{"id":13168,"date":"2015-09-30T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2015-09-29T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures?p=13168&preview_id=13168"},"modified":"2025-02-27T04:20:25","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T17:20:25","slug":"canal-du-midi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/canal-du-midi\/","title":{"rendered":"7 reasons you need to be cruising France’s Canal du Midi right now"},"content":{"rendered":"

The south of France doesn\u2019t need much in the way of introduction. It\u2019s a world-famous combination of destination and direction, forever synonymous with dreamy Provencal lavender fields, chateaux-dotted hillsides and seaside towns straight from an F Scott Fitzgerald novel.<\/p>\n

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But there is a way of exploring this impossibly romantic region that doesn\u2019t occur to most travellers: a week-long cruise down the Canal du Midi. For those that haven\u2019t heard of it. The Canal is a waterway constructed by Louis XIV to connect the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean, something both the Romans and Leonardo da Vinci considered but wrote off as too hard. Technically it runs from Toulouse all the way to Etang de Thau on the coast, passing through some of the most beautiful scenery in France, its a must on a France trip<\/a><\/p>\n

So here\u2019s why you should consider the Canal du Midi in your future French daydreams. Bon appetite.<\/p>\n

1. Flexibility and freedom<\/h2>\n
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Image c\/o Michel Coiffard, Flickr<\/p><\/div>\n

One of the major advantages in slowly cruising your way down the Canal is that each day can pretty much be as you like it. Fancy mooring by a daffodil-covered bank and going for a stroll? Go ahead. Want to sit out on deck with a good book and a glass of Sav Blanc? No problem. Craving the freshest boulangerie<\/em> fare? The boat will be waiting when you get back.<\/p>\n

2. Messing around in boats<\/h2>\n
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Image c\/o envios, Flickr<\/p><\/div>\n

Sailors know that there\u2019s nothing better than messing around in boats, particular when the weather\u2019s good (as it so often is in southern France). Cruising slowly past the thousands of old plane trees that line the Canal<\/a> is a pretty idyllic way to spend a week, and your boat comes complete with wi-fi and a rooftop BBQ \u2013 perfect for those lazy French evenings on the water. You can even bring your dog on board (for a small surcharge).<\/p>\n