About this trip.
Canal du Midi closed for drought: VNF suspended navigation on the whole Canal du Midi, from Toulouse to the Étang de Thau, from 9 November 2026 to save water after this year's drought. The canal's usual maintenance closure runs from January to March; check reopening dates with your hire firm before booking early spring. Source
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
Homps, on the Canal du Midi
Homps is a small village on the Canal du Midi, surrounded by the Minervois vineyards. The canal was the work of Baron Riquet. It was once called the "canal des deux mers" because it links the Atlantic with the Mediterranean, and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Plane trees line the banks and let the sunlight filter through. The canal winds through a romantic landscape with elegant bridges, Cathar villages, abbeys and châteaux. There are plenty of places to visit along the way.
From Homps you can cruise the Canal du Midi and the Canal du Rhône à Sète. You can go as far as Toulouse to see the Capitole. You don't need a licence to hire a boat, so it suits a holiday with family or friends.
Short breaks from Homps
A weekend return trip to Le Somail covers 42 km and 10 locks, with about 6 hours of cruising. For a one-way weekend you can go from Homps to Carcassonne: 40 km, 13 locks and 8 hours.
There are two mini-week return routes. The one to Carcassonne covers 80 km and 26 locks in 16 hours. The one to Béziers covers 122 km and 8 locks, also in 16 hours. A one-way mini-week runs from Homps to Agde: 86 km, 17 locks and 15 hours.
Week-long and fortnight routes
There are three one-week return routes:
- Homps to Marseillan and back: 192 km, 36 locks, 30 hours - Homps to Bram and back: 128 km, 36 locks, 32 hours - Homps to Narbonne and Capestang and back: 70 km, 28 locks, 25 hours
A one-way week from Homps to Carnon covers 143 km and 17 locks in 27 hours.
The longest return trip takes two weeks and goes to Toulouse and back: 280 km, 94 locks and 60 hours of cruising. The two-week one-way route goes from Homps to Bram, back through Homps, then on to Carnon. It covers 271 km and 53 locks in 60 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.
