The Crusader Cruise

Port Cassafi�res > Aigues Mortes > Port Cassafi�res

Cruise in the Camargue at leisure relaxing at small harbour-front restaurants and visiting the Noilly Prat vermouth cellars at Marseillan before reaching the beautiful medieval walled city of Aigues Mortes. This 13th century fortified town remains largely intact and is a joy to explore.

Distance: 168 km
Cruising Time: 30 hrs
Locks: 4
Return Trip

Port Cassafi�res > Aigues Mortes > Port Cassafi�res

Agde

Situated at the western end of the Bassin de Thau, Agde is mid way between the towns of Sete and Beziers. The Mont Saint Loup volcano which was active for over 200,000 years provided the black lava rock which you can see has been used in many of the buildings here. Explore the Quartiers de la Glaci�re and the ramparts to experience the history of the town. Agde is also ideally situated for a visit to Aqualand, at nearby Cap d'Agde (approx 6kms way) which is one of Europe's best known aquaparks.

Marseillan

A very pleasant fishing town with excellent view across the �tang to S�te. It has a covered market square and old town with very narrow streets, like a maze. This was once a fortified town, a bit like Aigues Mortes, and most of the houses are built from the stone taken from the old walls. The famous aperitif wine "Noilly Prat" is made in the port, just 2 minutes walk from the boat. The cellars offer a very interesting tour, and tasting.

Meze - Etang De Thau

This is a very pleasant old Mediterranean type fishing port. There is a very good beach 200 metres from the port with bar/brasserie. Swimming in the �tang is warmer than the sea!

Sete

Sete is a very interesting town but also a very busy maritime port with enormous commercial vessels and with constraints of bridge opening hours, risks of very strong winds and limited mooring space, it's not terribly easy to go to Sete by boat. It is more accessible from Frontignan (entrance of the Canal du Rh�ne � S�te) by train, taxi or bus.

Frontignan

The town displays old French town architecture of the rich wine shippers who used to live here in the days when nearby S�te was a customs free port. Typical ornate wrought iron work balconies and carved stone facades.

Abbaye De Maguelone

There are lovely lovely beaches here - you can either walk there or catch a little train

Aigues Mortes

This is a very famous Medieval fortified town, with many specialist shops and art galleries within the walls. Aigues Mortes, the city of the 'Dead waters' was established by the French Crusader King, Louis IX and developed and fortified by his son, Philip the bold, and his grandson, Philip the Fair. Today Aigues Mortes' harbour has dried up and it is now the Salins-du-Midi or salt pans that produce half of France's supply of salt. There are many pretty bars, cafes and pretty little craft shops within the walls to explore - this is definitely the place to look for souvenirs and to buy your postcards! Allow time to spend here as you may wish to explore a while.