A Family-Friendly Itinerary for Exploring the Beautiful Canal du Midi in 5 Days

• Day 1: Start your journey in Toulouse, where you can explore the **Canal du Midi Museum** and learn about the canal's rich history. Afterward, take a walk along the picturesque Canal de Brienne and enjoy the views.
• Day 2: Take a boat ride from Toulouse and head to the **beautiful medieval city of Carcassonne**. You'll be amazed by the stunning castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient fortress is surrounded by a double wall that stretches for more than two miles and contains 52 watchtowers.
• Day 3: Visit the charming town of **Castelnaudary** and enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride through the scenic countryside. You can explore the town's many historical landmarks, including the Collegiate Church of St. Michael and the Grand Basin, which is the largest in the region.
• Day 4: Head to the town of **Narbonne** for a day of fun and relaxation. Take a stroll through the town's vibrant market, which is open every day except Monday. Be sure to try some of the delicious local cuisine, such as Cassoulet or the sweet nougat from Montelimar.
• Day 5: Spend your last day exploring the beautiful city of Béziers. Take a walk along the Canal du Midi and marvel at the stunning views. You can also visit the **Cathedral of Saint Nazaire**, which is one of the most beautiful buildings in southern France.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Canal du Midi Museum (2 hours, £10)
• Boat ride to Carcassonne (full day, £50)
• Carcassonne Castle (4 hours, £15)
• Bicycle rental in Castelnaudary (full day, £20)
• Narbonne market (2 hours, free)
• Food and drinks in local restaurants (varies, budget £30-£50 per day)
• Total Estimated Costs (per person): £175-£200

Transportation

You can reach the Canal du Midi by taking a flight to Toulouse airport. From there, you can take a taxi or a train to your starting point. To explore the canal, you can take a boat ride or ride a bicycle. Additionally, public transportation is available in most of the towns you will visit during the trip.

Estimated travel costs: flight (varies), taxi/train (£40-£60 per person), boat rental (varies), bicycle rental (£20 per day)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider exploring more towns along the Canal du Midi, such as Marseillan or Homps. If you have less time, you can skip a town or two and spend more time enjoying the canal. It's also important to pack comfortable clothes and walking shoes, as well as sunscreen and a hat for protection against the sun. Don't forget to try the delicious local cuisine and wines!