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

By Amandine Legrand and François Thierens
Along the Canal du Midi, the plane trees were originally intended to stabilise the banks
© François Thierens  —  Along the Canal du Midi, the plane trees were originally intended to stabilise the banks - db.videoAccessibility
"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?

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.

© François Thierens  —  Le Trouve Tout du Livre in 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.

© François Thierens  —  Pont Neuf du Somail crosses the Canal Midi

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.

© François Thierens  —  Saint-Étienne Collegiate Church dominates a sunny Capestang

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.

© François Thierens  —  Stained glass and arches at Saint-Étienne Collegiate Church

Saint-Étienne Collegiate Church in Capestang

© François Thierens  —  The entrance to the Malpas tunnel, 170m long

© François Thierens  —  Locks, villages and terraces await when cruising the 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.

© François Thierens  —  Going through the Malpas tunnel, a spectacular leg of the Canal du Midi

Zoom in:

By Amandine Legrand and 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).

https://www.unsacsurledos.com/

Getting to the Canal du Midi 

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