Ginestas on the Canal du Midi: Culture and History

The Canal du Midi, historic buildings and activities in Le Somail give a stay in Ginestas a variety of possible focuses. Local connections range from Romanesque architecture and former stopping places for travellers to activities along the canal. Start by choosing the themes you want to shape your stay.

The Canal du Midi: on foot, by bike or by boat

The Canal du Midi runs through the Ginestas area for 3 km. You can visit Le Somail on foot, by bike or by boat. La Barque du Somail offers a one-hour boat trip on the Canal du Midi. This gives the boat trip a specific timeframe; you can also visit Le Somail in a different way on foot or by bike.

At Chez Pierrette in Le Somail, you can rent bicycles and Rosalies for trips along the Canal du Midi. There is also a self-service bicycle workshop with tools for your own repairs. The rental service and workshop cater to different practical needs: a ride along the canal or repairs to your own bicycle.

At the marinas in Le Somail and La Robine, power connections are available along some of the quays; boats can also refill their water tanks.

Buildings and travel history in Le Somail

The former Notre-Dame-des-Vals church is a Romanesque building dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, with Lombard features. It has been listed as a Monument historique since 1951. The chapel in Le Somail was built between 1672 and 1693. It once served boatmen and travellers; a mass is still held there every month. The building therefore brings together the history of earlier travel and a monthly tradition that continues today.

The stone bridge in Le Somail was built before 1683. The old bridge in Le Somail, together with other historic buildings in the hamlet, is part of a group listed as a Monument historique by decree of 11 August 1998. The former inn building served as an overnight stop in 1684; at that time, Le Somail was an important stopping place for travellers.

Religious sites and different periods

The Calvary of Ginestas comprises 14 Stations of the Cross, restored in 1995. This places Romanesque architecture of the 11th and 12th centuries, the chapel from the late 17th century and a restoration from 1995 side by side. The history of the buildings and their later upkeep offer a broader view of the heritage sites than any single period can. If you would like to attend the monthly mass, check the date for your travel period.

Discover more destinations: Véraza, Villeneuve-Minervois, Fontcouverte, Saint-Hilaire, Saint-Martin-De-Villereglan, Rennes-Les-Bains, Gaja-Et-Villedieu, Couiza.

For the broader travel overview: Aude.