Négra river boat & license-free river boat charter
Last updated on 8 April 2025
A pleasant stopover along the Canal du Midi, Négra is a lock complex with many advantages in the commune of Montesquieu-Lauragais. Located about thirty kilometers from Toulouse, it offers good opportunities for excursions in the Languedoc-Roussillon-Midi-Pyrénées region.
Discover the lock and its community
The chapel, the canal bridge and the hostelry that make up the Négra lock complex evoke its past history. Visiting them will therefore help you understand how it has evolved. Located right in front of the lock, the Négra chapel was a place of contemplation for visitors passing through the countryside. The canal deck, made from red bricks, is part of the architectural heritage of the Négra lock. It adds a certain embellishment to this place of rest. meanwhile, the hostelry, which has an icehouse, was used as a «dînée» (dining area) for the boats of the Post Office. But the commune of Montesquieu-Lauragais has other tourist attractions besides the lock.
These monuments include the remains of its ancient fortresses, but also the 14th-century Gothic church of Montesquieu, with its remarkable bell tower. For a fun way to discover the region, choose a campsite at Lake Thésauque, 7 km from Négra. Combine relaxation and fun, try out the pedalos, paddleboards and various games on the inflatable playground. You can also take a stroll in the shade of the shafts surrounding the lake.
River boat trips on the Canal du Midi
Today the lock, which has become a nautical base, serves as both a stopover and a point of departure for trips to the south. Yacht charter in Négra remains an excellent way to travel along the famous Canal du Midi.
Sail through the canal to the west of Négra to discover the pearls of the Pink City. There you will find the imposing Place du Capitole, the 13th-century convent of the Jacobins and the Musée des Augustins. Then, stroll through the graceful Japanese garden for a moment of relaxation in a heavenly setting. Complete your conquest of the Midi by sailing eastwards towards the medieval city of Carcassonne. On your way, a stop at Castelnaudary is a must to savor its famous cassoulet.