The Canal du Midi flows near the village of Avignonet-Lauragais. Port-Lauragais marina is a great departure point for a boat trip on the Canal du Midi.
This little marina was created in 1979 in a gravel quarry that had been used to build the A61 motorway. The body of water is connected to the Canal du Midi via two gaps in the banks. At the centre of the basin, there is a small peninsula with a restaurant and visitor's centre. There are fifteen moorings available at the marina.
This is the perfect departure point for exploring the canal by boat for a few hours or even longer.
Electric boats are available to hire for 1 or 2 hours. Companies also organise cruises over several days to Toulouse or the Mediterranean.
In summer, it is possible to hire bikes and cycle along the Canal du Midi via the Canal des 2 Mers by bike greenway.
If you're driving along the motorway, make sure you stop at this rest area! From there, you can reach the banks of the canal, get something to eat, have a picnic on the water's edge or even admire the temporary exhibitions.
The Espace Découverte du Lauragais (visitor's centre) can also be found at this rest area, with an enjoyable exhibition centred around five themes, one of which is the Canal du Midi.
There are two traditional locks that date back to the construction of the Canal du Midi, in around 1670, in the town of Avignonet-Lauragais.
Avignonet-Lauragais, 2010 - Dominique Viet, CRT Occitanie
Encassan double lock is at kilometre marker 45.9. It was originally designed with a single chamber, but was built with two to ensure it was adapted to the more significant height difference estimated. The following lock near the village of Avignonet-Lauragais, is the Emborrel single chamber lock.
The village of Avignonet-Lauragais is just 1.5 km from the canal and is worth the detour. Take the time to wander around and experience the history of the Cathar knights. In the distance of the village of Avignonet, you'll see a field of wind turbines that were set up in around 1995, and were one of the first wind farms in Haute-Garonne.
A site managed by Voies navigables de France in collaboration with members of the “Entente du Canal du Midi” and their tourist operators.
