The Perfect Canal du Midi Holiday
Study the Options Before You Decide Where Which Canal Boat To Hire
Aug 1, 2008
What kind of hired boat do you want to spend your Canal du Midi holiday on? This is a most important question and you should spend time thinking about it. From floating caravans and conservatories, English Broads and River cruisers to the Pénichette, which is a mini barge style and available from Locaboat. Each kind have their individual advantages and their real disadvantages. Remember that in summer the temperature can make sleeping in small cabins difficult. Will you eat on-board or always moor near a restaurant for meals? Think these points through before making your final choice.
The length of your journey will depend simply on your available time and whether you do a one way or return trip. This should bring you to your next choice. Which cities or towns you wish to visit? You can choose from Toulouse in the North to Sete and Montpellier in the South. History is everywhere and seeing Carcassonne by boat is a real thrill. You certainly have lots of choice. And your decision can be helped by suggestions of tours from the wide choice of hire companies you will find on the Internet.
You will want at least two bikes. Shopping becomes easier with a bike! Some nights you may very well be some way from fresh bread. And breakfast in France without fresh bread is unthinkable.
In planning your route you need to be aware of fresh water. Your boat will hold sufficient for some days but forget to refill when you have the opportunity and there could be no more showers.
Wide rivers give you a real feeling of freedom after the confines of the canal. But watch carefully for signs which may be obscured by trees. Do study the map carefully so you know what to expect and don't go close to areas marked as dangerous. Don't be afraid to use your horn at blind bends, tunnels and junctions. These are all worth a warning blast. Narrow rivers like the Vir need to be taken slowly as moored boats and overhanging trees can make visibility difficult.
At its southern end the Canal du Midi runs through lakes and rivers. These add variety to your experience and with a little forward planning are simple. I found following my route before setting off from home on Google Earth very instructive. But at least study the map. When navigating make sure north is at the top of the page because in one popular book about the canal the Etang du Thau map is not orientated north and south. Use a simple pocket compass to decide where to head for. It is difficult sometimes to see what you are looking for in open water until you are quite close. Sailors say the land opens up to welcome you as you approach.
Always remember that hundreds of total beginners use the canal in perfect safety every year. By your final day you and your crew will be the old hands at handling your boat and will watch the beginners with quiet amusement.
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