Le Somail, round trip, 7 nights

Don’t miss the 16th-century château nestled among vineyards. A place with historical charm.

Sail through the 160 m Malpas Tunnel, which cuts under the archaeological site of Ensérune. From the hilltop, enjoy panoramic views of the Cévennes and Pyrenees , and the striking geometric pattern of the drained Montady lagoon below.

Nestled along the Via Domitia, Colombiers is in the heart of Languedoc vineyards. Moor in its scenic half-moon port and visit the château wine cellar, whose boat-hull-shaped roof symbolizes 19th-century prosperity.

Navigate the spectacular staircase of 9 locks at Fonseranes,an engineering marvel on the Canal du Midi, and the third most-visited site in Languedoc-Roussillon after the Pont du Gard and Carcassonne. In summer, hop on a tourist train to visit Béziers.

With your rental boat, cross the Orb River via the Béziers canal bridge, offering stunning views of the town and the majestic Saint-Nazaire Cathedral. Stop to explore Béziers’ rich architectural heritage,Roman, medieval, and Haussmannian,making it the second-largest protected historic district in France (after Paris).

Flamingos and Camargue bulls Cruise through wetlands where you might spot migratory birds like flamingos and gray herons. Camargue bulls and horses graze nearby. Nature lovers can walk the discovery trail or view it all from the deck of their boat. Feeling active? Try horseback riding at Ranch les Gaillardels or test your nerve at Azimut Aventures (via a short walk). Later, take a dip in the Mediterranean at Portiragnes-Plage (4 km away).

Vias has all the charm of a traditional Mediterranean village with its circular layout, colorful facades, and quaint alleys filled with rich architectural heritage: ramparts, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, and the residence of the Bishops of Agde. Families can head to the seaside resort of Vias-Plage or wrap up the day with a ride at Europark, France’s largest permanent funfair with 80 attractions set along the Canal du Midi.

In Agde, you can experience a one-of-a-kind lock aboard your license-free boat. The only round lock on the Canal du Midi,and the only one of its kind in the world at the time of construction,this engineering marvel functions like a traffic roundabout, with three exits: one toward Toulouse, one toward the city of Agde and the sea, and one toward the Thau Lagoon. While in the area, visit Agde, a former volcanic Greek city nicknamed by Marco Polo “the black pearl of the Mediterranean.” From Agde, you can also reach the beaches of Cap d’Agde (4 km away).