Sunday, Day 1: Carcassonne
Step aboard and enjoy a welcoming champagne reception and the chance to meet your crew and guide for your cruise along the waterways of France. Later this evening, enjoy your first dining experience on board as our chef showcases the region’s finest seasonal ingredients, paired with fine wines.
Monday, Day 2: Cruise to Marseillette. Visit Carcassonne
Spend your first morning relaxing on board as you start your cruise on the beautiful Canal du Midi, one of the most stunning waterways in France. After lunch on the barge, accompany your guide on a tour of the spectacular medieval fortress of Carcassonne. Explore the intricate fortifications of the two vast castellated walls, one inside the other, and enjoy the breathtaking views from the battlements towards the Pyrenees. Visit the cathedral, remarkable for its stained-glass rose windows, elegant Romanesque nave and Gothic transepts. Return to the barge in time for cocktails on deck and a sumptuous dinner.
Tuesday, Day 3: Cruise to Homps. Visit Minerve
Enjoy a leisurely morning cruise from the comfort of the sun deck, or perhaps walk or cycle along the towpath. Disembark mid-morning to discover Minerve, an ancient village perched on a limestone cliff, which overlooks the vineyards below. Its now-ruined castle was once a Cathar stronghold, besieged and captured by Simon de Montfort. On the way back to the barge stop at Peyriac-Minervois for a wine tasting, then return for lunch and an afternoon cruise to the mooring of Homps. Tonight, enjoy dinner on shore at a charming local restaurant.
Wednesday, Day 4: Cruise to Le Somail. Visit an olive mill
This morning’s cruise brings you to Le Somail, one of the prettiest moorings along the canal, which attracts a host of local artists displaying their works. After lunch, accompany your guide on a short drive to a local olive mill, where you can uncover the farmer’s secrets with a private demonstration and tasting. Return to the boat for dinner.
Thursday, Day 5: Visit Narbonne. Cruise to Capestang
In the company of your chef, experience the wonderful covered market in Narbonne and help choose the ingredients for tonight’s dinner. Narbonne is a lively Mediterranean town and important wine-producing centre. The historic architecture, shady boulevards and location on the banks of the River Robine all contribute to its charm. Enjoy lunch at a local bistro close to the market, then return to the barge for an afternoon cruise to the port of Capestang. Dinner is served on board.
Friday, Day 6: Visit Fontfroide Abbey. Cruise to Béziers
The day begins with a visit to Fontfroide Abbey, a Cistercian monastery founded in the 11th century. Now privately owned, the abbey has been lovingly restored with a well-kept garden and peaceful cloister. On the way back to the barge, stop at Château Auris for a wine tasting. Return to the barge for lunch on board and cruise to Béziers, admiring the beautiful scenery along the Canal du Midi from the deck.
Saturday, Day Seven: Béziers
After breakfast the crew bids you farewell before you disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.
Please note, route may be subject to change without prior warning as a result of unforeseen circumstances.
CRUISE INQUIRY FORM
