Barge Cruise: Midi - Marseillette

Cruise the rivers and canals of southern France aboard a 4-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). Built in 1908 at Ouderkeek in the Netherlands, the barge was refurbished in 2008. This river boat accommodates four passengers in two luxury cabins. The passenger areas are all on a single deck, located well above the water line. The sun deck provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy the passing scenery while cruising through the renowned Canal du Midi. Or you may watch the countryside glide by from the large picture windows of the spacious lounge. This is the ideal barge for a family vacation.

Languedoc-Roussillon is a region famous for its wines, gorgeous countryside and rich history. Fortified villages, castles and market towns provide a varied itinerary.The Canal du Midi was built in the 17th century during the reign of Louis XIV and was an engineering marvel for its time. It is now a World Heritage Site. The most famous highlight of this area is Carcassonne, a fortified medieval city surrounded by double-walled ramparts and 52 massive watch towers.

TYPICAL BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY
(actual program may vary)

Day 1 - Sunday: Béziers. Meet the barge in Béziers. You'll enjoy a welcoming champagne reception followed by your first gourmet dinner with local wines on board.

Day 2 - Monday: Capestang. Enjoy a morning cruise on the Canal du Midi to Capestang. In the afternoon, visit Oppidum d’Ensérune, one of the most important pre-Roman archaeological sites in the region. Dinner aboard the barge.

Day 3 - Tuesday: Le Somail. Continue your cruise in the morning. After lunch, take a guided tour of l’Abbaye de Fontfroide, a Cistercian monastery founded in the 11th century, with its beautiful garden. On returning to the river boat, stop at Château Auris for a wine tasting. Dinner aboard the barge.

Day 4 - Wednesday: Homps. Visit the market in Narbonne, a town built by the Romans, which is now a lively Mediterranean city with an important role as a wine-producing center. Have lunch at a local bistro before returning to the barge. Following an afternoon cruise, enjoy another gourmet dinner on board.

Day 5 - Thursday: Trebes. After breakfast, visit Minerve, an old village on a limestone cliff that dominates the vineyards below, and its now ruined Cathar castle. Stop off at Peyriac Minervois for wine tasting. Return to the barge for lunch and enjoy an afternoon cruise to Trebes with dinner on the boat.

Day 6 - Friday: Carcassonne. After breakfast, take a tour of Europe’s largest medieval city– La Cité de Carcassonne. Visit the fortifications, which are about a mile in circumference, and the elegant cathedral. Farewell dinner on the barge.

Day 7 - Saturday: Leave the barge after breakfast - end of cruise.

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

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Highlights

• Pre-Roman site of Oppidum d’Ensérune
• 11th century Cistercian Abbaye de Fontfroide
• Market and bistro lunch in Narbonne
• Wine tastings
• Cliff-top village of Minerve
• Medieval city of Carcassonne

Included

• Accommodations with private bathroom
• All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7
• Wine with lunch and dinner and bar drinks on board the barge
• Sightseeing tours and entrance fees as specified
• Air-conditioned minivan with driver for sightseeing

Available at Additional Cost

• Round-trip transfers via first class TGV (high-speed train) from/to Paris Gare de Lyon station
• Optional activities when available
• Health and travel insurance

Not Included

• Barge crew gratuities (suggested 5% of cruise price)
• Personal expenses
• Other items not specifically listed under "Included"

Barge Features

• 2 cabins can be set up as twin or double (4 passengers)
• Cabin 1: 250 sq. ft.
  bathroom 6' 3" x 2' 5" with shower
• Cabin 2: 190 sq. ft.
  bathroom 6' x 3' with shower
  
• Can accommodate a 5th person (child only) on a sofa bed.
• 4 crew members, including onboard chef
• Size: 98 ft. x 17 ft.
  
• Air Conditioning
• Lounge has guest computer with Internet access and a Bose iPod docking station.
• Games and stereo
• Satellite television and DVD player

This barge is for private charters only. Various themes, such cooking lessons with the onboard chef, can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group.

  

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