Le Somail to Bellegarde, 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).

In Agde, your license-free boat will navigate through a one-of-a-kind round lock,the only one of its kind on the Canal du Midi and in the world at the time of its construction. Acting like a traffic circle, it has three exits: one toward Toulouse, another toward Agde and the sea, and the third toward the Thau Lagoon. While in the area, explore Agde, a former volcanic Greek city dubbed “the Black Pearl of the Mediterranean” by Marco Polo. You can also head to the beaches of Cap d’Agde (4 km away).

Aigues-Mortes is a fortified medieval town set between land and sea, surrounded by lagoons and salt marshes. Discover its imposing 1,640-meter-long ramparts, flanked by five towers,including the iconic Tour de Constance,and ten gates preserving a rich religious heritage. Soak up the local charm with a glass of vin de sable on a terrace or by tasting the local fougasse. Nature lovers will be amazed by the pink waters of the Salin d’Aigues-Mortes.

Manades,free-ranging herds of bulls and horses,are an iconic part of Camargue life. In Franquevaux, meet a manadier (herder) and learn about the passion and traditions of the manades and their gardians (herdsmen).