The Canal du Midi

Price: £ 12.99

Of all the French waterways, the 230 miles (375 km) between Toulouse and the Rhône (with access at various points to the Mediterranean) are probably the best known. Although they are often referred to collectively as “The Canal du Midi”, in fact there are several different canals. This new guide, originally published in German, covers them all. Sadly, for those taking the short cut from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean, it does not however cover the lengthy stretch from Toulouse to Bordeaux.

Most of the book is devoted to the Canal de Rhône à Sète, the Petit Rhône, Étang de Thau and the Canal du Midi itself, with brief descriptions of some possible “side trips” and exits into the Mediterranean. Not only does this pocket-sized guide provide relevant technical data for the skipper but it also has a lot of useful and fascinating descriptions and information about the many places, large and small, to explore along the way and their related haltes. It has 100 photographs and 24 mini-charts. Highly recommended as a supplement to the existing charts of these delightful waterways for those seeking a shortcut from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean, the holiday maker with limited time, or the more leisurely cruiser. – IPAS