The classic midi cruise

Argens is a beautiful little town, typical for the Minervois region, clustered around a 14th century château and overlooking the canal and the river Aude.

What to see / visit in Argens-Minervois:

• Admire the 14th century château here and the very typical scenery.

Everything is nice in Le Somail: its walls covered in old plants with pink flowers, a majestic stone bridge, the circular tower, where ice was stored during the summer, its little chapel and a remarkable library. This is one of the most popular stops on the Canal du Midi. The village is tiny, but very enjoyable. In the eighteenth century, the boats used for the postal service took 4 days to go from Agde to Toulouse. Le Somail was one of the relay stations installed on the Canal.

What to see / visit in Le Somail:

• The Hat Museum
• Its magnificent library
• The old houses that give the charm of this village

Capestang is a very pretty village built around a magnificent example of the Collegiate Southern Gothic (fourteenth century) and the Castle which was the second home of the archbishops of Narbonne. There was a time in which Capestang was a very busy port on the Canal du Midi.

What to see / visit in Capestang:

• The Collegiate surprised by its little cathedral and its incompleteness.
• The "Trompe l'oeil", in the corner of rue Maurice Sol and rue Gigiry
• The castle
• The vineyards

Beziers is the second largest town on the Canal du Midi. Once a Roman city; it's rich in history including the Cathars. Today it is renowned for winemaking, rugby summer festivals and bullfights.

The town of Agde, sometimes nicknamed "the black pearl of the Mediterranean" N 1 because of its basalt stone monuments built, has a long history.

What to see / visit in Agde:

• The Saint-Étienne Cathedral
• The Church of Saint-André
• The church of Saint-Sever
• The Notre-Dame-du-Grau
• The chapel of Agenouillade
• The city center
• The fort Brescou
• The statues and fountains in the city
• The Saint-Joseph bridge
• The round lock of the Canal du Midi

Marseillan is a very pleasant fishing town, with excellent views of the Thau lagoon. There is the covered market square, old town with narrow streets, like a maze. It was fortified and most houses are built from existing out of stones from ancient walls. The famous wine aperitif 'Noilly Prat' is made in the port, only 1 minute walk from the boat. The cellars offer a very interesting ride, and tastings.

What to see / visit in Marseillan:

• Noilly Prat cellars
• The city center
• The port

What to see / visit / do in Portiragnes:

• Visit the Church of Saint-Félix, made in basalt in a Gothic architectural style (14th century)
• A tour of the markets by night
• Go out for walks or cycling along the canal
• Horseback riding