Text and Photographs: Sergi Reboredo
Cruising on the Canal du Midi, we drift past sunlit vineyards, ancient stone bridges, and sleepy villages—pure serenity in every ripple.
After a few lessons to learn the basics of sailing, we boarded our 13-meter ‘Horizon 4 plus’ motor boat from the Le Boat base just outside Homps.
Accommodating up to 9 people, this boat is ideal for bachelor parties or pre-honeymoon getaways, offering ample space for groups of friends who want to enjoy an unforgettable experience sailing together.
The Canal du Midi
The 241 km long Canal du Midi connects Toulouse with the coastal city of Sète and was approved by Louis XIV in 1666. In the 19th century, the Canal de Garonne was added, forming the Canal des Deux Mers, which links the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. At a maximum speed of 8 km/h, the canal offers a leisurely pace of life, with landscapes of the south of France: bucolic villages, markets, lavender fields and sunflowers, ideal for lovers of slow travel and good gastronomy.Argens-Minervois.
The route includes arriving at Fonseranes in Béziers to visit the 9 locks in staircase, returning via Homps to refill water and continuing to Carcassonne, covering 175 kilometers and 54 locks in one week. The first locks serve as practice, and the staff is usually friendly. Many locks offer ice cream, refreshments and handicrafts. We can spend the night moored in the canal, where you can stop freely, or in ports with services, paying for the mooring.
Le Somail
The next day we arrive in Le Somail, a picturesque village that captivates with its quiet and cozy atmosphere, where time seems to stand still. The canal-side bars and cafes are ideal for relaxing and enjoying French life, while locals and tourists congregate for a coffee or a glass of wine watching the boats go by. The Le Somail bookstore, housed in a former wine cellar, is a treasure trove for book lovers, with a wide selection of new and used books.
From Béziers to Carcassonne
The next day, after a hearty breakfast, we reverse course to return to Homps and continue to Carcassonne, crossing the Malpas tunnel, an impressive work of engineering by Paul Riquet, located at the foot of the hill of Ensérune. Poilhes is a good place to stop and stroll, although on Thursday, Saturday or Sunday it is better to continue to Capestang to visit its market. On the way, huge barges, some used for weddings, pass by us, and everyone greets us. At a pace of 8 km/h, we arrive at the lock of l’Aiguille in Puichéric, where wooden sculptures and figures created by Joel, the artist lock keeper, decorate the garden, giving a touch of humor to the place.
Carcassonne, the largest citadel in Europe
On the fourth day of sailing, Carcassonne appears, perched on a hill above the Aude River, overlooking the Lauragais valley and the Minervois vineyards. Its medieval citadel, the largest in Europe, is surrounded by three kilometers of double walls and 52 towers, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. With 2,500 years of history, it is the best preserved medieval city in the world, accessible only to pedestrians.
Back to Homps
We turn towards the port of Homps, our final destination, with stops at places such as the Pont le Rode bridge, the Moulins de Trèbes lock and the triple lock of Fontfile surrounded by vineyards. However, the most special moment is the sunset among the trees near the Marseillette lock, the perfect closure for this trip.
What do you think? A great adventure for a honeymoon?
