Cruising the Canal du Midi in Spring

Without a doubt, the most popular times on the Canal du Midi cruise calendar are Spring and Fall.

Why? Well, those who don’t have to travel during peak times are wise to opt for the shoulder seasons. And they do.

Canal du Midi Spring and Fall weather is typically more moderate.

Although the Canal du Midi area does experience showers in spring, they tend to be sporadic. And a sporadic shower is a fare trade off for those who wish to avoid summer heat and crowded travel, or worse, crowded destinations. Athos cruises the Canal du Midi which is deep in the countryside, and Athos takes private moorings, so crowds are never a worry. As for the busier tourist sites like Carcassonne, we try to encourage a “seize-the-day” schedule…followed by a long lunch with wine and a siesta while cruising. (It’s a steady plan).

Great things to experience along the Canal du Midi in Spring

Asparagus. Fresh, green, crisp, sweet. Best when bought by the side of the road, directly from a producer.

Wild flowers

In spring, the Canal du Midi and surrounding countryside is covered in wildflowers. Those who are more versed in botanical studies will no doubt have a longer list than this one: sage flower, thyme, rosemary, poppy fields, snapdragons, Scotch broom, freesias, thistle, wild orchids, almond blossom, cherry blossom, Judas tree, irises.

Mild 20 degree days of sunshine, clean air and clear skies.

Spring days perfectly made for wandering the Canal du Midi tow path, clicking pics of perfect wildflowers.

There are still a number of Spring cruise dates open to bookings: May 11-17 2025 and May 18-24 2025. Contact us by email and have a look at our 2025 Prices and Best of Languedoc Itinerary