River Cruise Trèbes / Capestang / Port Cassafières
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Trèbes - Capestang - Port Cassafières - 105 Km - 31 Locks - 20 h of navigation - 5 Nights
From Trèbes to Marseillette, 9 km, 3 Lock(s), 1.8 h of navigation
Stopover : Trèbes > Marseillette
Monument
Marseillette
Wedged between the Minervois and Corbières vineyards, today this town is known for producing the most rice in the region; the rice fields can be seen from the lagoon.
Monument
Trèbes
The old village, with its narrow streets, was built around the Church of Saint-Etienne. The latter houses the "Treasures of Trèbes": 320 oak corbels which support the structural beams, each featuring a painted figure: men, women, animals…
Monument
Saint Stephen’s Church
Saint Stephen’s Church, in the Southern Gothic style, houses the "Treasure of Trèbes": 320 oak corbels supporting the beams of a timber frame classified as a Historic Monument.
Monument
La Tour de l’Horloge
The Clock Tower served as a relay station for the world’s first telecommunications network.
Nature
The rice field
The Saint-Gabriel estate, which has focused primarily on winegrowing since 1925, stands out for its 70 hectares of rice-growing. The estate recently launched Orizginale, a gluten-free, organic craft beer made from rice grown on the estate.
Vineyard
the Minervois
Vineyard
the Corbières
River constructions
The Moulins Locks
The Trèbes locks form a lock staircase consisting of three basins. Built around 1674, it is located downstream of the port of Trèbes, at the town’s exit toward the village of Marseillette. Taking advantage of the steep gradient of the lock staircase, a thriving milling industry developed on the left bank of the lock.From Marseillette to Homps, 18 km, 11 Lock(s), 4.6 h of navigation
Stopover : Marseillette > Puichéric > Homps
Monument
Marseillette
Wedged between the Minervois and Corbières vineyards, today this town is known for producing the most rice in the region; the rice fields can be seen from the lagoon.
Monument
Puichéric
A village with a medieval character located along the Canal du Midi, also known as “the Venice of Minervois” due to the three rivers that flow through it. It has a timeless charm that should not be missed.
Monument
Homps
A small village known for its harbor and pleasant recreational lake, Lac de Jouarres. Don’t forget to stop by the Maison des Vins du Minervois at the port, which offers a selection of the best wines. The famous blue footbridge leading to Lac de Jouarres is worth a visit.
Monument
La Tour de l’Horloge
The Clock Tower served as a relay station for the world’s first telecommunications network.
Nature
The rice field
The Saint-Gabriel estate, which has focused primarily on winegrowing since 1925, stands out for its 70 hectares of rice-growing. The estate recently launched Orizginale, a gluten-free, organic craft beer made from rice grown on the estate.
Vineyard
The Wine House
At the port of Homps, you will find the Minervois Wine House, which offers a selection of the finest wines and showcases the expertise of winemakers from the Aude region.
Swimming
the pond of Jouarre/Homps
A 100ha lake, situated a few meters from the Canal du Midi, where it is possible to bathe.
Sports and leisure activities
the pond of Jouarre/Homps
A 100ha lake, situated a few meters from the Canal du Midi, where it is possible to go sailing.
River constructions
Le Pont-Canal du Rivassel
The Rivassel Aqueduct is one of the many bridges of this kind along the Canal du Midi. It crosses the small "Ruisseau de Naval" stream.From Homps to Le Somail, 21 km, 5 Lock(s), 3.8 h of navigation
Stopover : Homps > Argens > Le Somail
Monument
Le Somail
In addition to its Hat-making Museum and its old bridge, Le Somail has 4 structures listed as historical monuments: the former icehouse, the chapel, the old guard building and the former inn.
River constructions
the Canal Bridge of the Repudre
Throughout the length of the Canal du Midi there are 49 aqueducts, most of them built by Vauban; only the Répudre Aqueduct was completed during the building of the canal, in 1676.
Monument
Homps
A small village known for its harbor and pleasant recreational lake, Lac de Jouarres. Don’t forget to stop by the Maison des Vins du Minervois at the port, which offers a selection of the best wines. The famous blue footbridge leading to Lac de Jouarres is worth a visit.
Monument
La bibliothèque
The bookstore "Le trouve tout du livre" contains over 50,000 books and manuscripts.
Vineyard
The Wine House
At the port of Homps, you will find the Minervois Wine House, which offers a selection of the finest wines and showcases the expertise of winemakers from the Aude region.
Swimming
the pond of Jouarre/Homps
A 100ha lake, situated a few meters from the Canal du Midi, where it is possible to bathe.
Sports and leisure activities
the pond of Jouarre/Homps
A 100ha lake, situated a few meters from the Canal du Midi, where it is possible to go sailing.From Le Somail to Colombiers, 35 km, 0 Lock(s), 4.7 h of navigation
Stopover : Le Somail > Capestang > Colombiers
Monument
Le Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Monument
The oppidum ofEnsérune
Located above the Malpas tunnel, the Oppidum d'Ensérune is an archaeological site where relics of the Greek, Celtic and Roman civilizations were discovered. There are still traces of the human occupation of this site from 800 B.C. through to the Christian era.
River constructions
the Tunnel of Malpas
In fact there are 3 tunnels placed on top of each other: an underground culvert for draining the water from the Montady Lagoon, the SNCF rail tunnel, and at the top the passage of the Canal du Midi. A unique piece of work navigated by barge without a permit.
Monument
Colombiers Castle
The former cellar of Colombiers Castle offers tours and exhibitions dedicated to viticulture.
Monument
The Collegiate Church of Saint Stephen
In perfect Gothic style, the Collegiate Church of Saint Stephen in Capestang was built in the 13th century on the site of an earlier Romanesque church, likely by the same team that constructed the Saint-Just and Saint-Pasteur Cathedral in Narbonne. The building was listed as a historic monument in 1906.
Monument
Colombiers
You'll be charmed by the appeal of its small river port, perfect for a stopover during your cruise on the Canal du Midi. Nearby, the Oppidum of Ensérune rises, known for its archaeological site and museum. Take advantage of this walk to admire the exceptional view of the drained Colombiers-Montady pond.
Monument
Capestang
Charming village nestled in the bends of the Canal du Midi, Capestang experienced prosperous times in the Middle Ages. Today, its heritage bears witness to that history.
Monument
The Archbishops' Castle
Come and discover the summer residence of the Archbishops of Narbonne in Capestang. This castle houses a painted ceiling dating back to the 15th century. You can admire numerous scenes from the era (animals, romantic and religious scenes) on the beams. At the end of the Middle Ages, the castle was a splendid residence that some documents even describe as a palace. The Interpretation Center will provide you with insights into the ceiling and the history of the castle.
Vineyard
the Saint Chinian
River constructions
Le Pont-Canal de Cesse
The Cesse Aqueduct, built from 1689 to 1690 by Vauban and engineer Jean Goudet, is 64 meters long and 14 meters high. It is located at the level of the main reach of the Canal du Midi, which is primarily fed by the Cesse River.
River constructions
Aqueduc de Quarante
This aqueduct was built by a certain Rusquier under the orders of Vauban. When it was completed in 1693, it had two arches, and a third was added in 1737.From Colombiers to Port Cassafières, 22 km, 12 Lock(s), 5.3 h of navigation
Stopover : Colombiers > Béziers > Port Cassafières
Monument
Béziers
For a long time the French capital of table wine, this town features a historical center full of monuments: the Cathedral of Saint Nazaire, the Church of the Madeleine, and the Arena (seating 13,500), not forgetting the Feria (around the 15th August).
River constructions
the Canal Bridge of Beziers
Built in 1856, this aqueduct allows the Orb river to be crossed in a barge. 198m in length and 8m wide, it is considered the most beautiful stone canal bridge of the 19th century.
River constructions
the scale of Fonserannes
In order to descend from 20m and get back to the level of the Orb river, Paul Riquet, the designer of the Canal du Midi, constructed a ladder of 7 locks; one of the most impressive sections of the Canal du Midi.
Monument
Portiragnes
Portiragnes offers a perfect combination of fine sandy beaches, preserved nature, and historical heritage. Close to the Canal du Midi, you can enjoy the unspoiled coastline, the azure blue sea, and discover the RoqueHaute Regional Nature Reserve, a protected ecosystem home to a wide variety of plant and animal species.
Monument
Colombiers Castle
The former cellar of Colombiers Castle offers tours and exhibitions dedicated to viticulture.
Monument
Les Arènes de Béziers
The Béziers Arena, built in 1897, has long been a major center for bullfighting, earning Béziers the nickname "The French Seville." Throughout the year, this arena serves as the main meeting place for various festivities and events, notably the famous Béziers feria.
Monument
Saint-Nazaire Cathedral
Saint Nazaire Cathedral is a city landmark, visible for miles around. Its history is told through its architecture. During your visit, explore the bell tower to enjoy panoramic views of the Biterrois wine plains, discover the unfinished cloister leading to the Bishops’ Garden, and stroll around the cathedral’s forecourt while admiring the surrounding landscape.
Monument
Colombiers
You'll be charmed by the appeal of its small river port, perfect for a stopover during your cruise on the Canal du Midi. Nearby, the Oppidum of Ensérune rises, known for its archaeological site and museum. Take advantage of this walk to admire the exceptional view of the drained Colombiers-Montady pond.
Nature
the Natural Reserve of Roque-Haute
At more than 150ha in size, this reserve features more than 400 varieties of vegetable and 360 species of animal.
Gastronomy
the Soupe d'ail at the Biterroise
Gastronomy
Petits pâtés de Pézenas
The taste of this small spool-shaped pâté is surprising. It comes from the clever blend of sweet (lemon and brown sugar) and savory (lamb) flavors. These flavors combine wonderfully and have made this specialty a success since the 18th century! Enjoy it slightly warmed, at the start of your meal, accompanied by a good glass of muscat!
Gastronomy
Les Coques de Béziers
The Saint-Aphrodise coques, also known as Béziers coques, are a culinary specialty of the city. They are traditionally enjoyed during the feast of Saint Aphrodise, the patron saint of Béziers. Made with poolish, a liquid starter essential for achieving a soft and fluffy crumb, these delicious brioches are distinguished by their elongated shape and captivating aroma. They are perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack. To taste the best in Béziers, we recommend the bakery "Le Cristal," which won the "Golden Coque" contest. 44 Allées Paul Riquet, 34500 Béziers – 06 68 98 36 61
Swimming
Portiragnes-Plages
Portiragnes-Plage offers a beautiful fine sandy beach, ideal for relaxing in the sun for a few hours. It is recommended to bring your own supplies, as there are no shops or stores nearby.
Sports and leisure activities
Azimut Aventure
This park offers tree-climbing courses of various levels and lengths, as well as zip line descents, all set in a beautiful park filled with century-old pines and plane trees, located 2.7 km from the Canal.
Bike
Bike
Tow paths provide an ideal place to ride your bikeThe Locks
2 type(s) of lock(s) on The Canal du Midi- Automatic locks operated by boaters themselves, without a lock-keeper
- Automatic locks