Les Bateaux du Midi
Les Bateaux du Midi
4.5
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
About
« la Compagnie des Bateaux du Midi » is a river animation of passengers' transport, on the « Canal du Midi », the locks of Fonseranes and the tunnel of Malpas. We operate on the nicest part of the « Canal du Midi » and the richest in monuments. We provide a secure, comfortable and upscale navigation equipment (restoring aboard heated or air conditioned, 80 seats) and organize all types of events.
Beziers, Occitanie, France

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(2 reviews)

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles427 reviews
Excellent
258
Very good
96
Average
28
Poor
27
Terrible
18

AlbertSalichs
Manresa, Spain11,524 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
Les Bateaux du Midi are literally boats of Canal du Midi (a water channel in the South of France), which are located in the surroundings of the city, especially in the 9 locks Park (9 écluses de Fonseranes). The city, Beziers, is located in Occitanie Region in the South of France. It is possible catch a boat and sail on water channel during a lot of kilometres. We only catch a boat to go to 9 locks, very interesting experience. Each lock is open and close to overcome a gap of some meters. Always, the clock is open, and water go to the next lock, then the boat also can go there. It is a very nice experience for adults and children, and very interesting for engineering-lovers, so it was built some centuries ago. Pitifully, we came here the last summer during a very hot day.
(see also The nine locks of Fonseranes, Le 9 Restaurant and Pont-canal de l'Orb)
Written July 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour Albert, Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez apprécié votre découverte des merveilles du Canal du Midi en notre Compagnie. C'est avec plaisir que nous accueillerons de nouveau pour une croisière avec le repas à bord dans l'une de nos péniches climatisées. Vous aurez aussi l'occasion de découvrir en plus le tunnel du Malpas, le port de colombiers, le vieux lavoir, le pont "rabote-corne", etc. À bientôt,
Written August 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Bevton
Ceret, France4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2017 • Couples
Took our 82 year old father for his birthday on this trip and we all thoroughly enjoyed everything. The staff were very welcoming and friendly, the boat (Vent du Sud) was great and the food very good. Generally a very good day out and value for money. A good taste of the Canal du Midi and we would recommend this for anyone.
Written May 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour BEVTON Merci pour votre contribution qui, comme toujours, qu’elles soient positives ou négatives, retiennent notre attention parce que toujours porteuses d’enseignements riches. Vous avez fait dans une simplicité qui éclaire votre opinion d’une clarté et d’une sincérité évidentes. Dans le même esprit acceptez nos mille merci de la Compagnie. Ils viennent du cœur. Et bon anniversaire à Papa (il n’est jamais trop tard) puisque je n’étais pas sur la péniche le jour où vous êtes venus faire cette belle fête. Mais j’avais eu le retour par l’équipage. .
Written June 1, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jean_Michel_G_12_12
Edinburgh, UK8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2015 • Business
I took a group of 9 persones for a day cruise on this iconic Canal. From our first contact with Paul I new we were on course for a very special day. The quality of the welcome, the service , the food, and the on board facility were first class. They also agree to organise a tasting of Local wines while on Board(the captain was not drinking)
We had a fabulous day and an experience I will try to repeat again and again. They even booked a warm Automn day for us!
Thank you again and A bientot
Written October 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stephanie P
9 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Family
Going with babies in a baby stroller is not a good idea. The seller told us that it was no problem but at the time the cruise started they made an incredible fuss about taking the sleeping babies in their buggy!
Very unfriendly!
Written October 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour Stéphanie, Nous sommes très surpris par votre commentaire. En effet, les bébés sont évidement les bienvenues à bord et nous mettons même à disposition la salle climatisée si besoin. De plus, nous ne trouvons aucune trace de réservation avec un bébé dans nos livres . Nous sommes sincèrement désolés pour ce mal entendu et espérons vous revoir prochainement sur nos croisières ! A bientôt
Written February 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

leigheliza
Malta63 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2014 • Friends
On a recent Sunday a group of us took L'Escapade Gourmande that this company offers and throughout the day, we found the tour, the food and the service to be a great disappointment. I would strongly suggest that one should think twice before taking this particular company's tour, based upon the following experience:

First, the boat was too overcrowded. When the boat arrived to pick up our group, there was already a fairly large group on-board. There were not enough chairs on the open decks to accommodate both groups. The indoor areas were set up for the luncheon meal. And, due to the number of people, it was difficult to move about the boat and/or to try to take pictures.

Second, the indoor dining area could not accommodate all of the guests and quite a number had to eat outside, where a cool wind was blowing. The tables were set for 6 people, three on each side. The tables were set so close together that the chairs backed up onto each other and one either had to crawl over the chairs to reach the corridor between the rows of tables or six people had to get up and push in their chairs. One would literally climb into the chair, it was so tight against the table. All was very uncomfortable.

Third, the service was poor; however, the food was acceptable. Some of the portions seemed smaller than would be normal -- perhaps due to the number of people being served and the ability of the kitchen to prepare a meal for such a large number of people. Because the rows of tables on each side of the boat were so close together, it was very common for the servers to knock over glasses as they passed.

One incident was very poorly handled, where a glass of red wine was overturned onto one of our members -- and nothing was brought to try to remove the red wine from a white blouse, a scarf and undergarments. Initially, a simple "sorry" was offered. After some discussion, they finally agreed that a receipt for cleaning could be presented to the home office.

On other observation -- I have done a fair number of boat tours on the Canal du Midi and this ride was the first one where the captain kept bumping into things -- sides of the canal and other boats!

Finally, it seemed that there was a commitment to drop the other group where they originally boarded before our group -- without any consideration given to the time promised to drop off our group at a different place. As a result, our group ended up at a different place than that where the cars were. A mini-bus was promised for the drivers -- which never materialized. Two of the boat's staff ultimately used their personal cars to take the drivers to the cars. It was like organized chaos and we were in a tight schedule due to departure times from the train station with the disembarkation point being different than promised.

All in all, I would not recommend this company or its tours.
Written May 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madame, Vous avez donc choisi d’informer le grand public par l’intermédiaire de TRIPADVISOR sur de prétendues mésaventures que nous vous aurions infligées. Nous vous en remercions car nous enregistrons toujours l’avis de nos clients avec très grand intérêt : • Les favorables nous confortent et nous incitent à rester au top • Des négatives nous retirons une volonté d’agir pour parer à tout dysfonctionnement. Concernant votre longue critique il convient pour une meilleure lecture de donner LE détail fondateur à votre mécontentement : Il s’agit de mettre en exergue le MENSONGE qui est de nature à fausser l’opinion du lecteur : Dans vos 2 réclamations antérieures par lettre recommandée vous formulez DE FACON MENSONGERE un argument qui consiste à prétendre que vous aviez privatisé la péniche. Or c’est un MENSONGE (nous en avons la preuve) mais plus encore vous ne reprenez pas cet argument sur TRIPADVISOR : c’est une initiative fallacieuse destinée à tromper le lecteur puisqu’il s‘agit rappelons-le d’informer le public. Ce mensonge est pourtant LA SEULE explication à votre comportement odieux tout au long de votre croisière. Cela peut se comprendre si la responsable du groupe vous a induits en erreur. Mais il fallait s’en prendre à elle. C’eût été plus logique. Mais constat de cette erreur effectué il convenait de garder le sens de la mesure. Pour notre part nous considérons que « TOUT CE QUI EST EXCESSIF EST VAIN » De votre fatras de propos polémistes et dilatoires nous retiendrons simplement l’objet des points que vous développez et y répondrons de façon factuelle : 1) Premier point : Le non-dit (qu’il faut pourtant dire) votre mensonge par omission incontestablement coupable et fallacieux qui consiste à postuler que vous aviez privatisé la péniche. FAUX 2) Le Surbook : Vous étiez 85 passagers sur une péniche homologuée pour 120. Taux d’occupation de 70,83%. Correct ? 3) Sur l’incident du vin : Le comportement frondeur de certaines participantes ( croq’en jambe au personnel par exemple) à contrait un collaborateur confirmé à tacher les vêtements d’une participante. Vous reconnaissez qu’il s’est spontanément excusé et la direction à tout de suite proposé réparation. Au-delà du désagrément réel duquel nous vous remercions à nouveau de nous excuser où est le manquement ?Du côté de la fauteuse de trouble ? 4) Sur le lieu de débarquement légèrement déplacé de quelques 500ms pour cause impérative d’encombrement vous reconnaissez après avoir brandi les pires hypothèses que le service de navette aussitôt déployé a été efficace. Alors que reste-t-il au-delà de ce qu’il convient dans la plupart des cas de ne considérer que comme une péripétie ? ILLUSTRATION DE VOTRE MENTALITE :Bien qu’il soit aisé d’apprécier notre volonté de modération, et toujours dans le seul souci d’informer le lecteur, nous devons néanmoins livrer au public au moins un détail polémiste pour l’éclairer, puisqu’il ne s’agit en fait ici que de cela : devons-nous vous rappeler que nous avons contraint la responsable à extraire du sac d’une participante un set de table collector subtilisé dans un lieu « sécurisé » entre nappe et surnappe transparente ? En substance donc : 1) Vous pipez les dés en mentant par omission (nous avons conservé bien sûr votre lettre recommandée) Ce MENSONGE est évidemment fondamental dans l’éclairage du dossier. 2) Vous ne développez de façon fallacieuse, outrancière, que très peu de faits voire manquements objectifs mais des commentaires subjectifs, ce de façon polémiste. C’est le comportement classique de la partie mal en point dans une affaire. 3) Curieusement et sans que cela soit votre volonté bien évidemment, vous nous décernez le plus grand des compliments en signifiant de façon implicite et réitérée sur chacun de vos arguments que nous avons fait montre en toute circonstance du plus grand professionnalisme en face de chaque situation délicate ou désagréable que vous nous avez imposée et que vous dénoncez à l’envi. C’est un réel réconfort pour nous AU TOTAL DONC PERMETTEZ NOUS DE VOUS ADRESSER UN GRAND MERCI POUR l’EXPRESSION DE CETTE RECONNAISSANCE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You have informed the public at large through TRIPADVISOR on claimed misadventures that you would have undergone during your cruise with our company. We thank you because we pay attention to our customer’s opinions: • The positive encourage us to remain good • The negative, to improve ourselves. About your review : 1. you forget to talk about the real objet of your dissatisfaction : your group was with other groups on the Barge. You couldn’t be alone because you haven’t privatizing it. 2. Overbooking: you were 85 passengers on approved barge for 120. Occupancy rate of 73.83%: is it overbooking? 3. the bad behaviour of some members of your wild group has had an impact on our staff and the service on board and the consequence that a glass of wine was accidentally spilled on one of your participants ‘clothes. You acknowledge that our staff did immediately apologize, and the direction made the proposition to pay the dry cleaner’s cost. 4. Cause of congestion on the “canal du midi”, your Landing place was moved (500m), you recognize that our staff found immediately a solution to bring back your group to their vehicle. A point you did not mention in your review is our fair play when you had to return a table set collector that one of your participants had stolen In Synthesis : 1. you should speak about your real bone of contention “privatization” 2. Curiously, you confirm our professionalism. In fact, you can see that we have consistently provided an answer to all your questions. Finally, let us thank you for the expression of this gratefulness.
Written June 2, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Steve Mess
Aldershot, UK73 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2017 • Couples
Today we did the l'escapade goumanade canal du midi trip!!! Well that's 9 hours of our lives we will never get back!!! So disappointed.
Having listened to a lovely tour rep in our hotel we booked this trip as part of our holiday. We were told to meet at 8.40 outside the hotel in the day of the trip. Thus we did. Coach arrived at 8.50. Ok. 10 mins late is not that bad. BUT. It then took ONE AND A HALF HOURS to pick up a number of other guests from other hotels to do, what should be, a 20 min journey.
During the coach journey and on arrival, there was no communication on what we were doing or where we were going. We followed the crowd and then queued to pay (in cash) and get on the boat. We then sat. And waited. And got offered cold coffee. And waited and waited. Until at 10.40 (2 hours after being picked up) we set off
A lovely smiley lady introduced herself in French. Then a little in English. But then told, no further English announcements would be made. Instead we were given a poorly written guide.
The boat itself was 80 years old. Slow. And the journey totally uninteresting. A few points of interest but with everyone standing up at the front of the boat you see very little (other than the banks and trees that is).
Then, at 12, we had food. Tables well organised but very cramped. However, for the price the food was average with plenty of wine included. However, it appears other people had been offered a menu. Yet us brits had no choice at all. Not sure cuttlefish is to my liking. The beef or chicken dish would have been my choice had I been offered it.
We then set off again. Same story. Not a lot to see but when the opportunity arose, people were pushing to the front to take photos. Even the spectacular locks would have been better seen off the boat.
Eventually, board and fed up, we arrived at the port. Back on the coach and guess what? Yes. Another hour stuck on the coach whilst they drop off along the journey.
We were very much looking forward to this trip. But left feeling it was a waisted day. Avoid.
Written July 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Merci pour votre contribution ,mais elle n’est pas de celles qui, bien que négative, font avancer les choses. C’est la première fois depuis 10 ans et au rythme de 40000 visiteurs par été que nous ne daignerons répondre à vos arguties (autant d’inepties) qui démontre très clairement qu’il n’est pas facile de gouter au bonheur dans ce monde de brutes. Cela reste un art qui n’est pas accessible à tous. PAUL
Written October 26, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sandra G
18 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2015 • Family
Very disappointing. Misleading information given by the Company. We were told to arrive not later than 1.30. Had to wait in the sun for over an hour. Boat shabby and all information in French no audio guides in English. What could have been a very interesting and informative afternoon for my two grandsons aged 11 and 13 turned into boring boat trip - not understanding a word. Unsociable and non communicative crew.

If you take this trip ensure there are audio translations in English.
Written August 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

atlanticophelia
Copenhagen367 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2018 • Family
So many things went wrong on this trip.
We opted for a half day journey with lunch to the very solid price of 50 € pr person. But given the standard of restaurants we have visited the last 14 days, we thought this would be good. But not so. Boat sailed at scheduled time and lunch was served immediately. That's a little early when you board at 11:30. First dish was fine: a fish soup with mussels and some chorizo bread. Very promising. But then the main coarse came: octopus. Tasted like something from a can. Later the cheese arrived: three small pieces of cheese bought in the nearest supermarket with no garniture whatsoever.
And at last the desert that was definitely not made on the boat, but by some industriel producer somewhere in France.
Meanwhile the boat had been sailing, turned around and was waiting for the captain to end his break. Nothing happened for half an hour on this supposed to be-cruise. But the worst was yet to come. On turning back towards Beziers we sat in the extreme sunlight on the deck. Useless umbrellas was the only protection against the sun, so it was not possible to remain there for mere than 15-20 minutes at the time at the most. And yet worse: what I expected to be an opportunity to watch the quiet french countryside became a horror of a never-ending french tape recording of a guide telling who knows what. Much to loud and much to much - and all the time only in french. Even though it said on their website that they speak english.
A promised refreshment was a paper cup of lemonade. Really? This is simply too little for the amount we paid.
At the last hour or so (out of 4,5) you hit the seven locks and the water bridge, but by then it was over.
I want my money back.
Written July 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour ATLANTICOPHELIE, OH MY GOD ! I am shocked. Eh bé ,vous tapez fort l'ami !!!! Dubitatif : voilà ce que m’inspire la complexité de votre réponse pour le moins acide. 1) Permettez moi tout d’abord de vous remercier de votre très généreuse autant que surprenante notation. Un ZERO voire un – QUELQUE CHOSE me serait apparu plus logique 2) J’en prends acte et ne contesterai aucune de vos allégations. Donc acte. 3) Mon postulat sur cette affaire consiste à rappeler que tout ce qui est excessif est vain. 4) Je ne vais pas faire du corps à corps mais donner des infos factuelles pouvant instruire le lecteur car c’est à lui que je m’adresse. 5) 40.000 clients sont servis sur 6 mois chaque année et UN SEUL (VOUS) seriez assez dégourdi pour pouvoir vous livrer à une analyse aussi exhaustivement négative 6) 50€ la croisière inclut le repas certes pour 24 € : 4 plats, vin et café compris et 26€ pour la croisière de 5 heures. 7) L’entrée n’est pas une soupe de poisson mais un capuccino de moules du CHICHOULET 8) Le plat est tout simplement une rouille seiche véritable plat institutionnel SETOIS. Entrée et plat sont cuisinés tous les matins sous les narines des croisiéristes. 9) Oui le fromage vient du supermarché, oui le dessert est industriel mais fameux tout de même : jamais critiqués ni l’un ni l’autre 10) Sur les conditions météo du moment oui il fait chaud. Mais notre compagnie, soucieuse du confort de sa clientèle est la seule à proposer des ombrelles ; le pont est brumatisé, les salons climatisés et nous sommes également les seuls à offrir une boisson fraiche lors de la descente des ECLUSES de FONSERANES. 11) Preuve de votre tournure d’esprit tordue : sur un ton dédaigneux vous affirmez que la boisson fraiche n’était qu’une (vulgaire ?) limonade servie dans un gobelet en papier. Or a été servi un excellent jus de pomme artisanal et frais de surcroit. 12) Pour les Amis étrangers qui font la croisière existe un fascicule (référencé) obligeamment mis à leur disposition qui leur permet de suivre le programme. C’est un choix pour précisément éviter ce que vous voulez critiquer. 13) Quand le guichet des remboursements sera ouvert vous en serez prévenu illico. Et puis, et puis, et puis, Mon Très cher Ami Anglophone, permettez moi de vous livrer le fruit de l’une de mes expériences, on ne sait jamais : Essayez de positiver une fois dans votre vie, vous goûterez au bonheur et ne pourrez dès lors plus vous passer de goûter au bonheur. Bon vent à vous Ami Anglophone.
Written July 30, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

dcmleeds
Leeds, UK193 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2017 • Friends
On a holiday in the area we booked an afternoon cruise on the Canal du Midi with Bateaux du Midi. We expected to register at an office and made our way to the canal side in Beziers for the transfer to the boat. Navette arrived promptly. We were a little disappointed that the boat was enclosed (had a roof) and was not open topped as we would have liked to sit outside on such a lovely day. The cruise was enjoyable although the 'skipper' did sail the boat in quite an erratic way, zig zagging along the canal - isn't there a code of conduct? Are we not meant to stick to one side of the water? At one point a Le Boat hire boat was forced in to the bushes /reeds at the side of the canal as our boat was well over on their side of the canal. I do not think the family were impressed as they had to push off from the side and untangle their boat. The locks were a great experience - I was surprised at how quickly we got through them. We were then given a drink of apple juice which was very welcome. The commentary was all in French which we could cope with but some may find inaccessible. As we approached Beziers again we were surprised to see that it was 3.45pm as the leaflet had said that the trip was 1.15 to 4.45. We had lost an hour somewhere. We decided to return to the locks to see them from the side and there saw our boat on the way back up on the teatime cruise which began at 4.15pm - so we were never going to be on the water until 4.45pm if it was due out again at 4.15pm. A quick turn around. All in all we enjoyed the afternoon but I think the company needs to 'up' their service and make some improvements to live up to the information in the leaflet and on the website.
Written September 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Merci pour votre contribution au global positive mais qui rapporte quelques imperfections dont celle de la qualité du pilotage. Bien que disposant de tous les justificatifs nécessaires le pilote en était au tout début de sa carrière mais compte tenu du contexte, cette inexpérience ne présentait aucun danger . Quant à vos remarques sur les horaires, je ne les traiterai pas avec autant de compréhension et vous ferai remarquer très respectueusement que vous vous êtes emmêlé les pinceaux ce qui rend cette observation incompréhensible. Enfin une réponse sans équivoque pour vous affirmer que, contrairement au conseil que vous nous donnez, notre présentation sur internet est particulièrement précise. Mais l’essentiel consistait pour vous un bon après midi. Selon vos dires ce fut chose faite et nous vous sommes reconnaissants d’en avoir témoigné. PAUL
Written October 26, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

peridetlse
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg89 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2016 • Family
We booked the cruise "Grand siècle" (departure 09:30 / arrival 16:15). All explanations given were in french only. The lunch was good and the staff quite friendly. But for me the trip was a little bit too long as it was a round trip so same landscape twice. The Banks of the Canal du Midi are greener and nicer closer to Toulouse. During the cruise we haven't seen any historical buildings or environmental interesting places. This cruise is only for people fond of locks who want to know how they work...
Written August 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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