Houseboat Rental on the Canal du Midi: Your South of France Adventure
Welcome to the Canal du Midi, a 17th-century engineering masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage site that invites you on an unforgettable journey. Stretching 240 kilometres, this historic canal connects Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea, winding its way through the sun-drenched landscape of the Languedoc. Picture yourself gliding under the canopy of ancient plane trees, past endless vineyards, medieval villages, and world-famous fortresses. The best part? You're the captain! For most of our houseboats on the Canal du Midi, you do not need a boating license. After a short briefing, you can cast off the lines and live your dream of life on the water.
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Why Charter a Houseboat on the Canal du Midi?
There's a reason the Canal du Midi is one of the most popular boating destinations in the world. It offers a unique blend of relaxation, culture, and culinary delights that will make your holiday unforgettable.
The key advantage is the freedom to cruise without a license. France makes it easy for boating holidaymakers: a thorough instruction on handling the boat and the rules of the waterway is all you need to begin your adventure. This makes the canal the ideal region for beginners and families.
The scenery is like something from a storybook: fields of sunflowers, vineyards as far as the eye can see, and the characteristic, shady plane tree avenues line the banks. The Languedoc-Roussillon region is famous for its Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year – perfect weather for a glass of rosé on deck.
Culturally and historically, the journey is a highlight. You can navigate your houseboat right to the impressive fortress city of Carcassonne, pass through technical wonders like the Fonseranes Locks near Béziers, or cruise through the Malpas Tunnel, the world's first canal tunnel. The infrastructure, with numerous marinas and simple mooring spots (Halte Nautique), makes stopping in picturesque villages a breeze. A houseboat holiday on the Canal du Midi is the perfect way to slow down and escape the everyday.
🛶 Our Top Canal du Midi Itineraries
The Campcruisers team has put together our favourite routes to help you get the most out of your boating holiday in the South of France. Each trip has its own unique charm!
Tour 1: The Classic – From Vineyards to Fortress
This tour takes you from one of the most popular bases through the heart of the Minervois wine region directly to the absolute highlight of the area: the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne.
- Duration: 7 Days
- Route: Homps – Carcassonne – Homps (Return trip)
- Distance: approx. 90 km
- Ideal for: First-timers, families, and culture lovers.
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival in Homps. After picking up your houseboat and receiving your briefing, take a short practice run on the canal.
- Day 2: Towards Trèbes (approx. 4-5 hours cruising). You'll pass charming villages like Argens-Minervois with its waterside castle. Trèbes itself is a lively town with great restaurants.
- Day 3 & 4: Arrival in Carcassonne. The cruise to Carcassonne is short, leaving you plenty of time. Moor in the port at the foot of the Cité and take a full day to explore the largest and best-preserved medieval fortress in Europe. An unforgettable experience!
- Day 5: Relaxing Return Journey. Begin your leisurely cruise back. Stop at one of the wineries along the bank for a tasting.
- Day 6: Puichéric and the Art Lock. On your way back, you'll pass the Puichéric lock, which is decorated with quirky metal sculptures – a great photo opportunity.
- Day 7: Return to Homps. Enjoy one last French breakfast on deck before returning your boat.
Tour 2: The East – Tunnels, Tech, and the Gates to the Sea
Discover the canal's engineering masterpieces, including the famous staircase of locks and the first canal tunnel, and take a side trip to the Roman city of Narbonne.
- Duration: 7 Days
- Route: Colombiers – Narbonne – Colombiers (One-way or return trip)
- Distance: approx. 80 km
- Ideal for: History and engineering buffs, sun-seekers.
- Itinerary:
- Day 1 & 2: Béziers and the 9 Fonseranes Locks. Start near Béziers. Your first destination is the technical marvel: the Fonseranes Locks, a staircase of locks that lifts boats over a height difference of 21.5 meters. Visit the city of Béziers, the birthplace of the canal's creator, Pierre-Paul Riquet.
- Day 3: The Malpas Tunnel. Cruise through the 165-meter-long Malpas Tunnel – an impressive feeling to navigate right under a hill.
- Day 4 & 5: Detour to Narbonne. At Sallèles-d'Aude, you'll turn onto the Canal de la Robine. This branch canal takes you right into the heart of Narbonne. Visit the Roman remains (Horreum), the covered market, and the imposing cathedral.
- Day 6: Back on the Canal du Midi. Cruise back to the main canal and enjoy the peace of the water. Find a nice spot to moor and watch the sunset.
- Day 7: Return to Base. One last cruise through the sunny landscape of the Languedoc.
How to Get to the Canal du Midi?
Getting to your French boating adventure from English-speaking countries is straightforward, with options by air or car.
- ✈️ By Plane: This is the fastest option. The key airports for the region are Toulouse (TLS), Carcassonne (CCF), and Béziers (BZR).
- From the UK & Ireland: Airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and British Airways offer direct flights from London (Gatwick, Stansted, Heathrow), Manchester, Bristol, Dublin, and other major airports.
- From the USA & Canada: You'll typically fly into a major European hub like Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS), or London (LHR) and then take a connecting flight to Toulouse.
- From Australia & New Zealand: Your journey will involve one stop in a Middle Eastern or Asian hub (like Dubai or Singapore) before flying into Paris or Toulouse.
- From the airport, a rental car or pre-booked taxi is the easiest way to reach your charter base.
- 🚗 By Car from the UK: If you prefer to drive, take the Eurotunnel or a ferry to Calais. The drive through France is scenic, but be aware that most motorways (autoroutes) have tolls (péage). The drive from Calais to the Canal du Midi region takes approximately 10-12 hours.
A Taste of the South of France: Food and Drink
A barge holiday is also a chance to discover the region's culinary treasures. The cuisine of the Languedoc is rustic, honest, and incredibly delicious.
- 🍲 Cassoulet: The famous white bean stew with sausage and duck or pork is a must-try, especially around Castelnaudary, the self-proclaimed world capital of Cassoulet.
- 🍷 Wine: You are cruising through some of France's largest wine regions, like Minervois and Corbières. Stop at a domaine (winery) along the canal and buy wine directly from the producer.
- Local Markets: Visit the weekly markets (marchés) in the villages. You'll find fresh fruit, vegetables, olives, goat cheese, and other local specialities to cook in your boat's kitchen.
Mooring and Facilities Along the Canal
The infrastructure for boaters on the Canal du Midi is excellent and offers something for everyone.
- Ports de Plaisance (Marinas): These are fully equipped marinas. Here you'll find secure moorings with electricity and water hook-ups, shower and toilet facilities, and often Wi-Fi. Many charter bases are located within or next to these marinas.
- Haltes Nautiques: These are simpler, often free public mooring spots provided by the local towns. They usually just offer bollards to tie up to but are perfect for a short stop for shopping or an overnight stay in a quiet village.
- Wild Mooring: Away from locks, bridges, and towns, mooring to the bank using the provided stakes is often tolerated and a wonderful way to enjoy nature in complete tranquillity.