Canal du Midi
Blue skies and sunshine with long stretches of shade-giving
planes and cypress dominate the scene as you gently cruise
this tranquil waterway. Built by Baron Pierre Riquet in the
17th century, the canal retains the charm and flavour of
that era yet is away from the usual tourist haunts of the
south.
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From the west the canal falls gently
through the beautiful Languedoc,
past fascinating towns and villages,
the Corbières and Minervois
vineyards, and close to the
magnificent fortified town of
Carcassonne. Along the way you'll
navigate staircase locks, ancient
arched bridges, aqueducts and the
first ever canal tunnel. East
towards the Mediterranean
approaches, you can stop awhile at
several canal-side villages to enjoy
the local cuisine before reaching
Agde - the 'Black Pearl of the
Mediterranean' and the entrance to
the Etang de Thau a large salt water
lake famous for its delicious
oysters and sea foods. |
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Minervois Cruisers moorings at
Le Somail, Canal du Midi |
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Narbonne, Canal de la Robine |
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The Magnifique crossing the
aqueduct at Béziers, Canal du Midi |
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The
Camargue - Canal du Rhône à Sète
You can see vast flocks of flamingoes,
freely roaming wild bulls and white horses,
walk around the walls of the ancient
crusader city of Aigues Mortes, or just
watch shoals of small fish darting around
your boat.
With just two locks between Beaucaire and
Sête this extraordinary canal makes for
effortless cruising. Spend a few hours on a
nearby Mediterranean beach, or visit one of
the bustling little fishing ports to taste
the delicious local seafood accompanied by a
cool, refreshing bottle of Muscat.
Everywhere you'll find a warm welcome in
this fascinating area of France. |
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