Barge Cruise: Midi - Languedoc II

Medieval towns, lush vineyards
and the deep blue sea

Cruise southern France along the Canal du Midi aboard a classy 10-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). This historic canal, which was built during the reign of Louis XIV, is nestled between giant plane trees and surrounded by the endless vineyards of the Languedoc province. The river boat, a beautifully retrofitted former commercial sand, grain and wine barge, cruises under low 16th century stone bridges, past rustic stable houses and through peaceful southern French villages. This historical and pastoral setting makes for a unique experience, as well as total relaxation and tranquility.

TYPICAL BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY
(actual program may vary)

Day 1 - Sunday: Montpellier to Salleles d'Aude. You will be met at 4 pm at a designated point in Montpellier and taken to the barge by private air-conditioned minivan. Meet the crew while enjoying champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Time to settle into your cabin before indulging in your first 4-course dinner prepared by the barge's onboard chef.

Day 2 - Monday: Salleles d'Aude to Argeliers. This morning you'll see the famous medieval walled city of Carcassonne, a World Heritage Site. Your knowledgeable guide will take you on a guided tour, with time left over for shopping. An afternoon cruise will take you to Argeliers, the start of your trip on the picturesque Canal du Midi. By early evening you will arrive in Argeliers, with enough time for a stroll into the village before the barge chef serves dinner.

Day 3 - Tuesday: Argeliers to Capestang. After breakfast, enjoy a tasting at Oulibo, a cooperative that produces some of the best olives and olive oil in France. Next, a short drive up the Gorge de la Cesse brings you to the hilltop village of Minerve, scene of one of the many Cathar sieges during the 13th century. After a long lunch on the barge and an afternoon of relax cruising, you'll arrive in the charming village of Capestang, where the barge will moor with a clear view of the flood-lit St. Etienne cathedral. The village is just a 5-minute walk away. Dinner on board the barge.

Day 4 - Wednesday: Capestang to Fonserannes. After breakfast, visit the 6th-century BC archeological site of Oppidum d'Enserune, followed by for a pre-lunch wine tasting at one of the few remaining traditional 19th century wineries. The cruise route today offers spectacular views of the Pyrenees across the sunny plain. This evening you'll moor at the amazing Fonserannes locks. Dinner on board the barge.

Day 5 - Thursday: Fonserannes to Villeneuve les Beziers. This morning you'll visit Narbonne, with its fascinating local market. You can also explore an excavated portion of the original Roman road, the Via Domitia, visit the Roman Museum, tour St. Juste Cathedral, or simply relax in one of the many cafés. Later, the cruise takes in a 17th-century feat of canal engineering, the "Neuf Ecluses" (or staircase locks) and the 18th-century canal bridge that carries the barge over the Orb River. It is an ideal afternoon for walking or bicycling. Dinner on board the barge at Villeneuve les Beziers.

Day 6 - Friday: Villeneuve les Beziers to Agde to Marseillan. This morning you'll cruise through the "Petite Camargue," a joy for bird watchers with its pink flamingos, African rollers and bee eaters that frequent the surrounding estuaries. Arriving in Agde, you'll have time to explore the old town and the Romanesque cathedral before lunch. As you enjoy a seafood lunch on the barge, you'll leave the Canal du Midi and enter the open waters of the Etang de Thau, Europe's largest mussel and oyster park. After mooring in the port at Marseillan, you can tour the nearby Noillly Prat vermouth distillery, with a tasting, of course. Captain's farewell dinner on board the barge.

Day 7 - Saturday: Marseillan to Montpellier. Wave goodbye to the barge crew and depart by private minivan to the appointed destination in Montpellier.

On alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.

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Highlights

• The medieval walled city of Carcassonne, a World Heritage Site
• Wine and olive oil tasting
• Hilltop village of Minerve
• Oppidum d'Enserune archeological site
• Narbonne: market, Roman museum, St. Juste Cathedral
• Picturesque Canal du Midi and stairstep locks of Fonserannes
• Petite Camargue and Etang de Thau
• Noilly Prat vermouth distillery
  

Included

• Accommodations with private bath or shower and all meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7
• Wine with lunch and dinner and selected alcoholic beverages consumed aboard the barge
• Sightseeing tours and entrance fees as specified
• Round trip transfers from specified meeting points

Not Included

• Transportation to and from beginning and end points
• Health and travel insurance
• Barge crew gratuities (suggested 5% of cruise price)
• Superior vintage wines
• Personal expenses
• Optional activities when available
• Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above

Barge Features

• 5 cabins: can be set up as twin or double (10 passengers)
• 5 crew members
• Size: 103 ft. long
  
• Sundeck
• Air conditioning and central heating
• Air-conditioned minibus for excursions
  

Cruise Departures

Every Sunday subject to availability (except winter)

This barge can be chartered for groups. Various themes and dates can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group.

Dates and Prices

Book Your Cruise!

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