Explore the Canal du Midi: History and Adventure

Put your feet up and watch the world go by, whilst you explore the Canal du Midi on the deck of a luxury boat as it slowly meanders along the tree lined banks of the historic canal.

The Canal du Midi, a Unesco World Heritage Site, began life in 1666 as a means to transport wheat and other goods between Toulouse and the Mediterranean, it took fifteen years to complete and to this day is one of the oldest functioning canals in Europe. At 240km long the Canal du Midi is indeed a masterful stroke of engineering genius, which along with the Canal du Garonne connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.

Explore the Canal du Midi from Carcassonne and embark on canal cruises which offer self-catering accommodation (restaurant stop-overs are also possible) for three, six or twelve nights and will take you through picturesque towns and villages as you gently explore the historic Canal du Midi. For more information on extended canal cruises check out this site

There are guided tours of 1h30 and 2h45 duration which will take you specifically around the picturesque City of Carcassonne, and during the summer months you can also enjoy a picnic lunch in the romantic garden of Foucaud.

People with the experience and expertise to navigate a large boat through the canal-ways can also hire a boat and explore the waterways using your their own itinerary. It is possible to moor anywhere along the canal, so if you want to disembark and stretch your legs or visit a nearby winery you are free to do so, at your leisure.

Walking, cycling or jogging along the towpath is a another way to explore the Canal du Midi; finish up in Trebes with a leisurely lunch at Poissonnerie Moderne or a lively appertif at Les vignes de Bacchus. Alternatively, stop in Homps at Les Tonneliers for a fine selection of Minervois wines and tapas.

Whichever way you choose to explore the Canal du Midi you are guaranteed to fall in love with the tranquil scenery, the historic architecture, and the relaxed pace which is a key feature of life on the canal.