Hotel Barge cruise on the Canal du Midi, Southern France

Day 1: Guests are picked up from agreed upon location and time and transferred by minibus to the barge at her mooring. The crew welcomes guests on board. After settling in, guests can become familiar with their surroundings by going for a stroll or they can relax on the deck before enjoying their first night on board.

Available half day excursions to choose from during your stay.

Beziers and surroundings

Considered one of the oldest cities in France, much of what you see was rebuilt after being destroyed in the 1209 Cathar massacre. Centrally located within the Languedoc region, Beziers is the main centre of the southern French wine industry. Highlights include the Saint Nazaire Cathedral, the picturesque Orb River, the Canal du Midi, the 7 locks on the Canal, the Pont Vieux, and the city center. The tour also includes visiting a local winery for a private wine-tasting and then an outing to the view point at the Oppidum d’Enserune, one of the most important pre-Roman sites in Europe. From the high point of the site you have a panoramic view of the Montady Etang.

Pezenas

Visit vibrant Pezenas and discover its rich heritage. This lively village used to be a prestigious royal town known for its big fairs and for being the Languedoc State Capital. Through the centuries, the medieval atmosphere of Pezenas has been maintained. Marvel at the 16th, 17th and 18th Century private mansions and their typical medieval architecture. Pezenas is also known as the ‘Art and Craft city’ with over forty craftsmen/women exhibiting the goods they have designed and made in their on-site workshops.

Narbonne

Visit the beautiful city of Narbonne and discover Roman antiquity from when Narbonne used to be capital of Narbonensis Provincia. Strategically built by the Romans along the Via Domitia in the 2nd Century, Narbonne was a hub for those travelling between Spain and Itlay and to this day a special energy remains within the city. Tour highlights include the Gothic Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the buzzing indoor market. Guests will also visit the last remaining intact Roman building, the Horreum.

Minerve

Enjoy an excursion to the impressive village of Minerve. Amongst a spectacular natural setting, the site has been inhabited since ancient times and was once an imposing medieval Cathar city. Wander through the village enjoying the typical authentic medieval architecture, paved streets and small gardens. Go down into the Cesse canyon and see the natural bridges that the river created. On the way back we visit a producer of fine Minervois wines, for a private tasting.

 Carcassonne

After breakfast your guide will accompany you to Carcassonne. Step back in time and explore the Cité, Basilica and the Visconte Castle of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s strategic location proved optimal throughout multiple periods of history, from Neolithic times through the Middle Ages. The city’s fortified hilltop was constructed during the Gallo-Roman times, and was expanded upon in the 13th and 14th centuries. Today, Carcassonne is the largest walled city in Europe with its massive walls spanning 3 km and 52 defensive towers overlooking the rest of the city.

Day 4 or 7: Departure
 after breakfast. Guests are transferred by minibus to their choice of location.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. All excursions can be chosen on a daily basis.

We are happy to design unique excursions to suit your interests. Send us some information so we can customize a tailor made tour just for you! ( Extra fees may be added  )

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