Boating Holidays across the canals and rivers of Europe from Le Boat

Saint Gilles

Gallician

This is a lovely stop to see the open reed reed beds of the étang de Scamandre. There is abundant bird life here - especially the Marsh Harrier and Bittern.

Aigues Mortes

This is a very famous Medieval fortified town, with many specialist shops and art galleries within the walls. Aigues Mortes, the city of the 'Dead waters' was established by the French Crusader King, Louis IX and developed and fortified by his son, Philip the bold, and his grandson, Philip the Fair. Today Aigues Mortes' harbour has dried up and it is now the Salins-du-Midi or salt pans that produce half of France's supply of salt. There are many pretty bars, cafes and pretty little craft shops within the walls to explore - this is definitely the place to look for souvenirs and to buy your postcards! Allow time to spend here as you may wish to explore a while.

Abbaye De Maguelone

There are lovely lovely beaches here - you can either walk there or catch a little train

Frontignan

The town displays old French town architecture of the rich wine shippers who used to live here in the days when nearby Séte was a customs free port. Typical ornate wrought iron work balconies and carved stone facades.

Sete

Sete is a very interesting town but also a very busy maritime port with enormous commercial vessels and with constraints of bridge opening hours, risks of very strong winds and limited mooring space, it's not terribly easy to go to Sete by boat. It is more accessible from Frontignan (entrance of the Canal du Rhône à Sète) by train, taxi or bus.

Meze - Etang De Thau

This is a very pleasant old Mediterranean type fishing port. There is a very good beach 200 metres from the port with bar/brasserie. Swimming in the étang is warmer than the sea!

Marseillan

A very pleasant fishing town with excellent view across the étang to Sète. It has a covered market square and old town with very narrow streets, like a maze. This was once a fortified town, a bit like Aigues Mortes, and most of the houses are built from the stone taken from the old walls. The famous aperitif wine "Noilly Prat" is made in the port, just 2 minutes walk from the boat. The cellars offer a very interesting tour, and tasting.