Castelnaudary is our gateway to the tranquil and quieter end of the Canal du Midi where you can enjoy the simplicity of boating, taking walks around quiet villages and cycling through the glorious French countryside. Spend time settling in, freshen up and await your pre-departure briefing which will be given by one of our base technicians. They will make sure you are comfortable and confident controlling the boat, as well as navigating the waterway, before you set off.
We recommend lunch and dinner on board your boat tomorrow, so make sure you have enough provisions for a tasty feast. The start of your boating adventure gets immediately underway with a flight of 4 locks St-Roch to pass through. Remember the locks close at midday, when the lock keepers take lunch, so have some lunch yourself, wherever along the canal you end up.
Villepinte is a great place to take out your bikes if you have added some to your booking and enjoy the beautiful canal scenery on two wheels. Stop by the bakery, Boulangerie Escande, to pick up some freshly baked goods to go along with dinner on board. This pretty and quiet village is built on a circular plan with a 13th century church at its heart.
A pleasant walk or cycle along a pretty tree-lined avenue will take you directly to the village. We recommend Le Petit Bramais. It is a cozy restaurant situated in the former hardware store. Enjoy a delicious modern menu, with a traditional French twist. Why not pop into the Museum of Chivalry? Its a quirky place, festooned with medieval displays, suits of armour and weaponry spanning years of history.
This is a perfect place for both adults and children from 6 years old to learn everything there is to know about chivalry. Open every day except Sundays and Mondays. Remember to make a reservation! A local gem specialising in freshly-caught, local seafood dishes and pizza. We recommend Chez Fred: Adjacent to the port just a 4 minute walk , Pierre and Siham share their passion for good, seasonal and local produce. A refined, bistronomic cuisine that combines flavors, colors and originality.
