Here’s a question. Does anyone know of a possible boat hire opportunity around the Narbonne/Beziers area? My Father is visiting in the Summer and having looked at taking him up the canal, or around the coast, the prices are humongous.
Martin, an email flyer I subscribe to has just posted an ad for some cruises on the canal:
http://www.carcassonne-croisiere.com/
Here is the ad:
Canal du Midi is located immediately outside the Railway Station in Carcassonne where you can see the cruise boats stop.
View of the medieval city and the vineyards of the Cabardès. “Picnic” cruises available. Departure and return from the port of Carcassonne. French, English and Spanish.
2013 July & August
Adults: €8.50 for City Cruise €9.50 for the Nature Cruise with Epanchoir of Foucaud, and €9 for others below. €10.50 for picnic cruises.
10:00 hours Nature Cruise (1.45 hours duration)
10:30 hours City Cruise (1.30 hours duration)
12.00 hours Picnic Cruise (2.45 hours duration)
14:00 hours City Cruise (1.30 hours duration)
15:00 hours City Cruise + Pont Canal (1.45 hours duration)
16:00 hours Nature Cruise (1.45 hours duration)
17:00 hours Nature Cruise + Èpanchoir de Foucard (1.50 hours duration)
18:00 City Nature Cruise (1.45 hours duration)
Round trips from Carcassonne railway station side.
City Cruise The boat leaves from the Port of Carcassonne and during a cruise on the Canal du Midi it will cross two locks, and there is a panoramic view of the Medieval City of Carcassonne from a distance.
Nature Cruise A twelve kilometer cruise on the Canal du Midi where passengers can discover the charm of this waterway and its towpath. The boat crosses the lock of Ladouce, and the Epanchoir of Faucard, the Lena’s bridge and the Arnouze’s aqueduct can be seen.
Discovery Cruise This is a fifteen kilometer cruise on the Canal du Midi, and thanks to a stop, you will discover the draining system of the 17th century and the ancient layout of 3 locks. Opportunity to take advantage of regional shop.
For Further Information:
lougabaret.canaldumidi@wanadoo.fr
Pamela, Lorraine, Sheila,
Thank you for your replies. I will check with your suggestions and let you know.
Once again thank you.
Martin.
This will give you some information. http://www.carcassonne-tourisme.com/carcassonne_EN.nsf/vueTitre/docVisiterCanalDuMidi?OpenDocument
There used to be (not sure if it is still available) a day trip on the Canal du Midi from Carcassonne.
Hello - renting a boat on the Canal du Midi is something i've dreamed of doing many times, but didn't because of the price... there is a blog entry with a list of addresses (in French but addresses are lsted at the end of the page):
http://www.canalmidi.com/louer.html. (s)he cites canalous and "belle du midi"as 2 family-owned businesses with attractive rates - the links to both of these are on the above URL.
Hope you find something ! cheers - Lorraine
I found this link which gives a host of options and took a quick look at the 'France Afloat' link. You might have to look at a lot to find one within your budget, but I think no matter which one, all the prices will be more expensive during July and August.
http://languedoc.angloinfo.com/af/297/languedoc-roussillon-canal-du-midi-boat-hire.html