First Nights: Carcassonne and Practicalities

"Renting a Boat on the Canal du Midi with Bobbi Heath" is your ultimate guide to one of France's most magical slow travel experiences. In this episode, host Annie Sargent chats with Bobbi Heath, a passionate traveler and boating enthusiast, about her week-long adventure renting a boat on the Canal du Midi. If you've ever dreamed of cruising through France's picturesque countryside, sipping wine, and exploring historic villages—all without needing a boating license—this conversation is packed with practical tips and inspiration.

Bobbi and her friends started their journey in Homps, a quiet town near Carcassonne, where they rented a boat from Le Boat. No experience? No problem. The Canal du Midi is beginner-friendly, with easy-to-navigate locks and a relaxed pace. Bobbi shares how they mastered the locks (hint: going downstream first makes it easier!), where to find the best wine (hello, Minervois region!), and why this trip is perfect for groups of four. She even reveals her favorite stops, like Le Somail, home to a legendary bookstore (Le Trouve-Tout du Livre), and Carcassonne, where medieval charm meets modern dining at La Table d'Alais.

You'll learn how to plan your route, what to pack (duffel bags, not suitcases!), and why early mornings at the locks mean shorter waits. Bobbi also dives into the joys of slow travel—biking along the towpath, shopping at local markets, and enjoying picnics on deck with fresh baguettes and cheese. The Canal du Midi isn't just a waterway; it's a journey through history, wine country, and some of France's most authentic villages.

From practical advice on renting boats (expect to pay around $1,200/week) to insider tips on avoiding tourist crowds, this episode covers it all. Whether you're a wine lover, history buff, or just craving a unique getaway, Bobbi's stories will have you ready to book your own canal adventure.

If you love France but want to escape the usual tourist spots, this boat trip is the perfect way to see the country at your own pace. Subscribe to Join Us in France for more hidden gems, travel tips, and stories that bring France to life—wherever you are!

Table of Contents for this Episode

• [00:00:15] Introduction and Guest Welcome
• [00:00:31] Today on the podcast
• [00:01:00] Podcast supporters
• [00:01:30] Bootcamp 2026
• [00:01:44] Magazine part of the Podcast
• [00:02:29] Renting a Boat on the Canal du Midi with Bobbi Heath
• [00:02:47] Planning the Canal du Midi Adventure
• [00:03:38] Starting the Journey: From Carcassonne to Homps
• [00:05:09] A little bit about the Canal du Midi
• [00:06:15] Exploring Carcassonne
• [00:08:33] Navigating the Canal: Locks and Logistics
• [00:13:01] Discovering Le Saunier and Amphoralis
• [00:15:42] Choosing the Canal Route and Wine Enthusiasm
• [00:17:30] Daily Life on the Canal Boat
• [00:21:02] Boat Rentals and Practical Tips
• [00:23:11] Cost and Convenience of Canal Boat Vacations
• [00:26:26] Booking Tips and Seasonal Advice
• [00:26:42] Weather Considerations for Your Trip
• [00:27:32] Cultural Observations on the Canal
• [00:28:06] Navigating the Canal and Starting Points
• [00:30:34] Essential Gear and Preparations
• [00:31:31] Family and Group Travel Tips
• [00:32:54] Dining and Local Attractions
• [00:35:04] Alternative Travel Options
• [00:36:34] Favorite Vacation Ever
• [00:37:55] Is a week too long?
• [00:41:31] Wine Adventures Along the Canal
• [00:44:43] Final Thoughts and Recommendations
• [00:47:36] Thank you Patrons
• [00:48:21] Eiffel Tower Tour Review VoiceMap
• [00:48:43] Latin Quarter Tour Review VoiceMap
• [00:49:13] Discount for Podcast Listeners
• [00:49:49] Tickets for Tourists
• [00:54:07] Tourism… modern or not?
• [00:57:14] Annie's Travels
• [01:00:12] Next week on the podcast
• [01:00:40] Copyright