Let me know if you decide to take the trip. Since the 17th century, this canal has connected the city to the … Since the 17th century, this canal has connected the city to the … You don’t have to worry about anything on this six night barge cruise. Hiring your own holiday boat is an ideal way to explore and experience the pleasures and treasures that the Canal du Midi … Wear light layers, as canal cruises … His passion for hospitality is reflected in the barge’s sophisticated amenities, … The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions. It meanders between Toulouse and Sete in southern France for a distance of 240 kilometers (150 miles). The Canal du Midi is steeped in history and heritage. Along the way, Athos’ indulgent and well-versed crew guide visits to famous hilltop towns like Carcassonne and Minerve. Learn about the various regions that the canal du midi passes through. 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. 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 staff on board took care of every detail. Come hungry for a stop at the heritage city of Castelnaudary, as the market town is the world capital of cassoulet. 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. What was the head room like ? I admired the picturesque, rolling hills and vibrant fields of poppies and wildflowers from my temporary floating home. The shaded towpaths are now popular with hikers and cyclists. Chef Lee skillfully prepared all of our meals on board, and I was so grateful that he managed to make 100% vegan meals for me! 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. Athos Top Deck; Athos Interior; Canal du Midi; Languedoc, South of France; Food; Wine & Cheese; On Shore Visits; Scenery; Flora & Fauna; Blog; Photos Welcome aboard! We also had enough alone time where we could explore on our own or relax on deck by ourselves. It looks amazing ! The regions of France we cruise are really beautiful and a world apart from the heavily touristed ones you see in the brochures (Canal du Midi and Burgundy canal for example). What charts and guides to get, fees to expect, where to stop, what cities to visit and when to go. It’s hard to choose which town was my favorite of the whole trip, but it’s quite possible that it was Pézenas. The Canal du Midi was an engineering marvel when it was finished in 1681. First, you can see remnant of the ancient Romans in Narbonne; there’s an excavated area of an ancient Roman road exposed below the modern day street. © 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. There’s enough room to store your suitcase or backpack in the drawers that tuck beneath the bed. One of the delights of travelling along the canals is that you can pull over and tie up almost anywhere. Spend some time browsing the websites to get an idea for the sorts of hotel barge cruises you can take. My stateroom was just large enough to fit a queen bed, a small table, and shelves that wrapped around the room. Were the bathrooms quite cramped ? Trip Details . History & Heritage. 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. Travel from Capestang to Puicheric on the Canal du Midi *Your cruise could operate in the opposite direction. Enjoy private wine tastings at châteaux en route, the locations of which vary depending on your choice of Canal du Midi cruise. Services of a professional guide throughout the tour (several languages available) Accommodation in 3 to 5-star hotels . Includes information on the Rideau Canal, Ottawa River, Saint Lawrence River, Richelieu River, Chambly Canal and Lake Champlain. Post contains affiliate links. The canal is lined with towering plane trees making it picturesque and comfortable during the hot summers. The Athos barge docked every evening, and we’d wake up every day in a new place. Then, I had the chance to wander around the quiet streets on my own. Nowadays, canal holidays in France are popular, and one of the prime destinations is the Canal du Midi. The Canal du Midi is considered one of the 17th century’s greatest engineering triumphs; as such, it’s popular among both history buffs and sightseers. Discover the barge cruise experience from the eyes of a first time barger. Barging in France - a beginners guide. Learn how your comment data is processed. I quickly fell in love with the narrow, cobblestone streets that were very quiet early in the morning. 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. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fabulous example of a medieval fortified town. 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, … Barge holidays are fantastic for people of all ages (it’s not just for seniors!). Corinne, yes I brought Euros for the tip. 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. It also felt great to have the wind in my hair and the freedom of going cycling without a care in the world. 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. I always looked forward to my morning and afternoon cups of coffee. Welcome Aboard. 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. Our primary guide, Mathieu, toured us around each town and attraction. Visit Carcassonne. 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 perfect way to discover the country is on a french canal cruise. After our afternoon sailings, we’d dock at various locations on the Canal du Midi. Anytime there was a question, she always had the answers. Since the 17th century, this canal has connected the city to the Mediterranean Sea. Hotel barge Athos cruises through the rustic landscapes of the Languedoc on the Canal du Midi. Meander through a vast diversity of scenic landscapes and 328 locks, aqueducts, bridges and tunnels, all of which were imagined by the Romans and constructed … Through a Canal du Midi boat hire, you’ll see stunning cathedrals, grand châteaux, ancient ruins and medieval cities. From Toulouse, the Canal du Midi takes you through one of France's most fascinating regions to the mediterranean coast and the Camargue. All Barges Canal du Midi Barge Cruises The Esperance is owned and managed by the charming and artistic Mathias Gilles. 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. 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. A brief history As with many great canals, the idea to build the Canal du Midi … “La vie est belle,” notes one of my companions as we sip wine and cruise a gentle waterway. Get a thorough safety briefing and then set off to see the sights. 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. There’s also a hair dryer, so there’s no need to bring your own. After arriving in the afternoon, I had time to explore Marseillan on my own. Its creator, Pierre-Paul Riquet, designed the Canal du Midi … Canal du Midi cruise tips & insights. Athos was originally a commercial grain, sand, and wine barge, converted to a luxury hotel barge in 1982. The narrowest part of the Canal du Midi is 5.45m and the lowest bridge is 3.25m above the waterline. Among the major works to discover the famous 9 locks Fonserane and tunnel malpas. Monday, Day 2 - Cruise to Marseillette. Meals: Dinner onboard. The most interesting set of locks on our journey were the Fonserannes Locks in Beziers. The best part? If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I stayed on board for the first lock or two, and then watched this incredible sight from the shore. For the most part, we don't cruise where the big barge hotels do. This looks wonderful. Although originally built to transport crops and goods between landlocked cities, European canal systems are mostly used today for tourism. Next, we explored the medieval village of Minerve. You’ll have enough time to yourself, but you’ll meet a fabulous group of like-minded people. I mostly used my credit card for everything else! St. Sernin Basilica (Basilique Saint-Sernin), Toulouse-Lautrec Museum (Musée Toulouse-Lautrec), Half a day electric bike ride around Toulouse. The boat was narrow, and also slow, with a small engine, and a snug fit for 3 of us. It’s the perfect holiday for those who are even a bit introverted. 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. Wear light layers, as canal cruises can be breezy. 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 . Riquet died a year before the canal was completed so he never had the opportunity to say whatever the 17th century’s version of “I told you so” was. Toulouse is the starting point of one of the oldest canals in Europe, the Canal du Midi. Newsletter. Boating holidays in France are meant to be leisurely. Bicycling Opportunities: Adequate (Bicycling is completely optional.) 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. Definitely add European barge cruises to your bucket list. 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. 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 … I especially enjoyed bonding with Marianna over our love for cats. Canal du Midi. 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. The Canal du Midi was constructed by 12,000 workers in the 17th century to let cargo barges take a short cut from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. While cruising the Canal du Midi, we came across dozens of locks. This meant a new excursion to a nearby attraction or village. As it was a little breezy and chilly at night in late May, we mostly dined indoors. I don't have the precise measurements of the room. It’s a very easy way to see many places in one trip without feeling rushed or stressed. Did you tip in Euros? 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. Toulouse is the starting point of one of the oldest canals in Europe, the Canal du Midi. While a trip to the market is mandatory, there are a few other intriguing areas of Narbonne. We meandered along at a slow speed of about 3mph. While I know very little about wine, there was a wide variety of white, red, dessert, and rosé to taste throughout the week. What’s it like sailing on the Athos du Midi? Whether I’m embarking on a cross-country road trip or hopping from one country to the next by train, I’m usually attempting to cram in as many sights and activities into the day as possible. Justin wasn’t able to accompany me on this trip unfortunately. I can’t say enough good things about our crew. The book alerted us to wonderful wine shops (such as Le Ferme in Carcassonne), wine tastings and restaurants along the canal. You could enjoy as much or as little as you liked. I didn't find the bathroom to be cramped, nor did I find trouble with the head room, but I'm only 5'2 so it wasn't something I really paid attention to. Enchanting Cruise on the Canal du Midi Enchante Cruise Review by Kiiks. Search experiences that may have limited interaction with crowds. The Canal du Midi, designed and built by Pierre-Paul Riquet in 1662-1681, is a remarkable work of engineer­ing, justifying its inclusion in the Unesco world heritage list in 1996, and one of the most popular cruising waterways in France. There’s air conditioning throughout the hotel barge so you’ll always feel comfortable, even during the hot, summer months. The driving distance between Marseillan and Argeliers is 55 minutes. There’s a pretty big closet with lots of hangers, as well as two giant drawers that pull out from the bed. Canal du Midi in the South of France The Canal du Midi is a remarkable engineering feat by Pierre-Paul Riquet dating back to 1681. 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. I highly recommend cruising on the Canal du Midi for all of the reasons I mentioned above. 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. This may take a few seconds... Something went wrong. France is at its best away from the main tourist trails, and canals like the Briare, Nivernais, Burgundy and Canal du Midi are … After our visit to Noilly Prat, we played a few rounds of pétanque, a French game similar to bocce. 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. I would love to do this with my family (grown kid). Canal du Midi. Marianna has a masterful knowledge of wine and local wineries, knowing precisely which bottle to pair with each meal. Here are some hotels you can book in Béziers to extend your relaxing holiday. Quick overview. There’s a large canopy over the wooden dining table, so you can stay in the shade and read a good book. They will also be happy to provide up to date advice on the best cruising conditions and suggested itineraries on arrival and during your cruise. It’s easy to unpack and store all of your belongings in the cabin. As the morning went on, a few tourists started to emerge as the tiny shops opened, but it never got crowded or busy. While it was nice to hop off the barge and wander right into town, it was also lovely to explore “the middle of nowhere”. Your lovely hosts! Facebook If you have an allergy, dietary restriction or preference, don’t hesitate to book your Canal du Midi cruise. 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. The Languedoc and the Canal du Midi … Docked every evening, lunch was made for enjoying fragrant, light pink rosés are,... 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