Embark on a journey filled with stunning locks, historic cities, charming villages, and the delightful flavors of fine wine under the Mediterranean sun. Your adventure commences in Homps, a gem in the heart of Languedoc. As you navigate towards the Mediterranean, immerse yourself in the unique charm of France on your Canal du Midi cruise. Pause at the lovely Ventenac to enjoy a café meal, capture the beauty of the impressive staircase of locks, and dance the night away in the chic city of Béziers.
Includes
7 nights onboard self-drive Le Boat Calypso based on 4 people sharing
Fully equipped boat
Collision Damage Waiver
One-way fee (for one-way cruises only)
Towels & Linens
Technical support
On board cruising information
Excludes
Flights
Visas
Travel Insurance
Spending money and items of a personal nature
Taxi transfers and other transport to and from the bases.
Compulsory charges include: Fuel Deposit (payable on arrival) + Security Deposit (payable on arrival).
Peak season surcharges may apply.
Minimum 7 nights on board. Prices may vary for another boat model.
Price mentioned is based on 4 persons sharing a boat.
No boating experience required
Highlights
7 nights barging in a fully equipped boat
No boating experience required
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Homps
The small village of Homps, where Le Boat has a base, was for a long time an active trading port where barrels of Minervois and Corbières wine were loaded for their journey to Bordeaux. The waterside buildings testify to these bygone days. There is a grocery store, a small selection of restaurants, a wine shop and a café-bar in the village.
Day 2: Paraza
The village of Paraza has a café-restaurant, a grocery store and a lovely church, Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, which was once located in the path of the canal. Riquet had it dismantled and rebuilt where it stands today. Inside, the nave, the choir and the vaults are adorned with beautiful stencilled decoration dating from the 19th century. There are plenty of public moorings before and after the bridge. To the west of Paraza is the Répudre Aqueduct, the first ever canal-bridge built in France and the second in the world!
Day 3: Le Somail
This tiny village is noted for its waterside wine cellar in the attractive canal-side Château de Ventenac-en-Minervois. Here, local wines can be sampled for free under the arches of its amazing vault. For €2 you can also tour the small museum, ‘Grenier des Vignerons’, which has a collection of tools for growing grapes and winemaking from the 19th century. There are two restaurants right by the moorings.
Day 4: Argeliers
A 700m stroll along a tree-lined avenue and into town will take you to a handful of restaurants, a grocery store, a butcher, two bakeries and a café-bar.
Day 5: Poilhes
Poilhes is a charming canal-side village with a small shop and a handful of lovely restaurants
Day 6: The Fonserannes Locks
Delight in ascending or descending the seven chambered Fonserannes Locks – one of the marvels of the Midi.
Day 7: Béziers
The birthplace of Pierre-Paul Riquet, the engineer behind the Canal du Midi. Wander Béziers’s medieval streets, bright squares and leafy parks.
Day 8: Arrive Port Cassafières
Port Cassafières is a small marina where Le Boat has a base with fresh water and electricity points.
Ship info
Caprice
The Le Boat Caprice offers comfort on the water. This stunning vessel offers a truly unforgettable boating experience, combining elegance with practicality. With a length of 12 meters, it boasts ample space for up to six passengers, making it perfect for family getaways or intimate trips with friends.
Prices are per person based on 4 adults sharing, include discounts, and are subject to availability and rate of exchange changes. Offers above are a guide only and will vary depending on departure date, our guide price is based on the cheapest departure within the stipulated season, price and availability is correct at time of loading. Visas may be necessary and insurance is essential. Pentravel and Tour Operator terms and conditions apply, and may be found on our website. Offer, and/or savings can be removed at any time. Advance purchase, peak season surcharges, block out dates and minimum stay conditions may apply. Valid for SA residents only. Excludes Taxi transfers and other transport to and from the bases. Excludes Optional holiday extras (i.e bicycles, cleaning pack, BBQ, etc.), Meals / Groceries, Marina fees & Security Deposit. Compulsory charges include: Fuel Deposit (payable on arrival) + Security Deposit (payable on arrival). Peak season surcharges may apply. Minimum 7 nights on board. Prices may vary for another boat model. Package does not include flights, transfers or any accommodation not mentioned. These packages are based on CASH price. E&OE.