Carcassonne – Perfect for a boat holiday to France
When thinking of the ideal place for a canal holiday in France, the ancient walled city of Carcassonne could surely be high on the list.
Popular with canal boaters due to its ideal location along the Canal du Midi, this city is packed with culture and impressive architecture, with parts of the old town designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Carcassonne is located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, in the south of the country.
Using one of the midi canal boat charter companies in this area is perfect for seeing France from a different perspective and can really help you relax on a break in the country. Instead of negotiating foreign roads behind the feel of an unfamiliar hire car, why not take a midi canal holiday and let the most beautiful parts of the countryside float by?
And the walled city of Carcassonne is certainly a stunning place to see on a canal boat break. The old part of the area is an architectural gem, with some three kilometers of city battlements, 52 towers and a large fortress. In the old part of the city there is also a wide range of craft shops ideal for picking up one or two souvenirs to remind you of your trip to France.
Just over 100 people live in the old part of the city and a visit here can sometimes feel like stepping back into another century.
The fort area is linked to the rest of Carcassonne by the Pont Vieux, which passes over the Aude River. In other parts of the city there is much to see and do, including the former home of the famous poet Joe Bousquet. Memorial House hosts permanent exhibitions showcasing the wordsmith’s writing as well as the works of his contemporaries on the French art and poetry scene.
Art aficionados can also visit the city’s Museum of Fine Arts, which features fabulous works of art spanning three centuries. Admission to both attractions is free, so there’s certainly no reason not to visit them on a canal boat holiday in France.
While you’re in town, be sure to head over to the Basilica of San Nazario. This church is hundreds of years old and is home to some really beautiful stained glass windows, which are a stunning sight in the French sun. Inside the church is also the tomb of Bishop Guihem Razouls de Radulphe. His final resting place is surrounded by 12 intricately carved statues, as well as a hidden sculpture depicting a smiling angel.
The church also has some interesting friezes that are worth seeing. On a canal boat holiday in France, the Canal du Midi is undoubtedly the best waterway to go down, its great length and location making it ideal for exploring some of the best parts of the country.
The canal runs from the city of Toulouse to the port city of Sete, in the south of the country. The canal is around 150 miles long and along its length are fascinating towns and villages, as well as ancient bridges and other sights. The views of the French countryside offered to those sailing on a canal boat are second to none and a relaxing sailing holiday is a great way to see as much of the country as possible.
Whatever type of canal boat you need for a boating holiday in France, you’re sure to find it. Whether you’re planning to take a relaxing river cruise with your partner, or you need a larger boat that can accommodate children or more than two people, there are plenty of options available.
Hiring a canal boat to explore France gives you the opportunity to tailor a break to suit your needs and can also give you complete flexibility to spend as much time as you like in each location. And you will certainly want to spend a few good days exploring the old walled city of Carcassonne, which is certainly a sight to behold.