Camargue Boating Holidays
About Camargue
Relax amidst the natural splendor of sun-bathed Camargue
Our Camargue boating holidays promise an exciting break full of sunshine and fun.Discover broad saltwater lagoons, golden beaches, wild white horses and pink flamingos — the Camargue basks in sunshine all year around which makes it ideal for boating holidays. Romans plied these waters, and Crusaders followed. You can feel the regions rich history as you approach fortress seaport cities like Aigues-Mortes, but don’t miss out on a Camargue horse ride through the saline wetlands and discover the unique wildlife. Find more information about the Camargue region below.
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It’s worth cruising 3hrs north of St. Gilles to visit Tarascan, rich in history and home to one of the most beautiful fortresses in Europe. The main attractions of the Camargue lay to the south of the base. The walled city of Aigues-Mortes (3hrs south of St-Gilles) is not to be missed, as well as the plethora of lively beach resorts, Gardian cowboy ranches and opportunities to see the famous pink flamingos and white Camargue horses. We’d also recommend a trip to Nîmes from St-Gilles (23km by road). It has a Roman arena and a walking tour of the city is an excellent way to absorb its fascinating history.
Travel connections
- 15km from Nîmes (FNI)
- 57km from Montpellier (MPL)
- 95km from Marseille (MRS)
- 22km from Nîmes station
- 20km from Arles station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
Travel connections
- 9km from Béziers (BZR)
- 77km from Montpellier (MPL)
- 205km from Toulouse (TLS)
- 15km from Agde station
- 17km from Béziers station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
It’s worth cruising 3hrs north of St. Gilles to visit Tarascan, rich in history and home to one of the most beautiful fortresses in Europe. The main attractions of the Camargue lay to the south of the base. The walled city of Aigues-Mortes (3hrs south of St-Gilles) is not to be missed, as well as the plethora of lively beach resorts, Gardian cowboy ranches and opportunities to see the famous pink flamingos and white Camargue horses. We’d also recommend a trip to Nîmes from St-Gilles (23km by road). It has a Roman arena and a walking tour of the city is an excellent way to absorb its fascinating history.
Travel connections
- 15km from Nîmes (FNI)
- 57km from Montpellier (MPL)
- 95km from Marseille (MRS)
- 22km from Nîmes station
- 20km from Arles station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
Travel connections
- 9km from Béziers (BZR)
- 77km from Montpellier (MPL)
- 205km from Toulouse (TLS)
- 15km from Agde station
- 17km from Béziers station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
Select your date and boat
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Camargue map
We have two bases to start your Camargue boat trip: Port Cassafières and St. Gilles. You’re free to explore the region however you like with our self-drive boat hire, all without any prior experience or licence.
Le Boat Base
Canal
Navigable river
No navigation beyond this point
No license or experience required
Never handled a boat? You don’t need a license or prior experience to be the captain of your own houseboat. Our base teams will show you everything you need to know before you set off safely on your houseboat cruise.
The perfect boating region for…
Swimming
The Camargue is known for its gorgeous beaches. They stretch out for miles along the Étang du Thau at Méze, a wonderful spot for lagoon swimming. Two Port Cassafières ocean favourites are La Redoute Plage and La Farinette Plage.
Family
The Camargue is a great family friendly destination. Beach resorts at Palavas-les-Flots and la Grande-Motte offer watersports and amusements. Play mini golf, go to a water park, see an aquarium and check out a dinosaur park at Le Cap d’Adge!
Wildlife
Bring binoculars whilst cruising in the Camargue! More than 400 species of birds live in the marshes, including pink flamingos. Wild horses and bulls graze amidst lush grasslands.
Horseback Riding
The Camargue is known for its wild white horses. You’ll see herds as you travel along your canal boat holiday. Ride the dunes and trails! The La Grande-Mott Riding School offers horse rides for kids age four and up! You can also ride at the resort of Le Cap d’Adge!
Interactive map of the Camargue
Le Boat base
Point of interest
Itinerary suggestions
Our boating vacations allow you the freedom to stop when you want and take each day as it comes. However, you might like to be guided by one of our day-by-day suggested itineraries, complete with estimated cruising times and restaurant recommendations. You can follow it religiously or just use it for ideas – whatever ‘floats your boat’. Please bear in mind that our itineraries are just suggestions. Cruising times are estimates and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
Port Cassafieres St Gilles 7 Night Itinerary
Route suggestions
As well as the suggested itinerary shown above, all the routes available in this region are shown below. They aren’t as detailed, but they should help you get an idea of how far you can travel in the time you have. You won’t have time to stop at every single place listed on each suggestion – but they should give you an idea of what’s possible. Of course, cruising times are approximations and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
= Click the arrow icon on each route suggestion, to flip the 'card' and reveal more details.
The Etang de Thau Short Break
The Etang de Thau Short Break
Port Cassafières RETURN via Marseillan
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Overview
Boating vacations in the South of France usher you into the arms of the Camargue, an absolutely fabulous region known for its sunny days, wild horses and pink flamingos, and miles of white-sand beaches along a vast saltwater lagoon. The charming city of Agde tempts you to linger! Then it’s off to see the famous Noilly Prat vermouth cellars in the fishing village of Marseillan!
Top highlights:
- Walking Agde’s cobbled streets
- Eating shellfish in Marseillan
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Port Cassafières: Port Cassafières is a small marina where Le Boat has a base with fresh water and electricity points.
- Agde: Once a Greek city, a medieval fortress and a rich village during the Renaissance, Agde was largely built using black volcanic rocks. The old town has a lovely little centre with cobbled streets full of pleasant shops, restaurants and buildings with medieval architectural details and also has a pretty church and a local museum.
- Marseillan: Welcome to Marseillan, a welcoming and shining town famous for its vineyards and its know-how in shellfish farming. You will enjoy walking downtown and immersing yourself in local history. The shore is also beautiful to walk along, especially during sunset.
The Crusader Cruise
The Crusader Cruise
Port Cassafières RETURN via Aigues-Mortes
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Overview
The boat moves slowly across stunning (lake) Étang de Thau, and the sheer serene beauty of your canal vacation in France practically overwhelms you. Birds ride the Mediterranean breeze, and the tang of the sea blends with the fragrance of flowers as the miles bring you closer to beach resorts and medieval Aigues-Mortes.
Top highlights:
- Walking Agde’s cobbled streets
- Eating shellfish in Marseillan
- Views from Mont Saint-Clair hilltop in Sète
- The pyramid-like architecture of La-Grande-Motte
- The towers and walls of Aigues-Mortes
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Port Cassafières: Port Cassafières is a small marina where Le Boat has a base with fresh water and electricity points.
- Agde: Once a Greek city, a medieval fortress and a rich village during the Renaissance, Agde was largely built using black volcanic rocks. The old town has a lovely little centre with cobbled streets full of pleasant shops, restaurants and buildings with medieval architectural details and also has a pretty church and a local museum.
- Marseillan: Welcome to Marseillan, a welcoming and shining town famous for its vineyards and its know-how in shellfish farming. You will enjoy walking downtown and immersing yourself in local history. The shore is also beautiful to walk along, especially during sunset.
- Mèze: Like many seaside cities in the area, Mèze was historically a trade centre. In this wonderful town, you will have the chance to discover the old village with its winding streets, and also the Chapelle des pénitents. Take in the beautiful scenery with a walk along the shore.
- Bouzigues: Bouzigues is a charming little seaside town with a number of things to see. Spend time walking along the shore, guided by the fresh ocean wind, or maybe along the docks during sunset… The scenery here is just wonderful.
- Sète: Often called the Mediterranean Venice due to its numerous canals along the city, Sète is a wonderful and shining town that you will love exploring. Take a walk along the charming Promenade de la corniche, and discover the numerous monuments and churches downtown.
- Frontignan: Frontignan is a beautiful town, home to the pretty romanesque church of Saint-Paul. Enjoy a walk here, and don’t forget to taste the delightful muscat.
- Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone: Before arriving in Palavas-les-Flots, on a small island in the middle of the lagoon you’ll find the Maguelone Cathedral. Stop by to discover this jewel of Romanesque art, built in the 11th century. This fortress was home for nearly ten centuries to the Montpellier diocese and successive popes often came to meditate in this peaceful haven.
- Palavas-les-flots: Once simply a fishing village, today Palavas-les-flots is a thriving seaside city with a long and peaceful beach. Downtown, you will find a dynamic city with sights to explore, like the Jeanne d’Arc foutain. And if you have time at night, the casino will probably be open!
- Carnon: Carnon is a seaside resort. The harbour is a beautiful and quiet place to have a drink, or a meal in one of the numerous restaurants, followed by a gentle stroll along the coast.
- La Grande-Motte: La Grande-Motte is a bustling seaside resort, home to some unusual architecture. It has buildings designed by the architect Jean Balladur to look like the precolumbian pyramids known as the Ziggourats. You can try your luck at the Casino; or maybe you will prefer a relaxing round of golf on the local golf course.
- Le Grau-du-Roi: What a pretty place to stop! In Le Grau-du-Roi, you will enjoy viewing the harbour and the old lighthouse. There are long and beautiful shores for you to walk along and downtown, you will discover interesting buildings, like the Villa Paris, or the old house from the 19th century.
- Aigues-Mortes: Welcome to Aigues-Mortes, a fortified town that once specialised in salt production. Don’t miss the large “Tour de Constance” (Tower of Constance), which is situated in a corner of the fortifications. The tower was previously named “big large tower” & was used as a prison for Protestants.
The Flamingo Cruise
The Flamingo Cruise
Saint-Gilles to Port Cassafières ONEWAY
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Overview
Clouds of pink flamingos swirl across brilliant blue skies, creating a sight you’ll long remember on the beautiful Canal du Rhône à Sète. You gaze at the beauty around you, and you look forward to a delicious seafood dinner in La Grande-Motte. Along the way, you go swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, scuba diving, and horseback riding, enjoying a blissful canal vacation in France.
Top highlights:
- Historic Saint-Gilles and learning of its part in Christian pilgrimages of the twelfth century
- The towers and walls of Aigues-Mortes
- Views of the harbour and lighthouse in Le Grau-du-Roi
- The pyramid-like architecture of La Grande-Motte
- Eating shellfish in Marseillan
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Saint-Gilles: The city owes its name to the famous Father Gilles Hermit. It was one of the most important places for Christian pilgrimage in the twelfth century. Visit Saint-Gilles and its exceptional heritage, like the abbey of the twelfth century, the old crypt, and the romanesque museum.
- Gallician: Gallician is a quiet and peaceful rural village. Take the opportunity to walk the winding streets, and visit the little 18th century church. On the outskirts of the village lies the real treasure of Gallician: vast vineyards that are a must see!
- Aigues Mortes: Welcome to Aigues-Mortes, a fortified town that once specialised in salt production. Don’t miss the large “Tour de Constance” (Tower of Constance), which is situated in a corner of the fortifications. The tower was previously named “big large tower” & was used as a prison for Protestants.
- Le Grau-du-Roi: What a pretty place to stop! In Le Grau-du-Roi, you will enjoy viewing the harbour and the old lighthouse. There are long and beautiful shores for you to walk along and downtown, you will discover interesting buildings, like the Villa Paris, or the old house from the 19th century.
- La Grande-Motte: La Grande-Motte is a bustling seaside resort, home to some unusual architecture. It has buildings designed by the architect Jean Balladur to look like the precolumbian pyramids known as the Ziggourats. You can try your luck at the Casino; or maybe you will prefer a relaxing round of golf on the local golf course.
- Carnon: Carnon is a seaside resort. The harbour is a beautiful and quiet place to have a drink, or a meal in one of the numerous restaurants, followed by a gentle stroll along the coast.
- Palavas-les-flots: Once simply a fishing village, today Palavas-les-flots is a thriving seaside city with a long and peaceful beach. Downtown, you will find a dynamic city with sights to explore, like the Jeanne d’Arc foutain. And if you have time at night, the casino will probably be open!
- Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone: Before arriving in Palavas-les-Flots, on a small island in the middle of the lagoon you’ll find the Maguelone Cathedral. Stop by to discover this jewel of Romanesque art, built in the 11th century. This fortress was home for nearly ten centuries to the Montpellier diocese and successive popes often came to meditate in this peaceful haven.
- Frontignan: Frontignan is a beautiful town, home to the pretty romanesque church of Saint-Paul. Enjoy a walk here, and don’t forget to taste the delightful muscat.
- Sète: Often called the Mediterranean Venice due to its numerous canals along the city, Sète is a wonderful and shining town that you will love exploring. Take a walk along the charming Promenade de la corniche, and discover the numerous monuments and churches downtown.
- Bouzigues: Bouzigues is a charming little seaside town with a number of things to see. Spend time walking along the shore, guided by the fresh ocean wind, or maybe along the docks during sunset… The scenery here is just wonderful.
- Mèze: Like many seaside cities in the area, Mèze was historically a trade centre. In this wonderful town, you will have the chance to discover the old village with its winding streets, and also the Chapelle des pénitents. Take in the beautiful scenery with a walk along the shore.
- Marseillan: Welcome to Marseillan, a welcoming and shining town famous for its vineyards and its know-how in shellfish farming. You will enjoy walking downtown and immersing yourself in local history. The shore is also beautiful to walk along, especially during sunset.
- Agde: Once a Greek city, a medieval fortress and a rich village during the Renaissance, Agde was largely built using black volcanic rocks. The old town has a lovely little centre with cobbled streets full of pleasant shops, restaurants and buildings with medieval architectural details. It also has a pretty church and a local museum.
The Camargue Short Break
The Camargue Short Break
Saint-Gilles RETURN via Aigues-Mortes & Palavas
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Overview
Ease the boat into the canal and relax as you let the charm of a Camargue boating vacation recharge and rejuvenate you. Sip a cool cocktail at the resort beach of Palavas-les-Flots, and plunge into the Mediterranean for a refreshing swim. Feel invigorated as you climb the ramparts of the medieval city of Aigues-Mortes to check out splendid views!
Top highlights:
- The towers and walls of Aigues-Mortes
- Historic Saint-Gilles and learning of its part in Christian pilgrimages of the twelfth century
- Casino nights in Palavas-les-flots
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Saint-Gilles: The city owes its name to the famous Father Gilles Hermit. It was one of the most important places for Christian pilgrimage in the twelfth century. Visit Saint-Gilles and its exceptional heritage, like the abbey of the twelfth century, the old crypt, and the romanesque museum.
- Gallician: Gallician is a quiet and peaceful rural village. Take the opportunity to walk the winding streets, and visit the little 18th century church. On the outskirts of the village lies the real treasure of Gallician: vast vineyards that are a must see!
- Palavas-les-flots: Once simply a fishing village, today Palavas-les-flots is a thriving seaside city with a long and peaceful beach. Downtown, you will find a dynamic city with sights to explore, like the Jeanne d’Arc foutain and if you have time at night, the casino will probably be open!
- Aigues Mortes: Welcome to Aigues-Mortes, a fortified town that once specialised in salt production. Don’t miss the large “Tour de Constance” (Tower of Constance), which is situated in a corner of the fortifications. The tower was previously named “big large tower” & was used as a prison for Protestants.
The Guardians Cruise
The Guardians Cruise
Saint-Gilles RETURN via Étang de Thau
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Overview
Walled fortress cities, imposing watch towers, and graceful cathedrals can be found in many port towns in the Camargue, making the cruise a bit like travelling back in time. The fortified Aigues-Mortes is a gem of the region. Juxtaposed against the historic villages is the natural beauty of Étang de Thau, which offers abundant wildlife and excellent beaches.
Top highlights:
- Historic Saint-Gilles and learning of its part in Christian pilgrimages of the twelfth century
- The towers and walls of Aigues-Mortes
- Views of the harbour and lighthouse in Le-Grau-de-Roi
- The pyramid-like architecture of La Grande-Motte
- The view from Mont Saint-Clair hilltop in Sète
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Saint-Gilles: The city owes its name to the famous Father Gilles Hermit. It was one of the most important places for Christian pilgrimage in the twelfth century. Visit Saint-Gilles and its exceptional heritage, like the abbey of the twelfth century, the old crypt, and the romanesque museum.
- Gallician: Gallician is a quiet and peaceful rural village. Take the opportunity to walk the winding streets, and visit the little 18th century church. On the outskirts of the village lies the real treasure of Gallician: vast vineyards that are a must see!
- Aigues Mortes: Welcome to Aigues-Mortes, a fortified town that once specialised in salt production. Don’t miss the large “Tour de Constance” (Tower of Constance), which is situated in a corner of the fortifications. The tower was previously named “big large tower” & was used as a prison for Protestants.
- Le Grau-du-Roi: What a pretty place to stop! In Le Grau-du-Roi, you will enjoy viewing the harbour and the old lighthouse. There are long and beautiful shores for you to walk along and downtown, you will discover interesting buildings, like the Villa Paris, or the old house from the 19th century.
- La Grande-Motte: La Grande-Motte is a bustling seaside resort, home to some unusual architecture. It has buildings designed by the architect Jean Balladur to look like the precolumbian pyramids known as the Ziggourats. You can try your luck at the Casino; or maybe you will prefer a relaxing round of golf on the local golf course.
- Carnon: Carnon is a seaside resort. The harbour is a beautiful and quiet place to have a drink, or a meal in one of the numerous restaurants, followed by a gentle stroll along the coast.
- Palavas-les-flots: Once simply a fishing village, today Palavas-les-flots is a thriving seaside city with a long and peaceful beach. Downtown, you will find a dynamic city with sights to explore, like the Jeanne d’Arc foutain and if you have time at night, the casino will probably be open!
- Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone: Before arriving in Palavas-les-Flots, on a small island in the middle of the lagoon you’ll find the Maguelone Cathedral. Stop by to discover this jewel of Romanesque art, built in the 11th century. This fortress was home for nearly ten centuries to the Montpellier diocese and successive popes often came to meditate in this peaceful haven.
- Frontignan: Frontignan is a beautiful town, home to the pretty romanesque church of Saint-Paul. Enjoy a walk here, and don’t forget to taste the delightful muscat.
- Sète: Often called the Mediterranean Venice due to its numerous canals along the city, Sète is a wonderful and shining town that you will love exploring. Take a walk along the charming Promenade de la corniche, and discover the numerous monuments and churches downtown.
- Bouzigues: Bouzigues is a charming little seaside town with a number of things to see. Spend time walking along the shore, guided by the fresh ocean wind, or maybe along the docks during sunset… The scenery here is just wonderful.
- Mèze: Like many seaside cities in the area, Mèze was historically a trade centre. In this wonderful town, you will have the chance to discover the old village with its winding streets, and also the Chapelle des pénitents. Take in the beautiful scenery with a walk along the shore.
- Marseillan: Welcome to Marseillan, a welcoming and shining town famous for its vineyards and its know-how in shellfish farming. You will enjoy walking downtown and immersing yourself in local history. The shore is also beautiful to walk along, especially during sunset.
Added on 2 November 2022
V quiet kart of the canals. Not quite as scenic…
V quiet kart of the canals. Not quite as scenic as other parts but a different type of landscape. The wildlife was great though.
Added on 22 October 2022
Nowhere near as interesting as the Canal du Midi
Nowhere near as interesting as the Canal du Midi
Added on 26 July 2022
We loved all the ports and towns that we visited
We loved all the ports and towns that we visited
Added on 27 May 2022
Very restful and interesting
Very restful and interesting
Added on 21 May 2022
Wonderfull region to enjoy nature
Wonderfull region to enjoy nature
Added on 10 May 2022
Although we have mostly booked one way trips in the…
Although we have mostly booked one way trips in the past, we really enjoyed this return route and even tackled the ‘Fonserannes’ (staircase of locks) twice. There was lots to see and the return trip to base brought a fresh views of all that we missed going the other way. Recommend restaurant de l’ecluse at the second lock amazing food and service, best we ate in a month
Added on 12 October 2021
Wow…. the staff at St Gilles Base are ALL wonderful.…
Wow…. the staff at St Gilles Base are ALL wonderful. They are so kind and welcoming, they are almost like our 2nd family ❤️
Added on 2 October 2021
The boat was a budget boat but for us it…
The boat was a budget boat but for us it was perfect. It was well appointed, spacious enough for two and a comfortable bed. The two steering positions were great although we only used the outdoor one. Ample outdoor space and we made the space work even though we also had 2 bikes on board. We did an out and back itinerary that worked perfectly for us, a mix of free moorings and paid ones with some lovely stops.
Added on 31 August 2021
Having read other reviews I have to say I was…
Having read other reviews I have to say I was a little apprehensive. Yes we could be picky about things but our family had an absolutely fantastic time and the boat was brilliant fun. Only problem was the high winds that dictated where we could go. Great time with amazing scenery.
Added on 23 August 2021
The port was in a nice crossroad, you have the…
The port was in a nice crossroad, you have the freedom to either sail to canal du Midi or to Camargue. The was no supermarkets around though. So we need to buy our groceries from the city and bring with ourselves.
Added on 18 November 2020
Decent holiday. The base at St Gilles is well located,…
Decent holiday. The base at St Gilles is well located, only a 5 min drive from a large supermarket. The area around the base and down to Aigues Mortes is the prettiest. When the canal travels along the coast beyond Aigue Mortes, the scenery and villages are modern and industrial all the way till the Etang de Thau. The times of the lifting bridge at Frontignan are annoying to fit into a boating schedule.
Added on 10 November 2020
Great boat, well maintained and equipped ! Well done guys…
Great boat, well maintained and equipped ! Well done guys !
Added on 14 October 2020
All the staff, From the telephone operatives to the Boat…
All the staff, From the telephone operatives to the Boat Base Team are ALL absolutely wonderful!
Added on 12 September 2020
The horizon 2 boat is the perfect boat. Everything is…
The horizon 2 boat is the perfect boat. Everything is well thought, everything is there where you need it and you do not need more. We were 2 on board, we have used the 2.room as a closet… I think without a buffer room the storage space for cloths would be too tight.
We had the perfect vacation between camargue and canal du midi. Relaxing but with a lot of new experiences and things to see/do. We were lucky having a great weather, we have spent almost all the time on the sun deck.
The bikes have been very useful too.
Added on 10 September 2020
Holiday was great but there were issues with the boat…
Holiday was great but there were issues with the boat and service at pick up and drop off.
Added on 7 September 2020
It would be more interesting to just go one way…
It would be more interesting to just go one way and go a bit further. Will do that next time
Added on 3 August 2020
This was a great route – varied countryside and lots…
This was a great route – varied countryside and lots to do – beaches, visit to Maguelone Cathedral, Étang de Thau.