About Camargue

Relax amidst the natural splendour of sun-bathed Camargue

Our Camargue boating holidays promise an exciting break full of sunshine and fun. Discover broad saltwater lagoons, golden beaches, wild white horses and pink flamingos — the Camargue basks in sunshine all year around which makes it ideal for boating holidays. Romans plied these waters, and Crusaders followed. You can feel the regions rich history as you approach fortress seaport cities like Aigues-Mortes, but don't miss out on a Camargue horse ride through the saline wetlands and discover the unique wildlife. Find more information about the Camargue region below.

 

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Map showing where Camargue boating region is in France

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If you are unable to find your perfect holiday on our website please contact our Boating Experts who may be able to help create a bespoke offering for you.

Camargue map

Camargue region map

  = Le Boat Base           = Canal           = Navigable river          = No navigation beyond this point

 

The perfect boating region for...

Swimming

Child playing in surf

The Camargue is known for its gorgeous beaches. They stretch out for miles along the Étang du Thau at Méze, a wonderful spot for lagoon swimming. Two Port Cassafières ocean favourites are La Redoute Plage and La Farinette Plage.

Family

Child at aquarium

The Camargue is a great family friendly destination. Beach resorts at Palavas-les-Flots and la Grande-Motte offer watersports and amusements. Play mini golf, go to a water park, see an aquarium and check out a dinosaur park at Le Cap d’Adge!

Wildlife

Wild horses and pink flamingos at sunset

Bring binoculars whilst cruising in the Camargue! More than 400 species of birds live in the marshes, including pink flamingos. Wild horses and bulls graze amidst lush grasslands.

Horseback Riding

Horse riding along the beach

The Camargue is known for its wild white horses. You’ll see herds as you travel along your canal boat holiday. Ride the dunes and trails! The La Grande-Mott Riding School offers horse rides for kids age four and up! You can also ride at the resort of Le Cap d’Adge!

Useful information

Download our Region Guide

Check out our region guideWe've produced a handy PDF guide for this region to give you an overview of all the stops and things to do along the waterway.

Download our region guide

The Canal du Midi leaves off at Étang du Thau, France’s second largest lake, and sets your path on the Canal du Rhône à Sète extending 98 kilometres (61 miles) all the way to beautiful Beaucaire. A look at a Camargue map reveals that you’ve entered a natural wonderland filled with undeveloped lakes and fronted with beaches right on the Mediterranean Sea. The country is low and flat, and the salt air invigorates as you travel to medieval fishing villages and cities.

Loosely translated, the name of the canal means “canal from Rhône to Sète,” indicating its route from the Rhône River near Beaucaire south into the wetlands that make Camargue, France, such a special place. Here you’ll find real-life guardian cowboys, Romany gypsy festivals, luscious fresh oysters and superb Costières de Nïmes wines found in the cellars of Gallician.

It is said that the ancients built settlements in the Camargue and traded goods with their brethren in the Rhône Valley. Sète thrived in part because of the age-old Canal de la Radelle running to Aigues-Mortes. Eventually, lakes north of Sète silted in and the appropriately named Lakes Canal was dug. Born of more than 150 years of effort, the Canal du Rhône à Sète finally linked three canals together to create a single artery in 1811.

We've partnered up with some of the best local businesses from the towns and villages in the Camargue to help you get the most out of your Le Boat holiday. 

Discover our range of exclusive offers, only available to Le Boat customers. 

The Camargue is easy to navigate and great for beginners due to the low number of locks.

We highly recommend not to cruise the Petit Rhône to Arles waterway due to strong currents and high levels of algae in the water.

Note: Use caution on Étang du Thau in strong winds.

Take a look at our waterway and lock closures page to find out if there are any scheduled cruising restrictions that will affect your holiday plans.

The Camargue region has no locks except for one near Beaucaire, so it is perfect for anyone new to cruising or looking for an easy cruising experience. The locks on the Canal du Midi, and the few locks in the Camargue, are electric and operated by a lock keeper who will of course help you if you need direction.

 

Lock opening times:

CANAL DU MIDI

9am - 12:30pm & 1:30pm - 6pm

Closed on 1st May

 

CANAL DU RHÔNE À SÈTE  (NOURRIGUIER LOCK, near Beaucaire)

7am - 7pm

Canal du Rhône à Sète locks close on public holidays (Easter Sunday, 1st May, 14th July)

 

CANAL DU RHÔNE À SÈTE (FRONTIGNAN LIFT BRIDGE)

March: 4pm only

April - Ocober: 8:30am & 4pm only.

July and August : Open 8:30 – 01:00 pm – 7:00 pm

 

LEZ (LA TROISIÈME LOCK)

8:15am - 11:45am & 2:15p, - 4:45 (march) 5:45pm (April & September) 5:15pm (October) 6:45 (May to August)

You will only be allowed through if you overnight in Lattes (Port Ariane)

 

Between St. Gilles and Aigues-Mortes (good for bird watching) and between Palavas-les-Flots and Frontignan you can generally find mooring spaces along the towpath using your onboard mooring pins, although please refer to your waterways map for exact locations. Otherwise, you are advised to moor in ports or private marinas in the Camargue region, where a fee of between €10-€55 will usually apply. Most will have water refill points and electric hook-up facilities (not available on all boats).

To find out how to get to each of our bases in this boating region, as well as what facilities and amenities are available at each base or nearby, click on the relevant base below:

  • Hire of the boat and its onboard equipment
  • A fully equipped kitchen
  • Towels and linen for all passengers
  • A boat handling demonstration prior to departure
  • Technical support
  • On-board maps and visitor information
  • Passage through locks
  • Optional holiday extras
  • Boat damage waiver
  • Running costs (diesel, gas, engine wear and tear) - charged by the engine hour.
  • Travel to and from the base(s)
  • Waterside services if you use them (i.e. moorings where a charge is applicable, pump-out if needed, water, etc)
  • Cancellation plan & any travel/personal insurance
  • Food and drink

Interactive map of the Camargue

Bases  = Le Boat base  Chateau  = Point of interest

Great to see…

Beaucaire is a pretty town, as traditional as it is modern. Appreciate a walk among gardens and historic sites or dine in one of the splendid old restaurants. You can also visit the Abbey of Saint-Roman.

Bellegarde is known for its Priory Saint-Vincent-De-Broussan, built in the eleventh century. It's also home to an impressive roman aqueduct of the first century. Head to the centre to find good restaurants and peaceful places to relax and enjoy this leafy town .

The city owes its name to the famous Father Gilles Hermit. It was one of the most important places for Christian pilgrimage in the twelfth century. Visit Saint-gilles and its exceptional heritage, like the abbey of the twelfth century, the old crypt, and the romanesque museum.

Gallician is a quiet and peaceful rural village. Take the opportunity to walk the winding streets, and visit the little 18th century church. On the outskirts of the village lies the real treasure of Gallician: vast vineyards that are a must see!

What a pretty place to stop! In Le Grau-du-Roi, you will enjoy viewing the harbour and the old lighthouse. There are long and beautiful shores for you to walk along and downtown, you will discover interesting buildings, like the Villa Paris, or the old house from the 19th century.

Must see
Aigues Mortes in the Carmargue

Welcome to Aigues-Mortes, a fortified town that once specialised in salt production. Don’t miss the large “Tour de Constance” (Tower of Constance), which is situated in a corner of the fortifications, alongside of the mooring. The tower was previously named “big large tower” & was used as a prison for Protestants.

La Grande-Motte is a bustling seaside resort, home to some ususal architecture. It has buildings designed by the architect Jean Balladur to look like the precolumbian pyramids known as the Ziggourats. If you are a gamer, you can try your luck at the Casino; or maybe you will prefer a relaxing round of golf on the local golf course.

Carnon is a seaside resort. The harbour is a beautiful and quiet place to have a drink, or a meal in one of the numerous restaurants, followed by a gentle stroll along the coast.

Must see
Canal Palavas Les Flots

Once simply a fishing village, today Palavas-les-flots is a thriving seaside city with a long and peaceful beach. Downtown, you will find a dynamic city with sights to explore, like the Jeanne d'Arc foutain. And if you have time at night, the casino will probably be open!

Before arriving in Palavas-les-Flots, on a small island in the middle of the lagoon you’ll find the Maguelone Cathedral. Stop by to discover this jewel of Romanesque art, built in the 11th century. This fortress was home for nearly ten centuries to the Montpellier diocese and successive popes often came to meditate in this peaceful haven.

Frontignan is a beautiful town, home to the pretty romanesque church of Saint-Paul. Enjoy a walk here, and don't forget to taste the delightful muscat.

Often called the Mediterranean Venice due to its numerous canals along the city, Sète is a wonderful and shining town that you will love exploring. Take a walk along the charming Promenade de la corniche, and discover the numerous monuments and churches downtown.

Bouzigues is a charming little seaside town with a number of things to see. Spend time walking along the shore, guided by the fresh ocean wind, or maybe along the docks during sunset... the scenery here is just wonderful.

Like many seaside cities in the area, Mèze was historically a trade centre. In this wonderful town, you will have the chance to discover the old village with its winding streets, and also the Chapelle des pénitents. Take in the beautiful scenery with a walk along the shore.

Welcome to Marseillan, a welcoming and shining town famous for its vineyards and its know-how in shellfish farming. You will enjoy walking downtown and immersing yourself in local history. The shore is also beautiful to walk along, especially during sunset.

Once a Greek city, a medieval fortress and a rich village during the Renaissance, Agde was largely built using black volcanic rocks. The old town has a lovely little centre with cobbled streets full of pleasant shops, restaurants and buildings with medieval architectural details. It also has a pretty church and a local museum.

Port Cassafières is a small marina where Le Boat has a base with fresh water and electricity points.

Must see

Béziers is the capital of Languedoc’s wine industry and birthplace of Pierre-Paul Riquet, who was responsible for building the Canal du Midi. Like all cities with a long history, Béziers is best discovered by ambling through its medieval streets, its bright squares and its leafy parks.

Itinerary suggestions

Our boating holidays allow you the freedom to stop when you want and take each day as it comes. However, you might like to be guided by one of our day-by-day suggested itineraries, complete with estimated cruising times and restaurant recommendations. You can follow it religiously or just use it for ideas – whatever 'floats your boat'. Please bear in mind that our itineraries are just suggestions. Cruising times are estimates and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.

Route suggestions

To help you get an idea of how far you can travel in the time you have, here's a selection of routes to and from our bases in this region. You dont have to stop at all the places listed or follow the route exactly. So long as you return your boat to your end base by the date you've booked - you're free to enjoy your cruise however you like. For a comfortable pace, allowing you time to regularly stop and explore, we'd recommend an average of 2 - 4 hours cruising each day.

Bridge and canal in the Carmargue

Port Cassafières RETURN via Aigues-Mortes

Port Cassafières
Agde
Marseillan
Mèze
Bouzigues
Sète
Frontignan
Palavas les Flots
Carnon
La Grande Motte
Le Grau du Roi
Aigues-Mortes
Port Cassafières

28 hr(s) of cruising

168km 4 locks 7 nights

Port Cassafières RETURN via Aigues-Mortes

Port Cassafières RETURN via Aigues-Mortes

Scroll down using the grey bar to the right

Overview

The boat moves slowly across stunning (lake) Étang de Thau, and the sheer serene beauty of your canal vacation in France practically overwhelms you. Birds ride the Mediterranean breeze, and the tang of the sea blends with the fragrance of flowers as the miles bring you closer to beach resorts and medieval Aigues-Mortes.

Top highlights:

  • Walking Agde's cobbled streets 
  • Eating shellfish in Marseillan 
  • Views from Mont Saint-Clair hilltop in Sète
  • The pyramid-like architecture of La-Grande-Motte
  • The towers and walls of Aigues-Mortes

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:

  • Port Cassafières: Port Cassafières is a small marina where Le Boat has a base with fresh water and electricity points.
  • Agde: Once a Greek city, a medieval fortress and a rich village during the Renaissance, Agde was largely built using black volcanic rocks. The old town has a lovely little centre with cobbled streets full of pleasant shops, restaurants and buildings with medieval architectural details. It also has a pretty church and a local museum.
  • Marseillan: Welcome to Marseillan, a welcoming and shining town famous for its vineyards and its know-how in shellfish farming. You will enjoy walking downtown and immersing yourself in local history. The shore is also beautiful to walk along, especially during sunset.
  • Mèze: Like many seaside cities in the area, Mèze was historically a trade centre. In this wonderful town, you will have the chance to discover the old village with its winding streets, and also the Chapelle des pénitents. Take in the beautiful scenery with a walk along the shore.
  • Bouzigues: Bouzigues is a charming little seaside town with a number of things to see. Spend time walking along the shore, guided by the fresh ocean wind, or maybe along the docks during sunset... The scenery here is just wonderful.
  • Sète: Often called the Mediterranean Venice due to its numerous canals along the city, Sète is a wonderful and shining town that you will love exploring. Take a walk along the charming Promenade de la corniche, and discover the numerous monuments and churches downtown.
  • Frontignan: Frontignan is a beautiful town, home to the pretty romanesque church of Saint-Paul. Enjoy a walk here, and don't forget to taste the delightful muscat.
  • Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone: Before arriving in Palavas-les-Flots, on a small island in the middle of the lagoon you’ll find the Maguelone Cathedral. Stop by to discover this jewel of Romanesque art, built in the 11th century. This fortress was home for nearly ten centuries to the Montpellier diocese and successive popes often came to meditate in this peaceful haven.
  • Palavas-les-flots: Once simply a fishing village, today Palavas-les-flots is a thriving seaside city with a long and peaceful beach. Downtown, you will find a dynamic city with sights to explore, like the Jeanne d'Arc foutain and if you have time at night, the casino will probably be open!
  • Carnon: Carnon is a seaside resort. The harbour is a beautiful and quiet place to have a drink, or a meal in one of the numerous restaurants, followed by a gentle stroll along the coast.
  • La Grande-Motte: La Grande-Motte is a bustling seaside resort, home to some unusual architecture. It has buildings designed by the architect Jean Balladur to look like the precolumbian pyramids known as the Ziggourats. You can try your luck at the Casino; or maybe you will prefer a relaxing round of golf on the local golf course.
  • Le Grau-du-Roi: What a pretty place to stop! In Le Grau-du-Roi, you will enjoy viewing the harbour and the old lighthouse. There are long and beautiful shores for you to walk along and downtown, you will discover interesting buildings, like the Villa Paris, or the old house from the 19th century.
  • Aigues-Mortes: Welcome to Aigues-Mortes, a fortified town that once specialised in salt production. Don’t miss the large “Tour de Constance” (Tower of Constance), which is situated in a corner of the fortifications. The tower was previously named “big large tower” & was used as a prison for Protestants.

28 hr(s) of cruising

168km 4 locks 7 nights
Camargue clock tower

Saint-Gilles RETURN via Étang de Thau

St. Gilles
Gallician
Aigues-Mortes
Le Grau du Roi
La Grande Motte
Carnon
Palavas les Flots
Maguelone
Frontignan
Sète
Bouzigues
Mèze
Marseillan
St. Gilles

22 hr(s) of cruising

146km 0 locks 7 nights

Saint-Gilles RETURN via Étang de Thau

Saint-Gilles RETURN via Étang de Thau

Scroll down using the grey bar to the right

Overview

Walled fortress cities, imposing watch towers, and graceful cathedrals can be found in many port towns in the Camargue, making the cruise a bit like travelling back in time. The fortified Aigues-Mortes is a gem of the region. Juxtaposed against the historic villages is the natural beauty of Étang de Thau, which offers abundant wildlife and excellent beaches.

Top highlights:

  • Historic Saint-Gilles and learning of its part in Christian pilgrimages of the twelfth century
  • The towers and walls of Aigues-Mortes
  • Views of the harbour and lighthouse in Le-Grau-de-Roi 
  • The pyramid-like architecture of La Grande-Motte
  • The view from Mont Saint-Clair hilltop in Sète

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:

  • Saint-Gilles: The city owes its name to the famous Father Gilles Hermit. It was one of the most important places for Christian pilgrimage in the twelfth century. Visit Saint-Gilles and its exceptional heritage, like the abbey of the twelfth century, the old crypt, and the romanesque museum.
  • Gallician: Gallician is a quiet and peaceful rural village. Take the opportunity to walk the winding streets, and visit the little 18th century church. On the outskirts of the village lies the real treasure of Gallician: vast vineyards that are a must see!
  • Aigues Mortes: Welcome to Aigues-Mortes, a fortified town that once specialised in salt production. Don’t miss the large “Tour de Constance” (Tower of Constance), which is situated in a corner of the fortifications. The tower was previously named “big large tower” & was used as a prison for Protestants.
  • Le Grau-du-Roi: What a pretty place to stop! In Le Grau-du-Roi, you will enjoy viewing the harbour and the old lighthouse. There are long and beautiful shores for you to walk along and downtown, you will discover interesting buildings, like the Villa Paris, or the old house from the 19th century.
  • La Grande-Motte: La Grande-Motte is a bustling seaside resort, home to some unusual architecture. It has buildings designed by the architect Jean Balladur to look like the precolumbian pyramids known as the Ziggourats. You can try your luck at the Casino; or maybe you will prefer a relaxing round of golf on the local golf course.
  • Carnon: Carnon is a seaside resort. The harbour is a beautiful and quiet place to have a drink, or a meal in one of the numerous restaurants, followed by a gentle stroll along the coast.
  • Palavas-les-flots: Once simply a fishing village, today Palavas-les-flots is a thriving seaside city with a long and peaceful beach. Downtown, you will find a dynamic city with sights to explore, like the Jeanne d'Arc foutain and if you have time at night, the casino will probably be open!
  • Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone: Before arriving in Palavas-les-Flots, on a small island in the middle of the lagoon you’ll find the Maguelone Cathedral. Stop by to discover this jewel of Romanesque art, built in the 11th century. This fortress was home for nearly ten centuries to the Montpellier diocese and successive popes often came to meditate in this peaceful haven.
  • Frontignan: Frontignan is a beautiful town, home to the pretty romanesque church of Saint-Paul. Enjoy a walk here, and don't forget to taste the delightful muscat.
  • Sète: Often called the Mediterranean Venice due to its numerous canals along the city, Sète is a wonderful and shining town that you will love exploring. Take a walk along the charming Promenade de la corniche, and discover the numerous monuments and churches downtown.
  • Bouzigues: Bouzigues is a charming little seaside town with a number of things to see. Spend time walking along the shore, guided by the fresh ocean wind, or maybe along the docks during sunset... The scenery here is just wonderful.
  • Mèze: Like many seaside cities in the area, Mèze was historically a trade centre. In this wonderful town, you will have the chance to discover the old village with its winding streets, and also the Chapelle des pénitents. Take in the beautiful scenery with a walk along the shore.
  • Marseillan: Welcome to Marseillan, a welcoming and shining town famous for its vineyards and its know-how in shellfish farming. You will enjoy walking downtown and immersing yourself in local history. The shore is also beautiful to walk along, especially during sunset.

22 hr(s) of cruising

146km 0 locks 7 nights
Couple on beach in Carmargue

Saint-Gilles to Port Cassafières

St. Gilles
Gallician
Aigues-Mortes
Le Grau du Roi
La Grande Motte
Carnon
Palavas les Flots
Maguelone
Frontignan
Sète
Bouzigues
Mèze
Marseillan
Agde
Port Cassafières

17 hr(s) of cruising

98km 2 locks 7 nights

Saint-Gilles to Port Cassafières

Saint-Gilles to Port Cassafières

Scroll down using your grey bar to the side

Overview

Clouds of pink flamingos swirl across brilliant blue skies, creating a sight you’ll long remember on the beautiful Canal du Rhône à Sète. You gaze at the beauty around you, and you look forward to a delicious seafood dinner in la Grande-Motte. Along the way, you go swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, scuba diving, and horseback riding, enjoying a blissful canal holiday in France.

Top highlights:

  • Historic Saint-Gilles and learning of its part in Christian pilgrimages of the twelfth century
  • The towers and walls of Aigues-Mortes
  • Views of the harbour and lighthouse in Le Grau-du-Roi
  • The pyramid-like architecture of La Grande-Motte
  • Eating shellfish in Marseillan

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday

  • Saint-Gilles: The city owes its name to the famous Father Gilles Hermit. It was one of the most important places for Christian pilgrimage in the twelfth century. Visit Saint-Gilles and its exceptional heritage, like the abbey of the twelfth century, the old crypt, and the romanesque museum.
  • Gallician: Gallician is a quiet and peaceful rural village. Take the opportunity to walk the winding streets, and visit the little 18th century church. On the outskirts of the village lies the real treasure of Gallician: vast vineyards that are a must see!
  • Aigues Mortes: Welcome to Aigues-Mortes, a fortified town that once specialised in salt production. Don’t miss the large “Tour de Constance” (Tower of Constance), which is situated in a corner of the fortifications. The tower was previously named “big large tower” & was used as a prison for Protestants.
  • Le Grau-du-Roi: What a pretty place to stop! In Le Grau-du-Roi, you will enjoy viewing the harbour and the old lighthouse. There are long and beautiful shores for you to walk along and downtown, you will discover interesting buildings, like the Villa Paris, or the old house from the 19th century.
  • La Grande-Motte: La Grande-Motte is a bustling seaside resort, home to some unusual architecture. It has buildings designed by the architect Jean Balladur to look like the precolumbian pyramids known as the Ziggourats. You can try your luck at the Casino; or maybe you will prefer a relaxing round of golf on the local golf course.
  • Carnon: Carnon is a seaside resort. The harbour is a beautiful and quiet place to have a drink, or a meal in one of the numerous restaurants, followed by a gentle stroll along the coast.
  • Palavas-les-flots: Once simply a fishing village, today Palavas-les-flots is a thriving seaside city with a long and peaceful beach. Downtown, you will find a dynamic city with sights to explore, like the Jeanne d'Arc foutain and if you have time at night, the casino will probably be open!
  • Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone: Before arriving in Palavas-les-Flots, on a small island in the middle of the lagoon you’ll find the Maguelone Cathedral. Stop by to discover this jewel of Romanesque art, built in the 11th century. This fortress was home for nearly ten centuries to the Montpellier diocese and successive popes often came to meditate in this peaceful haven.
  • Frontignan: Frontignan is a beautiful town, home to the pretty romanesque church of Saint-Paul. Enjoy a walk here, and don't forget to taste the delightful muscat.
  • Sète: Often called the Mediterranean Venice due to its numerous canals along the city, Sète is a wonderful and shining town that you will love exploring. Take a walk along the charming Promenade de la corniche, and discover the numerous monuments and churches downtown.
  • Bouzigues: Bouzigues is a charming little seaside town with a number of things to see. Spend time walking along the shore, guided by the fresh ocean wind, or maybe along the docks during sunset... The scenery here is just wonderful.
  • Mèze: Like many seaside cities in the area, Mèze was historically a trade centre. In this wonderful town, you will have the chance to discover the old village with its winding streets, and also the Chapelle des pénitents. Take in the beautiful scenery with a walk along the shore.
  • Marseillan: Welcome to Marseillan, a welcoming and shining town famous for its vineyards and its know-how in shellfish farming. You will enjoy walking downtown and immersing yourself in local history. The shore is also beautiful to walk along, especially during sunset.
  • Agde: Once a Greek city, a medieval fortress and a rich village during the Renaissance, Agde was largely built using black volcanic rocks. The old town has a lovely little centre with cobbled streets full of pleasant shops, restaurants and buildings with medieval architectural details. It also has a pretty church and a local museum.

17 hr(s) of cruising

98km 2 locks 7 nights
Le Boat marina in the Carmargue

Saint-Gilles RETURN via Aigues-Mortes & Palavas

St. Gilles
Gallician
Aigues-Mortes
St. Gilles

13 hr(s) of cruising

100km 0 locks 3 nights

Saint-Gilles RETURN via Aigues-Mortes & Palavas

Saint-Gilles RETURN via Aigues-Mortes & Palavas

Scroll down using the grey bar to the right 

Overview

Ease the boat into the canal and relax as you let the charm of a Camargue boating vacation recharge and rejuvenate you. Sip a cool cocktail at the resort beach of Palavas-les-Flots, and plunge into the Mediterranean for a refreshing swim. Feel invigorated as you climb the ramparts of the medieval city of Aigues-Mortes to check out splendid views!

Top highlights:

  • The towers and walls of Aigues-Mortes
  • Historic Saint-Gilles and learning of its part in Christian pilgrimages of the twelfth century 
  • Casino nights in Palavas-les-flots 

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:

  • Saint-Gilles: The city owes its name to the famous Father Gilles Hermit. It was one of the most important places for Christian pilgrimage in the twelfth century. Visit Saint-Gilles and its exceptional heritage, like the abbey of the twelfth century, the old crypt, and the romanesque museum.
  • Gallician: Gallician is a quiet and peaceful rural village. Take the opportunity to walk the winding streets, and visit the little 18th century church. On the outskirts of the village lies the real treasure of Gallician: vast vineyards that are a must see!
  • Palavas-les-flots: Once simply a fishing village, today Palavas-les-flots is a thriving seaside city with a long and peaceful beach. Downtown, you will find a dynamic city with sights to explore, like the Jeanne d'Arc foutain and if you have time at night, the casino will probably be open!
  • Aigues Mortes: Welcome to Aigues-Mortes, a fortified town that once specialised in salt production. Don’t miss the large “Tour de Constance” (Tower of Constance), which is situated in a corner of the fortifications. The tower was previously named “big large tower” & was used as a prison for Protestants.

13 hr(s) of cruising

100km 0 locks 3 nights
Carmargue flamingos

Port Cassafières RETURN via Marseillan

Port Cassafières
Agde
Marseillan
Port Cassafières

7 hr(s) of cruising

38km 4 locks 3 nights

Port Cassafières RETURN via Marseillan

Port Cassafières RETURN via Marseillan

Scroll down using the bar to the right

Overview

Boating vacations in the South of France usher you into the arms of the Camargue, an absolutely fabulous region known for its sunny days, wild horses and pink flamingos, and miles of white-sand beaches along a vast saltwater lagoon. The charming city of Agde tempts you to linger! Then it’s off to see the famous Noilly Prat vermouth cellars in the fishing village of Marseillan!

Top highlights:

  • Walking Agde's cobbled streets 
  • Eating shellfish in Marseillan 

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday

  • Port Cassafières: Port Cassafières is a small marina where Le Boat has a base with fresh water and electricity points.
  • Agde: Once a Greek city, a medieval fortress and a rich village during the Renaissance, Agde was largely built using black volcanic rocks. The old town has a lovely little centre with cobbled streets full of pleasant shops, restaurants and buildings with medieval architectural details and also has a pretty church and a local museum
  • Marseillan: Welcome to Marseillan, a welcoming and shining town famous for its vineyards and its know-how in shellfish farming. You will enjoy walking downtown and immersing yourself in local history. The shore is also beautiful to walk along, especially during sunset.

7 hr(s) of cruising

38km 4 locks 3 nights

Our Feefo reviews

Feefo is an independent and impartial review service that requests reviews directly from those who have been on a Le Boat vacation. Below you can read what our past customers think about their Le Boat experience, and trust that what you read is unfiltered, unedited and uncensored.

Added on 11 September 2023

A customer said

Overall pleasant service. Lots of fun. Good family vacation.
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Good day Killian, Thank you for taking the time to write a five-star review of your boating vacation. We are so delighted to hear that you had a great time on your Le Boat experience, and that the team at the base were able to be of assistance to you. We look forward to welcoming you onboard again. Kind regards Refilwe from Le Boat
Homps - Port Cassafières
Calypso
Added on 18 August 2023

Helen Browning said

Would recommend highly
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Good day Helen, Thank you for taking the time to write a five-star review of your boating holiday. We are delighted to hear that you had a great time on your Le Boat experience. We look forward to welcoming you onboard again. Kind regards Refilwe from Le Boat
Port Cassafières - Port Cassafières
Royal Classique
Added on 1 July 2023

Jose Miranda said

From booking to actually starting the cruise the information and clarity on the details was very good and well structured. Friendly staff at the hand-over of the boat. Boat inside well cleaned and neat. Very calm and easy to navigate. No overwhelming traffic. Excellent scenery.
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Castelnaudary - Port Cassafières
Magnifique
Added on 14 May 2023

Hennie Smit said

Great experience!
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Homps - Port Cassafières
Vision 3 SL
Added on 10 October 2022

Graeme Spencer said

We found Le Boat on the Internet and took the plunge by calling Marcus who is based in France and this was able to guide us to what best suited our needs and expectations. We decided upon a 10 day cruise and pick the boat up in Trebes before returning it in Port Cassfieres. The route was marvellous as was the food and plonk along the way but perhaps it’s equally important the horizon three that we had hired was spotless inside and extremely comfortable for four people but could have easily catered for six. We pick the boat up right at the very end of the season and outwardly it appeared somewhat tired however inside and mechanically everything was perfect including the initial handover and return. We would certainly recommend Le Boat and we would use them again. Great cruise, easy navigable.
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Carcassonne (Trèbes) - Port Cassafières
Horizon 3
Added on 3 October 2022

Jim Young said

Slow at the beginning, quick at the end. Boat was great. Bow and stern thrusters were a lifesaver. Everything worked pretty well.. wifi was borderline
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Good Afternoon Jim, Thank you for your five-star review of your boating holiday on the Canal du Midi. We are pleased that overall you enjoyed your trip and we look forward to welcoming you on board again in the future. Best Wishes, Le Boat Team
Homps - Port Cassafières
Vision 4 SL
Added on 2 October 2022

Gary Franklin said

Great trip, knowledgeable staff, old map books should be replaced for the amount we spent!
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Good day Gary, Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a five-star review of your boating vacation on the Canal du Midi! We are very pleased to hear that you would recommend a Le Boat vacation based on your recent experience. We also appreciate your feedback about the age map books we provide and we will make sure this feedback gets back to our content teams and the base teams. We look forward to welcoming you on board again in the future! Best Wishes, Le Boat Team
Castelnaudary - Port Cassafières
Horizon 1
Added on 21 September 2022

Colleen Raison said

Very late start at base. Missed almost all of first day of vacation because of this.
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Good Day Colleen, Thank you for your review of your boating holiday on the Canal du Midi. We thank you for your honest feedback and letting us know about the late start at the base. We do try to be clear about the fact that our Vision Boats are quite large and they do take longer to clean and prep and because of this we cannot even provide clients with the Early Check-in Extra. Often boaters will plan to stay at the base on the first evening and explore the town before heading out early the next day. Sorry if this was not clear in our pre-planning communications. We do hope we can welcome you on board again in the future! Best Wishes, Le Boat Team
Castelnaudary - Port Cassafières
Vision 3 SL
Added on 4 September 2022

Peter Lochner said

When we finally sailed, it was our 4th booking - others postponed due to Covid. We regularly dealt with your Cape Town office, who were exceptionally friendly & efficient. Our experience at both Homps & Port Cassafieres were friendly and helpful. It certainly helped that, to our great delight, we were upgraded from the Magnifique to the Horizon 5, which turned out to be fantastic. Can't fault them - friendly, efficient and accommodating!
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Good day Peter, Thank you for your five-star review of your boating holiday on the Canal du Midi. We are so happy to hear that you were finally able to go on your fourth trip with us since being postponed due to Covid. We pride ourselves in delivering excellent customer service and we are glad to hear you received just that from both our Cape Town sales team and the base teams in Homps and Port Cassafieres. We are also glad to hear that you enjoyed your upgraded experience on the Horizon 5. We look forward to welcoming you back on board in the near future! Best wishes, Le Boat Team
Homps - Port Cassafières
Horizon 5
Added on 24 August 2022

Sandra Macneill said

Staff was so helpful and pleasant. Intro to the boat was informative and well done. Would choose a larger boat next time. Helm was a bit crowded.
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Good day Sandra, Thank you for your five-star review of you boating vacation on the Canal du Midi. We are so pleased to hear that our base staff at Castelnaudary and Port Cassafieres were helpful and informative and they could make your trip pleasant and memorable! We look forward to welcoming you back on board again in the near future! Best wishes, Le Boat Team
Castelnaudary - Port Cassafières
Cirrus B Boat