About this trip.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
Carnon sits on the Canal du Rhône à Sète in the Camargue. From here you can hire a boat without a licence and cruise between the Camargue's natural park and the Mediterranean coast. On land there is a vast natural park with exceptional wildlife and plants, including bulls and pink flamingos. On the water side there is the sea and its beaches.
Along the Canal du Rhône à Sète
The canal links a run of places worth stopping for. The Grau du Roi is a fishing village. The medieval city of Aigues-Mortes is on the route, and La Grande Motte and Beaucaire are also within reach. You can taste seafood along the way, and the beaches of the Mediterranean coast are there for lazy days between stretches of cruising. At the far end, Sète has the Espace Georges Brassens and the Musée Paul Valéry.
Crossing the Étang de Thau
West of Carnon lies the Étang de Thau, known for its exceptional biodiversity. Crossing this lagoon is an unusual stage for a river holiday, mixing inland and coastal waters. It's a good chance to stop at one of the small ports around the lagoon and try the local shellfish, which have a strong reputation.
Route options from Carnon
Each route below gives the distance, the number of locks and the cruising hours:
- Weekend: Carnon to Aigues-Mortes and back, 40 km, no locks, 8 hours. - Short breaks, returning to Carnon: - Marseillan: 94 km, no locks, 12 hours. - Agde: 114 km, 6 locks, 16 hours. - St Gilles and Sète: 114 km, no locks, 14 hours. - One-way short break: Carnon via St Gilles and back through Carnon to Agde, 148 km, 3 locks, 19 hours. - A week, returning to Carnon: - Beaucaire: 142 km, 2 locks, 20 hours. - Capestang: 200 km, 30 locks, 32 hours. - Beaucaire and Sète: 198 km, 2 locks, 28 hours. - One-way weeks: - Carnon to Homps: 143 km, 17 locks, 27 hours. - Carnon via Aigues-Mortes to Colombiers: 125 km, 15 locks, 25 hours. - Two weeks: Carnon to Narbonne and back, 260 km, 52 locks, 46 hours. - One-way two weeks: - Carnon via Beaucaire and back through Carnon to Homps: 285 km, 22 locks, 43 hours. - Carnon to Carcassonne: 183 km, 33 locks, 35 hours.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest canal holidays on Mooch, both in France. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
