Even the fields, which are often full of sunflowers in the summer months, provide the ideal backdrop as you enjoy your boating experience. Sadly on the decline nevertheless the pissor is an endring image of the country. They often run alongside the canal and allow you to explore before heading back to your boat. Your Canal du Midi boat hire fees won't include fuel. You’ll pass valleys, orchards and groves among many other stunning locations. This peaceful place, the highest point along the canal, situated on the watershed between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, is great for strolling, with an arboretum, a pool, streams bringing water from the Black Mountain and the obelisk in honour of Riquet. 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. Le Comptoir Nature Regional and international cuisine, style of restaurant and menus. La Our guide explains what to see, why it's the best choice for beginners and Canal du Midi boat hire. It’s incredibly beautiful. If you're an inexperienced boat user a demonstration is essential. You’ll be able to relax, take things easy and moor the boat whenever you like. Capestang is another picturesque location that draws attention from people travelling along the canal. Le Somail But you don't have to worry about the locks on the Canal du Midi. 48. Especially when you’re sharing the adventure with family or friends. used by tourists, which began to grow in the 1960s, and for recreation and Aside from the wine, the town is a beautiful and the quaint setting dates back centuries. In short, a paradise for lovers of literature ! In the Hérault is an unusual work not to be missed: the 9 locks of Fonséranes. Guingette Atlantic, was designed by Béziers-born Pierre-Paul Riquet – who lies entombed The flexibility and freedom that comes with cruising down the canal at your own pace is particularly appealing to many. Then to Agde , with its fortress church, small village streets, past the thriving town of Beziers famous for bullfights in the Summer and its Flower Market, on past to the incredible 13th century Etang de Montady , with nearby Roman oppidum. Aside from all the great things to see and do that we’ve already mentioned above, there are plenty of other reasons why you should go boating on the Canal du Midi. Trebes, Drink wonderful wine, swim in the Med, mountain streams, discover castles, abbeys and artists and musicans who came - André Derain, Georges Braque, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, C R Mackintosh, and Tsuguharu Fujita; or go a few steps to Spain and Catalonia land of Salvador Dali - Cadaquez, and Barcelona, Drink wonderful wine, food, swim in lakes and mountain streams, discover castles, abbeys and artists and musicans, Art & Media by Giles Mitchell / Giles Denmark, Castenaudary to Carcassonne Canal du Midi Map, Carcassonne to Poilhes (also Narbonne) Canal du Midi Map, Poilhes to Beziers to Sete Canal du Midi Map, Sete to Aigues Mortes to Saint Gilles Canal du Rhone Map. This colossal construction made a link between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and required the work of 12,000 men over fifteen years, from 1666 to 1681. Loads of info, photos and facts in our ultimate villages in France tourist guide, Is there anything more French than a pissoir? Homps, nr Olonzac RESTAURANTS Rooms from local hosts offering a personal welcome. Le Bistrot Gourmand Self-catering holiday homes, gîtes and apartments. The canal runs from the Mediterranean (Étang de Thau), for As you move towards Midi-Pyrenees, you’ll pass through some of the country’s very best landscapes. was renamed by French revolutionaries in 1789. Waters of the Canal du Midi twist and turn through the countryside, passing acres of vineyards, fields of wheat and sunflowers, and numerous towns and villages. If you've ever wanted to try boating in France but have been a little weary don't worry. There are multiple companies you can hire a boat from. ... Buy the new Cycling the Canal du Midi guidebook direct from Cicerone here. Getting through locks can be tricky and worrying about the process puts many people off from giving boating a try. It’s where you’ll find one of the lowest bridges on the entire stretch of the canal. Designed in the 17th century by Pierre-Paul Riquet, the Canal du Midi, which has 64 locks interspersed along its length of nearly 240 kilometres, flows from Toulouse in Haute-Garonne to Thau Lake, near Sète, in the Hérault. They’re all manned and are automatic. The fortified town of Carcassonne has been standing since medieval times. A great selection of activities including sports, well-being, gourmet food and entertainment.