Canal Boats

Try this out:

http://www.southfrance.com/boatrentalsfrance/agde/index.html

We made a one week trip two and a half years ago and loved every moment. Slow travel allows for a relaxing time (at least until you get to the Ecluses de Fonseranes, at Beziers, but that is a different story) and it was a memorable holiday for all. Be aware that the boats are driven by you, not by a tour company. Great food, wine, scenery, castles, vinyards--what's not to like?

Edited to add that the weather will likely be perfect at that time.

We have done two canal boat trips in France, the Lot River from Luzech and the Canal du Midi from Homps, and a narrow boat on the Oxford Canal. I recommend the Canal du Midi for first timers. The Lot is beautiful but the hand cranked locks and currents make it a bit more of a challenge. From Homp to Beziers their are very few locks and they have lockkeepers who operate them. You need to do your own rope work. Turn around before Beziers and you won’t have to do the long lock flight there up and down. The boat companies rent bicycle you tie to your rail that will allow you to visit places further afield. There are nice villages and vineyards along the way. Canal boating requires a minimum of 3 people for stress free and safe locking and docking.

We rented a canal boat a few years back on the Saone in mid September. We found that the "season" had pretty much ended and we had trouble finding restaurants and other marine venues that were open. Nothing wrong with cooking aboard, but one of our pleasures is dining out in France. The only place we were able to have a memorable meal was in Gray.

Perhaps the season runs longer at the Canal du Midi down south, but in the north it was deadsville for us in September.

Thank you so much all the your comments helped

We did a Canal du Midi day trip near Carcasonne. It was mid September and the weather was moderate. Lovely relaxing time. Great region for what you are looking for.