From Arles we turned west and took the Canal du Rhone a Sete passing through the Camargue to Aigues Mortes and along the canal following the Mediterranean to Sete. Now we are out of the river travelling is slower as the canals have a speed limit of 6kph. Also we can overnight alongside the canal which is very pleasant. We saw the wild horses and the bulls as the canal wound its way through the Camargue.We even had time to play a game of Boules along the way.
Our next stop was Aigue Mort and another lesson in history. This was where the Crusader's left on their journey to the Holy Land.
It was interesting to see the large hotels lining the mediteranean and the Flamingos in the lakes alongside the canal.
When we came into Frontignan we had to wait until the next morning to continue as the traffic bridge is only lifted twice a day to let boats coninue along the canal.Now it was time to cross the Etang de Thau, a large lake which has oyster beds all around. The winds can be very strong so we were very glad when we saw the entrance to the canal de Midi.
Canal de Midi
The Midi is probably one of the most well known canals with many hire boat companies along the way. It was built in the 1600's to quickly move warships from the Mediteranean to the Atlantic. The banks are lined with trees and many small villages along the way.
At Beziers we experienced the ladderlock. We lined up with other boats while we waited our turn to proceed uphill by the way of 7 locks joined together. It is quite an experience for the boaters especially for the first time and many land based tourists come along to see the boats go up or down as the case may be.
We found a barge moored alongside the canal where you could buy wine of the regions along the Midi. We sampled and bought a few bottles of good wine and also filled a plastic flagon of wine from the barrel which cost 1 euro 50. We are managing to ask for a lot more in french now so it is quite exciting.
It was always a welcome site to see a small restaurant alongside the canal with somewhere to stay overnight.
It was with some trepidation we passed under the small bridges and the Malpass Tunnel cut out of the rock, they seemed very low but we had plenty of room.
We passed over a viaduct where the canal is within a bridge over a river running underneath.
Every day we would wake up wondering what delights would transpire as we made our way along the canal.
Any frustrations we had by living in a very small space, by not knowing enough of the language would disappear as a beautiful little village or field of poppies came in to view.
Soon we reached Carcasonne with a magnificent castle up on the hill overlooking the new town.
On our journey we have met many other travellers who own their boats, a pleasant time is spent talking over where they have been and what there is to see along the way.
Sadly it was time to say Au revoir to Trapani and Oliver and continue on to visit Spain then home. We were hooked on canal travel and knew it was only a matter of time and money before we would be back.
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