Rick Stein

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Rick Stein

Le Boat – The new umbrella brand for Connoisseur Boating Holidays

We are delighted to introduce you to Le Boat - the new 'umbrella' name for sister companies Connoisseur, Crown Blue Line and Emerald Star.

Click here to read more about Rick Stein and how to recreate his journey with one of our fantastic Boating Holidays!!


Travel in style on board your own self-drive cruiser from Connoisseur, following in Rick Stein’s wake along the historic Canal du Midi with its leafy vineyards, colourful street markets and waterside restaurants. A cruise on the Canal du Midi is an experience of a lifetime – and a perfect way of exploring the real France. This is the perfect way to explore – stop whenever and wherever you want to sample delicious wines and local cuisine, all at your own pace.
Our boating holidays on the Canal du Midi

Bathed in warm sunshine yet for most of the year, a cruise on the three hundred year old Canal du Midi is a must for anyone and everyone who loves France and all things French. Listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site, the Canal du Midi takes you on a wonderful journey through the heart of the gastronomic Languedoc countryside where pretty villages, neatly planted vineyards and beautiful countryside line your route. With the sun on your face, witness an idyllic French way of life, discover a peaceful co-existence with nature and enjoy some remarkable sights along the way.

We've been offering quality holidays in beautiful cruising regions for over 30 years. Self-drive cruisers are available for hire for short breaks and longer all along the Canal du Midi from our bases at Homps, Trebes and Castelnaudary. Book a low cost flight with Easy Jet or Ryanair to nearby airports and you could be at the helm of your boat and soaking up the sunshine in no time at all.

With boats sleeping from 2-12, most with en-suite facilities and spacious and tasteful interiors, we’re sure you will find a boat to suit your needs. All are expertly equipped, rigorously maintained for comfort and safety, and so easy to handle they require absolutely no previous boating experience. Besides, every customer receives a full briefing and hands-on help before setting off – that way we know that if you’re happy you’ll have a great holiday!

Our prices our listed as per boat per week – making a relaxing holiday on the waterways cheaper than you might think – and a perfect way of spending quality time with family and friends without breaking the bank.

Suggested Routes along the Canal du Midi in Rick's wake...

Short Break (3 days): Trebes - Castelnaudary
One Week (7 days): Homps - Castelnaudary
Two Weeks (14 days): Narbonne - Castelnaudary - Narbonne

Of course as usual, you can follow your own itinerary as long as you return the boat to the right base at the end of your holiday!