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5 minutes to book. Best day of our entire trip. Everything felt effortless from pickup to sunset.
Marina guide
Port Cassafières — at a glance
73 boats are available to book from Port Cassafières. The most common models are Vision 4 (8), Vision 3 (6), Calypso (6), Grand Classique (6), Horizon 1 (5) — 24 models in all. Built 1998–2025, 8.8–15 m long, 1–5 cabins, up to 12 guests.
Port Cassafières is the largest hire base on the Canal du Midi, on the outskirts of Portiragnes between Béziers and Agde, three kilometres from the Mediterranean: a purpose-built canal port of licence-free cruisers with the whole canal to the west.
The marina
WherePort Cassafières, 34420 Portiragnes — on the Canal du Midi east of Béziers, 10 km from Béziers Cap d’Agde Airport.
Berths & boatsA canal port of hire cruisers for two to twelve people, licence-free, with the base’s own quays and workshop.
ServicesWater and fuel at the base, showers, a shop, bike hire, and a briefing on handling and locks before departure.
Check-inWeekly hires from Saturday or Friday afternoon, returned by mid-morning; short breaks available — times on the boat page.
ProvisioningThe base shop and a supermarket in Portiragnes village; larger shopping in Béziers.
ParkingFree parking at the base for the hire week.
Getting there
By air. The nearest airport is Montpellier Airport (MPL), about 55 km from the base as the crow flies; Perpignan Airport (PGF) is about 75 km. Transfer times by road are longer; most charter companies arrange a transfer to the base on request, and a taxi from the airport is the usual alternative.
Getting to the area, what to see ashore and a week's itinerary from here are on the Portiragnes page.
Every boat on the Canal du Midi
Ports near Portiragnes
Le Somail (32 boats · 38 km) · Argens-Minervois (32 boats · 49 km) · Homps (42 boats · 53 km) · Lattes (23 boats · 53 km) · Trèbes (24 boats · 76 km) · Bellegarde (15 boats · 81 km) · Saint Gilles (36 boats · 96 km) · Bram (20 boats · 101 km) · All boats in France
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of boats can I charter from Port Cassafières?
73 boats are available to book from Port Cassafières: 73 motor boats. The most common models are Vision 4, Vision 3, Calypso, Grand Classique.
How many boats are based at Port Cassafières?
All 73 charter boats in Portiragnes are based at Port Cassafières.
Can I take a boat out for just one day?
Yes — 73 boats here accept a single-day booking. A day rate is quoted for the specific boat and date, so pick your day on the boat’s own page and the price comes back live.
What is not in the price?
The figure is for the boat. Transit log, tourist tax and the APA are mandatory, set per boat, and paid at the base. Skipper, hostess, extra equipment and other services are optional and also settled at the base.
Why do some boats show no price?
73 of the 73 boats from Port Cassafières are on request — usually larger or crewed yachts, where the rate depends on the week and the crew. They are left out of every figure above.
How far is the airport from Port Cassafières?
The nearest airport is Montpellier Airport (MPL), about 55 km away as the crow flies; Perpignan Airport (PGF) is about 75 km. Transfer times by road are longer; most charter companies arrange a transfer to the base on request.
Do I need a licence for a canal boat in France?
No. Licence-free river cruisers can be hired by anyone over 18 on the French waterways; the base gives an hour’s instruction on steering, mooring and the locks before you leave.
How do the locks work?
Most locks on the Canal du Midi and the Burgundy waterways are worked by a lock-keeper or are automatic; the crew handles the ropes. Locks are closed at lunchtime and overnight, so a day’s cruising is about six hours.
What day do charters start?
Weekly hires usually run Saturday to Saturday or Friday to Friday, with handover in the afternoon and return by mid-morning; shorter breaks of three or four days are common — the exact times are on each boat’s page.
Can we reach the sea from Portiragnes?
The canal ends at Agde and the Étang de Thau, 20 km east; hire boats cruise the lagoon to Marseillan and Sète in calm weather but do not go out to sea.