The Canal du Midi, a Unesco World heritage spot, offers any traveler the boat trip of a lifetime.
Constructed in the 17th century, the canal's main purpose was to serve as a shortcut between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, enabling sea voyagers to not only cut short their days at sea but also to avoid the risky waters of Spain and risk being the victim of Barbary pirates.
The Canal du Midi, made up of 175 miles of traversable waterways, starts at the Port de l'Embouchure in Toulouse and ends at the Thau lagoon by Sete. The canal itself traverses right straight through the center of the Languedoc-Roussillon, giving travelers an perfect view of the region's remarkable vineyards, landscape and reservoirs. And as if the geographic views are not enough, you will also be able to see more than 350 structures such as discrete bridges, hidden passageways, aqueducts, and more.
The Canal du Midi truly offers any traveler a great occasion to sample all the best things the region has to offer. Consider the following:
o See Carcassonne and its favorite antique walled city.
o Visit Trebes and Castelnaudary, which is the home of the cassoulet.
o Go wine-tasting Homps, Fanjeaux and Montreal.
o Visit the spectacular city of Narbonne and the ever favorite series of nine locks (les neuf ecluses de Fontserannes) at Beziers.
o Gape at the antique city of Agde and enjoy the simply life of its fishing villages.
The Best Ways to Enjoy Your Canal du Midi Vacation
Since the region has much to offer, it's best to tour by car along settlement roads near the Canal rather than to take the designated motorways. But if you honestly want to take your time and truly see things up close, then why not go for a biking holiday?
Sheltered towpaths are available to cyclists and walking enthusiasts and are accomplished off to vehicles. Taking this option, you'll cover the Canal du Midi in 5-7 days. There are plenty of tour guides you can purchase to help you on this route. Do you feel that a week of traveling is too long? Well, if you think about it, what's the rush? Enjoy the best that the region has to offer!
But of course, the best way to tour the Canal du Midi is by boat.
For day trips, there many operators along the canal that offer such an excursion. Such a trip takes 1-2 hours and the boat will be commandeered by the operator. Rates are 6-10 Euros per person, with a minuscule allowance for kids.
If you'd rather go alone, this option is available too and you only need present an 'A' class (tourist automobile) license. You'll get a quick training on how to use the boat and you can be off before you know it!
Lastly, if you want to cruise along the Canal du Midi longer without a care in the world, then you'll be glad to note that there are boat and barge hotels also available.
Since the Languedoc-Roussillon's climate is pretty mild all year round, you can take your trip anytime you wish. However, do note that boat locks are accomplished November to mid-December. Peak season is from July to September so do book in expand if you want to take your trip while this time.
