H2olidays

Le Boat

Midi

Listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site, the Canal du Midi takes you on a wonderful journey through the South of France allowing you to enjoy your boating holiday through the heart of the gastronimic Languedoc countryside.

Regional Highlights

• Sunshine from March – October
• The ancient walled city of Carcassonne
• The medieval town of Castelnaudary -the home of cassoulet
• The Roman town of Narbonne and its famous Merchant’s Bridge
• The staircase of locks at Fonsérannes, near Béziers
• The beaches and seafood restaurants at Port la Nouvelle, Narbonne
• Beautiful Languedoc countryside - France’s most prolific wine-producing region
• Pretty oval shaped locks - all automatic and fully manned
• Good links to motorways, regional airports and TGV train stations

Bathed in warm sunshine for most of the year, a cruise along the waterways of the South of France is a perfect holiday choice for experienced and first-time cruisers alike. Cruise from any of our five bases on the Canal du Midi through to the heart of the Camargue and beyond - and tailor your journey to be as cultural, gastronomic or leisurely as you choose.

Short Breaks

The Medieval Short Break Cruise
Castelnaudary - Trebes (or vice versa)
From the old port of Castelnaudary, visit medieval Carcassonne and enjoy the timeless appeal of the waterway en route to the medieval town of Trèbes, situated at the confluence of the Canal du Midi and the river Aude.
Duration: 3-4 Nights
Cruise Type: One Way
Distance: 52 km
Locks: 31
Cruise Time: 18 hrs

Week Breaks

The Little Midi Cruise
Castelnaudary - Homps - Castelnaudary
A classic cruise on the Canal du Midi through rolling countryside under the dappled shade of the plane trees. Visit the impressive walled city of Carcassonne, and the medieval Cathar city of Argens Minervois close to the pretty port of Homps. Spend time en route visiting the wine towns of Trèbes, and Bram and ...
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 162 km
Locks: 88
Cruise Time: 46 hrs

The Merchant's Cruise
Narbonne - Carcassone - Narbonne
Start your holiday in the pretty Roman town of Narbonne and enjoy the scenery of the Canal de la Robine before turning onto the Canal du Midi and heading towards the walled city of Carcassonne.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 158 km
Locks: 78
Cruise Time: 39 hrs

The Wine Lover's Cruise
Homps - Bram - Homps
From the small port of Homps – once famous for shipping the many barrels of Languedoc wine on to Bordeaux, head up-stream under the shade of the plane trees to the lovely waterside town of Bram, stopping off en route to visit the medieval walled city of Carcassonne.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 128 km
Locks: 50
Cruise Time: 35 hrs

The Pierre-Paul Riquet Cruise
Trebes - Beziers - Trebes
Enjoy lock free cruising between Argens and Béziers as you pass through the heart of waterside towns and villages to the busy port-town of Béziers, birthplace of Pierre-Paul Riquet – founder of the Canal du Midi. Experience the staircase of locks at Fonsérannes and the oldest canal tunnel at Malpas en route.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 180 km
Locks: 54
Cruise Time: 37 hrs

The Sunshine Cruise
Port Cassafieres - Narbonne - Port Cassafieres
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 and browse for antique books at Le Somail before cruising down the Canal de la Robine into Narbonne.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 128 km
Locks: 46
Cruise Time: 27 hrs

The Canal du Midi Cruise
Homps - Castelnaudary (or vice versa)
Take this classic Canal du Midi cruise in sunshine and shade between Homps and the lovely town of Castelnaudary. Spend time en route visiting the towns of Trèbes, Carcassonne and Bram and savour the slow pace of life along this beautiful section of the canal.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: One Way
Distance: 81 km
Locks: 44
Cruise Time: 30 hrs

The Midi-Robine Cruise
Narbonne - Trebes (or vice versa)
A spectacular one week cruise along the Canal du Midi and the Canal de la Robine. Narbonne, with its spectacular Merchant’s Bridge is a delightful city to explore and is close to the beaches.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: One Way
Distance: 87 km
Locks: 43
Cruise Time: 23 hrs

The Classic Midi Cruise
Homps - Port Cassafieres (or vice versa)
Set off from the wine centre of Homps and savour the memorable sights and sounds of the Canal du Midi en route to Port Cassafières, situated at the edge of the Camargue and close to lovely beaches.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: One Way
Distance: 77 km
Locks: 19
Cruise Time: 17 hrs

The Golden Midi Cruise
Port Cassafieres - Castelnaudary (or vice versa)
From the beaches and edge of the Camargue, cruise to the vibrant city of Bèziers. Head up the staircase of locks at Fonsérannes and cruise in the shade, stopping when the mood takes you. Visit the famous ice-house and book shop at Le Somail before heading on to the 14th century town ...
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: One Way
Distance: 157 km
Locks: 62
Cruise Time: 45 hrs

Longer Breaks

The Languedoc Cruise
Narbonne - Castelnaudary - Narbonne
An ancient Roman town and former thriving sea port, Narbonne is famous for its spectacular Merchant’s Bridge – one of the few remaining bridges lined with houses and shops. From here, head up-stream past many delightful villages and vineyards, and the medieval city of Carcassonne, before reaching Castelnaudary.
Duration: Two Weeks
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 236 km
Locks: 118
Cruise Time: 80 hrs