Sarah De Winne Set between vineyards and the tranquil waters of the Canal du Midi, Capestang is a bustling and charmingly authentic French village in Hérault. With its impressive Collegiate Church of Saint-Étienne, pretty quaysides and relaxed southern vibe, it’s a favourite spot for walkers, cyclists and boaters exploring the canal.
From Capestang you’re also within easy reach of several other nearby highlights on the Canal du Midi. These include the Tunnel du Malpas, Le Somail, Auberge la Croisade at Cruzy and the famous 9 Locks of Fonseranes in Béziers. All unmissable sights along this historic waterway.
Discovering Capestang on the Canal du Midi
At the heart of Capestang stands the magnificent 14th century Collegiate Church of Saint-Étienne. Its 45-metre-high Gothic bell tower is visible for miles across the surrounding vineyards. Climb to the top on a clear day for sweeping views over the village rooftops, the Canal du Midi and even the distant Pyrenees.
Surrounding the church in Capestang is a maze of narrow streets lined with traditional stone houses. Hidden within the village are shaded squares and small cafés where locals gather for a morning coffee or an evening apéritif.
Personal Tip: Pop into Café Déco (11 Place Ferrer) – a cosy coffee shop with a creative twist. Alongside great coffee and homemade treats, you’ll find local art, thoughtful gifts and regular creative workshops. It’s a lovely spot to pause and soak up the village atmosphere.
The village of Capestang retains a wonderfully authentic atmosphere. On market days (Wednesday and Sunday mornings), stalls fill the Place Jean Jaurès with regional produce, cheeses and wines from nearby estates.
Walking Along the Canal du Midi in Capestang
One of the highlights of Capestang is the Canal du Midi. This historic waterway passes peacefully alongside the village, shaded by plane trees and lined with moored boats. It’s a picturesque stretch of the canal, perfect for a leisurely walk, cycle or picnic. The towpath is flat and well maintained, making it easy to follow in both directions.
Capestang Canal du Midi Walking and Cycling Routes
Head east towards the hamlet of Poilhes to discover one of the canal’s most picturesque stretches, lined with graceful plane trees and pretty bridges. Continue further towards Béziers to reach the remarkable Tunnel du Malpas and Les 9 Écluses de Fonseranes. These are two of the Canal du Midi’s most impressive engineering feats. Alternatively, head the other way towards Le Somail, where you’ll find historic canal houses and peaceful waterside cafés.
Whichever direction you choose, you’ll enjoy classic southern French scenery – vineyards, cypress trees and the gentle rhythm of life along the water.
| Route | Distance in km | Approximate travel time by bike |
| Port de Capestang to Port de Poilhes | 5.67 km | 22 minutes |
| Port de Capestang to the Malpas Tunnel | 10.34 km | 41 minutes |
| Port de Capestang to Port de Colombiers | 11.9 km | 47 minutes |
| Port de Capestang to the 9 Locks at Béziers | 20.89 km | 1 hour 23 minutes |
| Port de Capestang to Port du Somail | 26.25 km | 1 hour 45 minutes |
The Canal Port at Capestang
The small canal port at Capestang is a pleasant place to sit and watch the boats glide by. Although boat hire isn’t available directly from Capestang, you can easily start a canal adventure from nearby Béziers, Colombiers or Le Somail. From here, peniche rides or self-drive boats make a memorable day on the water.
Don’t miss the 17th century stone bridge that crosses the Canal du Midi and overlooks the port of Capestang. The historic Saïsse Bridge is also known by locals as the ‘Pont de Pierre’.
Personal Tip: The Pont de Saïsse is a perfect spot for taking photos of the Canal du Midi and the port. From here, you can also capture lovely reflections. These are especially magical at sunrise or sunset when the light casts a golden glow over the water and boats. Just watch out for passing traffic and ducks!
Things to Do in Capestang
In addition to walking the Canal du Midi, there are other interesting things to do in Capestang. The village may be small, but it’s full of charm and history, making it a delightful stop for visitors.
1. Discover the Gothic Splendour of the Collegiate Church of Saint-Étienne
The first thing you’ll notice as you approach Capestang is the Collegiate Church of Saint-Étienne. The vast Gothic bell tower of this French Historic Monument rises high above the village and surrounding landscape! It’s remarkable that such a small village is home to a monument of this scale! A reminder of the town’s importance during the Middle Ages.
Built in the 14th century by the Archbishops of Narbonne, the church impresses with its soaring 27-metre-high vaulted ceilings and beautiful stained glass. You can even climb the 45-metre-high bell tower for spectacular views across the Canal du Midi, the rolling countryside and the Pyrenees.
2. Step Back in Time at Le Château des Archevêques
Capestang is also home to another French Historic monument. Le Château des Archevêques is an imposing 12th-century medieval château that was once a residence of the Archbishops of Narbonne.
Its historic architecture and 15th century painted ceiling make it an interesting visit for history lovers and photographers alike.
3. Explore Capestang’s Maze of Streets
Whilst you are in Capestang, make sure you take time to wander through its maze of narrow streets and passageways. Discover the village’s charming traditional stone houses, shaded squares and small cafés. This typically French village has a lively, authentic atmosphere all year round.
Nearby Canal du Midi Highlights
The village of Capestang is also ideally situated to explore some of the most interesting sites along the Canal du Midi.
1. Le Tunnel du Malpas
Just a short 15-minute drive south-east of Capestang is the 18th-century Malpas Tunnel. This engineering marvel allowed the Canal du Midi to continue its journey to Sète. Read our other article to discover how you can walk through the Tunnel du Malpas and to learn more about its interesting history!
2. Le Somail
The charming canal-side hamlet of Le Somail is found further west of Capestang on the Canal du Midi. It is famous for its historic stone bridge, cavernous second-hand bookshop and picturesque waterside restaurants. Find out why this is a perfect stop along the canal and discover why an American President visited here in our other article about Le Somail!
3. Auberge la Croisade at Cruzy
For a culinary treat, head 10-minutes west of Capestang to the hamlet of Cruzy. Auberge la Croisade is a cosy restaurant with a fabulous, shaded terrace on the banks of the Canal du Midi.
Take it from us, this is a hidden gem where locals love to eat! The restaurant is known for its authentic regional, seasonal dishes and local wines. For more information, read our review of the Auberge la Croisade.
4. Vélorail
A fun way to explore the countryside near Capestang is Vélorail. Departing from the village of Sallèles d’Aude, you can enjoy a scenic cycle ride along a disused railway line. This passes over the Canal du Midi and alongside the Junction Canal and various locks.
5. Bize-Minervois
If you have time, the medieval village of Bize-Minervois is a short 20-minute drive from Capestang. After discovering the village, cool off in the River Cesse before visiting the nearby famous olive producer. At L’Oulibo, you can sample regional olives and olive oils, plus learn about traditional production methods.
Personal Tip: Capestang’s location makes it easy to combine a village stroll with canal walks or a day of different activities nearby, whether it’s history, food or unique transport adventures.
Planning Your Visit to Capestang
How to Get to Capestang
Capestang is easily reached by car from nearby towns such as Béziers, Narbonne, or Carcassonne. There is also plenty of free parking in the village. If you’re exploring the Canal du Midi, Capestang is a convenient stop during a day of walking, cycling or scenic drives.
Recommended Duration of Visit
A visit to Capestang can easily fill a few hours to half a day. Give yourself enough time to wander the village streets, visit the historic sites and stroll along the canal. A visit to Capestang can also be easily combined with other nearby villages and local attractions.
Is Capestang Worth Visiting?
Capestang is a charming and authentic village that’s well worth a visit if you’re exploring the Canal du Midi or the Hérault region. Its combination of historic architecture, narrow maze-like streets and peaceful canal walks makes it a perfect stop for a few hours or half a day.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie or a casual walker, Capestang provides a relaxing, scenic, and authentic stop. The village is small enough to explore comfortably but is full of local character and hidden charm.
