Cruise across the south of France aboard a 4-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). Slowly wind your way along the Canal du Midi, a marvel of a waterway built during the reign of Louis XIV (and a World Heritage Site!).
A barge cruise is a step back from modern pressures to a slow pace that lets you enjoy the comforts of vacationing in style while "soaking in" the local culture. Here's a short list of possible daily activities: visits to quaint villages and country chateaus, wine tastings where the grapes are grown, shopping at colorful local markets, walks along the towpath if you feel energetic or simple relaxation on the deck while watching the world glide by. Every day is a different experience!
Meanwhile the cook is busy in the galley, preparing gourmet meals to be served with a selection of splendid wines from the surrounding Languedoc-Roussillon region. Easy living, savory food and fun discoveries
Typical Itineraries: Group charters only.
This cruise offers two different routes centered on Carcassonne:
1) upstream to Castelnaudary
2) downstream to Béziers.
Carcassonne to Castelnaudary
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Sunday - Carcassonne. The captain will meet you between 4 and 5 pm at the arranged meeting point and take you to the barge moored in the quaint village of Trebes. Welcome on board with aperitifs and cruise slowly through the "heights" of Carcassonne to whet your appetite for a wonderful dinner and the fun days to come.
Day 2: Monday - Tour of the Cité de Carcassonne, a World Heritage Site, to take in this fascinating and imposing walled city and step into medieval times. In the afternoon enjoy a relaxing cruise to Villesquelande, a charming and quiet location where you will have dinner on board.
Day 3: Tuesday - Cruise to Bram, an ancient village reminiscent of the troubled times of the Cathars in the 14th century. Have lunch ashore at a working Chateau overlooking the vineyards. In the afternoon we visit the Sieur d’Arques winery in Limoux, with a guided tour of the winery and a tasting of the famous Cremants and Blanquettes of Limoux.
Day 4: Wednesday - Morning cruise to St Martin Lalande through a series of locks. Afternoon visit to the Cathar Château de Saissac, the remains of a beautiful castle perched in the hills of the Montagne Noire - a stunning location! On the way back to the boat, visit to the Verrerie du Canal with its exhibition of stained and blown glass.
Day 5: Thursday - Morning cruise to Castelnaudary, with its grand central basin. Castelnaudary is the home of Cassoulet, the famous bean and meat dish. In the afternoon we visit the medieval market town of Mirepoix with its half-timbered houses and a beautiful central square. Dinner ashore in a local gastronomic restaurant.
Day 6: Friday - On to Naurouze located at the highest stretch of the Canal du Midi at about 600 ft. above sea level. This is the watershed between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Enjoy a visit to the beautiful local park and the obelisque dedicated to Pierre Paul Riquet, the builder of the Canal du Midi. Farewell dinner on board.
Day 7: Saturday - Leisurely breakfast, and transfer between 10 and 11 am to the agreed-upon drop off point.
Beziers to Carcassonne
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Sunday - Béziers. The captain will meet you between 4 and 5 pm at the arranged meeting place and take you to the barge for a warm welcome on board with aperitifs. We will then cruise slowly through the vineyards around Colombiers to whet your appetite for a wonderful dinner.
Day 2: Monday - Morning visit to the Oppidum d'Ensérune, a pre-Roman site dating back to 800 BC and a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. We then go through one of the oldest tunnels on the French canals at Malpas. On to Capestang, a small town dominated by a huge church and a good place to enjoy a leisurely walk. We then cruise towards Argeliers. Dinner ashore.
Day 3: Tuesday - Narbonne. The bustling markets and the historic sites of this ancient Roman city are awaiting for today's excursion. In the afternoon we cruise to the tiny and picturesque village of Le Somail (the antique bookstore is a must-see) and then on to Ventenac with wine tasting at the quayside chateau and a game of "petanque" if the spirit moves you.
Day 4: Wednesday - Visit to the Abbaye de Fontfroide, a beautifully restored Cistercian Medieval complex in a remote and tranquil setting with a wonderful rose garden. We then cruise to Homps, another sleepy town oozing with history and a fine winery to visit. On to La Redorte, for a sensational dinner on board.
Day 5: Thursday - Visit to the Cathar hilltop village of Minerve, surrounded on all sides by deep gorges and accessible on foot only. Afternoon cruise to Puicheric, a great place to lounge around the deck under the shady plane trees and relax. Tonight's dinner will be at a local chateau, offering surroundings that will take you back centuries. Then you have a chance to view the Cité de Carcassonne by night, a sight reminiscent of fairy tale castles.
Day 6: Friday - Tour of the Cité de Carcassonne, a World Heritage site, to take in this fascinating and imposing walled city and step into medieval times. Afternoon cruise through Trebes to a quiet location (possibly Marseillette) for the farewell dinner on board.
Day 7: Saturday - Leisurely breakfast, and transfer between 10 and 11 am to the agreed-upon drop off point.
The above are suggested programs. All activities, excursions and visits can be modified to fit your personal preferences.
Highlights:
- Medieval walled city of Carcassonne
- Cistercian Abbaye of Fontfroide
- Hilltop village of Minerve
- The Canal du Midi, a World Heritage site
- Pre-Roman Oppidum d'Enserune
- Malpas tunnel
- Ancient city of Narbonne
- Quaint villages and picturesque stone bridges
- Local winery visits and wine tastings
- Gourmet meals and local wines
Barge Features:
- 2 Cabins with twin/double beds (4 passengers)
- Size: 87 ft. x 16.4 ft.
- Crew: husband and wife plus Harry the friendly dog
- Sundeck with lounge chairs
- Music system, library with local guide books
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned minibus for excursions
Departures: Every Sunday subject to availability (except winter). Other departure days upon request.
This barge is for private charters only. Various themes can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group. Extra customized trips and excursions may be added before or after the cruise.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Charter only: Up to 4 people $18,750 Full Board* or $17,250 Half Board**
Included with all cruises:
- Accommodations with private shower
- Bar drinks on board the barge
- Excursions and entrance fees as agreed upon
*Included with Full Board:
- 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners on board
- 2 dinners ashore at select local restaurants
- Wine with lunch and dinner
**Included with Half Board:
- 6 breakfasts and 5 lunches
- Welcome Dinner on board on Day 1
- Wine with lunches and Welcome Dinner
Not Included:
- Transportation to and from beginning and end points. (Optional transfers to and from Paris are available.)
- 5 dinners if "Half Board" formula is chosen
- Health and travel insurance
- Crew gratuities (suggested 5% of cruise price)
- Personal expenses
- Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Barging
Food & Wine
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