There’s a special kind of holiday that slows time down, where the pace is dictated not by airports or schedules, but by the gentle flow of water. That’s exactly what we discovered on a Le Boat canal cruise, a holiday that is as relaxing as it is adventurous, and perfect for everyone from groups of friends on a mini break to families spending a week together.
With a fleet covering hundreds of waterways, Le Boat, the largest charter company in Europe, offers surprisingly affordable trips that make exploring historic canals easy, scenic, and fun.
Our own journey began with a flight into Toulouse, followed by a train south to Béziers and a short taxi ride to Port Cassafières, where our floating home awaited: the Horizon 4, one of Le Boat’s luxury edition boats. We were six adults with zero boating experience, yet from the moment we stepped on board, it was clear that this wasn’t intimidating at all. The staff at Le Boat were wonderful: they gave us a safety briefing, a map of the area, and even a hands-on driving lesson. By the time we were left at the helm, what had seemed daunting felt surprisingly easy. We can honestly vouch for that, if we could do it, anyone can.
Cruising along the Canal du Midi is like being let in on a little secret about France. The scenery is stunning, from vineyards and orchards to medieval towns and elegant bridges. And the best part? You are completely free to decide where to stop and how long to linger. Want to moor for a few hours in a quaint village for lunch? Perfect. Fancy spending the night in a town with a historic cathedral and winding cobbled streets? Go for it. That freedom, to chart your own course, to explore at your own pace, is one of the things that makes a Le Boat.
The boat itself made the journey effortless. The Horizon 4 is spacious and stylish, with comfortable cabins, each with its own bathroom, and showers that deliver instant hot water and excellent pressure. The upper deck was perfect for breakfasts in the morning sun and leisurely BBQ lunches on the BBQ hotplate, while the boat drifted gently along the canal. With room for six, and easily accommodating a couple more, there was plenty of space to relax, chat, or simply watch the world float by.
Locks, which at first seemed intimidating, became another part of the adventure. With a few helpful hands and some guidance from friendly lock keepers, we quickly got the hang of them. Passing other boats along the canal, everyone waving and greeting each other, added a sense of community and joy that is impossible to replicate in a car or train. Every moment felt slow, unhurried, and utterly delightful.
If you love local food and charming towns, a Le Boat holiday is equally rewarding on land. We spent two nights in Béziers, where wandering the historic streets felt like stepping back in time. We dined at Le Patio, with its stunning courtyard and exquisite cuisine, and Les Ostals, a place where rustic charm met perfectly executed dishes. And back on board, lunches with fresh bread, cheeses, and wine from nearby vineyards made even the simplest meals feel like celebrations.
Whether it’s a short break with friends or a week-long cruise with family, a Le Boat holiday offers an unparalleled combination of freedom, comfort, and discovery. You’re the captain of your own adventure, free to linger as long as you want, explore as much as you like, and craft the experience exactly how you want it. 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.
By the end of our trip, all six of us agreed on one thing: we had discovered a way to travel that is uniquely freeing, endlessly relaxing, and surprisingly easy, even for complete beginners. A Le Boat canal cruise isn’t just a holiday; it’s an invitation to slow down, explore at your own pace, and create unforgettable memories on the water.
Contact Emerald Star: 071 962 7633
