There are two boat rental locations near Béziers:

http://www.crownblueline.com/ has a base in Port Cassafieres just to the southeast and

http://www.rive-de-france.com/ has a base in Colombiers to the southwest.

Both of the above are located along the canal. Due to the complexities of renting (cleaning boats, driver check out, etc.) I do not believe it will be possible to rent by the hour but you can ask. Usually these fleets are reserved months in advance for summer travel so availability may be limited. I do remember seeing several tourist boats taking passengers up through the locks of Fonsérannes as a one day excursion.

The only balloon rides available over vineyards to my knowledge are found in the Loire Vally, I have not seen any in this area.

Arguably the finest dinning in Béziers is L'Ambassade 22, Boulevard Verdun ;04 67 76 06 24. The decor is modern but the food is exceptional.

Perhaps however you might prefer the cozier La Table d'Oc at 32, rue du Lieutenent Pasquet, 04 67 30 62 98

For something a bit special, try booking at the Chateau de Lignan, 04 67 37 91 47.

For a host of other ideas, try exploring the web site of the Office de Tourisme:

http://www.beziers-tourisme.fr/

There are lists of many activities, restaurants, and hotels.

Hi

these people are fairly local : http://perso.montgolfiere.mageos.com

Restaurants : the-languedoc-page.com/tourism/languedoc-tou…

Can't help with daily boat hire.

Peter