canal du midi

MONTAUBAN

Montauban has been named the city of three pleasures : pleasure of to eyes, pleasure of the palate and cultural pleasure it is. A culturally-rich town, built in pink brick and the birth place of the painter Ingres and has been successful in keeping its Occitan roots. As you stroll through the streets, admire the beautiful town houses, the sculptures, the " Pont Vieux " built in the 10th century, the XIIIth century Saint-Jacques Church, the Notre - Dame Cathedral and the famous " Place Nationale " dating back to the founding of the town. Idle about the market under its arcades, amist the irresistible smells of the regional products. Strong and bold, this protestant city has always resisted the invader. In 1621, Louis the XIIIth showered the city with cannon balls, four hundred they say, but to no avail, the city did not surrender. From then on the expression " les 400 coups " has been part of the French language. That's why partying is at its height all the year round : street theater, ecxellent performances and the jazz festival. Ladies, please, spare a thought for Olympe de Gouges. She was beheaded for having written the famous Declaration of the Rights of Women. A big thank you to her !

Sud-Ouest et Baïse
Services : Day-Time. Nightlife.
Contact : From Montech (10 Km)
Tél. :  05 63 63 60 60

ARLES

Stroll around and enjoy the town.

Camargue
Services : Mooring - Drinking Water - Electricity - Day-Time. Nightlife.
Tél. :  04 90 18 41 20

LE VIN DES SABLES

Fruity white wines, Delicate grey wines (salmon coulour), Rosé, "Gouleyant" Red wines.Point of sale : "CAVEAU" Tour de la Gardette

Camargue
Tél. :  04 66 73 50 80

LE PETIT TRAIN DE PALAVAS

The "old" inhabitants of Montpellier are proud to share their memories with you : the little train following the coastline is one of them. It used to cover the 12 kms from Montpellier to Palavas at a very slow pace. The travellers to the very picturesque beaches had all the time they needed to pick poppies and board again. The cartoonist, Albert Dubout, drew a caricature of the little train and to name it "Le Tortillard" (twistar). The inhabitants of Montpellier enjoyed boating along the river Lez, while the famous washerwomen joyfully rinsed their their bed-sheets on the banks. More audacious the river is a borded way to traver than the little train. Its source is in Restinclières (12 kms North of Montpellier). Once in the "big town" it follows the little train's route and reaches the sea through the" Canal de Palavas".

Camargue

TOULOUSE

So much history and wealth in the " Ville Rose " ! ! ! Located on the frontier between the " Canal du midi " and the " Canal latéral à la garonne ", their economic impact on the city was considerable, but rail transport put a halt to barge traffic as early as the XIXth century. Throughout its history, Toulouse enjoyed the reputation of one of the intellectual center of the Roman empire, the capital of the Visigoths in the Vth century, the seat of the most pleasant and magnificient European court from the IXth to the XIIIth centuries, and of course today the capital of the Oc language. The history of the Capitouls and of the Crusades (cathars) will be explained you on one of the guided visits of the city. Today, Toulouse is a vast technological centre. High technology includes aeronautical engineering (Concorde, Ariane...) and scientific research. Follow the local tradition, after a day of cruising, enjoy a pre-dinner drink in one of the big cafés on the Place Wilson... the party has just begun ! ! !

Canal du Midi
Services : Mooring - Drinking Water - Electricity - Rubish Bins - Telephone - Day-Time. Nightlife.
Tél. :  05 61 11 02 22

LES 'THAU-THÈMES' DE THAU

In Mèze and Marseillan, many original traditions have animals for themes. The ox in Mèze and the crab in Marseillan. One of them has it that one ox symbolising bravery, exhausted after crossing the " Etang de Thau ", ran aground on the coast of Mèze where there was a famine. The animal's flesh proved a lifesaver many a " Mézois ". Marseillan to the contrary, the crab can not be found in any legend, but it is the nickname given to the inhabitants of the town. In the region which is a real zoo, you can find a camel in Béziers, a wolf, a goat, a hedgehog, a black pig and even a donkey. Say hello to them when you meet them during festivities.

Canal du Midi

LA VALLEE DES MATINS VERTS

No effort was spared to facilitate your welcome and your discovery of Valley of the green mornings. As soon as possible, get a discount passport which will help you fully enjoy all the treasures of this part of the countryside. So, get ready for activities, sports, gastronomy and history, all this for 10F. ! Point of sale : Tonneins, Lagruère and Mas d'Agenais.

Sud-Ouest et Baïse

CASTELNAUDARY

Come and moon among the ducks in the " grand bassin " (historical site) in a vast plain planted with sunflowers at the cross-roads of cathar country. You will agree that this expanse a water gives the "Canal du Midi" its unique character. Make sure you find yourself in one of the bars, when it's time to eat make yourself comfortable, your napkin around your neck, and prepare yourself for the best of Castelnaudary style cassoulet. If you have eaten too much of this delicious dish, walk for a while and discover the collegiate church of Saint-Michel, dating back to the XIIIth century, the churches, the beautiful houses, the town houses and the covered market.

Canal du Midi
Services : Mooring - Drinking Water - Electricity - Fuel - Toilets - Rubish Bins - Telephone - Day-Time. Nightlife.
Tél. :  04 68 23 05 73