¤ Let's get ready for the summer holidays! ¤ Take advantage of a selection of boats with more than 40% discount for your one-week river cruise on the Canal du Midi in June or July - valid for bookings made before May 10th.

Castelnaudary

Boat rental to navigate on the Canal du Midi, at the heart of the Lauragais

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Highlights of this cruise on the Canal du Midi, between Toulouse and Bram

To navigate on the Canal du Midi, there are various routes available. You can either go towards Carcassonne for a cruise focused on History, towards Beziers to discover this beautiful area and its lovely villages, or towards the Camargue for a cruise at the heart of a wonderful natural reserve. But now, let’s talk about Castelnaudary and its area!

This area is an invitation for relaxation and discovery. In this sunny land, south of Toulouse, we suggest a refreshing trip by boat amongst the medieval vestiges. Let’s go for 80km of waterways. In this area, there are 4 departure bases: Negra, Port-Lauragais, Castelnaudary and Bram.

Cities and villages to discover during your cruise

See the current offers
Castelnaudary, Cassoulet Capital of the World
Castelnaudary, Cassoulet Capital of the World
The towpath along the Canal du Midi. On foot or by bike, discover this majestic canal with its hundred-year-old plane trees in a different way.
The towpath along the Canal du Midi. On foot or by bike, discover this majestic canal with its hundred-year-old plane trees in a different way.
Bram, circular village
Bram, circular village
The locks of Négra, first stage of the famous Barque de Poste which transported travellers on the Canal du Midi since the 17th century
The locks of Négra, first stage of the famous Barque de Poste which transported travellers on the Canal du Midi since the 17th century

Rent a licence-free boat to navigate on the Canal du Midi

The area around Castlenaudary is the one that has the largest amount of locks. But don’t worry about it, lock keepers are here to operate them. It is the ideal navigation area for beginners who want to familiarize with locks. Several departure bases are available there: Négra, Port-Lauragais, Castelnaudary and Bram. Note that every river cruise will start in the afternoon and before boarding, you will have a one hour training to get used to the boat and its steering.

3 possible starting bases

The locks are automatic or electric and manned by lock keepers. The locks are closed the 1st of may and the 14th of july.

The ladder of locks at Fonsérannes (near Béziers) is very busy during the high season. Frontignan Bridge opens twice a day, in the morning and mid-afternoon.
The one-way or the navigation towards the Carmargue while crossing the Etang de Thau can be canceled or interrupted if the climatic conditions, in particular the wind, do not allow to pass the Etang de Thau. This does not prevent you from sailing while waiting for the reopening of the pond to navigation.

You can moor anywhere along the banks on the Canal du Midi and in Camargue.

Possible cruises in The Castelnaudary region.

Port-Lauragais
Le Somail

Cruise 7 of nights
Vineyard Vineyard
Monument Monument
Gastronomy Gastronomy
Sports and leisure activities Sports and leisure activities
Swimming Swimming
River constructions River constructions

Port-Lauragais
round trip

Cruise 7 of nights

Le Somail
Port-Lauragais

Cruise 7 of nights
Vineyard Vineyard
Monument Monument
Gastronomy Gastronomy
Sports and leisure activities Sports and leisure activities
Swimming Swimming
River constructions River constructions

Carcassonne
round trip

Cruise 7 of nights

Homps
round trip

Carcassonne
round trip

Cruise 14 of nights

Colombiers
round trip

Cruise 14 of nights
Vineyard Vineyard
Monument Monument
Gastronomy Gastronomy
Sports and leisure activities Sports and leisure activities
Swimming Swimming
River constructions River constructions

Port-Lauragais
round trip

Cruise 14 of nights
Vineyard Vineyard
Monument Monument
Gastronomy Gastronomy
Sports and leisure activities Sports and leisure activities
Swimming Swimming
River constructions River constructions

Le Somail
round trip

Cruise 14 of nights
Vineyard Vineyard
Monument Monument
Gastronomy Gastronomy
Sports and leisure activities Sports and leisure activities
Swimming Swimming
River constructions River constructions

Also to be discovered


Here is the list of possible cruises in the Castelnaudary area

Range Comfort 8 0
Estivale Octo
-48%

€3,716 €1,950

From €195 / pers

Week of the 5/4/24 to 5/11/24

  • Max. people : 10
  • Cabins : 4
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Dual cockpit Dual cockpit
Bow thruster Bow thruster
Flat Screen TV Flat Screen TV
Electric toilets Electric toilets
220 v socket 220 v socket
Range Premium 6 0
Vision 3
Vision 3
-32%

€3,769 €2,579

From €368 / pers

Week of the 5/4/24 to 5/11/24

  • Max. people : 7
  • Cabins : 3
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Dual cockpit Dual cockpit
Bow and Stern Thruster Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity Continuous 220V electricity
Flat Screen TV Flat Screen TV
Microwave Microwave
Air-Conditioning Air-Conditioning
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Bimini Bimini
Range Premium 8 0
Vision 4 SL
-31%

€4,229 €2,919

From €324 / pers

Week of the 5/4/24 to 5/11/24

  • Max. people : 9
  • Cabins : 4
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 4
Dual cockpit Dual cockpit
Bow and Stern Thruster Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity Continuous 220V electricity
Flat Screen TV Flat Screen TV
Microwave Microwave
Air-Conditioning Air-Conditioning
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Bimini Bimini
Range Premium 2 0
Penichette Evo P950
-25%

€2,940 €2,205

From €551 / pers

Week of the 5/4/24 to 5/11/24

  • Max. people : 4
  • Cabins : 1
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Dual cockpit Dual cockpit
Bow and Stern Thruster Bow and Stern Thruster
Continuous 220V electricity Continuous 220V electricity
Microwave Microwave
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Bimini Bimini
Range Essential 2 1
Penichette 935 W
-25%

€2,065 €1,549

From €310 / pers

Week of the 5/4/24 to 5/11/24

  • Max. people : 5
  • Cabins : 1
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Electric toilets Electric toilets
220 v socket 220 v socket
Range Comfort 2 2
Penichette 1020 FB
-25%

€3,325 €2,494

From €499 / pers

Week of the 5/4/24 to 5/11/24

  • Max. people : 5
  • Cabins : 2
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Dual cockpit Dual cockpit
Bow thruster Bow thruster
Electric toilets Electric toilets
220 v socket 220 v socket
Bimini Bimini
Range Standard 6 0
Continentale
-25%

€2,939 €2,199

From €366 / pers

Week of the 5/4/24 to 5/11/24

  • Max. people : 6
  • Cabins : 3
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Dual cockpit Dual cockpit
Electric toilets Electric toilets
220 v socket 220 v socket
Range Premium 6 0
Vision 3 SL
-25%

€3,619 €2,709

From €387 / pers

Week of the 5/4/24 to 5/11/24

  • Max. people : 7
  • Cabins : 3
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Dual cockpit Dual cockpit
Bow and Stern Thruster Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity Continuous 220V electricity
Flat Screen TV Flat Screen TV
Microwave Microwave
Air-Conditioning Air-Conditioning
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Bimini Bimini
Range Comfort 6 0
Calypso
Calypso
-25%

€3,359 €2,519

From €315 / pers

Week of the 5/4/24 to 5/11/24

  • Max. people : 8
  • Cabins : 3
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Dual cockpit Dual cockpit
Bow thruster Bow thruster
Electric toilets Electric toilets
220 v socket 220 v socket
Range Premium 6 0
Estivale Sixto Fly C
-20%

€5,072 €4,058

From €507 / pers

Week of the 5/4/24 to 5/11/24

  • Max. people : 8
  • Cabins : 3
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Dual cockpit Dual cockpit
Bow and Stern Thruster Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity Continuous 220V electricity
Flat Screen TV Flat Screen TV
Microwave Microwave
Air-Conditioning Air-Conditioning
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Dishwasher Dishwasher
Bimini Bimini
Range Premium 2 2
Estivale Sixto Prest C
-20%

€3,856 €3,085

From €514 / pers

Week of the 5/4/24 to 5/11/24

  • Max. people : 6
  • Cabins : 2
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Dual cockpit Dual cockpit
Bow thruster Bow thruster
Flat Screen TV Flat Screen TV
Air-Conditioning Air-Conditioning
Electric toilets Electric toilets
220 v socket 220 v socket
Range Standard 4 4
Sedan 1170
Sedan 1170
-20%

€2,332 €1,866

From €187 / pers

Week of the 5/4/24 to 5/11/24

  • Max. people : 10
  • Cabins : 4
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Dual cockpit Dual cockpit
Range Comfort 8 0
Estivale Octo
-20%

€3,716 €2,973

From €297 / pers

Week of the 5/4/24 to 5/11/24

  • Max. people : 10
  • Cabins : 4
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Dual cockpit Dual cockpit
Bow thruster Bow thruster
Flat Screen TV Flat Screen TV
Electric toilets Electric toilets
220 v socket 220 v socket

Customer testimonials

Average : 4.6 étoiles 4.6/5 (based on 55 opinion)
 
5
Cruise carried out on Oct 22, 2023, Salsa ACruise : entre Port Cassafières et Castelnaudary
"Amazing !!"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Oct 2, 2023, CapriceCruise : entre Port Cassafières et Castelnaudary
"A wonderful experience; beautiful scenery."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Oct 14, 2023, CapriceCruise : entre Port Cassafières et Castelnaudary
"Good overall."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 9, 2023, Estivale OctoCruise : entre Le Somail et Port-Lauragais
"A great week on a well-maintained boat."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 21, 2023, Horizon 5Cruise : Castelnaudary aller/retour
"Satisfied ; friendly lockkeepers."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 14, 2023, Confort 900 DPCruise : entre Port-Lauragais et Le Somail
"Advance preparation is necessary to plan the route. However, the passage through the locks is very unpredictable and the time is determined by the number of boats."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 14, 2023, Estivale DuoCruise : Port-Lauragais aller/retour
"A special kind of holiday."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jun 24, 2023, Penichette 1260 RCruise : entre Argens-Minervois et Négra
"New route for us, wonderful scenery."
 
3
Cruise carried out on Apr 17, 2023, Corvette ACruise : entre Trèbes et Castelnaudary
"Nice experience, good level of comfort."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Apr 10, 2023, Royal MystiqueCruise : entre Port Cassafières et Castelnaudary
"Nice cruise, not too many people and that's nice. The April weather unfortunately cooled the climate, but did not spoil our pleasure."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Apr 7, 2023, ShebaCruise : Castelnaudary aller/retour
"It was a gastronomic, cultural and sporty experience."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Oct 28, 2022, MystiqueCruise : entre Port Cassafières et Castelnaudary
"We forget the time... and that's what we were looking for"
 
3
Cruise carried out on Sep 19, 2022, Triton 1050Cruise : Homps aller/retour
"The cruise was very enjoyable."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jul 6, 2022, Horizon 3Cruise : entre Port Cassafières et Castelnaudary
"Absolutely wonderful, but we chose an itinerary that was too long compared to the duration of our stay, which prevented us from visiting some great places."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 30, 2021, Sedan 1170Cruise : Port-Lauragais aller/retour
"auto-translation :''Great discovery / Comfortable boat''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 23, 2021, Cirrus ACruise : Castelnaudary aller/retour
"auto-translation :''Pleasant but still physical for the passage of the locks''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 18, 2021, Salsa ACruise : entre Port Cassafières et Castelnaudary
"auto-translation :''Relaxing cruise''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 20, 2021, CalypsoCruise : entre Port Cassafières et Castelnaudary
"auto-translation :''Do it again!''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 9, 2021, Penichette Evo P950Cruise : Bram aller/retour
"auto-translation :''Pleasant. Quiet and restful.''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Aug 14, 2021, CalypsoCruise : Castelnaudary aller/retour
"auto-translation :''Nice course''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 1, 2021, Cirrus BCruise : entre Castelnaudary et Port Cassafières
"auto-translation :''A relaxing and exotic experience''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 2, 2021, MystiqueCruise : Castelnaudary aller/retour
"auto-translation :''Original, pleasant''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jul 16, 2021, CalypsoCruise : entre Castelnaudary et Port Cassafières
"auto-translation :''It was really cool. The setting is very relaxing. Luckily we had plenty of sunshine.''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Jul 10, 2021, ContinentaleCruise : entre Castelnaudary et Homps
"auto-translation :''Nice experience''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jul 12, 2021, Classique StarCruise : entre Port Cassafières et Castelnaudary
"auto-translation :''A moment of pleasure shared in family, another rhythm, serenity and good reception of the lock keepers throughout the course.''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Oct 19, 2020, CalypsoCruise : Castelnaudary aller/retour
"auto-translation :''Change of scenery''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 18, 2020, MagnifiqueCruise : entre Castelnaudary et Port Cassafières
"auto-translation :''Experience that appealed to all 6 passengers''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 12, 2020, MagnifiqueCruise : entre Port Cassafières et Castelnaudary
"auto-translation :''We were lucky because the weather was very nice,''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Sep 7, 2020, CrusaderCruise : Castelnaudary aller/retour
"auto-translation :''Quite pleasant and was what I had imagined but too many locks on the route.''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 20, 2019, NautilaCruise : Castelnaudary aller/retour
"auto-translation :''In line with our expectations''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Aug 30, 2019, MagnifiqueCruise : entre Castelnaudary et Port Cassafières
"auto-translation :''Superb, friendly meetings with the lock keepers''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Aug 3, 2019, MagnifiqueCruise : Castelnaudary aller/retour
"auto-translation :''Super nature and rewarding experience''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 11, 2019, Salsa BCruise : entre Port Cassafières et Castelnaudary
"auto-translation :''It seemed too short because I found it great.''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 21, 2018, Royal MystiqueCruise : Castelnaudary aller/retour
"auto-translation :''Nice, relaxing but active''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 26, 2018, Estivale Sixto Prest CCruise : Port-Lauragais aller/retour
"It was lovely and peaceful."
 
4
Cruise carried out on Sep 7, 2018, Estivale SixtoCruise : entre Le Somail et Port-Lauragais
"auto-translation :''Cruise very nice''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Aug 6, 2018, MagnifiqueCruise : entre Castelnaudary et Port Cassafières
"auto-translation :''Cruise restful and exotic but unfortunately many boaters do not respect the safety rules of navigation (speed, order of passage at the locks, dangerous overtaking curve)''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jun 16, 2018, CalypsoCruise : entre Castelnaudary et Port Cassafières
"Was even better than I expected it to be. Great mix of relaxing, excitement and adventure."
 
4
Cruise carried out on Jun 18, 2018, TamarisCruise : entre Port Cassafières et Castelnaudary
"Wonderful cruise , to enjoy the nature and travel along the country side with beautiful landscape"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Apr 13, 2018, CountessCruise : entre Castelnaudary et Port Cassafières
"auto-translation :''Very satisfied because few people on the channel in this period''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Apr 14, 2018, Estivale SixtoCruise : Port-Lauragais aller/retour
"auto-translation :''Very pleasant and exotic''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 25, 2017, Confort 1350Cruise : Port-Lauragais aller/retour
"auto-translation :''Very pleasant cruise along the Canal du Midi in the shade of plane trees''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Jun 3, 2017, Confort 1100Cruise : Port-Lauragais aller/retour
"auto-translation :''Very beautiful river cruise, restful''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 19, 2017, Estivale Quattro BCruise : entre Le Somail et Port-Lauragais
"auto-translation :''Beautiful experience, beautiful encounters and beautiful sites.''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 6, 2017, Confort 1100Cruise : entre Le Somail et Port-Lauragais
"auto-translation :''Somail route to Port Lauragais very interesting with beautiful stops''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Sep 17, 2016, Pénichette 1260 R ACruise : Colombiers aller/retour
"Enjoyable"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Jul 1, 2016, Estivale SixtoCruise : entre Port-Lauragais et Le Somail
"auto-translation :''Canal du Midi quiet … relaxing cruise''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jun 27, 2016, Confort 900 DPCruise : Port-Lauragais aller/retour
"auto-translation :''Very pleased with this cruise on the Canal du Midi''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 9, 2016, Tarpon 49 QPCruise : Homps aller/retour
"Excellent river cruise on the Canal du Midi"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Sep 7, 2015, Eau-Claire 1130Cruise : Homps aller/retour
"auto-translation :"Very satisfied""
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 10, 2015, Triton 1050Cruise : Colombiers aller/retour
"auto-translation :"Very good""
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 10, 2015, Espade 930Cruise : Homps aller/retour
"auto-translation :"Very good""
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jun 6, 2015, Triton 1050Cruise : Colombiers aller/retour
"auto-translation :"Good memories""
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jun 1, 2015, Espade 850 FlyCruise : Colombiers aller/retour
"auto-translation :"Very nice""
 
4
Cruise carried out on Apr 18, 2015, Tarpon 37Cruise : Homps aller/retour
"auto-translation :"Well, good choice of river cruise""

Travelling with Cris Boat

Crisboat has more than 90% of the French fleet of self drive river boats. Entrust us with your desires and your availabilities and we will shape your holidays on the water. Located in the heart of the Vienne, Crisboat is the leader in self driver river boat rental in France. Discover our team, made up of 6 experts ready to take up the challenge to design the cruise that will meet your expectations.

Who are we?
Customer
Satisfaction: 4,5 / 5
20 years of experience
Wide choice of boats and destinations
Voyager avec Cris Boat

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The Castelnaudary region

Négra

This river port, located only few kilometers away from Toulouse, is the starting point for one-way cruises to Argens.

Following this beautiful waterway, you will discover charming places filled with history such as the Négra Lock, first step of the famous Barque de Poste which used to take passengers along the Canal from the 17th century.

Villefranche-de-Lauragais

Villefranche-de-Lauragais is a small town and since the Middle Ages has been an important place of transit in the Midi of Toulouse. You will be seduced by the multiple restaurants in town that offer a great varity of food. The local market, on Friday mornings, square Gambetta, is a real institution. Make sure not to miss it and give a go to local specialties. Make a stop at the beautiful church, admire its sublime stained-glass windows from the Toulouse firm Gesta and the sculped siren on top of the main door.

Local market on Friday mornings

Castelnaudary

Castelnaudary is the historical home to the Canal du Midi, it is where the Canal was first opened on May 19th 1681 and became a real navigable way. The port is located in a huge 7 hectare pond. Moor in this port and enjoy a delicious Cassoulet. You won’t regret it! The old town is full of architectural treasures such as the Verdun market hall, the Carmelite convent or the Hôtel Latapie, a magnificent 17th century mansion. The Cugarel windmill, which dominates the town, offers a panoramic view of the rolling plains of the Lauragais and the Black Mountain.

Local market on Monday mornings

Bram

Located between Carcassonne and Castelnaudary, Bram has a remarkable medieval architecture - it is actually the best preserved “circular village” of Europe. The historical center grew with the years, circling around the church. Discover its history through its streets and the Eburomagus archeological museum.

There is a lake by the Canal where you will find a picnic area, a beach and watersport activities!

Local market on Wednesday mornings

The Castelnaudary region

What is included / not included

The price of your charter includes

  • The rental of the boat
  • Fittings: equipment necessary for navigation
  • Crockery: in sufficient quantity for the number of passengers on board
  • Bedding*: sheets, blankets or duvets, pillows and pillow cases
  • Boat insurance
  • Navigation instruction and delivery of the yacht's card
  • Breakdown assistance available 7/7 during the base's opening hours
  • The navigation toll
  • A 13 kg gas bottle

* Beds made up on certain boats in the 5 star range

 

The price of your rental does not include

  • Cancellation insurance
  • Navigation guide
  • One way supplement
  • Deposit redemption insurance
  • The cleaning package
  • Cleaning kits, kitchen linen, towels**.
  • Deposit of 780 € to 3 250 €, depending on the boat
  • The navigation package. This includes all consumables used during your stay (oil, diesel, gas, etc.). Depending on the category of the boat, the package varies from 7 € to 22 € per hour of navigation.

** Included on some boats