River cruises on the Canal du Midi: river boats and yachts that can be chartered without a license

Why not take a cruise on the Canal du Midi?

How about setting off on a cruise on a river boat on the Canal du Midi? Admire the villages of the south of France and its historical and gastronomic heritage. Whether you are with friends, family or simply on a romantic trip, you can enjoy the magnificent stopovers offered by this old canal, which was built over 300 years ago and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has become a must for river tourism in Europe and is recommended by enthusiasts of river yacht charters. The license-free river boats are equipped with ropes and stakes that allow you to berth along the river for picnics or bike rides. Sailing on the Canal du Midi is an original and peaceful way to spend an unforgettable vacation in the heart of nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. The Canal du Midi invites you to enjoy the pleasures of the water and the charm of the villages throughout your stay.

Choose your type of navigation 

Filovent offers a wide choice of riverboats to best meet the expectations of our customers:

• License-free river cruises: ideal for families and groups of friends, this option allows you to sail the Canal du Midi independently, without needing a license. You can choose from a wide range of river boats, suited to your needs and desires. License-free river cruises are generally very well equipped and comfortable, with everything you need for a pleasant stay.
• River cruises with a skipper: if you want to make the most of your stay without worrying about driving, this is the option for you. A professional skipper will take care of the navigation, while you can relax and enjoy the scenery passing by.

These boats are available from many bases, the most important of which are Homps, Castelnaudary, Sète and Capestang. You can go as a couple or in a group, as the smallest river boats have two cabins. However, for safety reasons, you cannot sail alone, as some maneuvers require two people on board. You don't need to be an expert or have a navigation license! A 30-minute training session at the departure base is enough to take the helm of the boat and set off to enjoy your week or weekend on a river boat on the Canal du Midi.

Average rates according to the season and the size of the boat

These prices are an average for a week's river cruise on the Canal du Midi. They obviously vary according to several factors such as the season or the model of boat. For more information on prices and river cruises on the Canal du Midi, don't hesitate to contact our team of advisors!

When is the best time to sail on the Canal du Midi?

The recommended months for enjoying the Canal du Midi are the summer months, when you can make the most of the sun. Sunny days at the side of the boat, accompanied by good meals and breathtaking scenery, will transform your vacation into an unforgettable adventure.

The Canal locks

With 240 kilometers of waterways and 63 locks, the Canal du Midi offers sailors a wonderful navigation area for a river trip. All the locks are electric. Some locks are single, double or triple, with chambers connected by intermediate doors. The locks are guarded by lock keepers who control the doors, but it's up to you to do the necessary maneuvering! Several of them are unmissable and are among the most beautiful locks on the Canal du Midi. In Agde, you can see the famous round lock, a unique architectural feature. In high season, some locks can be very busy, especially in July and August. It is therefore advisable to plan your sailing itinerary on the Canal du Midi carefully and anticipate waiting times at the locks, especially on the most popular stretches of the Canal du Midi.

Here are the lock times: 

What activities should you prioritize during your river cruise?

Discover the AOC-classified vineyards along the Canal du Midi.

Are you a wine tasting enthusiast? Your stay on a river boat will be an opportunity to take advantage of your stopovers and visit renowned vineyards. Tasting the best wines of France is also something to do, in moderation... From the side of your river boat, you will love contemplating the vineyards along the Canal du Midi. Unmissable, believe me. Nothing is more refreshing than diving into the fresh water of the Canal du Midi after a day of exploration and discovery during your river vacation.

Sports activities

For more fun, rent a bike for the day or for the week and enjoy the Canal du Midi and its villages in a different way! The cycle path along the side of the canal is very pleasant and allows you to discover the Canal du Midi by bike. Get some exercise in a different way by playing a round of golf in Carcassonne, doing some treetop adventure in Cavayères, kayaking or even horse riding on the beach. A wide range of activities is available, so take the opportunity to fill your mast top with memories.

Fishing at the side of the canal

The Canal du Midi is an excellent place for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can enjoy peaceful moments at the side of the boat to catch a variety of fish, including perch and pike.

Visit the local markets

The local markets, which are often lively in summer, are an excellent way to sample fresh local produce. You can buy fruit, vegetables, cheese and other typical products that you can enjoy on board your river boat or on the banks of the canal.

The most beautiful stops on your cruise on the Canal du Midi

All along the route, you will enjoy magnificent landscapes where the peaceful water of the canal is reflected in the southern sun.

Castelnaudary: The capital of cassoulet

In Castelnaudary, there are numerous restaurants where you can sample the region's finest cassoulets. This is a dish made with white beans, pieces of pork and duck. In the village, you can visit the Collegiate Church of Saint-Michel, the Lauragais Museum, and even go to the Moulin de Cugarel to admire the view of the countryside and the Montagne Noire.

The medieval city of Carcassonne

The second most popular tourist attraction in France after the Eiffel Tower, the citadel of Carcassonne will catch your attention as you approach the city by river boat. Start with a walk to appreciate the spectacular and preserved structure of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take time to visit Saint-Nazaire Cathedral, then stroll through the cobbled streets to the Château Comtal and its ramparts.

The Cathar city of Minerve

Perched on a rocky promontory, Minerve is one of the most beautiful villages in France, with its cobbled streets and authentic houses. For the more motivated, you can reach the village by bike. Finally, enjoy the breathtaking landscape of the surrounding nature from the top of the village.

The Répudre canal bridge

If you stop off at the village of Paraza, you can pass by the Répudre aqueduct, the first aqueduct built in France and the second in the world! You will sail on one of the decks that have been there since the canal was first built, as it was constructed by the same contractor as the Pierre-Paul Riquet canal.