When thinking of the ideal place to spend a vacation on the canals of France, the ancient walled city of Carcassonne could surely be at the top of the list.
Popular with canal boaters due to its ideal location along the Canal du Midi, this city is packed with culture and impressive architecture, with parts of the old town designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carcassonne is located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, in the south of the country.
Using one of the midi canal boat rental companies in this area is perfect for seeing France from a different perspective and can help you really relax on a break in the country. Instead of negotiating foreign roads behind the feeling of an unknown rental car, why not take a holiday on the midi canal and let the most beautiful parts of the countryside float by?
And the walled city of Carcassonne is certainly a stunning place to see on a canal boat break. The old part of the area is an architectural gem, with some three kilometers of city battlements, 52 towers and a large fortress. In the old quarter of the city there is also a wide range of craft shops ideal for taking one or two souvenirs to remind you of your trip to France.
Just over 100 people live in the old part of town and a visit here can sometimes feel like stepping back into another century.
The fort area is linked to the rest of Carcassonne by the Pont Vieux, which passes over the Aude River. Elsewhere in the city there is plenty to see and do, including the former home of famous poet Joe Bousquet. Memorial House houses permanent exhibits showcasing the wordsmith’s writing, as well as the works of his contemporaries on the French art and poetry scene.
Art fans can also visit the city’s Museum of Fine Arts, which boasts fabulous works of art spanning three centuries. Both attractions are free to enter, so there’s certainly no reason not to visit them on a French canal boat vacation.
While you’re in town, be sure to head to the Basilica de San Nazario. This church is hundreds of years old and houses some truly beautiful stained glass windows, which are a stunning sight in the French sun. Inside the church is also the tomb of Bishop Guihem Razouls de Radulphe. His final resting place is surrounded by 12 intricately carved statues, as well as a hidden sculpture depicting a smiling angel.
The church also has some interesting friezes that are worth seeing. On a boating holiday on the canals of France, the Canal du Midi is without a doubt the best waterway to go down, as its sheer length and location make it ideal for exploring some of the best parts of the country.
The canal runs from the city of Toulouse to the port city of Sete, in the south of the country. The canal is around 150 miles long and along its length there are fascinating towns and villages, as well as ancient bridges and other sights. The views of the French countryside afforded to those sailing a canal boat on the canal are second to none and a relaxing sailing holiday is a great way to see as much of the country as possible.
Whatever type of canal boat you need for a sailing holiday in France, you’re sure to be able to find it. Whether you’re planning to take a relaxing river cruise with your significant other, or need a larger boat that can accommodate children or more than two people, there are plenty of options available.
Renting a canal boat to explore France gives you the opportunity to tailor a break to suit your needs and can also give you full flexibility to spend as long as you like in each location. And you will surely want to spend a few good days exploring the old walled city of Carcassonne, which is certainly a sight to behold.