Boat on the Canal du Midi

we enjoyed a nice and calm stay, the boat is cosy and perfect for a family of 4

We enjoyed watching the boats pass by and visiting the local towns. It was very peaceful on the canal . Ducks, otters, and squirrels were spotted too. Patrick was a friendly chap who gave us all the information we needed for our stay .

We really enjoyed our time on the Canal du Midi. It was peaceful and relaxing although mosquitoes were a nuisance. We came prepared but still got bitten but thankfully not so badly that it spoiled our visit. The boat is well equipped and comfortable for 4. Be warned if you are taller than average you may find it a little awkward negotiating the doorways and corridor, just remembered to duck! Patrick was an excellent host very helpful and responsive. He even came out to fix a plumbing problem personally late in the evening. He also initiated the refund of our security deposit before we'd even left France! It is a bit of a walk from the car park to the boat and the path to actually get down to the boat is narrow, so this would not be suitable for anyone with limited mobility and children should be well supervised. We took our 8 year old daughter and she was fine but I would be reluctant to take a much younger child. There's a supermarket less than 5 minutes away by car which sells everything you might need. We didn't try the restaurant by the Canal but it looked nice and always busy. Carcassonne is well worth a visit especially the cite medieval and Narbonne beach was beautiful which is about an 80 minute drive. You can cycle or walk along the opposite bank or you can try fishing off the boat or off the bank. We had a lovely time and would thoroughly recommend this as a different type of holiday.

We loved the area around Gardouch/Villefranche Lauragrais. The visits to Carcasonne and Castelnaudrary were memorable. Patrick explained the boat well, but the boat itself could do with an update......The steps leading down to the berth are to be honest, dangerous, the gangplank equally so. On board, it was clean but basic. I would not recommend more than two adults stay there. The finish inside is not high spec, with beading coming loose in places. The restaurant on the quay is not one I would visit again.... I had the worst steak I have ever come across. On Patrick's suggestion, we had a perfect evening in La Metz restaurant in Gardouch. The Hypermarket in Villefranche-L has everything you need..

The boat was clean, had everything that was needed, however, was a bit cramped for two tall people. The restaurant at the lock served delicious food, and it was all very tranquil. Patrick was very helpful when we arrived, and meticulously showed us the workings of the boat. He was easy to reach via email too.

We stayed on the little barge for six weeks. During that time we enjoyed the ebb and flow of life on the canal. The lauragais is a beautiful area and near Gardouch there are many beautiful villages. It is also within east striking distance of Gaillac, Revel, the Pays Cathar, Rodez, Bram and Andorra. Then there is all of the history and places underpinning the canal itself. There are some good restaurants (Envie de Mets in Gardouch) and the Hotel de France (Ville Franche de L) offers simple lunches. The Super U market in VF de L supplies everything you need. The barge itself is small but well equipped. The two outside (fore deck and top) offer peaceful eating areas. Patrick provided battery lights that we suspended from the trees for the evening. If you are tall you need to watch your head inside! The space is suitable for 2 adults and two smallish children, We had an extra couple of adults whom we knew well (and got to know better !) who stayed for four nights but longer would have been hard. We had some equipment failures early (fridge and gas) but Patrick was terrific and fixed them up promptly. He was easy to deal with and is a very decent man. Our time on the barge was very enjoyable. I am happy to recommend the barge to others.