From Naurouze Pass to Carcassonne

The Seuil de Naurouze marks the highest point of the Canal du Midi. Here, waters arriving from the Montagne Noire split in two,flowing westward to the Atlantic and eastward to the Mediterranean. It is the watershed line. Set off on a hike through the Lauragais hills surrounding the Seuil de Naurouze. You’ll discover villages with Cathar heritage, follow part of the Arles Way (one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela), and enjoy sweeping views over a stunning landscape.

Visit the historic NOT pottery workshop (active since 1820) and learn how the iconic earthenware cassoulet dish is made.

Discover the town from the water aboard your barge, reflecting in the grand basin of Castelnaudary. Moor at the small basin to explore the 13th-century Saint-Michel Collegiate Church and the Cugarel Windmill, and to taste Castelnaudary’s famous cassoulet.

As you pass Villepinte on your boat holiday, admire its canal-side aqueduct and explore the Romanesque and Gothic church in the village.

One of the oldest hamlets in the Aude, Bram is built in a circular plan typical of Languedoc villages, centered around its former castle with a 13th-century church above. The churches of Saint-Julien and Sainte-Basilisse attest to this past. The original fortress disappeared during the Crusades; only a few vestiges remain.

Discovering a remarkable tree Here stands the famed Ormeau de Sully, a majestic elm with a 6 m circumference, planted in the late 16th century after the Wars of Religion. This is one of France’s oldest trees. Your stop on the Canal du Midi also invites you to explore the village heritage: the Sainte‑Marie church (formerly part of the town’s fortifications) and the presbytery.

With three kilometers of ramparts, two fortified walls, four gates, and 52 towers, this medieval fortified town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Its stunning setting has made it a filming location for several movies (e.g., Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves). The imposing fortifications of Carcassonne overlook the Aude River. During summer, the town comes alive with cultural events, markets, festivals, and more,an unmissable stop on your Canal du Midi cruise.

This charming little town along the Canal du Midi is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner at one of the waterside restaurants. Its triple lock is a local curiosity, often drawing crowds to watch hotel barges and license-free boats pass through this small lock staircase. Don't miss the Gothic-style Saint-Etienne Church, with its 320 painted corbels from the 14th century (open Sunday mornings). For families, a swimming pool in central Trèbes is easily accessible from the port. Along the canal, you’ll also see the La Rode Bridge, the Orbiel aqueduct, and the impressive three-lock staircase.

Le Somail is one of the most picturesque villages along the canal. Moor your boat by the stone bridge and explore its 1684 ice house, quaint shops, and old-world charm. Don’t miss the impressive Trouve-Tout du Livre bookshop,with over 50,000 titles for sale.