The charming port of Le Somail, an unmissable stopover on the Canal du Midi!
If you feel like a river cruise in the sun, without leaving France, you can choose the Canal du Midi as your destination. This waterway, which is undoubtedly the most famous in France, is the mildest and sunniest. Crossing many towns and villages, it allows you to discover the region and enjoy a varied choice of activities: walking, cycling, horse riding, monuments and museums to visit, tasting of local specialities, outdoor leisure activities... And among the places to see, at least for a day, we recommend the Somail and its port. Full of charm, this hamlet provides a real change of scenery and is perfect for resting and having a good time with friends, family or couples.
A pretty hamlet suitable for a relaxing break
Situated in the Aude, this small village depends both on the Voies navigables de France and on 3 communes. Known for its port, which was built at the end of the 17th century, at the same time as the Canal du Midi, it is considered a haven of peace. It is sparsely populated (about 500 inhabitants) and its old buildings give it a rather special atmosphere. In fact, when you walk in the Somail, you have the impression that time has stopped ... which is pleasant. In this hamlet, apart from the port, several ancient monuments await you: the chapel, the donkey-backed stone bridge with an arch (the Saint-Marcel bridge), the ice-house and the hostel building in particular. Moreover, some of them have been listed as historical monuments since 1998.
A place to see during a cruise on the Canal du Midi
The Somail is ideal for relaxing after several hours of sailing. And she's not as calm as one might think. In fact, this tiny village is the place where boaters meet. So while it is peaceful in the low season, during the high tourist season it is quite dynamic! Formerly a sleeping stopover, its port was a stopover for the post office boat. Today, it attracts travellers with its picturesque charm, its preserved heritage, its green surroundings and its atmosphere.
So if you want to discover it during your river cruise on the Canal du Midi, don't hesitate to add it to your itinerary!
