Hiring a rental boat to barge on the Canal du Midi is a wonderful vacation, but potential boaters of...

1. Boating on the Canal du Midi FAQ
Hiring a rental boat to barge on the Canal du Midi is a wonderful vacation, but potential boaters
often ask these questions:
...
How Much Experience does a Boater Need?
Boat rental companies provide on-board instructions before releasing the boat. Most people learn
how to handle the boat in a very short time. It is helpful if everyone aboard understands how basic
systems, such as the 12-volt electrical system, water system, and marine toilets work. It is also
helpful to have a couple able bodied crew persons aboard to help negotiate the locks.
What Expenses Are There, Beyond the Basic Rental of the Boat?

2. Most boat rental businesses offer extras such as bicycles, a cleaning service at the end of the trip,
and transportation to train stations and airports. There are additional charges for all of these
services. With the exception of fuel, food, and souvenirs, boaters do not need to spend any additional
money while cruising. It is free, perfectly acceptable and safe to tie up along the banks of the canal
for the night. Municipal water is also available in several places along the canal for no charge.
Where Do Canal Boats Tie Up at Night?
There are some marinas along the way that offer electrical hook ups, showers, and water. They
charge for overnight stays. Many boaters opt to find a nice place to pull over and tie up for the night
with the mooring stakes provided by the rental company. The only places boats are not allowed to tie
up is close to bridges and locks, because they could impede traffic.
Are Bicycles Necessary?
While bikes can allow canal boaters to go further a field, they certainly are not necessary. Several
canal boaters queried about their bike usage confessed that the bikes rarely left the boat. One
reason is that there is plenty to do and see just a short walk from the canal. Wrestling bikes off the
boat just isn't necessary.
Is Swimming Allowed in the Canal?
No, swimming in the Canal du Midi is prohibited for both safety and sanitation reasons.
Is There a Lot of Noise or Road Traffic Near the Canal?
The Canal du Midi south from Toulouse to the Mediterranean is a popular stretch because the canal
passes through small towns, villages and mile upon mile of beautiful agricultural land--mostly
vineyards. There is a bit
http://parchedmadness429.unblog.fr/2015/05/25/do-your-carpets-need-cleaning-read-these-tips/ of
traffic noise around Carcassone, the largest town south of Toulouse, but it is worth it to be within
walking distance of this historic Medieval town. The rest of the canal is rural and quiet.
Are There Places Boaters Should Avoid?
Beziers, near the southern end of the canal, is a busy, industrial town. Beziers has little to offer
boaters with in walking distance of the canal, and in 2009 there were reports of boats being broken
into while tied up in Beziers. With the exception of Beziers, communities along the canal are
beautiful, friendly, safe, and well worth visiting.
What About Buying Food on the Canal du Midi?
While it is possible to eat three meals a day in restaurants, doing http://www.merrymaids.com/ so
can be expensive and will limit flexibility for traveling. All of the towns and villages along the canal
have a bakery (boulangerie) and a cheese shop. Most also have a green grocer, or small grocery
store, and a few have large super markets. Most towns and villages also have a farmer's market,
though the market days vary from town to town. Food shopping need to be well timed, because
many markets and bakeries are open in the morning, and then close at lunch time for the entire
afternoon, reopening for a couple hours between 4 to 6 p.m.
What Should a Boater Pack?

3. Most rental boats have fully equipped kitchens, and provide bed linens, towels, dish towels, and even
table cloths. Boaters just need to bring clothing, personal items, and some of these extras.
The Canal du Midi is a friendly and forgiving place for new and experienced boaters and travelers.
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