Port Cassafiéres - Castelnaudary (or vice versa)
Destinations / France / Canal du Midi / Port Cassafiéres - Castelnaudary (or vice versa)
Basic information
- Cruise length: 157 km
- Trip duration: 7 days
- Type of cruise: one-way route
- Number of locks: 64
The south of France has retained its charming and unique character for centuries. Along the canals, you can enjoy the pleasant landscape, precious monuments and numerous restaurants, bars and shops. You can buy wine, home-grown fruit or vegetables from the lock attendants. The sun shines in this area from March to October.
TheCanal du Midi - built by Pierre-Paul Riquet in the 17th century as a link between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean, it brought about the development of trade and tourism. At the time of its opening it was considered one of the wonders of the world. Today, the canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climatic turning point in this area is the Col de Naurouze, where the Atlantic current ends and the mild Mediterranean climate begins to take effect. In addition to the southern climate, the main magnet of this area are the historical monuments: in addition to the canal itself, you can admire the extensive fortress of Carcassonne with its fully preserved city walls and defensive towers, the Chateau Baragaine near le SéGala, the towns of Trébes, Castelnaudry and Villefranceh-de-Lauragais, historic Toulouse and ancient Roman Narbonne, and Agde, the oldest city in France. This shipping area also boasts the world's first ship tunnel at Malpas, the 'lock stairs' at Fonsérannes (near Béziers) and the aqueduct at Bézieres.
Camarque - one of Europe's original landscapes, a protected landscape area of 85 000 ha. Here it is possible to see some of the 330 species of migratory birds and even flamingos. Wild white horses are legendary here, living freely alongside herds of black buffalo. The landscape is characterised by its abundance of swamps, lakes, reeds and salt creeks. Swimmers will be delighted by the sea beaches easily accessible from the houseboat moorings (beautiful beaches, among others. Oyster farms in Etang de Thau, Méze and especially the Costieres de Nimes and Muscat wines in Frontignan will delight culinary enthusiasts. Among the sights, the Crusader fortress of Aigues-Mortes and the historic towns of Arles, Grau-du-Roi and Séte should not be missed.
The Etang de Thau connects the Midi Canal and the Rhone and Sete canals. In windy weather, crossing this oyster farming site requires some sailing experience, but in calmm weather, Etang de Thau should not be missed even by beginners (picturesque fishing harbours). At Beaucaire, the canal joins the Rhone River and you can sail to the Petit Rhone area (navigable only by the St. Gill).