Exploring the Canal du Midi on a Rental Boat

Have you ever dreamed of boating through the French countryside?

In “Exploring the Canal du Midi on a Rental Boat,” host Annie Sargent talks with John and Sally Capets about their week-long adventure on this historic waterway. They rented a boat with friends and spent their days slowly drifting past vineyards, plane trees, and medieval villages in southern France.

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They share what it’s really like to rent a boat on the Canal du Midi, navigate the many locks, and live in close quarters while exploring the beauty of Occitanie. John and Sally talk about practical details like packing light, using bikes along the towpath, and finding places to eat along the canal. They also explain why traveling slowly by boat gives you a deeper connection to France and its people.

They share highlights like seeing La Cité de Carcassonne from the water, visiting the Malpas Tunnel, and dining canal-side in Colombiers. They offer helpful advice for those curious about a Canal du Midi boat rental, what it costs, and what to expect during a week on the water.

If you love slow travel, French culture, and practical travel tips, you will enjoy this episode. Subscribe to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast for weekly episodes that bring you closer to France, whether you are planning your next trip or just dreaming about it. Listen now to discover how exploring the Canal du Midi by boat could be the relaxing adventure you didn’t know you needed.

Table of Contents for this Episode

• [00:00:15] Intro
• [00:00:31] Today on the podcast
• [00:01:02] Podcast supporters
• [00:01:52] Magazine segment
• [00:02:09] John and Sally
• [00:04:07] Boat travel on Canal du Midi
• [00:05:28] Selecting the Boat
• [00:05:55]  No experience needed and no license required
• [00:08:51] Kitchen on Board of the Boat
• [00:13:09] Riding the Bikes along the Canal du Midi
• [00:16:05] Boat Pickup and Drop Off: How Much Distance Is Too Much?
• [00:17:44] Going through the locks
• [00:18:22]  Visiting La Cité de Carcassonne.
• [00:20:50]  THe Fonseraneses Locks
• [00:24:58]  Dining Canal side in Colombier.
• [00:25:38]  Malpas Tunnel
• [00:28:51]  Folk Art at the Ecluse de L’Aiguille?
• [00:30:46] Sleeping on a small boat
• [00:33:20] Travel Light!
• [00:35:08] Pont Canal sur l’Orb
• [00:36:00] Sightseeing in Toulouse
• [00:44:17] Late September Weather on the Canal du Midi
• [00:46:02] Who Is It For?
• [00:48:57] Thank You Patrons
• [00:49:47] Zoom meetings with Patrons
• [00:50:39] Tour Reviews
• [00:53:29] Podcast Listeners Discount Codes
• [00:54:23] The Tour de France 2025
• [00:56:21] Next Week on the Podcast
• [00:56:49] Copyright

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