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Let yourself be inspired
Let yourself be inspired
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Our canal boats
Our canal boats
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River Trips the blog
Suggested cruising options Somail*
Canal boat rental on the Canal du Midi
** All prices are calculated on the basis of a two day weekend in low season.
Description of
the boating holiday
A boating holiday between beaches and castles
This Canal du Midi boating holiday takes you as far as Agde, on the edge of the Etang de Thau and at the gates of the Mediterranean. You’ll be spoilt for choice of things to do – be it stop-offs at picturesque villages, beach days at the Mediterranean coast and Etang de Thau or simply enjoying navigation on the peaceful Canal du Midi.
By hiring a canal boat from the Nicols base at Le Somail you are in the ideal place to discover one of the most famous waterways in Europe – the Canal du Midi. The charming little port of Le Somail can be found halfway between Carcassonne and Béziers on the longest continuous section of canal in France, at 52km without seeing a lock!
Le Somail: Ice house cooler dating back to 1684, "Le Trouve-tout du livre" bookstore and its 50,000 books for sale!
Argeliers: Castle of the 12th century classified as “historic monument”
Malpas: Tunnel of Malpas, old pond of Montady (now dried up to an amazing shape), “oppidum d’Ensérunnes”: one of the largest archaeological sites in France; remains of Greek, Roman and Celtic civilization
Colombiers: charming half circle port, old wine cellar
Fonserannes: “Staircase of 9 locks” a unique site in France, small tourist train to Beziers (summer months)
Béziers: Beziers canal bridge – worth it for the view!, Saint-Nazaire cathedral, arts museum and Biterrois
Port Cassafières: Ranch les Gaillardels for horse riding, wetland walks, access to Portiragnes beaches (4km away), Azimut Adventures for tree climbing and canyoning
Vias: Wine tasting, church of St. John the Baptist, Vias beach (1km away), Europark (the biggest indoor fairground in France)
Agde: a unique round lock, Agde museum, Cap d’Agde beaches (4km away)
After cruising as far as Agde 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 Le Somail.
They tried it and love it
Our other boating holidaysfor you
Dreams do come true!
We’d always loved the idea of taking a boating holiday along the mythical Canal du Midi and it didn’t disappoint! In fact, it exceeded our expectations. In a week-long break we were able to cruise along the Canal du Midi and onto the Etang de Thau and the beached of the Mediterranean. Perfect!
Frédéric, Thonon-les-Bains