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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. 
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 La Redorte.
Morning tour of medieval Carcassonne with its massive ramparts and 52 watchtowers,
all perfectly restored. Afternoon cruise along the 300-year-old Canal du Midi.
Explore the quaint village of La Redorte, which was famous in the 11th century
for its basket weaving. Dinner on board the barge. Day
3 - Tuesday:
La Redorte to Homps.
Morning cruise under the shady canopy of plane trees on both sides of the canal
to the port of Homps, once an important command post for the Knights Hospitallers.
Afternoon excursion to the capital of the Minervois region, the hilltop town of
Minerve, which boasts a 12th-century Cathar fortress surrounded by a deep and
scenic limestone gorge. Enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
This evening, you may try your hand at pétanque, the local sport/pastime
of boules, to be followed by an al fresco dinner on board the barge. Day
4 - Wednesday: Homps 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. Enjoy a stroll on the quaint humpback bridge over the
canal, browse through the old bookstore and take in the local ambiance. Afternoon
excursion to a wine tasting in Saint Chinian, the first village of the region
to receive an A.O.C. (Appellation d’Origine Controlée). Then, on to
Oulibo (the Occitan word for "olive") for a visit of the cooperative
olive oil press and an opportunity to sample the famous Lucques olives. 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 to Narbonne.
After breakfast depart from Sallèles d’Aude and return to Narbonne
by 11am.
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 BOOK
YOUR CRUISE [top]
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