Barge Cruise: 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 river boat 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.

TYPICAL ITINERARY
(actual program may vary)

Day 1 - Sunday: Montpellier to Marseillan. You will be met at a specified hotel in Montpellier or at the Montpellier TGV station at 4 pm 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 and along the canal towpath. 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 1000 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. You'll enjoy the spectacular views, plus a recreation in miniature of the bloody Cathar rebellion and a small museum. 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. (On certain cruises, as an alternative to the wine tasting you may tour l'Oppidum d'Enserune, a pre-Roman hilltop settlement with Greek and Iberian excavations dating from 600 BC.) 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, return to Montpellier before noon.

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

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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 or tour of l'Oppidum d'Enserune
• 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.

Dates and Prices

Book Your Cruise!

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