Although only a few days, this short break boating holiday itinerary still allows you to discover the many treasures that are found along the Canal du Midi. Visit picturesque villages, try the rich gastronomy of the south-west (cassoulet from Castelnaudary, duck breasts etc.) and the pleasures of life on the waterways!
Located midway between Toulouse and Carcassonne, Port Lauragais is an excellent starting point for renting a canal boat on the Canal du Midi. From here you’re in the perfect location for exploring the riches of the ‘Canal Royal du Languedoc’ - the original name of the Canal du Midi during the reign of King Louis XIV.
Port Lauragais: Avignonet Lauragais (2km away), old tower (1606), church and restored water mill, wines of Fronton, Maison de la Haute-Garonne for stocking up on regional specialities
Seuil de Naurouze: Highest point of Canal du Midi (190m), waters of the Black Mountains, watershed where water one side flows to the Atlantic and the other side flows to the Mediterranean, hikes in the hills of Lauragais
Segala: known as the country of 100 valleys, NOT pottery dating from 1820 (open Mon– Fri and by appointment on weekends)
Castelnaudary: Grand Bassin (largest body of open water along the Canal du Midi at 7 hectares), Saint-Michel Church College (13th century), Cugarel Mill, city of the famous Cassoulet dish
Villepinte: 12th century church, 16th century village, beautiful aqueduct
Bram: circular village built around the castle and 13th century church
After cruising as far as Bram on the Canal du Midi it is time to think about the return leg of your journey. Look out again for the favourite places you found so far, or maybe stop off at some new ones as you cruise back to the starting base at Port Lauragais.
An invigorating getaway
We’d never set foot on a boat before, but as Nicols had said, that didn’t matter as no previous experience was needed and we mastered it quite quickly. We loved the slow pace of travel on the Canal du Midi – enjoying the passing scenery from the deck of our canal boat and then stopping and discovering all of the local specialities in the villages!
Emilie and Nathan, Douai