Le Somail, a charming stopover on the Canal du Midi

20 minutes from Narbonne, discover the hamlet of Somail, built on the Canal du Midi. One can only be charmed by the architectural ensemble classified as historic monuments and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will appreciate the calm of a stroll on the Canal or simply sit at the table at one of the restaurants after having taken advantage of one of the unusual visits where you will learn.

An intact architecture

Le Somail includes remarkable buildings, including the inn, which has been preserved since 1773, the chapel, and the icehouse. In the heart of the village, the Pont Saint-Marcel with its remarkable semi-circular shape, typical of the first bridges of the Canal du Midi. Nearby, you can still admire the guard's house, which also housed the postmen. At the edge of the canal, you can still see the old trough for draft horses.

A place out of time

Located in the heart of the Minervois, Le Somail is a unique place to discover which has kept its charm of yesteryear and still inspires many artists. You will admire the identical buildings since the creation of the Canal du Midi in the 17th century. At the time, the travelers of the boat stopped for the evening meal and the night.

The cooler

Built in 1864, blocks of ice from the Montagne Noire were stored there in winter. This kept it cool until the end of summer.

The Bonnal House

Immerse yourself in the history of the Canal du Midi by visiting the Maison Bonnal and its multimedia trail which will introduce you to the 3 canals of the Côte du Midi (Jonction, Robine, Midi).

Le pont du Somail

Remarquable de par sa voûte en anse de panier, on contemple la vue magnifique sur tout le ravissant hameau du Somail.

Walk on the Canal du Midi

You can aboard a license-free boat or a small electric boat sail along the peaceful waves of the Canal du Midi and discover the Château de Ventenac or the Cesse canal bridge.

The old bookshop "The Find Everything Book"

The hamlet of Somail also houses an old bookshop. A former wine cellar which today serves as a showcase for the 50,000 books offered by the bookshop.

A living place

Despite its calm, Le Somail is a very lively place, where tourists and locals rub shoulders. During the holiday season, the port lives to the rhythm of the comings and goings of boaters: 80% of tourists come abroad to discover the Canal du Midi, known worldwide since its listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. There you will find several pleasant restaurants.