Enchanté French River Barge Cruising
This delightful state of the art French river barge offers four suites each with superbly appointed bathrooms and individual mobile phones. Tasteful and contemporary furnishings give the vessel a light and airy feel and there’s a spacious sundeck with alfresco dining area, hot tub and sun loungers. Bikes are available for use during the cruise.
Cruise highlights: medieval Carcassonne; the reed covered marshes of the Camargue, home of wild horses, black bull and pink flamingos; the 12th century hill-top fort of Minerve; private tastings of Corbières wine; the Pyrenees mountains; Cathar history; Narbonne’s colourful indoor market; Béziers; ancient hill town.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Trèbes.
Transfer from the meeting point in Narbonne to the barge moored in Trèbes. The crew welcomes you aboard with champagne and canapés. After time to settle in dinner is served (D).
Day 2: Trèbes – Puichéric.
A fascinating morning 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, which resisted the many armies that tried to storm this glorious Camelot setting. This afternoon, cruise along the 330-year old canal and gently circle the contours of the land through the dappled Cathedral-like canopy of the plane trees, to Puichéric lock (B,L,D).
Day 3: Puichéric – Jouarres.
This morning, the cruise descends the trademark locks of the Canal du Midi as the steep relief requires them to be more numerous and deeper. This is a great opportunity to walk or cycle from one lock to the next as Enchanté cruises on, navigating the triple locking system. The afternoon excursion is a wine tour and tasting at the winery of Château Saint Jacques d’Albas in 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). This informative tour offers an opportunity to sample wine in situ and find out more about the Languedoc’s long-standing and continuing wine trade (B,L,D).
Day 4: Jouarres – Roubia.
This morning, visit a Benedictine Abbey founded in the 8th century. Nestled in Lagrasse, a village awarded the title of “Plus beaux villages de France” and home to many artisans who have set up workshops in the medieval centre, the restored Abbey was once one of the most prosperous thanks to Charlemagne’s charter. Sample local cuisine with lunch ashore in a spectacular setting overlooking the Corbières, before returning to Enchanté for the cruise to Roubia. This afternoon, while cruising under the shade of the plane trees which line the canal, pass the canal bridge “l’Epanchoir”, one of the many feats of engineering invented by Pierre Riquet for the Canal du Midi (B,L,D).
Day 5: Roubia – Le Somail.
A morning cruise through vineyards and pine trees to the charming and historical village of Le Somail, purpose-built for the Canal du Midi. This bustling little village is situated on the “grand bief”, another engineering feat unique to the Canal du Midi. Take some time to explore the old bookstore of Le Somail. An afternoon excursion to “L’Oulibo”, meaning olive in the Occitan language, a local co-operative olive oil press where you may sample the famous Lucques olive oil. 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 1210, its hilltop location affords spectacular views (B,L,D).
Day 6: Le Somail – Sallèles d’Aude.
Morning excursion to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Time to shop in this bustling canal side town. This afternoon cruise through the locks and narrow bridges of the Robine Canal and cycle into the village of Sallèles d’Aude. Farewell dinner on board (B,L,D).
Day 7: Depart Sallèles d’Aude.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the drop off point in Narbonne (B).