Luxury barge and river cruise vacations in France, Spain and Portugal. Train tours in Spain. All-inclusive barge and river cruising and canal barging in France, Spain and Portugal. Cruises on luxury trains, barge hotels or elegant river boats. Enjoy French wines, gourmet cuisine and private guided tours. Travel Burgundy, Champagne, Provence, Normandy, the Loire River valley, the Paris region, Northern Spain,  Andalusiaand the Douro River valley by barge, riverboat or train. Group theme charters and family tours. Cooking and wine appreciation classes. Wine cruises and wine tours.



Barge Cruises, River Cruises and Train Tours in France, Spain and Portugal

 

CRUISE
DESTINATIONS

 


~ Barge Cruises in France ~
Midi - Narbonne

A canal cruise among medieval towns and lush vineyards.

Cruise the Languedoc region in southern France aboard a luxury 8-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). Discover the ancient citiy of Carcassonne, the largest medieval fortified city in Europe. Enjoy tastings of regional wines and olive oil. And stroll through colorful local markets. All of this while gently floating down the peaceful canal du Midi.

Photos and deck plan of luxury barge hotel. All-inclusive river and canal cruising and barging vacation in the south of France.

Barge cruises in France: Paris, Carcassonne,  Narbonne. Canal du Midi river boat cruise with French wines and gourmet cuisine plus private tours.

TYPICAL BARGE CRUISE ITINERARIY
(actual program may vary)

Day 1 - Sunday: Narbonne to Puichéric. You will be met at the Narbonne TGV station (or the Chateau l'Hospitalet Hotel in Narbonne) at 4 pm and escorted to the barge, moored near Puichéric. Champagne welcome and dinner on board the barge.

Day 2 - Monday: Puichéric to Jouarres. Morning tour of medieval Carcassonne with its massive ramparts and 52 watchtowers, all perfectly restored. Afternoon cruise along the 330 year old Midi canal descending its trademark locks and past "l'Epanchoir", one of the canal bridges invented by Pierre Riquet for the Canal du Midi. In the evening we will moor at Jouarres lock, a pleasant bicycle ride from Homps village. Dinner on board the barge.

Day 3 - Tuesday: Jouarres to Bassanel. Morning cruise under the shade of the plane trees which line the canal, Late morning excursion to the bustling village of Olonzac and its street market. Afternoon excursion to a wine tasting at Chateau Saint Jacques d'Albas in the Minervois, one of the few regions to receive the much envied French mark of approval for wines known as A.O.C. (Appellation d'Origine Controlée). Upon return to the barge we continue cruising to a picturesque mooring under the trees, a perfect opportunity to try your hand at pétanque the local sport of boules followed by an alfresco dinner on board. the barge.

Day 4 - Wednesday: Bassanel to Roubia. The Benedictine Abbey of Lagrasse is on the schedule this morning. Founded in the 8th century, the village of Lagrasse is a proud recipient of the prestigious title “plus beaux villages de France” (most beautiful villages in France). It is now home to many artisans who work in the medieval center. Today, you will have a chance to sample some local cuisine with lunch ashore in a spectacular setting overlooking the hills of the Corbières. Afternoon cruise to Roubia. Dinner on board the barge.

Day 5 - Thursday: Roubia to Le Somail. Morning cruise through vineyards and pine trees to the charming and historical village of the Le Somail. Take some time to explore the old bookstore. Afternoon excursion to "Oulibo", Occitan for olive, this cooperative olive oil press is a great opportunity to sample the famous Lucques. We continue by minibus to Minerve, the ancient capital of the Minervois, which boasts a 12th century Cathar fort surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Besieged by Simon de Montfort in 1215, its hilltop location affords spectacular views. Dinner on board the barge.

Day 6 - Friday: Le Somail to Sallèles d’Aude. This morning’s excursion takes you to Narbonne, a prosperous city under both the Romans and the Visigoth monarchs. Enjoy a visit to the Archbishop's Palace and the indoor market at the hub of this bustling commercial center with time for shopping. Afternoon cruise on the Robine Canal, built to link the the Canal du Midi and the Mediterranean. Final mooring in the village of Sallèles d’Aude. Farewell dinner on board the barge.

Day 7- Saturday: Sallèles d’Aude. After breakfast depart from Sallèles d’Aude and return to designated drop off point.

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 tastings
  • 8th-century abbey of Lagrasse
  • Hilltop village of Minerve
  • Narbonne's colorful indoor market and the Archbishop's Palace
  • Picturesque Canal du Midi

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 in Narbonne
  • Health and travel insurance
  • Barge crew gratuities (suggested 5-7% of cruise price)
  • Superior vintage wines
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities when available
  • Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above

Barge Features

  • 4 cabins: (165 sq. ft. each) can be set up as twin or queen (8 passengers)
  • 4 crew members
  • Length: 100 ft.
  • 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 (wine, painting, golf, tennis, family cruise) can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group. Contact us for details.

DEPARTURES AND PRICES

Dates and prices of all-inclusive canal barging and river cruising trips in the Midi region of France
Prices and dates of charter and theme canal barging and river cruising vacations in the Midi region of France

BOOK YOUR CRUISE

Availability of Midi-Languedoc II cruise
Register for this hotel barge cruise in France

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DEPARTURES
AND PRICES

(R) Riverboat cruises
(C) Private charters only

France: Burgundy

Burgundy - Besancon
Burgundy - Chablis

Burgundy - Dijon I
(C)
Burgundy - Dijon II
(C)
Burgundy - Tanlay
Burgundy - Vézelay
Burgundy - Vougeot
Chablis - Tanlay

France: Paris & Vicinity

Chablis - Paris
Ile de France - Briare

Ile de France - Loire
Paris - Champagne
Paris - Honfleur
(R)
Paris - Rouen (R)

France: Rhone River

Lyon - Provence (R)
Paris - Barcelona
(R)
Paris - Riviera
(R)
Provence - Camargue
Rhone - Provence

South of France

Midi - Beziers
Midi - Carcassonne

Midi - Languedoc I
Midi - Languedoc II
Midi - Marseillette
(C)
Midi - Narbonne

France: Bordeaux Region

Aquitaine - Armagnac
Aquitaine - Garonne

France: Loire Valley

Loire - Chenonceau

France: Alsace

Alsace - Lorraine

Portugal: Douro River

Douro - Lisbon I (R)
Douro - Lisbon II (R)

Spain: Rail Cruise

Andalusia - Seville (T)
Galicia - Leon
(T)
Galicia - Vasco
(T)

(R) Riverboat cruises
(C) Private charters only
(T) Train tours

Cabins on canal barges and riverboats in France, Burgundy, Provence, Normandy, the Loire Valley and Portugal
Group charters on canal barges and riverboats in France, Burgundy, Provence, Normandy, the Loire Valley and Portugal
Specials for cruises on canal barges and riverboats in France, Burgundy, Provence, Normandy, the Loire Valley and Portugal
Barge cruise on the Canal du Midi in the Languedoc
Questions about our river cruises in France, Spain and Portugal
Availability of barge cruises on canal barges and riverboats
Ask about our river cruises
Register for a cruise on canal barges or riverboats in France, Burgundy, Provence, Normandy, the Loire Valley or Portugal
Canal barge and riverboat cruises in France, Spain and Portugal
 

Carcassonne, France

The fortified city of
Carcassonne

 

Canal du Midi

Canal du Midi
at Le Somail

 

Canal du Midi

 
 
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