CLASSIC ITINERARY – CANAL DU MIDI
Sunday, Day 1: Le Somail
Guests are met in Narbonne** and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Anjodi. Enjoy a chilled champagne welcome with canapés and the opportunity to meet your crew, followed by time to walk around the charming village and perhaps explore its beautiful bookshop. We then enjoy a short evening cruise before dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2: Le Somail to Sallèles d’Aude
This morning, there is a fascinating tour of Carcassonne. Dating back to the Gallo Roman era, this is the most complete medieval fortified city in existence today. With its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defences, it resisted the many armies that tried to storm this Camelot setting. In the afternoon, we cruise along the 330-year-old Canal du Midi and through a series of locks on the Canal de la Robine, with excellent walking and biking opportunities en route, to our mooring at Sallèles d’Aude. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3: Sallèles d’Aude to Capestang
This morning, we cruise to Capestang, passing vineyards and pine trees, with magnificent views of the Pyrenées along the way. There is time to explore the village, once the summer retreat of the Bishops of Narbonne, with its magnificent 14th century collegiate church. After lunch on board, our excursion is 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 1210, its hilltop location affords spectacular views and the museum’s fascinating miniature recreation of the bloodthirsty Cathar rebellion completes the intriguing picture. Dinner on board.
Wednesday, Day 4: Capestang to Fonserannes
This morning we visit Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. We tour the Archbishop’s Palace, Cathedral and Via Domitia and explore the indoor market at the hub of this bustling town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the vibrant atmosphere. We return to the hotel barge for a cruise via the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas, perhaps pausing en route at the Poilhes brewery for a tour and tasting, then on to our mooring at Fonserannes. There may also be time to view the star-shaped fields and the 13th century irrigation channels of Montady from L’Oppidum d’Enserune. Dinner ashore tonight at a gastronomic restaurant in Beziers.
Thursday, Day 5: Fonserannes to Portiragnes
After breakfast, we descend through the unique flight of 7 oval locks, before crossing the aqueduct over the River Orb to moor in Portiragnes where the Canal du Midi is at its closest to the Mediterranean. For those who are feeling active, the beach is only 20 minutes away by bicycle. This afternoon, we enjoy an informative winery tour and tasting at the Château Pech-Celeyran, their diverse 145 hectare plot includes 38 hectares of scrubland and pine forests and has been owned by the Saint-Exupéry family for five generations. producing an exceptional array of diverse wines. Dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6: Portiragnes to Marseillan
This morning, Anjodi sets off through the famous round lock and then the nature reserve of Bagnas, with potential sightings of flamingos, white egrets and other migrating birds before heading out onto the inland saltwater lake of Thau, past the oyster beds. After mooring in the fishing village of Marseillan, home of Noilly Prat vermouth, we take an excursion to Pezenas, the delightful 16th century capital of the Languedoc mostly known for its associations with the French playwright Molière. On the way back to the barge, there is the option to visit a local oyster farm to sample its delicious produce with a glass of white wine while enjoying a view of the oyster beds. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7: Marseillan
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Narbonne**.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
Cruise Package includes all meals catered for by the on board Master Chef and an open bar with a large selection of regional wines. Chauffeured and guided sightseeing plus the use of all barge facilities such as bicycles is also included.
CRUISE INQUIRY FORM
**other locations available for Private Charter bookings