There are holidays that whisk you along at breakneck speed, ticking off sights with military precision. And then there are journeys like ours: a four-day canal boat trip with Le Boat, where time seemed to slow with the water’s current, and the joy lay in the gentle rhythm of discovery.
As Six friends, we began the adventure in Toulouse, flying in before catching a train south to Béziers. From the station, a short taxi ride delivered us to Port Cassafières, where our floating home awaited: the Horizon 4, one of Le Boat’s luxury edition vessels. Spacious, elegant, and surprisingly easy to navigate, the boat promised both comfort and adventure. That first evening, before setting off, we settled into life on the water. Supplies, milk, cheese, croissants, fresh bread, had been picked up in Béziers, while the little restaurant at the port provided a warm welcome and a chance to toast the journey ahead.
The next morning began with practicalities. Though none of us had any boating or sailing experience, the Le Boat team quickly put us at ease. A friendly safety briefing by the lovely Sabine covered maps, key information, and a few golden rules for life on the canal. Then came the hands-on part: a “come onboard” driving lesson, where one of the staff of Le Boat, Julian, guided us through the mechanics of steering, mooring, and navigating. What had seemed daunting suddenly felt manageable. With a wave of encouragement, the staff left us to it. Tentative at first, we nudged the Horizon 4 out of port, and within minutes, our trepidation gave way to exhilaration.
Cruising along the Canal du Midi is an experience unlike any other. The waterway unfurled through landscapes of vineyards, sleepy hamlets, and rows of plane trees arching overhead like green cathedrals. Famed for it’s wine tasting and world class gastronomy, the Canal du Midi is also rich in history and heritage, boasting impressive cathedrals, ancient ruins and medieval cities.
Passing boats waved cheerfully, a camaraderie that’s built into the DNA of canal travel. The locks, at first intimidating, quickly became highlights of the journey. Lock keepers were endlessly patient, explaining what needed to be done as we clambered up and down with ropes in hand. Within a few turns, our group of six felt like a practiced crew.
Meals were taken on the boat’s generous upper deck, where there was plenty of room for all of us, and space enough for a couple more. Breakfasts stretched long, with the smell of croissants and coffee mingling with fresh air, while lunches featured picnic-style spreads of cheeses, fruit, BBQ meats from the on deck BBQ hotplate and wine from local vineyards. Dining while drifting along at a leisurely pace, sunlight sparkling on the water, remains one of the purest pleasures of the trip.
The boat itself exceeded expectations. Each of the four cabins had its own bathroom, offering a level of privacy that surprised us, and the showers were nothing short of excellent: instant hot water and impressive pressure, even out in the middle of the canal. The Horizon 4 managed to feel both cozy and indulgent, the perfect balance for a group of friends seeking adventure without sacrificing comfort.
When we finally docked in Béziers, we stayed for two nights to soak up the charms of this historic city. Its winding streets, café-lined squares, and the towering Saint-Nazaire Cathedral offered a sense of stepping back through layers of time, from Roman roots to Gothic grandeur. Dining out became part of the adventure, and Béziers delivered in style. At Le Patio, we lingered over beautifully prepared dishes in a chic courtyard strung with lights, while Les Ostals impressed with its rustic elegance and flavors that celebrated the Languedoc’s bounty. Both meals were experiences in themselves, blending atmosphere and gastronomy with effortless French flair.
By the time our four days drew to a close, none of us wanted to disembark. The combination of luxury and simplicity, adventure and relaxation, had cast its spell. Cruising the Canal du Midi is not just a way to travel; it is a way to immerse yourself in the rhythms of southern France, where the journey is as memorable as the destination.
As we packed our bags and prepared to leave the Horizon 4 behind, a unanimous thought passed between us: this was only the beginning. Canal life had captured our imaginations, and we couldn’t wait to return, to wave again at passing boats, to share laughter over lunches on deck, and to float deeper into the heart of France.
A Horizon 4, with space for as many as nine people, can be hired for a three-night self-catered cruise in 2025 from €1,059 per boat. The trip begins and ends at Emerald Star’s Port Cassafières base, and you don’t need a license or boating experience to take the helm.
Contact Emerald Star : 071 962 7633
