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Barge Cruises in France ~
Midi
- Languedoc I
From
the shores of the Mediterranean to fortified Carcassonne Cruise
the Languedoc in the south of France aboard a luxury 8-passenger barge-hotel
(7 days - 6 nights). This barge is of classic Dutch design, rebuilt to navigate
the 300-year old Canal du Midi. It has been completely refurbished in the tasteful
tradition of African hardwoods, hand-crafted paneling and shining brass, creating
a comfortable and charming ambience. This barge cruise offers wonderful views
of the deep blue Mediterranean and a fabulous visit to one of the largest and
best-preserved medieval walled cities in Europe. 
The
main route for this cruise is between Marseillan and Le Somail.
The
other 3 routes are as follows (contact
us for details): - July
8: Le Somail/Bram
- Jul
15, 22, 29, Aug 5 and 12: Homps/Castelnaudary
- Oct
28 and Nov 4: Marseillan/Beaucaire (Provence)
TYPICAL
ITINERARY
(actual program may vary) Day
1 - Sunday: Montpellier to Marseillan. You will be met at a specified
meeting point in Montpellier and taken by minibus to the barge moored in the fishing
village of Marseillan. Champagne welcome followed by time to relax or take a walk
around this lovely village. Enjoy your first gourmet dinner with local wines on
board the barge. Day
2 - Monday: Marseillan to Portiragnes.
After breakfast,
you'll tour Pézenas, a village sometimes referred to as the "Versailles
of Languedoc" because it was an important seat of government in the 17th
century. At that time, Prince Armand de Bourbon attracted to this beautiful setting
many artists and writers, among them the famous French playwright Molière.
Afternoon
cruise from Marseillan to Portiragnes through the nature reserve of Bagnas, where
you may see flamingos and other birds. Dinner on board the barge. Day
3 - Tuesday: Portiragnes to Béziers. In
the morning, you'll cruise to the bottom of the staircase lock of Fonserannes
at Béziers. Afternoon
wine tasting at the 14th-century Château de Perdiguier, known for its Chardonnay
and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Dinner
ashore. Day
4 - Wednesday: Béziers to Poilhes.
This morning the barge will cross the "canal-bridge" (aqueduct) over
the River Orb. Next comes the seven-lock flight of Fonserannes, with an 80-foot
elevation change over a distance of just under 1,000 feet, followed by the world’s
oldest canal tunnel at Malpas. On arrival at the charming village of Poilhes,
you'll take an excursion to Minerve, which features a 12th-century Cathar fort
surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Dinner on board the barge. Day
5 - Thursday: Poilhes to Argeliers.
Morning visit to Narbonne, established in 118 BC by the Romans and later used
as a provincial capital by the Visigoths. Enjoy the Archbishop’s Palace and
the Roman Horreum, a former grain warehouse built underground. Explore the indoor
market, where you will have time to shop or simply enjoy the atmosphere. Return
to the barge for a cruise along the shaded winding canal to Argeliers, stopping
off at Domaine de Guery, a 500-year-old vineyard, for a tasting of the full-bodied
Corbières wine. Dinner on board the barge. Day
6 - Friday: Argeliers to Le Somail.
After breakfast, tour of Carcassonne, a World Heritage Site. Inhabited as early
as 3500 BC, it became an important trading center in the 6th century BC. Fortified
by the Romans, the Visigoths, and later by Simon de Montfort, Carcassonne was
an important military citadel until the 17th century. In such disrepair that it
was threatened with demolition in the mid-19th century, the fortress was eventually
restored under the direction of the famous architect Viollet-le-Duc and is the
most complete medieval fortified city in existence today. In the afternoon you'll
cruise along the historic Canal du Midi to the village of Le Somail. Captain's
farewell dinner on board the barge. Day
7 - Saturday: Le Somail to Montpellier. After
breakfast, depart to designated drop off point. On
alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This
itinerary is subject to change without notice.
[top] Highlights - Nature
reserve of Bagnas
- Wine
tasting at Château de Perdiguier
- Fonserannes
seven-lock flight at Béziers
- Canal-bridge
over the River Orb
- Canal
tunnel of Malpas
- 12th-century
Cathar fort at Minerve
- Narbonne:
Archbishop's Palace, Roman Horreum, market
- Wine
tasting at Domaine de Guery
- Fortified
city of Carcassonne (World Heritage Site)
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 - 4
cabins:
can be set up as twin or double (8 passengers)
- 4
crew members
- Size:
100 ft. long
- Spa/Jacuzzi
- Air
conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned
coaches 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. DEPARTURES
AND PRICES BOOK
YOUR CRUISE [top]
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