The Midi--- The Most Popular Canal in the Kingdom

The True South of France

The Midi has some of the very best weather in all of France.    The canal is a work of art, tree lined with plenty of shade to shield you from the sun.  The sun is a given in this beautiful country.   The villages along this canal are wonderful to explore.  Bring lots of film.  I have personally done this canal three times and I never tire of it.----- Ed DeChant.

Click here for a reprint of an article on French Canal Cruises by Ed DeChant

 

CASTELNAUDARY
TOULOUSE

CASTELNAUDARY
ARGENS

PORT-CASSAFIERES

AIGUES MORTES
Canal du Midi
Out and Back cruise
130 Km 44 locks
26 h of cruising		 Canal du Midi
Out and Back cruise
172 Km 98 locks
36 h of cruising		 Canal du Midi
Canal du Rhône à Sète
Out and Back cruise
164 Km 6 locks
27 h of cruising
CRUISING HINTS: Several "out and back" cruises are described below. Many others are possible.
You may also prefer to choose a one way cruise which will enable you
to discover even more facets of this exciting region. One way cruises are possible
between Castelnaudary and Port-Cassafières.

PORT-CASSAFIERES
NARBONNE

MEDITERRANEAN

CASTELNAUDARY
PORT-CASSAFIERES
Canal du Midi
Canal de la Robine
Out and Back cruise
138 Km 44 locks
28 h of cruising		 Canal du Midi
One Way cruise           extra fee of $200 for one way

157  Km 64 locks
34 h of cruising

We highly recommend the One Way between Castelnaudary and Port Cassafieres.

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Anyone who has visited the South of France has memories of a land of subtle shades and strong contrasts. Visions of sunlight filtered through the leaves of plane trees, splashes of colour on the quiet waters of the canal, stark hills burnt by the heat of Summer, echoes of the strident cry of the cicadas and the fragrence of the wild plants carried by a warm wind. A symphony of colours and unforgettable sensations... the Midi.

The Mediterranean is not far away - the fragrance of wild herbs carried on the breeze, sun drenched hillsides capped in chrome yellow broom, the song of the cicada - quiet waters, dappled by sunlight through the leaves of tall plane trees - you are transported to another time on the 300 year old Canal du Midi. Robust red wines and whites of surprising subtly, cuisine with a distinct Catalan accent.

Places of Special Interest: Carcassone - medieval fortress and cite - Malpas - ancient Celtic settlement, origins 600 B.C. - The Mediterranean - the beaches - Narbonne - old Roman port, magnificent medieval cathedral - Minerve - 12th century Cathar fortress

Regional Cuisine: Cassoulet, Cous-cous - rich well seasoned dishes - an infinite variety of good red and white wines - Carbieres, Minervois, Fitou, Fish and oysters.

The Bases For the Midi
Castelnaudary - France
   
Cruising through the sunshine county
 
Le Canal du Midi : Slowly meandering among fragrant fields of sunflowers in the sunshine, under cool, shaded archways of centuries old forests - a cruise in the Canal du Midi makes an unforgettable holiday.The construction of the Canal du Midi made many changes to the landscape of the town, with mills and buildings sprouting out of the landscape. The Canal heralded a time of unprecedented development, and Castelnaudary grew in accordance. Now home to over 2,000 inhabitants, the town is the capital of Cassoulet – a rich stew made from local ingredients of white beans, pork, goose, duck and sausages.

The old town has many charming and eye-catching buildings, the most impressive being the Presidial, a former castle that has a magnificent Revival frontage. Take some time to explore the alleys and lanes typical of such an old town and you are sure to come across many small shops selling delicious local produce and carefully crafted items.
 
Overview - map and average temperatures
 Where is Castelnaudary?
Overview map of France
 Average Temperatures
16°c 21°c 25°c 29°c 28°c 23°c 19°c
16°c
Apr		 21°c
May		 25°c
Jun		 29°c
Jul		 28°c
Aug		 23°c
Sep		 19°c
Oct

21 decrees C = 70 degrees F      29 degrees C = 84 degrees F
Port Cassafieres (Midi) - France
   
Delightful Little Pleasure Port
 
Port Cassafieres is a delightful little pleasure port on the Canal du Midi within walking distance of the Mediterranean and it’s lovely beaches. It’s proximity to Spain gives it some interesting flourishes in cuisine, architecture and culture and results in it being a truly cosmopolitan spot to explore.

Nearby Beziers invites you to discover it’s tumultuous past. The historical town, for a long time France’s wine capital, has now become an important tourist haunt, with many flocking to explore the ancient lanes and museums.

Cruising from this base also enables you to pass through the peaceful Etang du Thau, a huge expanse of water, with its pretty fishing ports and inviting restaurants. Spot the exotic wild flamingos on the banks as you glide by!
 
Overview - map and average temperatures
 Port Cassafieres (Midi)?
Overview map of France
 Average Temperatures
16°c 21°c 25°c 29°c 28°c 23°c 19°c
16°c
Mar		 21°c
Apr		 25°c
May		 29°c
Jun		 28°c
Jul		 23°c
Aug		 19°c
Sep

 21 decrees C = 70 degrees F      29 degrees C = 84 degrees F

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