The exceptional nature and unique architecture are just some of the reasons that will make you want to visit Bram. A picturesque commune belonging to the department of Aude, which is located in the Languedoc-Roussillon-Midi-Pyrénées region. The Canal du Midi, which crosses part of the city, gives it a certain elegance.
The heritage of Bram
The center of the city is notable for its circular shape, also known as «la circulade». It is worth noting that this is the largest circulade in Europe. The visit to Bram therefore takes place upstream, in these circular streets. Built in the 11th century, the old center will lead you to the Gothic church of Saints-Julien-et-Basilisse and the remains of an ancient castle.
On leaving the circulade, a hexagonal building catches the eye. This building is none other than the Halles Claude Nougaro hall, where various events and concerts are organized every year. Outside the city center, many castles, including Lordat, also deserve special attention. This huge estate, created in the 13th century, is home to a dovecote that will obviously enchant children. As for budding historians, they are invited to wander through the archaeological museum, named Eburomagus, which will tell them about the city's landmark periods.
Time for fun
As well as nature, Bram also seems well equipped to satisfy families and lovers of the great outdoors. The town is home to a magnificent two-hectare natural park, the Essars, which seems ideal for walks. Lake Buzerens will delight all water-skiing and other water sports enthusiasts. The town of Castelnaudary and the medieval city of Carcassonne are an interesting day trip from Bram.
An excursion that will be punctuated by a short trip along the famous Canal du Midi. Indeed, if you want to enjoy a relaxing visit to the city and its places of interest, opt for yacht charter in Bram. It will be an opportunity for lovers of good food to sample the typical cuisine of the Aude region, such as Castelnaudary cassoulet, Narbonnaise in the Mediterranean or Lauragais, a dish of poultry and beans.
France inland waterways Bram to East: 7 Days
Bram is a charming commune in the Aude (province of Lauragais) steeped in history. Its economic influence corresponds with the creation of two important trade routes: the Voie d'Aquitaine linking Toulouse and Narbonne, then the Canal du Midi a few centuries later. Bram has a rich historical heritage, with its church surrounded by the famous "circulades" (concentric circles of stones typical of this region), its Londat castle, and more recently the Essars Park and the "Eburomagus" house of archaeology.
Practical information
- Starting point: Bram
- End point: Bram
- Total km: 128 km
- Total Hours: 24 h 58 min
- Total Locks: 36 Locks
Summary of your itinerary
Bram >>> Caux et Sauzens (13 km / 2 hrs 7 mins / 2 Locks)
Eight kilometers from Carcassonne, Caux-et-Sauzens is trying to preserve its rural character and its vineyards. It is an ideal place to get away from civilization for an afternoon and contemplate nature.
Caux et Sauzens > Carcassonne (11 km / 2 hrs 7 mins / 3 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 >>> Trèbes (13 km / 3 hrs 7 mins / 6 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 monastery, 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 > > > Marseillette (9 km / 1 hr 22 min / 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 > > > Homps (6 km / 1 hr / 1 lock)
Homps is a small, friendly village in the 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 >>> Bram (64 km / 12 hrs 30 mins / 18 locks)
Bram is a charming commune in the Aude (province of Lauragais) steeped in history. Its economic influence corresponds with the creation of two important trade routes: the Voie d'Aquitaine linking Toulouse and Narbonne, then the Canal du Midi a few centuries later. Bram has a rich historical heritage, with its church surrounded by the famous "circulades" (concentric circles of stones typical of this region), its Londat castle, and more recently the Essars Park and the "Eburomagus" house of archaeology.
France inland waterway navigation Bram to West: 7 Days
- Base of departure: Bram
- Base of arrival: Bram
- Total km: 94 km
- Total Hours: 23 h 08 min
- Total Locks: 46 Locks
Summary of your itinerary
Bram >>> Castelnaudary (16 km / 5 hrs / 12 locks)
Castelnaudary is the world capital of cassoulet, so it is a major stop on your culinary journey. It is also home to the French Foreign Legion. Other features of the city include the Curagel mill, which offers an incredible and unobstructed view of the city and the Lauragais plain, as well as the Chapel or Apothecary, which was built to support the needs of the hospital.
Castelnaudary >>> Bief de partage (10 km / 2 hrs 26 mins / 5 locks)
The forebay is the reach (connecting two valleys by crossing a ridge) whose stretch of water has the highest altitude. It is only found on canals connecting two valleys ("junction canal").
Diverting reach >>> The Ségala (1 km / 0 hr 7 min / 0 Locks)
The Ségala is a natural region of France that extends to the west of the department of Aveyron and to the north of the Tarn. It is a geological region. The Ségala, "Land of 100 Valleys", has numerous hiking trails between streams and rivers.
The Ségala >>> Port Lauragais (4 km / 0 hr 45 min / 1 lock)
Port-Lauragais is a "service area" created by the Autoroutes du Sud de la France for safety reasons and also with the aim of promoting the cultural and economic wealth of the region through which it passes. Port-Lauragais is the meeting of two communication routes with two superb lakes and a small marina where you can admire magnificent sailing boats and beautiful river boats; many river boats include a stopover in Port-Lauragais in their cruise.
Port Lauragais >>> Gardouch (11 km / 2 hr 10 min / 3 locks)
Gardouch is entirely oriented towards the Canal du Midi, in fact I am of course talking about the lock but also about its famous canal deck.
Gardouch >>> Montesquieu-Lauragais (6 km / 1 hr 15 min / 2 Locks)
Montesquieu-Lauragais is in the Lauragais region, on the Canal du Midi, a few kilometers from Toulouse. You can visit the Gothic-style church of Saint-Jacques le Majeur with its bell wall.
Montesquieu lauragais >>> Bram (46 km / 11 hrs 25 mins / 23 locks)
Bram is a charming commune in the Aude (province of Lauragais) steeped in history. Its economic influence corresponds with the creation of two important trade routes: the Voie d'Aquitaine linking Toulouse and Narbonne, then the Canal du Midi a few centuries later. Bram has a rich historical heritage, with its church surrounded by the famous "circulades" (concentric circles of stones typical of this region), its Londat castle, and more recently the Essars Park and the "Eburomagus" house of archaeology.
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 |