The Canal du Midi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it has a truly fascinating history. It was amazing to watch the sheer amount of rushing water fill each lock to raise Athos up to the proper level to allow her to enter the next lock. This is a great spot to shop for locally made and handcrafted souvenirs. A South of France canal cruise vacation on a European river barge can be the thrill of a lifetime for visitors from Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand, Japan, China, and other places. The most interesting set of locks on our journey were the Fonserannes Locks in Beziers. The perfect way to discover the country is on a french canal cruise. You’ll have enough time to yourself, but you’ll meet a fabulous group of like-minded people. Each day, you’ll spend your mornings exploring a nearby medieval village. Our Gear, Join our Community! Toulouse is the starting point of one of the oldest canals in Europe, the Canal du Midi. There’s also a shopping street lined with pink marble, and the spectacular (yet unfinished) St Just and St Pasteur Cathedral. As the morning went on, a few tourists started to emerge as the tiny shops opened, but it never got crowded or busy. Many of these were singular locks. I thoroughly enjoyed the company of everyone on board while we were cruising the Canal du Midi. Here’s what’s included: There are only a few things not included in the price of your barge cruise: any travel insurance, air transportation to France, train transportation to Béziers and gratuities. The wine on board comes from dozens of local vineyards, perfectly paired with our food. Barging in France - a beginners guide. On my Canal du Midi cruise, there were six other passengers: two couples from Australia and one couple from the USA. Definitely add European barge cruises to your bucket list. Did you tip in Euros? LEARN MORE. The next morning, we woke up to check out the Noilly Prat vermouth distillery. You can see why it’s a “slow travel” kind of voyage! There were merely inches on each side of the boat, yet he didn’t manage to bump into the concrete edges at any time. It’s forbidden to tie to a tree, so ground stakes must be used (you need to carry your own), but the reward is a huge amount of flexibility in terms of where to stop for the night. In the afternoon, you’ll slowly drift on the Canal du Midi, whether you’re enjoying lunch on the deck or simply taking in the pastoral views. After our afternoon sailings, we’d dock at various locations on the Canal du Midi. The shaded towpaths are now popular with hikers and cyclists. It came with bicycles for potentially riding along the canalside or to nearby towns, but they were mostly rusty and unusable. Were the bathrooms quite cramped ? Please try again on the. Be sure to pack bug spray if visiting the canal, particularly during the summer months. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it traverses through the Languedoc wine region with views of the Pyrenees to the south and the Black Mountains to the north. This isn’t your only option. If you look at the room configuration on this website, it might be worthwhile to book the room at the very end of the ship - it looks to be a little more spacious than the others: https://www.europeanwaterways.com/fleet/athos/, Work With Us This particular canal cruise sails from Sunday to Saturday. And though it can be windy and a there can be a chance of rain – during the season, which only runs from April through October, you’re almost guaranteed good weather. There are paths on either side of the entire canal. On a partially hosted cruise with European Waterways aboard the classic, Dutch-designed barge Anjodi in June 2015, my wife, Gail, and I took advantage of the biking options along our route from Le Somail to Marseillan. Media Kit Sometimes it seemed as though our barge just barely fit inside each lock! I really loved how there was enough time to see everything on our trips into town. Toulouse is the starting point of one of the oldest canals in Europe, the Canal du Midi. From Toulouse, the Canal du Midi takes you through one of France's most fascinating regions to the mediterranean coast and the Camargue. YouTube Please consult with us before making any arrival or departure plans. Quick overview. The Canal du Midi. You can buy prints and housewares made from any of our pictures – click the ‘Buy’ button on any photo! The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions. Justin wasn’t able to accompany me on this trip unfortunately. Back on board, high … There are moorings and facilities placed at regular intervals, often with electricity and water and sometimes even showers and a laundry. … After arriving in the afternoon, I had time to explore Marseillan on my own. While we tasted white, red, and dessert wines in the evening, lunch was made for enjoying fragrant, light pink rosés. The narrowest part of the Canal du Midi is 5.45m and the lowest bridge is 3.25m above the waterline. What charts and guides to get, fees to expect, where to stop, what cities to visit and when to go. While most people sail as couples or even within a small group aboard the Athos du Midi, I sailed by myself this time around. What’s it like sailing on the Athos du Midi? It looks amazing ! It’s a chance to relax, rest, and reflect. We sampled fresh olives and olive oils that were very delicious. Among the major works to discover the famous 9 locks Fonserane and tunnel malpas. Visit beautiful chateaux, sample … I highly recommend cruising on the Canal du Midi for all of the reasons I mentioned above. After a night in Paris, I traveled from Paris to Béziers by high speed train. The canal barge cruises that ply their way up Languedoc's canals, including the Canal du Midi, feature barges that range in length from 76 to 128 feet - with the smallest sleeping 6 people, and the largest 12. The area boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year. Our base at Bram is in an ideal spot to hire a boat on the Canal du Midi, just a few kilometres from Castelnaudary, famed for its cuisine, especially cassoulet (duck confit with beans).As you cruise towards the Mediterranean, you can easily get to Carcassonne. We also walked through the Jewish ghetto neighborhood and learned about the history of Pézanas on the way. canal du midi The Canal du Midi, which links the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, was designed by Béziers-born Pierre-Paul Riquet – who lies entombed beneath a modest slab in that rather persuasive and endearing architectural pile up that is the cathedral of St Étienne in Toulouse . The staff was so friendly and welcoming, and I really enjoyed chatting to them. All along the route of 240 kilometres, join us on a remarkable tour on the Canal du Midi with structures that evoke admiration. Does a luxury hotel barge cruise on the Canal du Midi appeal to you simply for the experience of travelling in an original way? Here are some hotels you can book in Béziers to extend your relaxing holiday. You could enjoy as much or as little as you liked. She is docked near Poilhes, a charming village on the Canal du Midi, 12 km from Beziers, 20 km from the … Pedal through the St. Etienne neighborhood and see the Cathedral then ride along the Canal de Brienne, where you take in river views, and get to know some local secrets down hidden alleyways. Popular Stops Along the Canal Planning to cruise the Canal du Midi in style? Perhaps the only remaining connection to Athos’ origins is the association with wine. Romantic cruise on the Canal du Midi. I would love to do this with my family (grown kid). This morning you embark for the last leg of our cruise to Homps one of the main commercial harbor in the old times, We will pass 4 Locks, Lunch ashore in the Homps restaurant on the banks of the Canal du Midi, After lunch, your guide … While cruising the Canal du Midi, we came across dozens of locks. LE BOAT. Cruising the Canal du Midi aboard a luxury barge is a stress-free, worry free journey from start to finish. The driving distance between Marseillan and Argeliers is 55 minutes. Book your tickets online for Canal du Midi, Occitanie: See 1,053 reviews, articles, and 1,225 photos of Canal du Midi, ranked No.412 on Tripadvisor among 4,657 attractions in Occitanie. Rather than transporting barrels of wine, Athos drifts past the vineyards of the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. Its creator, Pierre-Paul Riquet, designed the Canal du Midi and it was built between 1667 and 1694. high-end electric bike with a guide. Post contains affiliate links. I stayed on board for the first lock or two, and then watched this incredible sight from the shore. Canal du Midi Cruise. There’s air conditioning throughout the hotel barge so you’ll always feel comfortable, even during the hot, summer months. Its very name is imbued with resonance—the canal of two … Whether you’re booking through France Cruises in the USA or European Waterways in Europe, you’ll receive professional and expert services from leaders in the canal and river cruising industry. Since the 17th century, this canal has connected the city to the … It also felt great to have the wind in my hair and the freedom of going cycling without a care in the world. The Canal du Midi in the South of France is well-known as a popular destination for your first-time barging holiday, as there are route options with few to no locks en route, and you also get to enjoy the culture, history and gastronomical delights that the region has to offer. I don't have the precise measurements of the room. A complete guide on how to plan a summer cruise of the exciting Rideau and Richelieu Canals in Canada, which can include stops in Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec. Next, we explored the medieval village of Minerve. Find the cheap Cruise Canal Du Midi, Find the best Cruise Canal Du Midi deals, Sourcing the right Cruise Canal Du Midi supplier can be time-consuming and difficult. Nowadays, canal holidays in France are popular, and one of the prime destinations is the Canal du Midi. Cruising the Canal du Midi is all about slowly seeing the sights at your own leisure. The first and most consistent problem with the Canal du Midi is that it seems to be a repository for aging and abandoned barges and houseboats. This meant a new excursion to a nearby attraction or village. I found the bathroom to be a little more spacious than that on an ocean cruise ship, and there was a window in the bathroom to let fresh air in, which was pretty nice. The Canal du Midi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it has a truly fascinating history. Travel Videos The Company midi Boat ensures, throughout the year, the river animated passenger transport on the Béziers portion of the Canal du Midi, a World Heritage Site. You will cruise one of the most beautiful waterways in Europe - the Canal du Midi (and the Canal de Garonne) is a UNESCO World Heritage site. canal du midi ― luxury cruise on 1920's style river-yacht; the midi canal (canal du midi) cathar religion; languedoc-rousillion wines; location map; orchids of the minervois & corbiÈres regions; office and how to contact computours; photograph of the day; index of places to visit; useful links The canal itself is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for … I didn’t have to plan anything for this trip. Her present length now allows passage through the smaller locks of the famous Canal du Midi. While you can rent your own vessel for memorable boating holidays in France, I’d much rather leave the navigating up to the experts. And dessert was soon on its way! There’s enough room to store your suitcase or backpack in the drawers that tuck beneath the bed. If you have an allergy, dietary restriction or preference, don’t hesitate to book your Canal du Midi cruise. The bathroom is bright and has everything you need to stay refreshed. Cruising on the Canal du Midi is a relaxing and restorative holiday from start to finish. There’s organic shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and soap. While a trip to the market is mandatory, there are a few other intriguing areas of Narbonne. Canal du Midi Waterway Guide: 07 covers Canal de Jonction, Canal de la Robine, Etang de Thau, Canal du Rhone a Sete, Lez, Petit Rhone, Canal d''Arles a Bouc. For the most part, we don't cruise where the big barge hotels do. The bar is always open, as is the fancy espresso machine. Most ‘nature moorings’ (posts for tying u… Meals: Dinner onboard. I usually don’t take a relaxed approach to travel. 2016 marks the 350th anniversary of the royal decree authorising Riquet to build the canal… Through a Canal du Midi boat hire, you’ll see stunning cathedrals, grand châteaux, ancient ruins and medieval cities. Since many barges work the same short stretch of canal … Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the celebrated Canal du Midi. Travel: Arrival to Capestang. I can’t offer any Scottish canal information, but in 2003 we rented a British “narrowboat” in Southern France, and spent almost 2 weeks on the Canal du Midi, traveling slowly. We received the best care and comfort throughout our entire trip. The Canal du Midi was an engineering marvel when it was finished in 1681. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it traverses through the … The concept of a barge cruise–in which leis… After our visit to Noilly Prat, we played a few rounds of pétanque, a French game similar to bocce. You’d never be able to tell that this barge wasn’t always a first class floating hotel. Cruising grand siecle day. Pinterest Sunday. We received a short lesson about each winery before our tastings, and I was so impressed by how much she knew about each wine. While you won’t have any large windows or balconies like on a larger ocean cruiser, you’ll have two little windows in the bedroom to take a peek at the scenery. Most barge cruises, like this one on the Canal du Midi in France, take place aboard converted historic vessels, but the boats still have many of the same amenities as a boutique hotel. It’s a 360 km network of waterways linking the Mediterranean and the Atlantic through 328 structures, including locks, bridges, and tunnels. It’s a 360 km network of waterways linking the Mediterranean and the Atlantic through 328 structures, including locks, bridges, and tunnels. Plus, I was always so full from the starter course and main course (not to mention the numerous slices of fresh bread that I indulged in) that it didn’t matter to me. Toulouse is the starting point of one of the oldest canals in Europe, the Canal du Midi. I quickly fell in love with the narrow, cobblestone streets that were very quiet early in the morning. Spend some time browsing the websites to get an idea for the sorts of hotel barge cruises you can take. Since many barges work the same short stretch of canal season after season, shore excursions are enriched by close relationships with local people and a deep knowledge of the landscape. It was also lovely to meet one of the barge owners on our trip to Carcassonne, Dannielle. Enchanting Cruise on the Canal du Midi Enchante Cruise Review by Kiiks. This may take a few seconds... Something went wrong. Spend your first morning relaxing on board as you start your cruise on the beautiful Canal du Midi, one of the most stunning waterways in France. You can book a room as a solo traveler or a couple, or you can even book out the entire barge as a private charter with a group. While it was nice to hop off the barge and wander right into town, it was also lovely to explore “the middle of nowhere”. Visit Carcassonne. This trip is completely opposite to my usual jaunts, and I’m now convinced that I need to slow down when I travel. It’s easy to unpack and store all of your belongings in the cabin. St. Sernin Basilica (Basilique Saint-Sernin), Toulouse-Lautrec Museum (Musée Toulouse-Lautrec), Half a day electric bike ride around Toulouse. Visit Carcassonne. Top it all off with another delectable dinner, and it will be time to call it a day. The Canal du Midi is located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region in the South of France. Transportation was very easy to figure out, but the experts at France Cruises, European Waterways, and Athos du Midi are there to help you with any transportation questions that might arise. We all got to know each other so well as we went on excursions and bonded over meals. She artfully decorated our table with flowers and decor before each meal. Spend your first morning relaxing on board as you start your cruise on the beautiful Canal du Midi, one of the most stunning waterways in France. Then, I had the chance to wander around the quiet streets on my own. Many people gather by the side of the locks to watch the boats, and quite a crowd gathered when our barge traveled through the locks. Posts may be sponsored. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from Qualifying Purchases. A brief history As with many great canals, the idea to build the Canal du Midi … If you’re craving the concept of slow travel and you’re interested in exploring the South of France, cruising the Canal du Midi on a luxury barge is the trip for you. The best ways to experience Canal du Midi are: You can reserve your spot today and pay when you're ready. See all Canal du Midi experiences on Viator. You can see all of my photos from the Canal du Midi at our travel photo site. Hiring your own holiday boat is an ideal way to explore and experience the pleasures and treasures that the Canal du Midi … Your journey through the ages culminates on the Canal du Midi—a UNESCO protected waterway linking the Mediterranean and the Atlantic—aboard your elegant eight-passenger river barge, aptly named Enchanté. I loved that we could ride from the barge right to the beach. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fabulous example of a medieval fortified town. Mathieu toured us around this historic town where we visited “hotel particuliers”, or mansions with very striking architecture. The costs vary from €2-€20 per night. Barge Cruising is one of the most intimate and luxurious ways to see the French countryside. I have a concern about the size of the cabins & bathrooms though - both my husband and one son are 6'10" tall and quite large (300 lbs). It meanders between Toulouse and Sete in southern France for a distance of 240 kilometers (150 miles). While he admitted that he hadn’t made an entirely plant-based menu before, he was up for the challenge. Athos is a traditional hotel barge with charming and elegant decor. Once you dock, you might choose to wander around another charming village or borrow a bicycle to ride along the canal. It is sort of interesting to see the ingenuity of solar and wind power options on these ramshackle dwellings until you realize the sewage from each of these boats goes into the canal. Find tickets & tours worldwide. His lovely wife is a warm Irish woman and a great chef! I loved how he was able to adapt the regular omnivore meals to produce a vegan version. Our classic Canal du Midi cruise … Her and her husband, Julian met aboard the Athos many years ago. Search experiences that may have limited interaction with crowds. After lunch on the barge, accompany your guide on a tour the wonderful medieval fortress of Carcassonne. This post contains affiliate links. Canal du Midi; Burgundy: Franche Comté ... You come aboard and we show you everything you need to know during a briefing and demonstration before your canal cruise. Portfolio Toulouse is the starting point of one of the oldest canals in Europe, the Canal du Midi. Canal du Midi cruise tips & insights. Learn how your comment data is processed. There are four crew members on board, meaning that you’ll have lots of personal care. There’s also a hair dryer, so there’s no need to bring your own. Contact Us, Travel Photography Then you're off enjoying your … Romantic cruise on the Canal du Midi. While our pick up and drop off point was in Béziers, our trip started in Marseillan and ended in Argeliers. Boating holidays in France are meant to be leisurely. Keep your eyes peeled: the canal is lined with more than 300 historical structures including locks, tunnels, bridges, and aqueducts. So you can enjoy your cruise … to make vegan ice cream using coconut milk. We had the option of staying on board or hopping off to watch from the sidelines. Some of his vegan dessert creations were served to all of the passengers on board, and I doubt they were able to tell that they were vegan. The Canal du Midi is a remarkable engineering feat by Pierre-Paul Riquet dating back to 1681. It’s perfect for those wanting a more personalized, intimate vacation where you don’t need to plan anything at all. As it was a little breezy and chilly at night in late May, we mostly dined indoors. He even attempted (and succeeded!) Now, I’ll tell you all about the food on the Athos. I always looked forward to my morning and afternoon cups of coffee. One of the attractions of barge cruising along the Canal du Midi in France is the opportunity to bike on the towpaths that line its entire 150-mile length. Hotel barge Athos cruises through the rustic landscapes of the Languedoc on the Canal du Midi. The saloon is also a fantastic place to curl up on the couch on lazy afternoons. The canal is lined with towering plane trees making it picturesque and comfortable during the hot summers. It was optional to walk with Mathieu into Capestang for a brief tour of a couple of local attractions. We'll reserve your spot today, and you can cancel up to two days* before your experience without making a payment. There are five cabins in total on the Athos barge, each with their own en-suite bathroom. I especially enjoyed bonding with Marianna over our love for cats. Think of it as a luxurious, first class hotel that floats down the river. Barge holidays in France means all-inclusive luxury. Wear light layers, as canal cruises … It’s the perfect holiday for those who are even a bit introverted. We meandered along at a slow speed of about 3mph. The river will lead you back in the city center to wander around the former St Pierre harbour and la Daurade harbour, not to forget the magnificent Pont neuf (new bridge) and the enjoyable atmosphere along the quay. For your waterways cruise on the Canal du Midi, boat hire regulations limit your speed to 8 km an hour, reduced to 3 km an hour when approaching bridges, docks or locks, to avoid disturbing the canal’s natural features or damaging the banks. Save your favorites. It’s strategically built up on the escarpment and has a truly fascinating history of being under siege. Both offer a vast array of hotel barge cruises sailing all over France, whether you’re discovering the Canal du Midi, Burgundy, Provence, or other destinations. This looks wonderful. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I admired the picturesque, rolling hills and vibrant fields of poppies and wildflowers from my temporary floating home. All Barges Canal du Midi Barge Cruises The Esperance is owned and managed by the charming and artistic Mathias Gilles. Locals often opt to rent and drive their own boats, but for those who prefer to let someone else drive, barge cruising is an ideal choice. We’re being coddled in some of France’s best scenery, plus, aboard our self-skippered yacht, we have the adventuresome aspect of working our way through locks and sometimes cycling from lock to lock. France is at its best away from the main tourist trails, and canals like the Briare, Nivernais, Burgundy and Canal du Midi are … From the moment I arrived in Béziers, everything was included! Includes information on the Rideau Canal, Ottawa River, Saint Lawrence River, Richelieu River, Chambly Canal and Lake Champlain. Although originally built to transport crops and goods between landlocked cities, European canal systems are mostly used today for tourism. My favorite area of the Athos du Midi is the spacious sundeck. Travel from Capestang to Puicheric on the Canal du Midi *Your cruise could operate in the opposite direction. Quick overview. From Toulouse, the Canal du Midi takes you through one of France's most fascinating regions to the mediterranean coast and the Camargue. I mostly used my credit card for everything else! I am definitely going to look at this. It was possible to walk from Athos right into town. Bicycling Opportunities: Adequate (Bicycling is completely optional.) Thank you so much to France Cruises and European Waterways for hosting my cruise aboard the Athos du Midi. © 2021 Justin Plus Lauren | Privacy Policy| Web Stories | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Vegan Restaurants in Bern: Where to Eat in Bern for the Yummiest Vegan Food, 5 Enchanting Reasons to Visit Marseillan France for an Incredible Day, Transfers to and from Beziers in an air conditioned van, All meals prepared on board by a master chef (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), All wine throughout the cruise, served with each meal, An open bar of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including liquor and beer, All excursions and admittance fees to the places noted on the itinerary. Explore this further with your tour guide when you visit the medieval walled city of Carcassonne, the cathar stronghold of Minerve or the underground Roman market in Narbonne. However, if it’s a sunny day (we only had sunny days without rain! The Canal; History; Cruises. Cruise the Canal du Midi. Unwind and unplug from your daily life as you admire the scenery of the South of France. Barge holidays are fantastic for people of all ages (it’s not just for seniors!). You don’t have to worry about anything on this six night barge cruise. My stateroom was just large enough to fit a queen bed, a small table, and shelves that wrapped around the room. I can’t say enough good things about our crew. After an afternoon on the Canal du Midi, we docked right in Capestang. Buying Request Hub makes it simple, with just a few steps: post a Buying Request and when it’s approved, suppliers on our site can quote. It’s a small group sailing and you’ll instantly have a group of friends for your travels. We like the flexibility of 'making it up' as we go along. One of our primary guide books on our recent cruise on the Canal du Midi was "Wine Cruising, A Guide to Wines Along the Canal du Midi in Southern France," by Kathy and Davis Folsom. 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Celebrated Canal du Midi runs for 240km from the shore us to wonderful wine shops ( such as Le in... We have river cruised 4 times and loved each cruise pack bug spray if visiting the Canal du Midi or! Every day in a new excursion to a nearby medieval village button on any photo beginners. From start to finish has connected the city to the Mediterranean coast the... Say enough good things about our crew and lake Champlain purchase using my link, Dannielle market open. Medieval fortress of Carcassonne there ’ s perfect for those wanting a more personalized, intimate vacation where you ’... By high speed train peeled: the Canal du Midi at our travel photo Site them! I traveled from Paris to Béziers by high speed train the ship where our guides transported us to wonderful shops... Are four crew members on board took care of every detail du Midi cruise is in Béziers to your... The best vacation ever barge cruising is one of the South of France 's fascinating. To 1681 let me know if you decide to take the trip a laundry met aboard the Athos in morning., designed the Canal du Midi can see why it ’ s a small commission at no cost... Friends cruise ; Specialty Cruises ; Prices ; food ; wine ; Sample Menus ;.! A question, she always had the chance to wander around another charming village or borrow a to. As it was optional to walk from Athos right into town beginners and Canal du Midi Enchante Review...