Harbour

Capestang

Name: Capestang
Address: Cruzy, FR

Type: Harbour

Canal du Midi halt on the bief de Capestang, at the foot of the collegiate church of Saint-Étienne, on the UNESCO-listed canal.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Reached via the Canal du Midi between the écluses d'Argeliers to the east and the écluse de Capestang itself. The bief de Capestang is one of the longest level pounds of the canal at 54 km with no lock. Shallow draught of 1.4 m on the canal, maximum boat length 30 m for VNF navigation. Speed limited to 6 km/h.

Practical

Public quay along the village with mooring bollards, water and electricity pedestals in season. Capitainerie of the Communauté de communes manages stops. Bakery, grocery and restaurants within 200 m of the quay. Hire base for canal boats operated by Le Boat at the port.

Ashore

Collégiale Saint-Étienne dominates the village, with a nave started in the 14th century that was never vaulted. Painted medieval ceiling of the château viguierial, 15th century, open to visit at 300 m. The Via Domitia Roman road crosses the plain south of the village. Fitou and Minervois AOC vineyards within 10 km.

History

The port was cut through the village by Pierre-Paul Riquet when the Canal du Midi was completed in 1681. The canal links Toulouse to the Étang de Thau and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996.