Canal du Midi

From the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean sea

The Midi Canal in the south of France

The Midi Canal was built in the 17th century. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and among the most popular routes here in France. Step back in time as you explore the ancient trading ports and medieval towns and villages.

Map of the waterways

Canal and river map for Canal du Midi

Hotel barges

7 hotel barge cruises

Anjodi barge cruise

Anjodi

Midi Canal
8 guests
★★★★
Athos barge cruise

Athos

Midi Canal
10 guests
★★★★
New for 2023!
Elegance barge cruise

Elegance

Midi Canal
6 guests
★★★★★
2024 offers
Enchanté barge cruise

Enchanté

Midi Canal
8 guests
★★★★★★
Esperance barge cruise

Esperance

Midi Canal
6 guests
★★★★★
New
Save 5% today
Johanna barge cruise

Johanna

Midi Canal
4 guests
★★★★★
Saraphina barge cruise

Saraphina

Midi Canal
4 guests
★★★★

"Home & Away" barges

Self-drive boats in the Canal du Midi region

Nicols

Nicols operate 19 different types of self-drive boats in this region.
Here is a random selection.

Save up to 20%
N800 rental boat

N800

3 guests
1 cabin
1 bathroom
★★
From 698€/week
Save up to 10%
N SIXTO FLY C rental boat

N SIXTO FLY C

8 guests
3 cabins
3 bathrooms
★★★★★★
From 3257€/week
Save up to 20%
N1100 rental boat

N1100

9 guests
4 cabins
3 bathrooms
★★★★
From 1470€/week
Save up to 20%
N QUATTRO B rental boat

N QUATTRO B

6 guests
4 adults
2 children
2 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★★
From 1697€/week

Locaboat

Locaboat operate 15 different types of self-drive boats in this region.
Here is a random selection.

Save up to 25%
P1260R rental boat

P1260R

10 guests
5 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★
From 1764€/week
Save up to 25%
Penichette Evolution rental boat

Penichette Evolution

4 guests
2 cabins
1 bathroom
★★★★
From 1603€/week
Save up to 25%
P1020 FB rental boat

P1020 FB

5 guests
4 adults
1 child
3 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★★
From 1330€/week
Save up to 25%
P1400 FB rental boat

P1400 FB

10 guests
4 cabins
3 bathrooms
★★★★
From 2135€/week

France Afloat

France Afloat operate 8 different types of self-drive boats in this region.
Here is a random selection.

20% off
Euro Classic 129 rental boat

Euro Classic 129

4 guests
2 adults
2 children
2 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★★
From 1897€/week
20% off
Linssen 33.9 Aft cabin rental boat

Linssen 33.9 Aft cabin

6 guests
2 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★★
From 1942€/week
20% off
Euro Classic 149 rental boat

Euro Classic 149

8 guests
4 cabins
4 bathrooms
★★★★
From 3234€/week
20% off
Linssen 35 Aft Cabin rental boat

Linssen 35 Aft Cabin

6 guests
2 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★★
From 2367€/week

France Passion Plaisance

France Passion Plaisance operate 10 different types of self-drive boats in this region.
Here is a random selection.

Save up to 40%
Tarpon 32 rental boat

Tarpon 32

8 guests
4 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★
From 1572€/week
Save up to 40%
Tarpon 37 DP rental boat

Tarpon 37 DP

6 guests
2 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★★★
From 1250€/week
Save up to 40%
La Peniche F rental boat

La Peniche F

12 guests
12 adults
6 cabins
3 bathrooms
★★★★
From 2661€/week
Save up to 40%
Tarpon 37 rental boat

Tarpon 37

10 guests
4 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★
From 1280€/week

Le Boat

Le Boat operate 34 different types of self-drive boats in this region.
Here is a random selection.

Save 25%
Royal Mystique A rental boat

Royal Mystique A

6 guests
2 cabins
2 bathrooms
Comfort Plus rating
From 2179€/week
Save 25%
Royal Mystique B rental boat

Royal Mystique B

6 guests
2 cabins
2 bathrooms
Comfort Plus rating
From 2179€/week
Save 25%
Grand Classique rental boat

Grand Classique

12 guests
6 adults
4 children
5 cabins
3 bathrooms
Comfort rating
From 2319€/week
Save 25%
Horizon 2 rental boat

Horizon 2

5 guests
2 cabins
2 bathrooms
Premium rating
From 1879€/week

Canal du Midi information

Canal du Midi

Built during the 17th century, the Canal du Midi is on the eastern side of the Canal des Deux Mers, it's one of the oldest man-made waterways in Europe. At 360km long, the Canal du Midi was built to link the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is fed by the waters of the Black Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Southern France, runs from Toulouse in the west to the Mediterranean port of Sète in the east.

Shaded by plane trees lining its banks, the Canal du Midi’s green waters wind through the beautiful countryside, past fields of sunflowers and the vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon.

Explore the busy port town of Béziers and enjoy the stunning views from the former cathedral of Saint-Nazaire, perched on a hilltop. To the west, at Fonseranes, you will find the marvellous flight of seven locks. See the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas, and discover the exciting village of Capestang with its lovely, floodlit St. Etienne Cathedral. Detour to Narbonne to see the impressive cathedral and Archbishop's Palace. Famous for its medieval fortress set high on a hill with drawbridges, towers and cobbled streets, Carcassonne is unmissable. The medieval town of Castelnaudary is also worth exploring. It was built around a castle in the 12th century and was the birthplace of cassoulet, a meat and beans dish named after the earthenware pot in which it is cooked.

Browse the traditional markets for a selection of local cheeses and enjoy tasting the wines of the region. The Canal du Midi passes through the wine-growing areas of the Languedoc, the Herault, the Aude, Minervois and Corbières.

Basking in warm sunshine almost all year round, a cruise along the Canal du Midi is an ideal holiday for sun-seekers! Air-conditioned boats are advisable in July or August as temperatures can be high.

A perfect boating holiday for experienced and first-time cruisers alike, this beautiful and tranquil waterway, with relaxed cruising through unique oval locks, stands testament to the technical mastery of its architects.

More information on the UNESCO site

Waterways in this region

The Canal du Midi, the Canal de la Robine, the canal latéral à la Garonne, the Canal de Jonction, Etang de Thau

Information, history and details of the Midi Canal