Midi - Languedoc II Barge Cruise

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: Salleles D'Aude. You will be met by the barge manager at 4 p.m. at a designated point in Montpellier and transferred to the river boat by private air-conditioned minivan. A full-crew welcome aboard follows, with champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Once you are settled into your cabin, you will be treated to a 4-course dinner prepared by the barge's onboard chef.

Day 2 - Monday: Salleles d'Aude to Argeliers. Today's excursion is a morning visit to the famous medieval walled city of Carcassonne. Your knowledgeable onboard guide will offer a historical and guided visit, making sure that you have time for shopping. An afternoon cruise takes us to Argeliers and starts our 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 starts serving the next delight for dinner.

Day 3 - Tuesday: Argeliers to Capestang. This morning's visit is a tasting at the Oulibo, the local olive oil press. After the olive tasting, a short drive up the Gorge de la Cesse brings us into the hilltop village of Minerve, scene of one of the many Cathar sieges during the 13th century. A long lunch and an afternoon of relaxation await your return to the river boat. Then, cruise to the charming village of Capestang, where we moor with a clear view of the flood-lit St. Etienne cathedral. The village is a 5-minute walk. Dinner on board the barge.

Day 4 - Wednesday: Capestang to Fonseranes. After breakfast, take a moment for a stroll into the village square to visit the market. The barge gets underway in time to stop for a pre-lunch wine tasting at one of the few remaining traditional 19th century wineries, Domaine de Guery. The cruise route today promises spectacular views of the Pyrenees across the sunny, clear plain. When you arrive at the overnight mooring at the top of the Fonseranes locks, there is time to visit the old market town of Pezenas, the first seat of the Languedoc court. Dinner on board the barge.

Day 5 - Thursday: Fonseranes to Portiragnes. This morning we visit Narbonne. Explore an excavated portion of the original Roman road, the Via Domitia, browse through the Roman Museum, discover the beauty of 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 to Portiragnes. It is an ideal afternoon for walking or bicycling. Dinner on board the barge.

Day 6 - Friday: Villeneuve les Beziers to Agde to Marseillan. This morning we cruise through the "Petite Camargue," a joy for bird watchers with its pink flamingos, African rollers and bee eaters that frequent the surrounding estuaries. Later we leave the Canal du Midi and enter the open waters of the Etang de Thau, Europe's largest mussel and oyster park, and moor in the port at Marseillan. Visit of the nearby Noillly Prat Vermouth distillery and tasting. 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
• Wine and olive oil tasting
• Ancient ruins in Narbonne
• Picturesque Canal du Midi and "Neuf Ecluses"
• Petite Camargue and Etang de Thau
• Quaint villages
  

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

Standard/Individuals	Charters/Groups

We have personally visited this river boat and the region in France where the cruise takes place. See pictures from our trips:

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