Port de Carcassonne - Semur-en-Auxois est une commune française du département de la Côte-d’Or en région Bourgogne Franche-Compté. Elle se trouve tout près de Montbard et de Saluie, aux contreforts du Morvan, à une sortie de l’autoroute A6. Elle bénéficie d’une situation pittoresque sur un plateau de granit rose.
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Port de Carcassonne

3.8
·14 reviews·Carcassonne, France

A charming waterside hub on the Canal du Midi, serving as the perfect launchpad to explore the historic Cité of Carcassonne.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Port de Carcassonne - Semur-en-Auxois est une commune française du département de la Côte-d’Or en région Bourgogne Franche-Compté. Elle se trouve tout près de Montbard et de Saluie, aux contreforts du Morvan, à une sortie de l’autoroute A6. Elle bénéficie d’une situation pittoresque sur un plateau de granit rose.

Port de Carcassonne

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming waterside hub on the Canal du Midi, serving as the perfect launchpad to explore the historic Cité of Carcassonne.

3.8
(14 reviews)

"Lovely place for a walk and people watching."

Vertical photo
TIP

Confirm Lock Hours

Always check the operating hours for the canal locks before your arrival to avoid delays. :clock1:

Book Docking in Advance

If arriving by boat, secure your mooring spot ahead of time, especially during peak season. :ship:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Canal du Midi Cruise

Canal du Midi Cruise

Port de Carcassonne

Experience the charm of the Canal du Midi with a boat trip, including passage through historic locks.

People Watching

People Watching

Port promenade

Enjoy a leisurely stroll and soak in the atmosphere of this picturesque waterside location.

Gateway to the Old City

Gateway to the Old City

Adjacent to the historic Cité

The port serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the magnificent medieval Cité of Carcassonne.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Arrival

While the historic city of Carcassonne is the main draw, the Port de Carcassonne offers a different perspective. Consider visiting during shoulder seasons to avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Check lock operating hours in advance, as they can vary.

Navigating the Canal

If arriving by boat, be aware that some visitors have reported challenging experiences with lock keepers and docking procedures. It's advisable to confirm docking arrangements and lock operations beforehand to ensure a smooth entry into the port.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Thinking of visiting Carcassonne in France

Confirm Lock Hours

Always check the operating hours for the canal locks before your arrival to avoid delays. :clock1:

Book Docking in Advance

If arriving by boat, secure your mooring spot ahead of time, especially during peak season. :ship:

reddit.com

flight to carcassonne - any ideas where to travel from there?

Explore the Cité

The port is a great base for visiting the stunning medieval Cité of Carcassonne. :castle:

Enjoy a Canal Cruise

Take a relaxing boat trip on the Canal du Midi for a unique perspective. :boat:

Tips

from all over the internet

Confirm Lock Hours

Always check the operating hours for the canal locks before your arrival to avoid delays. :clock1:

Book Docking in Advance

If arriving by boat, secure your mooring spot ahead of time, especially during peak season. :ship:

Explore the Cité

The port is a great base for visiting the stunning medieval Cité of Carcassonne. :castle:

Enjoy a Canal Cruise

Take a relaxing boat trip on the Canal du Midi for a unique perspective. :boat:

What Travellers Say

3.8
(14 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Port de Carcassonne is a picturesque location offering a pleasant atmosphere for walks and people-watching, serving as a convenient gateway to the magnificent medieval Cité. While the port itself is charming, some visitors have reported challenging experiences with lock keepers and docking procedures, suggesting that clear communication and advance planning are essential for boaters.

"Lovely place for a walk and people watching."

Aimee Fenech

"Worst port along the Canal du Midi! We were running a bit late and barely made it past the last lock on our way into town. The lock keepers all along that way were great, everyone rooting for us to make it past the last lock on time. We made it and arrived into town after the portmaster's office had closed for the evening, so we docked at the first available spot. The next morning we get a knock on the window and a perturbed man claiming we were in the wrong spot and that we needed to move otherwise the police would come. I guess we had used the wrong spot despite it being impossible for any more boats to arrive because the locks had shut down for the evening. We moved as instructed and moored, tail-end in. Even though we were well secured, he felt the need to redo our ropes. He did not secure them any better. After that things we had a great time in the beautiful city. That is, until the next morning. Now, no instruction was given to us on how to head out the next day and maybe we should have asked, but with the lock in the center of town and having seen the lock keeper move several other boats through, we unmoored and headed into the canal. The lock was not ready and nobody was there for at least 10 minutes. When she finally decided to come out, she immediately started yelling at us in French, none of which we could hear, much less understand. The wind was very strong by now and blew the boat around, making it extremely difficult to moor, yet the lock remained closed despite there not being a boat on the other side. Since she clearly decided not to do her job and prepare the lock, we remoored to the side with the wind whipping us around. And nothing. She's gone and the lock is still closed. We wait and wait and wait. Finally another boat arrives which sails right into the lock that she opens for them. Rude, rude, rude. While we attempt to maneuver with the heavy wind she sits and chit chats with her friend on shore while her friend's husband is motioning to his wife the whole time that she needs to pay attention to the lock. After another significant wait she finally starts the cycle, despite us having been secured within for quite some time. She was by far the rudest and most inconsiderate lock keeper on our entire journey. To be treated this way, not having been given any procedural information is just plain lazy and apparently something to be upset at us about. When people consider French inconsiderate she was a perfect example of that. This was on Sunday, September 6th, 2025, with a shoulder-length blond woman in her late 40's. I hope someone on charge had a chat with her, because she was clearly more interested in being a hindrance more than a help and just plain not doing her job."

Dan Sorak

"Canal cruise was only ok, good guide giving commentary, went through 2 locks and back."

paul williams

What People Like

Lovely place for a walk
People watching
Gateway to the Cité

What People Dislike

Challenging lock keeper experiences
Docking issues reported

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Port de Carcassonne is accessible by road, with parking available nearby. For those arriving by boat, it's a key point along the Canal du Midi. Travelers arriving by train can take a taxi or bus from the Carcassonne station to the port area. Reddit

The port is generally well-signposted, especially if you are following signs for the Canal du Midi or the Cité. It's located at the base of the historic walled city. Reddit

From the port, you can easily walk to the historic Cité of Carcassonne. Local buses and taxis are also available for exploring further afield or returning to the train station. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The port itself is a public area and does not require an entrance fee. However, if you plan to visit the medieval Cité of Carcassonne, separate tickets for the ramparts and museums will be necessary. Reddit

As an open port area, there are no specific opening hours. However, the lock operations on the Canal du Midi have set hours, which can vary seasonally. It's best to check these in advance if you are arriving by boat. Reddit

Yes, there are typically fees for docking your boat at Port de Carcassonne. The exact charges can depend on the size of your vessel and the duration of your stay. It's advisable to inquire with the port authority. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy a leisurely walk along the canal, people-watch, and use it as a base to explore the Cité. Boat trips on the Canal du Midi also depart from here. Reddit

Yes, Port de Carcassonne is an excellent starting point for a day trip to the historic Cité. You can easily spend a full day exploring both the port area and the medieval city. Reddit

Taking a guided boat tour on the Canal du Midi is highly recommended. These tours often include passage through locks, offering a unique and memorable experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes located along the promenade at Port de Carcassonne, offering various dining options with canal views. More extensive choices are available within the Cité. Reddit

You'll find a mix of traditional French cuisine and casual dining options. Many establishments offer outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying the waterfront ambiance. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the boats, the canal, and the impressive medieval Cité in the background. The bridges over the canal also offer great vantage points. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light provides beautiful golden hour illumination for photography, with fewer crowds. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Port de Carcassonne offers a gentle introduction to the area for families. The flat promenade along the canal is perfect for little ones to walk or run around safely, and watching the boats can be quite entertaining. The proximity to the Cité means you can easily combine a relaxed port visit with an adventure into the medieval castle. Reddit

Recommendations: Opt for a short canal cruise that includes lock passage – kids often find this fascinating. Pack snacks and drinks, as dining options directly at the port can be limited during off-peak hours. Ensure children are supervised closely near the water's edge. Reddit

🚢 Boaters & Canal Enthusiasts

For those traveling the Canal du Midi by boat, Port de Carcassonne is a significant stop. It offers mooring facilities, though it's wise to confirm availability and procedures in advance, as some visitors have encountered issues with docking and lock operations. The port provides a convenient base to explore the historic city. Reddit

Key Advice: Communicate clearly with lock keepers and port staff. Understand the local customs and regulations for canal navigation. The experience of passing through the locks is a highlight for many canal travelers, so embrace it as part of the journey. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Canal du Midi Locks

The Canal du Midi is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and navigating its locks is a unique part of the experience. Visitors arriving by boat should be aware that lock keepers are responsible for operating the lock gates and water levels. While most lock keepers are helpful, some travelers have reported instances of miscommunication or perceived rudeness, particularly if procedures are not clearly understood or followed. It's crucial to pay attention to instructions and be prepared for potential delays. Reddit

Key Takeaway: Always confirm lock operating hours and procedures in advance. If you are a boater, ensure you understand how to approach and secure your vessel within the lock. Patience and clear communication, even if there's a language barrier, can go a long way. Reddit

For those not on a private boat, taking a guided canal cruise is an excellent way to experience the locks without the stress of navigation. These tours are designed for visitors and offer commentary and a smooth passage through the system. Reddit

Port de Carcassonne as a Gateway to the Cité

Port de Carcassonne is ideally situated as the perfect starting point for exploring the magnificent medieval Cité of Carcassonne. A short and pleasant walk from the port will lead you directly to the imposing ramparts and historic streets of the fortified city. This proximity makes it incredibly convenient for day-trippers and those staying nearby. Reddit

Planning Your Visit: Consider dedicating a significant portion of your day to the Cité itself. The port area offers a more relaxed, waterside atmosphere, while the Cité is a deep dive into history. Many visitors find it beneficial to explore the port first, perhaps enjoying a meal, before heading up to the Cité for the main historical exploration. Reddit

Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking within the Cité, and the cobblestone streets can be uneven. The views from the ramparts overlooking the port and the surrounding countryside are spectacular and a must-see for any visitor. Reddit

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