The Argens, a river that flows through the department of Var, is certainly considered one of the most beautiful wild sites in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. With its source in a commune called Seillons-Source-d'Argens, the river flows through splendid landscapes before emptying into the Mediterranean.
Sailing on the river Argens
Opting for a river cruise on the Argens is undoubtedly one of the best choices for discovering one of the most beautiful regions of France. You can also opt for a more sporty canoe trip. The river has everything to amaze you! Starting from the town of Seillons-Source-d'Argens, there are many destinations awaiting you. You will reach, for example, Arcs-sur-Argens, where the magnificent Sainte-Roseline chapel, a listed Historic Monument, stands.
By adjusting your course to Roquebrune-sur-Argens, you will cross the famous Bagarèdes gorges and Le Muy. History lovers will have plenty of time to explore the town and admire its squares and monuments. The portalet, the fountain and the parish church of Roquebrune consecrated in 1535 are among the must-sees in Roquebrune-sur-Argens. Budding historians will also be delighted to make a stop in Fréjus. You will see the Roman amphitheater, the Roman aqueduct, the Cocteau chapel, the Porte des Gaules, the Porte d'Orée and many other ancient monuments. Nature lovers will not be left out during their river trip. In fact, throughout your tour, you will have the chance to pass through the forests, hills and cliffs that embellish the region.
Hiking and culinary journey
If you appreciate good food, opt for a unique cruise along the Argens and treat your taste buds. Between trips, you can discover and savor Provençal specialties such as pistou soup, Tarte Tropézienne (a type of tart) and the famous ratatouille. As for lovers of long walks, there are plenty of sailing itineraries in the surrounding area. You can opt for a trek to the rock overlooking Lake Aréna. At the lake, swimming, relaxation and pedalos are all on the agenda. in Fréjus, don't miss the Areca park, a wooded park facing the sea at Saint-Aygulf. You can also enjoy hiking in the Fréjus forest and a stroll around the Villepey lakes!
France, river navigation, Argens westwards: 7 days
The commune of Argens Minervois is crossed by the Canal du Midi, and is bordered to the south by the river Aude. It takes its name from the geographical site composed of sandstone and clay (Argilla in Latin). Halfway between the Mediterranean Sea (35 km) and the Montagne Noire, it enjoys a privileged location in the heart of a region with a rich past (the Cathar Castles, the City of Carcassonne, etc.)
Practical information
- Starting point: Argens
- End point: Argens
- Total km: 114 km
- Total Hours: 24 h 12 min
- Total Locks: 40 Locks
Summary of your itinerary
Argens >>> Homps (6 km / 1 hr 45 min / 4 locks)
Homps is a small, friendly village in Languedoc, a former stop on the Roman road. It is renowned for its wine and is also home to the Maison du Vin Minervois. The Roman heritage is therefore present, but there is a significant legacy of the orders of the Hospitallers and then the Knights of Malta (the tower and chapel of the village). The Lac de Jouarnes and its water sports center provide an opportunity for relaxation and family fun.
Homps >>> La Redorte (6 km / 1 hr / 1 locks)
A commune in the Minervois on the Canal du Midi at the confluence of the Aude and the Argent-Double. This village is built around its 18th-century castle. You can also discover the Argent-Double weir, which allows the hydraulic functioning of the canal, and the Dînée, a former stop for boatmen and travelers.
The return trip > Marseillette (12 km / 2 hrs 45 mins / 5 locks)
Marseillette is located in the urban area of Carcassonne between Trèbes and Puichéric. You can visit the Clock Tower which dominates the village.
Marseillette >>> Trèbes (9 km / 1 hr 22 min / 1 locks)
In addition to its historical heritage, Trèbes has all the infrastructure of a modern city. In terms of culture, there is the church, the Capuchin convent, but also much older remains such as the Mourral enclosure (Neolithic remains). Another not insignificant point is the Orbiel aqueduct deck, which is unique on the Canal du Midi.
Trèbes >>> Carcassonne (13 km / 3 hrs 07 mins / 6 Locks)
Carcassonne is famous for being a medieval city and, above all, the city of the Cathars, who long resisted the power of the kings of France, who considered them heretics. The city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, for a group of places and monuments: the count's castle, the Saint-Nazaire basilica and other holy places. The gastronomy is famous throughout France with its local products from the Languedoc region (duck, goose liver pâté, bourride de Bages, etc.).
Carcassonne >>> Caux et Sauzens (11 km / 2 hr 07 min / 3 Locks)
Eight kilometers from Carcassonne, Caux-et-Sauzens is trying to preserve its rural character and its vineyards. It is the ideal place to get away from civilization for a while and contemplate nature for an afternoon.
Caux et Sauzens >>> Argens (57 km / 12 hours 06 minutes / 20 locks)
The commune of Argens Minervois is crossed by the Canal du Midi, and is bordered to the south by the river Aude. It takes its name from the geographical site composed of sandstone and clay (Argilla in Latin). Halfway between the Mediterranean Sea (35 km) and the Montagne Noire, it enjoys a privileged location in the heart of a region with a rich past (the Cathar Castles, the City of Carcassonne, etc.)
France river navigation Argens eastwards: 7 days
Practical information
- Base of departure: Argens
- Arrival base: Argens
- Total km: 142 km
- Total Hours: 24 hrs 32 mins
- Total number of locks: 25 locks
Summary of your itinerary
Argens >>> Roubia (4 km / 0 hr 45 min / 1 lock)
You pass the Canal du Midi at Roubia via the Argens lock (which is the busiest on the canal). Because after the Canal is characterized by the absence of locks until Béziers. You can also see the Répudre aqueduct.
Roubia >>> Paraza (2 km / 0 hr 15 min / 0 Locks)
Paraza is a small village, but you can visit its very beautiful church in its small historic center: Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, as well as the Répudre canal deck.
Paraza >>> Le Somail (9 km / 1 hr 07 min / 0 locks)
Le Somail is a hamlet that gained its reputation in conjunction with the construction of the Canal du Midi. It was developed as a stopping place, in particular with the hamlet's inn, and a port specifically for this use. There is an old horseshoe-shaped stone deck, as well as the "glacière", a vaulted circular building with two levels separated by a floor (the only one remaining on the Canal du Midi).
Le Somail >>> Cuxac-d'Aude (2.5 km / 0 hr 18 min / 0 locks)
Cuxac-d'Aude is a French commune located in the department of Aude. The church of Saint-Martin, classified as a historical monument in 1983, is an interesting place to stop.
Cuxac-d'Aude >>> Capestang (19.5 km / 2 hrs 26 mins / 0 locks)
Capestang is an Occitan and rugby land, but it is also the jewel of the Languedoc wine-growing plain. The castle of the archbishops of Narbonne (their summer residence) and the collegiate church of Saint Étienne are other attractions of the town. The town's bell tower rises to a height of 43 meters and dominates the town. Its ambitious construction was scaled back after the terrible epidemic of the Black Death that ravaged France during the Middle Ages.
Capestang >>> Poilhes (6 km / 0 hr 45 min / 0 locks)
Poilhes is a small French village located below the Ensérune oppidum. Close to the Capestang lake, the landscaped banks in the heart of the village provide an opportunity to take a break in an authentic setting. You can see the elm of Sully (a venerable shaft planted in 1608), as well as Roman remains. Curiously, there are two English cannons on display on the bank of the Canal du Midi.
Poilhes >>> Malpas Tunnel (5 km / 0 hr 38 min / 0 Locks)
The Malpas tunnel was dug in 1679-1680 under the hill of Ensérune in the Hérault, to allow the Canal du Midi to pass through. It was the first tunnel to be dug to allow a canal to pass through. Length: 73m Width: 8.5m Height: 6m Beneath the Malpas tunnel are two other tunnels whose paths cross (at different levels), a gallery dating from the 13th century that was dug to allow for the drainage of themontady pond and a railway tunnel dug in the 19th century to allow passage of the Béziers-Narbonne railway line.
Malpas Tunnel >>> Colombiers (1 km / 0 hr 07 min / 0 Locks)
Colombiers (Colombièrs in Occitan) is a commune in the Hérault department at the foot of the ancient oppidum of Ensérune and in a meander of the Canal du Midi. This small town has many tourist and cultural attractions to offer: the cellar of the castle, the Col du Malpas (three tunnels, including the famous Tunnel des Moines), the dry pond of Montady-Colmbiers and the church of Saint Sylvestre.
Colombiers >>> Béziers (8 km / 3 hrs 00 mins / 8 locks)
Béziers is a French commune located in the department of Hérault (Languedoc-Roussillon). Béziers is famous for its wine, rugby union and the feria, a festival that takes place every August around the 15th and attracts around a million participants. The main tourist attractions in Béziers are the historic center and the 9 locks of Fonséranes, which have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Béziers >>> Villeneuve-Lès-Béziers (6 km / 1 hr 40 min / 3 Locks)
Villeneuve-Lès-Béziers has retained its authentic charm while being a dynamic town, very close to its big sister Béziers. The town is close to the Cévennes and the Haut Languedoc Regional Nature Park. The town hall organizes weekly activities for residents and visitors, ideal when you are short of ideas.
Villeneuve-Lès-Béziers >>> Portiragnes (8 km / 1 hr 15 min / 1 locks)
In Portiragnes you will appreciate its heritage, its beach, its folklore and its traditions, which make it a village where life is good. Don't miss the archaeological museum (remains dating from the Neolithic period).
Portiragnes >>> Argens (71 km / 12 h 16 min / 12 locks)
The commune of Argens Minervois is crossed by the Canal du Midi, and to the south it is bordered by the river Aude. It takes its name from the geographical site composed of sandstone and clay (Argilla in Latin). Halfway between the Mediterranean Sea (35 km) and the Montagne Noire, it enjoys a privileged location in the heart of a region with a rich past (the Cathar Castles, the City of Carcassonne, etc.)
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 1 190 |
|---|---|
| Average price per week | $2,436 |
| Minimum weekly price | $794 |
| Maximum price per week | $4,662 |