H2olidays

Le Boat

Carmargue

A perfect destination for Beginners to enjoy a wonderful boating holiday. The Camargue has something for everyone, swim in the clear waters of the Mediterranean at nearby seaside resorts, enjoy the amazing wildlife including over 400 species of birds that the Camargue provides habitats for, or enjoy the ancient fishing ports of Aigues Mortes and Sète.

Regional Highlights

• Most days of sunshine in the whole of France – enjoy warm cruising weather as late as October
• Lock free cruising on the Etang de Thau
• Fabulous beach resorts at Palavas les Flots, Carnon, La Grand Motte and Le Grau du Roi
• Ancient ports, fishing villages and historic towns – visit Aigues Mortes, Marseillan, Le Grau du Roi and Bouzigues
• A wildlife haven – the Camargue is the only nesting place for graceful flamingos in the whole of France
• Visit the homes of the wonderful aperitifs Muscat de Frontignan at Frontignan and Noilly Prat at Marseillan
• Dine at fabulous seafood restaurants, serving delicious local specialities such as Moules Marinières, Bouzigues Oysters and Brandade de Morue

Enjoy a peaceful way of life - seemingly unchanged for centuries as you journey under vast blue skies along the Canal du Rhone à Sète through the natural salt lakes and peaceful reed marshes that make up the Camargue.

Here are some cruising suggestions...

Short Breaks

The Camargue Short Break
Discover the charms of both the Mediterranean and the Camargue on this short break. Visit the Costieres de Nimes AOC wine cellars at Gallician, do a guided tour of medieval Aigues Mortes and relax on sandy beaches in the sunshine at Palavas-les-Flots.
Duration: 3 Nights
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 100 km
Locks: 0
Cruise Time: 12 hrs

Week Breaks

The Crusader Cruise
Port Cassafieres - Aigues Mortes - Port Cassafieres
Cruise in the Camargue at leisure relaxing at small harbour-front restaurants and visiting the Noilly Prat vermouth cellars at Marseillan before reaching the beautiful medieval walled city of Aigues Mortes. This 13th century fortified town remains largely intact and is a joy to explore.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 168 km
Locks: 4
Cruise Time: 30 hrs

The Seaside Cruise
Port Cassafieres - Beaucaire (or vice versa)
Enjoy the Camargue’s rich diversity of culture and wildlife and beautiful open landscapes as you cruise in the sunshine along the Canal du Rhône à Sète, alongside the oyster beds of the Etang de Thau to the seaside town of Port Cassafières.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: One Way
Distance: 128 km
Locks: 3
Cruise Time: 23 hrs

The Sunshine Cruise
Beaucaire - Etang du Thau - Beaucaire
With only two locks, this cruise is perfect for beginners and sunshine cruisers! Go swimming, hire windsurfers or go scuba diving at the beach resort of Palavas les Flots. Make sure you have binoculars to spot the wildlife on the Etang de Thau.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 220 km
Locks: 2
Cruise Time: 37 hrs

The Wine Lover's Cruise
Homps - Marseillan - Homps
Combine a classic Canal du Midi cruise with the delights of the Camargue. Enjoy delightful villages, waterside restaurants and the crystal clear waters of the Etang de Thau in the heart of the Camargue. Enjoy a fabulous meal at the Port of Marseillan, home of French Noilly Prat Vermouth.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 190 km
Locks: 38
Cruise Time: 38 hrs

The Flamingo Cruise
St Gilles - Port Cassafieres (or vice versa)
Explore the ramparts of the medieval walled city of Aigues Mortes and swim in the sunshine at Carnon. You’ll need your binoculars for the panoramic views and birdlife as you cross the lock-free Etang de Thau. Spend time exploring Agde, one of France’s oldest towns and go horse-riding alongside the canal ...
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: One Way
Distance: 98 km
Locks: 2
Cruise Time: 20 hrs

The Guardians' Cruise
St-Gilles - Etang de Thau - St-Gilles
Explore the delightful 13th century fortified town of Aigues Mortes and enjoy superb views from its ramparts. Head towards La Grande Motte to see pink flamingos gather in their thousands. Sip some cool Muscat in the shaded alleys of Frontignan and enjoy an evening promenade at Sète.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 146 km
Locks: 0
Cruise Time: 22 hrs

Longer Breaks

Gems of the Camargue Cruise
Beaucaire - Beziers - Beaucaire
From the heart of the Camargue to Béziers, the birthplace of Pierre-Paul Riquet, the founder of the Canal du Midi, this wonderful cruise allows you to spend time discovering the gems of the South of France - ancient walled towns, delightful fishing villages, bustling ports and chic cities.
Duration: Two Weeks
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 282 km
Locks: 14Cruise
Time: 36 hrs