Are you thinking if the Canal du Midi by boat is the best option for your river trip?
In this post we give you 5 good reasons to rent a boat in this region of France.
1. The Canal du Midi, a navigable work of art since 1694
UNESCO has declared the Canal du Midi World Heritage Site, explaining that:
« The interest in architectural and landscape aesthetics that inspired the author of the project, Pierre-Paul Riquet, made this channel a technical feat and a true work of art. Its 360 km of navigable canals link the Mediterranean and the Atlantic thanks to 328 diverse engineering works: locks, aqueducts, bridges, tunnels,…”
Today, renting a boat without a permit allows you to navigate its calm waters, raise and lower its locks, pass under its bridges and enjoy its ideal banks to take a walking and cycling.
Renting a boat in this area is the only way to discover this treasure in depth, go back in time, take the time to enjoy each section and each moment.
2. The Canal du Midi, a top tourist destination
The tourist attractions of the Canal du Midi when renting a boat are numerous and guarantee you a river cruise full of surprises, whatever your route.
On a historical and architectural level we propose:
The medieval city of Carcassonne, the largest bastion in Europe. It was built in the 13th century, from the Cathar fortress town of Minerve, one of the most beautiful in France.
Other places whose visit we recommend without a doubt are the Roman cities of Narbonne and Beziers.
Undoubtedly, the canal's own architectural elements: bridges, tunnels, lock stairs, round locks form an architectural ensemble worthy of admiration.
throughout your river cruise You will discover a great variety of landscapes from the pre-Pyrenees, vineyards, coastal landscapes and beaches -a few meters from the canal- very close to Narbonne or Agde, or when crossing the Etang de Thau (inland sea) to Sète.
Naturally, you won't be able to see everything in one cruise. You have the option of taking a drive before or after renting a boat, or simply returning to the Canal du Midi for another cruise.
For more information, we have created this PDF document with tourist information about your river cruise on the Canal du Midi.
3. Rent a river boat, a pleasure within your reach
Simple to handle
River boats are specially designed and protected for a smooth and easy navigation by the waters of canals and rivers.
His moderate speed and ease of use make them perfect for rental without permission to any responsible adult.
The environment of the canals with their natural or built banks ensures an idyllic environment for navigation, even for beginners.
No waves, no dizziness!
comfortable boats
The river boats look like floating bungalows and are very stable.
All the boats have a kitchen, cabins, a bathroom with hot water and some also have a "terrace" (called a Flybridge) with the possibility of managing the boat from the outside. So you enjoy good weather and good company.
On the first day, a monitor will explain how to handle your boat, how to accelerate and reverse, brake and manoeuvre. The boat has a steering wheel like in your car.
We invite you to ask us for advice on choosing the river boat so that it is completely comfortable for you.
Affordable prices for everyone
Depending on the time of year and the boat chosen, renting a boat costs from 120 – 130 euros per person and per week.
Do not stop contact Rocío, our reservations manager, which will propose, according to your plans and your budget, the best dates, the best boats and the discounts available for your vacation.
4. The gastronomy of the Midi-Pyrenées region
The midi canal is in a French haute cuisine region, you cannot finish your cruise without having tried:
- The local wines del Minervois and the local Moscatel wine.
- the famous Foie gras (Duck or Goose liver).
- Castelnaudary's most famous dish: Cassoulette an unforgettable stew.
- The duck confit.
- The cheeses local.
- And of course the bread.
Enjoy the open air markets free where you will find a wide variety of local products: fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meats, cured meats and wines.
Definitely the best place to buy.
Ask the base staff and the lockers what the days and hours of the nearest markets are!
5. Canal du Midi, how to get there from Spain?
Car
The best means of transport to get to the Canal du Midi and catch your boat is by car. It will allow you great flexibility before and after the cruise to visit the region.
The Canal du Midi is very close to all of northern Spain:
- 5 hours from Bilbao
- 3 hours from Barcelona
- Approximately 6 hours from Zaragoza
These distances from Spanish cities allow you to arrive calmly on the first day of the rental in the afternoon, when the boat is delivered and boarding.
Airplane
You also have the possibility to reach the toulouse airport since they offer direct flights with Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga and Seville, among others.
Train
Depending on your port of departure, we recommend you consult the website of the SNCF to find the combination that best suits you. For any questions, we are at your disposal.
Ready to enjoy the river boat rental experience?
