Canal Du Midi Region
Le Somail & Port Lauragais Base Information
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Le Somail Base Information
From the charming small ports of Le Somail or Bellegarde, cruise away to discover the Canal du Midi in the direction of Carcassonne or if your cruising time permits down to Narbonne close to the Mediteranean Sea. Or simply navigate the long reach above Beziers, a tourist Mecca, continuing to the Etang de Thau to go to Camargue area.

The attractions :
Navigate along the Mediterranean inland waterway with just a single lock on the Rhône to Sète canal, richness and variety of scenery between la Camargue, Ethang de Thau and the Canal du Midi, medieval cities and Gastronomy Meridional sunny beaches, Le Grau du Roi and Palavas...
Port Lauragais Base Information
Situated halfway between Toulouse and Carcassonne, Port Lauragais is an excellent point of departure for anyone wanting to hire a barge on the Canal du Midi and discover the many treasures of the "Canal Royal du Languedoc", as it was known under Louis XIV’s reign.


THE “PINK CITY” OF TOULOUSE
At the Canal’s starting point, the famous “pink city” of Toulouse is a treasure trove of cultural delights: the Capitole with its staterooms, the Basilica of St-Sernin –a masterpiece of Roman artistry – which is on the Camino de Santiago, and so much more... Not least the Cité de l’Espace for anyone with an interest in space travel. Just one and a half miles from our Port Lauragais base, the legendary Seuil de Naurouze (where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet) reveals the secrets behind the Canal’s construction. A little further afield, don’t miss the chance to try cassoulet, a local speciality, when you’re in Castelnaudary.

CARCASSONNE AND ITS MEDIEVAL CITY
Another must-see during your river cruise on the Canal du Midi: Carcassonne and its medieval city, a jewel of the Cathar era. A fortified city ringed with 2 miles of walls, with no fewer than 52 towers, this Unesco world heritage site is a masterpiece. Carry on cruising down to Trèbes then enjoy a stroll round its historic centre - take in the 13th century church, or try the peculiar triple lock. Palavas...
Available Bases in France