Riding a barge along the Canal du Midi with François and Amandine

Inspiration

Occitanie Nature and Outdoor ActivitiesWith Family

Le long du canal du Midi, les platanes servaient à l'origine à stabiliser les berges
© François Thierens - Le long du canal du Midi, les platanes servaient à l'origine à stabiliser les berges

Reading time: 0 minPublished on 1 November 2023, updated on 15 April 2024

"How about sailing on a barge along the canal?” These were the words that set us off on our adventure, and what better first-river-boat experience than on one of Europe’s most famous waterways: the Canal du Midi?

Le Trouve Tout du Livre au Somail
© François Thierens - Le Trouve Tout du Livre au Somail

Let’s start in Le Somail, with its summer holiday vibes. Houses covered in ivy, a little stone bridge, drinks on a terrace overlooking the river... If you’re passing this way, do your shopping at La Péniche Tamata, the floating grocery store, and find your next holiday novel in the old bookshop, Le Trouve Tout du Livre.

Le Pont Neuf du Somail enjambe le canal du Midi
© François Thierens - Le Pont Neuf du Somail enjambe le canal du Midi

La collégiale Saint-Étienne domine Capestang sous le soleil
© François Thierens - La collégiale Saint-Étienne domine Capestang sous le soleil

Capestang: a town that breathes history. Saint-Étienne collegiate church is grandiose in both architecture and the views you get after climbing the spiral staircase.

Vitraux et arches de la collégiale Saint-Étienne
© François Thierens - Vitraux et arches de la collégiale Saint-Étienne

Saint-Étienne Collegiate Church in Capestang

L'entrée du tunnel de Malpas, long de 170 mètres
© François Thierens - L'entrée du tunnel de Malpas, long de 170 mètres

Écluses, villages et terrasses ponctuent la croisière sur le canal
© François Thierens - Écluses, villages et terrasses ponctuent la croisière sur le canal

What a pleasure to sail through the shade of plane trees where you can take breaks anytime, whether you are on the outskirts of a village or in the middle of nature. And you also get to pass through tide gates, which is a fun experience for both small (and big) children.

La traversée du tunnel de Malpas, une étape spectaculaire du canal du Midi
© François Thierens - La traversée du tunnel de Malpas, une étape spectaculaire du canal du Midi

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By 阿曼蒂娜·勒格朗(Amandine Legrand)和弗朗索瓦·提伦斯(François Thierens)

Travel bloggers, Amandine and François share their globetrotting adventures through articles, photos, and videos on their blog: Un sac sur le dos (A bag on your bag).