I discover Le Somail
Le Somail can be discovered via an all-in-one excursion comprising a boat cruise starting from this authentic village on the Canal du Midi, a stop at the canal's only floating grocery store, then another at the Trouve Tout du Livre library, followed by a mountain bike ride... This charming port, where time seems to stand still, promises a relaxing day with a variety of activities. It's sure to do us a world of good!
Sailor for a day...
memories for a lifetime
The boat's prow gently parts the calm green waters as we slowly leave the port of Le Somail.
Our eyes are fixed firmly on the horizon: at the helm of our vessel, we learn how to navigate along the Canal du Midi.
"In this region, the Canal du Midi comprises three canals with three different atmospheres: the Canal du Midi and its hamlet of Le Somail, unchanged since the 17th century; the Canal de Jonction with its 7 locks and its parasol pines; and the Canal de la Robine, by turns urban in Narbonne, and rural in the lagoons."
With the day's first rays of sunshine, we are lulled by our boat's unhurried progress... Life along the canal is a haven of tranquillity.
Elated, we pass through a splendid canal bridge surrounded by parasol pines.
Suddenly, an unmistakeable noise alerts us: our first lock!
This leads to excitement and... a bit of stress. The crew falls silent as the boat slips through the narrow passage of this visionary hydraulic work of art.
The lock opens for us... we did it! What a great adventure!
The Canal du Midi in figures
- 1666: Beginning of the construction of the canal under the supervision of Pierre-Paul Riquet
- 15: years of work necessary to complete this revolutionary undertaking
- 240: kilometres of canal linking Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea
- 63: locks, used to raise or lower the water level so that boats can pass through
The floating grocery, totally unexpected!
A fine-looking Dutch vessel appears in the distance... The "Tamata" is a barge painted green, yellow and black. Hard to miss, she beckons us for a gourmet visit. Nearly a hundred years old, the Tamata Grocery Barge offers many a delight...
The aroma of fresh bread pervades the well-stocked little room with its cheeses, wines, tapenades, honey, jams... we leave with our arms full of tasty goodies.
"Locavore" stop on the canal bank
Feeling a little peckish...? Why not stop at the Comptoir Nature for a gourmet break with organic and local recipes. In what was once the canal guard's stable, this delightful restaurant offers local produce at the water's edge.
The "Trouve Tout du Livre": something to read for everyone
A cathedral of carefully catalogued books stands before us: the Trouve Tout du Livre is a sight to behold!
With our jaws on the floor, we make the most of this cultural gem. It's hard to resist the urge to buy everything!
An American President in Le Somail
Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States of America, was one of the first tourists to fall under the spell of Le Somail. Today, a plaque commemorates his visit.
Bike ride: the wind in your hair along the canal
Our bikes take us smoothly over the bridge of Le Somail. The afternoon's adventure awaits us: a few hours of sporting fun on a mountain bike along the Canal du Midi.
The tow-path as our guide. With ducks quietly swimming by and barges coming and going... Our legs pedal as our minds wander. What a lovely feeling watching time go slowly by with the wind in our hair!
Aperitif with a postcard view
The sun casts its last rays on us. Behind the Pont du Somail, the calm waters reflect the red hues of the setting sun. The only sound we hear is the wind blowing softly through the trees.
The gentle way of life offered by this charming little port allows us to fully unplug. With a glass of Minervois to hand, a few Lucques and our batteries recharged, we take in this beautiful setting... like being in a postcard!
Pre-refrigerator icehouses
Before the refrigerator: the icehouse! In days gone by, blocks of ice were carried down from the Montagne Noire by donkey. Covered with straw and stored in the icehouse in winter, the ice was used to preserve food all through the summer.
