Canal du Midi – a superb cruising location
 Linking the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, the sunny Canal du Midi is one of the oldest man-made waterways in Europe. A World Heritage Site, the Canal du Midi has unusual oval locks and beautiful bridges and aqueducts.
With 7 boat bases on the Canal du Midi we offer a huge variety of one-way and out-and-back routes along the canal on over 60 different boat types.
East of Toulouse is our penichette barge base at Negra. The town was the first stop of the Mail Boat which ran from Toulouse to Agde in the 19th century. Going south east, the old port of Castelnaudary is noted for its fine buildings and as the home of 'cassoulet' - a local stew made from meat and beans. A large fleet is based at our cruiser boat base here.
 Europe's largest and best preserved medieval fortress is at nearby Carcassonne. Its medieval towers and walled city, a romantic World Heritage site, can be explored from the convenient town centre canal basin.
Spend time en route visiting the wine towns of Bram, Trèbes, and Homps and the waterside restaurants along the canal. Perhaps sample the famous Minervois local wines. We offer cruiser boats from both Trèbes and Homps.
 From our penichette base at Argens, dominated by a 14th century chateau, the Canal du Midi winds past vineyards. Shaded by plane trees you journey along the canal through villages such as pretty Le Somail, the start of a long lock-free section.
Perhaps divert onto the Canal de la Robine to the old Roman city of Narbonne. The canal passes under the Merchant's Bridge, one of the few left in France lined with houses and shops. You can also start your cruise from our boat base at Narbonne.
 The Canal du Midi continues to the interesting village of Capestang and the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas. Then descend the amazing flight of seven locks at Fonserannes, to the west of Beziers.
The busy port-town of Béziers, birthplace of Pierre-Paul Riquet, founder of the Canal du Midi, has stunning views from the hilltop cathedral of St Nazaire. East of Beziers reach our boat base at Port Cassafieres on the edge of the Camargue.
 Memories of the fabulous tree-lined Canal du Midi cruise will remain with you forever.
Diary
of a week on the Canal du Midi
To help you choose see:
Midi Boat Bases and Routes in Google Maps
Midi Cruiser Boat Holiday Routes
Midi Penichette Barge Holiday Routes
View Midi boating holiday bases in Google Earth and get driving instructions
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