Canal du Midi, between cruises and boat rental without a permit

Want a ride around Toulouse? Then discover the Canal du Midi, between cruises and boat rental without a permit!

The royal route of river tourism in Europe, the Canal du Midi, awakens the imagination and evokes in just a few seconds, the sweetness of living. Some follow its voluptuous curves by bike, from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Others walk along it by small portions.

But those who make the best choice are probably those who walk him as his creator had imagined it... by boat! But don't be afraid. The Canal du Midi offers many possibilities for boaters of all levels.

Among them, boat rental without a permit . As a couple, with family or friends, hang time at the gates of the Midi. The river cruises are carried out in two days as in a week: what to recharge completely!

The Canal du Midi in a few words

Do you know that all his splendors went to the Canal du Midi the nickname of "Can Canal Royal du Languedoc" in the time of Louis XIV? So if we talk about the geniuses past on Earth, let’s quote Pierre-Paul Riquet: the designer – certainly great dreamer too – of this exceptional channel.

He envisioned these winding waters under the sun of southern France, protected in the shade of platanes, cypresses and other parasol pines. Unbreakable refreshing silhouettes, also on browsers... The Canal du Midi flows between the feet of endemic vines and black mountains, along a landscape plunged by historic villages.

Far from being selfish, this beautiful running course also leaves room for other water bodies such as ponds or beaches!

The most beautiful river cruises on the Canal du Midi

Specialist in boat rental without a permit and river holidays, Nicols offers numerous courses on the Canal du Midi.

We have selected here three thematic and varied escapes. During your cruise, you will be free to stop with your desires: in the isolated countryside as in the busy cities. What to fill everyone!

For a weekend: the gastronomic escape

No epicure or amateur of good tables ignores the flavors of the Midi. Along its emblematic channel, gastronomy and local wines drive the boaters in a full journey. On the terraces of small cafes, in the heart of picturesque markets or on the waterfront in a starred restaurant, there are many gastronomic breaks.

This weekend, combining pleasures of the water and the table, starts at Port Lauragais, between Toulouse and Carcassonne. You’ll find Lauragais’ immanquable cassoulet and the typical duck specialties in town. Magrets, confits, terrines, foie gras: Christmas before the hour!

In this small marina, you also enjoy a wine from Fronton. A few hours of navigation later, you reach the Seuil de Naurouze and its hikes that invite you to digest and digest a little!

Finally, this is Castelnaudary, at the end of your cruise on the Canal du Midi. The city that can also pride itself on its cassoulet. This town of water with deliciously fanned facades is even more the city of dry beans, duck jams, sausages and lards. As a souvenir, why not a traditional pottery of Ségala, in which are prepared the mythical cassoulet? This small village is also on your way to go and return.

For a mini-week: the wine port of call

The Canal du Midi, from Somail to Marseillette, has many assets. Between jewels of architecture, river heritage in its juice, small picturesque ports, vineyards and gourmets, this cruise carries you in a tourbillon of experiences.

Your péniche awaits you in the hamlet, as fixed in time, from Somail. You then sail to the vineyards of the village of Ventenac-en-Minervois. Built in amphitheatre on a hill with exceptional views, it is the ideal place to discover the local nectars.

Then you slide on the meanders of the river leading to Paraza, its castle and its famous Canal Bridge of the Répudre, the oldest in France. In the absence of gustative delights? Here you are in Roubia, a country of olive oil producers. Want a postcard landscape? The bucolic and perched village of Argens-Minervois will enchant you!

Need a head? Join the Lake of Jouarres in Homps. Fear of History? Finally, you are at the level of La Redorte, a remarkable river building, then in Puichéric, famous for its church and fortifications. Finish everything in flavor, in the country of rice: Marseillette. Renew with the local tradition and unsuspected rice fields.

For a week: medieval escapade

Do we still have to introduce Carcassonne, the famous medieval city? Voguez to its timeless charms and untouched cultural riches. On the way, your escape takes place in a succession of renewed wonders... Verdant vineyards of the Minervois, bridges and historic locks, regional dishes and – scandalously – delicious: the show is at every moment!

Your departure base, The Somail, is imprinted with a picturesque and romantic atmosphere. It puts you perfectly in the mood. Then navigate to the gourmet and wine-growing lands of Ventenac-en-Minervois. Then, the cruise takes historical travel air in the villages of Paraza, Argens-Minervois, Homps, La Redorte and Puichéric. They are in turn home to the oldest bridge-channel in the country, castles overlooking vineyards, lakes and garrigues, picturesque ports, remarkable monuments and precious works of locker-sculptor.

On the way, you will also discover Roubia and Marseillette: two flowers of local gastronomy, cradles of regional grape varieties, olive oil and rice. In the middle of a week, land in Zebes. This enchanting place offers pleasant restaurants by the water, beautiful Gothic buildings and river monuments still in their juice.

But the peak of your cruise is undoubtedly your arrival in Carcassonne. This medieval nestling just steps from the Canal du Midi can boast of its kilometers of ramparts, the strength of its fortified enclosures and its doors and towers. Records that earned him, in 1997, an inscription to UNESCO World Heritage. This exceptional and imposing frame will undoubtedly leave you an unforgettable memory!

The Canal du Midi with a boat without a permit

Would you like to enjoy the boat rental without a permit at the Canal du Midi? Nicols offers no less than 27 boat models on this destination. The choice of your boat depends first on the number of people on board (from 2 to 12 people) but also on your vision of the trip!

To make your cruise on the Canal du Midi, experts Nicols guide you to the best choice among five ranges. Fly, Estivale, Comfort, Sedan or Riviera: the entire fleet has beautiful living areas and comfortable equipment, secure and facilitating maneuvers. Depending on the range, boats without permits offer higher-end services: double terrace, swimming pool, private bathroom, air conditioning, fitted decks, etc.

To navigate the Canal du Midi, here are the different options:

• Fly-free boats designed for 4 to 10 boaters according to the model;
• Boats without a summer permit designed for 2 to 10 boaters according to the model;
• Unlicensed boats Comfort designed for 5 to 10 boaters according to the model;
• Sedan boats designed for 2 to 12 boaters according to the model.

Any boat model without a permit offers an on-board WiFi service. You can also enjoy: bikes, barbecue or relaxing sunbathing.

To prepare your cruise, Nicols accompanies you from A to Z. Before you leave, the teams will send you a master’s manual, various navigation guides and inventory sheets. You even have the opportunity to appeal to a tourist guide dedicated to the Canal du Midi!

So, ready to go with Nicols?