Boating Holidays in the South of France

A town of Roman Art which is an important pilgrimage site for Saint- Jacques de Compostelle and Saint-Pierre de Rome. Saint- Gilles is situated alongside the Camargue which is a unique area. This area is fascinating and attractive for its originality. It enjoys the same climate as Provence and Languedoc however the landscape including the flora the fauna and especially the bird life is totally different.

A visit to Argens is one sure to provide cultural interactions with fine wines and historical artefacts- the area boasts a 'vine and wine' museum (with something for all tastes ) as well as a fascinating museum of archaeology and palaeontology. If you're looking for a slightly more active aspect to your holiday the area has a number of excellent fishing spots.

The petite village of Negra provides a perfect base for relaxing in an area which seems to be a world away from anywhere. The nearby village of Montesquieu-Lauragais is within easy reach with a well-preserved red brick manor and stables among the must-see attractions. It is a truly perfect area for an escape from the fast-paced world in which we live.

From the waterways of the Canal du Rhone a Sete you get a unique and magical insight to the desolate yet beautiful wetlands of the Camargue home to and famous for its wild white horses flocks of pink flamingos and bull-fighting bulls – as well as thousands of other species of bird and wildlife. Whilst here take a day out to dip your toes in the sea at the fashionable resort of Saintes Maries de la Mer or walk the walls of the ancient crusader city of Aigues Mortes one of the Camargue's principal towns.

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 2000 inhabitants the town is the capital of Cassoulet – a rich stew made from local ingredients of white beans pork goose duck and sausages.

The Canal du Midi makes cruising a perfect holiday at any time of year - the warmth of the Mediterranean sunshine and the dappled shade of the thousands of plane cypress and pine trees that border its paths will entice you to its waters whatever the season.

Situated on the Canal de la Robine Narbonne is a perfect place to start your cruising holiday in the Langudeoc. With blue skies above and warm sunshine on your face you'll soon discover why this part of France is at its most attractive from the waterside.

Port Cassafieres a delightful little pleasure port on the Canal du Midi within walking distance of the Mediterranean and its lovely beaches. Its proximity to Spain gives it some interesting flourishes in cuisine architecture and culture and results in it being a truly cosmopolitan spot to explore.

Based on the Grand Bief“ the longest lock free section in France. The port offices are in the old stables where boats would exchange their horses for fresh ones before continuing their journey along the canal. This is the oldest part of the canal du Midi and is a contour“ canal this means that the canal twists and turns along the edge of the hills through villages and vineyards and provides lovely vistas across the countryside to the Pyrenees in the distance. It is an ancient village the impressive and apparently incomplete church is visible from miles around and is often seen from the canal. This Church was in fact damaged during the Cather“ wars and has never been fully repaired. The town has a 7 bars & restaurants many shops and a supermarket there is a village market and numerous vineyards offering tastings and selling the much improved local wines. The village square is a bustling  hub in the evenings the locals come out to promenade and the two bars with their al fresco“ tables and chairs compete for your patronage. Clive Hillier is the base manager. Originally from Crawley he is now settled in the Midi and enjoys the Mediterranean life style! He is helped by Franz & Davy who are both locals despite their non-French names! Between them they have an excellent knowledge of the canal the sites to see and the best restaurants to sample and will be only too happy to provide the advice that will make your holiday a cruise to remember.

Not until you have enjoyed a cruising holiday on the Canal du Midi can you truly say that you understand the simple pleasures of life. Winding its way through the lower plains of the great Languedoc region – the prime wine producing region of France exploring the Canal du Midi is a must for any lover of food and wine.

The base is located in the delightful hamlet of Le Somail which lies at the heart of the Minervois wine region at the Eastern end of the canal. It is close to the fascinating cities of Carcassonne Narbonne and Béziers - all of which can be visited by canal.Le Somail is on the Grand Bief offering 54 kilometres of lock-free cruising through delightful countryside and vineyards.