& a canal du Midi itinerary
7 nights cruise
Trèbes to Narbonne
109.5km / 34 locks / 24.5hrs of cruising
Combine the iconic, tree-lined Canal du Midi, including legendary Carcassonne, with the splendour of the Canal de la Robine.
This lesser-known canal meanders lazily through vast lakes and nature reserves towards the Mediterranean coast.
Day 1: Arrive in Trèbes
0km / 0 locks / 0hrs of cruising
After your arrival in pretty Trèbes and, after settling into your boat, discover the beautiful oak beams and sculpted figures of the 13th century church nearby.
Day 2: Trèbes to Puichéric
17,5km / 11 locks / 5hrs of cruising
Buy fresh bread and croissants and enjoy breakfast on board, before
beginning your Midi adventure. Take a short taxi ride to the ancient Cathar stronghold of Carcassonne for a tour of the city walls and 12th Century Chateau. Enjoy lunch among the bustling cobbled streets within the city walls and then head back to your boat and begin your peaceful cruise eastwards.
Day 3: Puichéric to Ventenac 25km / 8 locks / 5hrs of cruising
Explore the leafy trails of Le Redorte before lunch at the elegant Chateau. Then it’s time for a spot of wine-tasting at the Ventenac Minervois Cave Cooperative…and a chance to stock up for the rest of your journey, of course!
Day 4: Ventenac to Le Somail 5km / 0 locks / 1hr of cruising
In Le Somail, wander among the crammed bookshelves of Madam Gourgue’s Antiquarian Bookshop where you’ll find everything from cheap paperbacks to very rare editions. After lunch, head into the countryside for a tour around the Olive Groves of L’Oulibo.
Day 5: Le Somail to Narbonne 18km / 10 locks / 5.5hrs of cruising
Visit the fascinating Amphoralis gallo-roman potters’ Museum, the site of a 1st – 3rd century Roman Potter factory that has recently been uncovered. Spend the afternoon cruising along the pretty Canal de la Robine towards Narbonne.
Day 6: Narbonne to Port-la-Nouvelle 22km / 3 locks / 4hrs of cruising
A walk around Narbonne takes you through 2500 years of history, including the very grand Archbishop’s Palace and cloisters and the remarkable Gothic cathedral. In the afternoon, as you head south towards the Mediterranean coast, the scenery changes and the canal leads you among a vast network of lakes.
Day 7: Port-la-Nouvelle to Narbonne 22km / 3 locks / 4hrs of cruising
Take a morning stroll around the bustling fishing port of Port-la-Nouvelle or along the vast sandy beaches nearby, before heading back to Narbonne. On the way, stop for a walk around the Isle of Sainte-Lucie, a nature reserve of exceptional beauty. The day finishes back in Narbonne for a final farewell dinner – bon appétit!
Note: This itinerary can also be taken in the opposite direction
This itinerary is a suggestion only. All cruising distances and times are approximations and are subject to local navigation restrictions at the time you
cruise, planned or otherwise. Please check advertised opening times of sights and attractions to avoid disappointment. Various tours or attractions may
need to be booked in advance. All meals, entry fees and tour tariffs are payable at your own expense.
Book a Midi cruise now and save!
April & May: 15% discount
June & August: 10%
PLUS an additional 100€ in August, September & October
on all Midi & Camargue cruises, ONLY with Hotels Afloat
*Horizon boat excluded
You must be logged in to post a comment.