While traveling by car from Perpignan to Carcassone, we passed many signs indicating the proximity of the Midi Canal. Having eaten at a lovely restaurant in New Orleans with the same name, I was intrigued and wanted to invsetigate.
Venturing off the beaten path we stopped at several locks and lock houses where longboats and houseboats serenely cruise through south central France. After talking to some English-speaking tourists who occupied one of these boats, I am planning a trip (through RCI) to take one of these excusions myself. The trip appears absolutely intoxicating. You cruise from town to town at a leisurely pace, stopping wherever you want for refreshments, necessities, tours, whatever.