the entire length of the canal on a Canal du Midi cruise. However many travelers decide to do only part of the itinerary. The highlights of the route are Carcassonne, Le Somail, Béziers and Castelnaudary.
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History of the Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi was designed by Pierre-Paul Riquet and built between 1662 and 1681. The introduction of the canal increased transport on the Garonne through France via the canal network.
While the idea of a canal like that of the Midi had been discussed for years, it was Riquet who found the way to overcome the main obstacles to its creation. It was necessary to cross the high levels near the Ocean Lock and supply the canal with water all along its route. His solution was to take water from the Montagne Noire, transport it to the basin of Saint Ferréol. After that, it was necessary to channel this water to the Déversoir de Naurouze, where it fills the channel in both directions.
The design of this channel was considered a feat of engineering. It also had an impact on trade that brought great economic prosperity to France.
It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, in recognition of the ingenious technology that enabled its creation and the way it influenced trade throughout the country.
CHARMING TOWNS ALONG THE CANAL DU MIDI
The Canal du Midi sees hundreds of new travelers each year. It is an ideal route for a cruise if you have never taken a boating holiday. Being in command of your boat allows you to plan your route as you see fit. Enjoy the highlights of the region. Appreciate its history, the beauty of the region and the surrounding attractions. Canal vacations are popular thanks to the towns to visit.
Here are five you should visit for an unforgettable cruise on the Canal du Midi.
1.Toulouse
Toulouse is the city located at one end of the Canal du Midi. It is a very popular French destination which is ideal for canal travellers. Its large size means there is a wide range of things to see and do around town. You can easily spend a few days here, at the start or end of your trip.
Known as the "Pink City", Toulouse owes its nickname to the terracotta bricks of which many buildings are made. They give the whole neighborhood a warm, rosy glow. The city has beautiful churches and magnificent pieces of architecture. You will also find many restaurants where you can taste the traditional cuisine of the south of the country.
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2. Carcassonne
Carcassonne is one of the most amazing places in the region. It is also one of the most popular places to visit during a cruise on the Canal du Midi. Carcassonne is located at the top of a hill overlooking the Aude. It is a very beautiful walled city with stone walls and iconic watchtowers. Admire these beautiful backdrops, whether you see them bathed in sunlight by day or lit up at night.
Exploring the historic architecture of Carcassonne should be your top priority during your visit. You will discover a history that dates back to Roman times. The town center is also stunning, with a range of shops and restaurants clustered around the Bastide Saint-Louis.
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3. Beziers
Beziers is another French hilltop town known for being the wine capital of the region. It is a charming city which is never too lively, even in the height of summer. What makes it this city ideal for travelers looking for a quiet place to spend a day.
The most remarkable aspect of the history of Béziers is the persecution of the Cathars. It is on this site that a cathedral was built. The city is also known to be the birthplace of Pierre-Paul Riquet, designer of the Canal du Midi.
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4. Castelnaudary
Castelnaudary is a town where many travelers who sail on the Canal du Midi stop. It is popular among visitors to the region. It was part of a Roman trade route and is therefore ideal for tourists with many attractions to visit.
The Grand Bassin is one of the best things to see in Castelnaudary. You can see it from your boat or as a spectator. The city is also known for its cassoulet, which you must try at least once during your visit.
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5. Narbonne
Narbonne is a coastal town located near one end of the Canal du Midi road. This makes it an ideal place to start or end your journey along the waterway. It was initially a port city that prospered thanks to the trade that passed through it. Over the years the sea has receded and left the ocean more than 10 km away.
Visitors to Narbonne should explore the historic streets of the town. You should also visit the imposing St-Just cathedral and taste local products at the Halles de Narbonne. If you feel like spending time by another body of water, the sandy beach at Narbonne-Plage is a huge stretch. Perfect for a day by the sea!
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OUR ADVICE FOR AN UNMISSABLE CRUISE!
What you need to know about cruises on the Canal du Midi
If you are thinking of taking a boating holiday on this famous waterway, here is a short guide to cruises on the Canal du Midi. It contains all the essential information you need to know about the route and its characteristics.
Boat rental on the Canal du Midi
The first thing to know about cruises on the Canal du Midi: it is easy to rent a boat. With organizations like Locaboat, you can enjoy a luxury houseboat et navigate on the water at your own pace. You will be free to walk the whole route or just part of the bay.
You are at the controls of your own boat! It will therefore be easy to organize excursions to the pretty towns and villages that you will pass on the way. It is highly recommended to research the route in advance so that you can plan where to moor your boat. You will be free to decide the length of your stay at each destination.
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Food and drinks
Another important thing to know, you will need to make reservations before embarking on a barge holiday on the Canal du Midi. There aren't many options for grocery stores along the road. Although some towns have restaurants, it's best to be prepared. Stock up on snacks and food so you can eat on your houseboat.
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The locks of the Canal du Midi
There are 63 locks and 91 chambers along the entire length of the Canal du Midi, including several staircases. These stairs are electrically operated and therefore do not take too long to climb.
Most of the locks on the Canal du Midi are operated by the user. You will therefore need to be prepared to get on and off the boat to use the controls. Some locks may have a lock keeper who will help you along the way. The control panels and instructions are very easy to follow, so you'll be fine.
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The best time to cruise the Canal du Midi
The boat cruises on the Canal du Midi are ideal from spring to autumn. You will enjoy mild weather and beautiful scenery.
If you're looking for consistent warm, sunny weather, a visit between June and August promises the best conditions. However, keep in mind that in August, temperatures can exceed 30°C and you risk suffocating in your boat. If you can't stand the heat, it's best to travel in early or late summer.
For holidays in France, the Canal du Midi is one of the most popular places for travelers, especially during the summer. During this period you should expect the channel to be quite busy. This will not prevent you from enjoying the experience! You only risk queuing at the locks at certain times.
Many travelers recommend cruising the Canal du Midi in late spring or early fall. This allows you to take advantage of the good temperatures without being in the middle of it. In spring, you will be greeted by spectacular flowerbeds at the edge of the water. The color palette is also beautiful in the fall.
What should you pack for a cruise on the Canal du Midi?
When packing for a Canal du Midi cruise, consider the size of the boat you are traveling on. Small boats have limited storage space for luggage. So it's not the kind of cruise where you have to plan a different outfit for each meal. It is better to opt for collapsible bags so that they can be stored easily.
The time of year you plan your cruise will affect the type of clothing you will need. It is advisable to bring several layers of clothing to cope with temperature fluctuations. Bring comfortable clothes that you can move around in. You must be able to get on and off the boat easily to pass the locks or walk on the towpath.
You should also bring non-slip shoes to walk safely around the boat. This will save you from accidental dives. We also recommend gardening gloves or simply thick fabric gloves . They will protect your hands while driving and managing locks and ropes.
We have already mentioned that you will need to do your shopping before boarding. It is therefore very important to have enough provisions for your cruise vacation. Rental boats are equipped with all the dishes and utensils you need.
Although you may be busy exploring the surroundings of the canal or admiring the sights during the cruise. We advise you to bring books or games to pass the time on the boat. If you bring electronic devices, be sure to bring chargers. Ideally bring a portable charging bank in case of emergency.
Finally, many travelers on the Canal du Midi find that bringing bicycles makes it easier to get to towns. It allows you to open the locks by bike and the freedom to choose the places you visit. You can bring your own bike or rent one from rental bases along the route.
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