Cruise the upper Canal du midi on the westbound route in the heart of Occitania region

Across the heart of the Lauragais, pastel country, you sail up to the source of the Canal du Midi. The Lauragais, « land of cocagne », went through a period of prosperity until the XVIIth century thanks to the famous pastel blue. Architectural treasures dot the countryside, mansions, castles, bell towers made of red brick, Toulouse type.

The Canal du Midi glides peacefully through this large agricultural plain bordered to the north and south by gently rolling hills steeped in sunshine. Castelnaudary, the world capital of Cassoulet, is an essential gastronomic stopover and the opportunity to discover the PDO wines of Malepère and Cabardès.

During your one week all-inclusive cruise, enjoy visits carefully tested and selected by your hostess;

• The medieval walled city of Carcassonne by day or night. A traditional tour with a guide or in
the form of an escape game or urban game,
• The medieval city of Mirepoix, its XVth century arches fronting the central square and its
market,
• The Revel Bastide founded in 1342, of the Benedictine Abbey of Sorèze founded in 745, it
became a royal military school in the XVIth century, it now houses the works of Dom Robert, a
master upholsterer of the XXth century,
• The castle of plants in the heart of the blue triangle: discovery of the secrets of pastel from the harvesting of the plant to the making of the 'Pays de Cocagne' blue dye,
• The pottery NOT dating from the XIXth century: a magical visit to a family of potters making
the “cassole” by hand (the cassole is the special dish to cook cassoulet),
• The Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Papoul with its low-relief carvings by the Master of Cabestany,
• A truffle farm with initiation to truffle hunting.

*Find the details of our itinerary in the incoming section. Please also note that all cruise details can be discussed and negotiated with your hostess after making an inquiry through our platform's process.

Lock Herminis to Seuil de Naurouze westbound route (54 Km and 40 locks crossed)

Day-1: We pick you up at the airport or railway station

You are shown around the Mirage barge, meet the crew and settle in. It's now time for a welcome drink. In the evening, dinner is served on board. Night at the Lalande lock

Day-2: From the Lalande lock to Bram via the village of Villesequelande: 18 km- 8 locks

Enjoy a morning excursion to the market of Mirepoix, discover one wine workshop that is quite unique; wine and chocolate tasting. We will then spend the night in Bra, where you have all the time to enjoy amenities and the surroundings after dinner is served.

Day-3 : From Bram to Guillermin lock via Villepinte : 11 km - 9 locks

You will enjoy a classic car tour driving a Citroe?n 2 CV in the surrounding Lauragais countryside. After lunch, we will be off to visit a truffle farm with initiation to truffle hunting. It will be followed by a truffle lunch with the owner. We will spend this night at the Guillermin lock

Day-4 : From the Guillermin lock to Castenaudary: 8 km –9 locks

We will start by visiting the Abbey of St Papoul, and learn about its incredible history. Cooking workshops (traditional or vegetable-only recipes) will then be our culinary experience for the day. Tonight you will have all the time to explore the city center of the stunning old town of Castelnaudary.

Day-5: From Castelnaudary to the Mediterranean lock: 7 km –8 locks

We will visit of traditional and ancestral pottery, the family-owned Not pottery< This part of Occitania is well known for its craftsman and ancestral know-how. We will then have organized another wine workshop: you will become a winemaker for a day, blending different varietal wines. Finally, and with the weather permitting, a Gypsy jazz musical evening on the Mirage will be rhythm our evening onboard.
The night will be spent moored at the Mediterranean lock.

Day-6: From the Mediterranean lock to the Ocean lock: 5 km –1 lock

Today, we will back turn at Port Lauragais. An excursion to the medieval city of Revel, Sore?ze and its once Dominican abbey turned royal military school in the XVIIth century will be organized if you wish. An additional or alternative visit to the Castle of Plants is also possible. There, producers of pastel and pastel blue in the land of Cocagne will tell you everything about their fine knowhow. The night will be spent at the Ocean lock.

Day-7: Departure day to your next destination

After breakfast, the time has come to say goodbye and wish you a safe journey home. We will see you on your train, plane, hotel ...All details can be arranged prior to your arrival.