The Neighborhood
Le Somail sits astride the Canal du Midi, at the junction of three communes, Ginestas, Saint Nazaire, and Salleles d’Aude. This charming French village owes it’s existence to the canal, as it was founded in the 17th century to serve those who operated and worked on the peniches that were a major form of commercial transport at the time.
Many of the structures in Le Somail are listed as Monuments Historiques in the Base Mérimée, a database of architectural heritage maintained by the French Ministry of Culture. Included are the 17th Century stone bridge over the canal, the chapel that sits next to it, and la glacière (the ice house).
For anyone with a love of books, or vintage things in general, Le Trouve Tout du Livre is a ‘can’t miss’ stop. This antique bookstore is a treasure trove of vintage books, magazines, posters, and postcards. It’s easy to become lost in their vast collection, as hours can slip away unnoticed. But, if your stay in Le Somail is brief, you’ll want to save some time for the other gems found here.
From the bookstore, cross the stone bridge and turn right along the canal, where you will often find renowned artist Denis Carrière working at his easel. His paintings beautifully reflect the local color of life along the Canal du Midi. Denis’ work is available for purchase in his gallery (or online) — what a perfect gift or souvenir of your week on the canal.
Nearby Restaurants
- Le Comptoir Nature, Chemin de Halage, 1, 11120 Le Somail, France / 04 68 46 01 61
- L’Auberge du Somail, Chemin de Halage, 1, 11120 Le Somail, France / 04 68 70 71 02
- Restaurant l’Escale du Somail, 65 Allée de la Glacière, 11120 Le Somail, France / 04.68.42.22.61
- La Cascade des Glaces, Allée de la Glacière, 11120 Le Somail France / 06.14.26.36.15
- L’O à la Bouche, Allee des Cypres, 11120 Le Somail, France / 04.68.46.00.09
To Do and See
Cité de Carcassonne
Historic Cité de Carcassonne is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Step back several centuries and imagine yourself in medieval times. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Cite at Carcassonne is a painstakingly restored medieval walled city on a hill by the Aude River. You’ll half-expect to see armed lookouts manning the fortified city’s towers. Cross the river to La Bastide neighborhood for all the charms of a French country town.
Sète
Located where the Canal du Midi meets the Mediterranean, Sète occupies part of a narrow spit of land that separates the Étang de Thau, a natural saltwater lake, from the Mediterranean sea. A network of small canals crisis-cross the town, linking the Étang de Thau and the sea, the reason some call Sète ‘Venice of the Languedoc’.
The sport of water jousting (les joutes languedociennes) is an important element of local culture. Tournaments are held from April to September on the Canal Royal in the center of town, and are the highlight of the summer festivals.
Another wonderful attraction here is the 12 kilometers of sea shore with beautiful sandy beaches. Free car parks and turn-offs from National Route 112 provide convenient access to the beach, perfect for a day of sunbathing and picnicking by the seaside.
Narbonne
Narbonne, France is a charming small city with wonderful historic attractions as well as a relaxing beach along the Mediterranean. Features of Narbonne include the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-Just et Saint-Pasteur, begun in the 13th century but never completed. The grand Palais des Archevêques (Archbishop’s Palace) houses archaeology and art museums. The Horreum is an underground labyrinth of ancient warehouses left over from the town’s days as a Roman port. The nearby beach and harbor is at Narbonne Plage. The indoor Les Halles market is a great place to visit and pick up farm fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, meats, and cheeses.
Les Halles de Narbonne, 1 Cours Mirabeau, 11000 Narbonne, France / +33 (0)4 68 32 63 99 / https://www.narbonne.halles.fr/
A Visit to the Olive Mill
Among the most beautiful sights in the countryside surrounding the Canal du Midi are the groves of olive trees with their silvery-green leaves and twisted trunks. If you love olives, you won’t want to miss a visit to the Coopérative Oléicole L’Oulibo, near the village of Bize-Minervois. L’Oulibo is a growers’ cooperative where olives from across the region are brought to be pressed into oil.
Coopérative Oléicole L’Oulibo, Hameau Cabezac, 11120 Bize-Minervois, France / +33 4 68 41 88 88 / https://www.loulibo.com/
Map: Le Somail – Minervois
Gruissan
Gruissan is an old fishing village full of tradition, but with a young dynamic seaside resort. Culinary specialties of local the restaurants include brasucade of mussels, sardines, Bourride d’Anguilles, seafood, and pie with pine nuts. Gruissan has two marinas, and a Blue Flag listed beach resort, endowed with beautiful fine sandy beaches. Or visit the island of Saint Martin which uses a centuries old process to harvest salt. Fleur de sel Salinas from Saint Martin Island is valued by chefs around the world.
Canoeing and Kayaking
There are a number of great opportunities to canoe or kayak in the Languedoc region. Most of the rivers are relatively shallow, and any rapids are pretty tame. There is more information on places for canoeing and kayaking, and renting equipment here»