Across the Channel and into France, special licences?

[Boomboomboom]

Hello all,

Im planning on sailing my 36ft yacht out of the Thames via Ramsgate to Calais or Le Harve and make my way through the Canals and Rivers in France to the Mediterranean. Does anyone know if I need a special license to cross the Thames or sail down the Canals and Rivers in France? I heard that a License is needed via "Canal Du Midi"? Is this correct, there is a lot of misinformation.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, Im hoping to propose to my girlfriend on this trip.

Thank you.

J.Key.