I don't know where to start with exploring options for a canal trip in the south of France this late summer/early fall. We'll be visiting family in a small town, about 15-minute drive from Agde, 40 from Montepellier. Would be ideal to end in or near Lyon. Just two, my wife and I.
Have long fantasized about this but realized I'm completely ignorant of the topic. :) However I'm guessing there are few if any "inexpensive" options. Any suggestions appreciated. TIA.
Agde is the Mediterranean port city of the Canal du Midi which runs to the Atlantic cutting through Carcassone, Toulouse and Lauragais Plain. Or to the east of Agde, the canal network takes you to the Carmague. Both the Canal du Midi and the Carmague are popular self navigating canal boat routes.
Unfortunately routes from Agde to Lyon would traverse the mighty Rhône river which the sweet little bumper boats that ply the canals are no match for. That route is for the catered, professional cruise lines. You could travel north of Lyon and hire a self catering boat on the canal du Burgundy or Nivernais canal both north of Beaune.
Nothing makes my husband more happy than captaining a boat down a French canal and I am a very content Gilligan to his Skipper. Having rented several boats, we highly recommend Nicols Boats over the other companies mentioned which we’ve used two of. . Nicols is a French company that build their own boats specifically for the canals. They are really well maintained and well thought out. For a couple, I’d recommend the Duo model which is easy for two people to handle.
I’d check out the website’s of both LeBoat.com and Nicols.com. Both have good information on the different canals and areas along with videos. I am concerned with the drought conditions in southern France this year and hope it doesn’t affect the canal systems for lack of water. If you have more questions, I’m glad to answer what I can. Yours truly, Gilligan
