Alouette Canal Barge - Canal Du Midi & Provence, France: 7 Days Cruise Tour

The Alouette, owned and operated by Afloat in France, accommodates six passengers in well-appointed cabins located above the water line. Her sun-deck provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy the passing scenery while cruising through Bordeaux, the Canal du Midi and Provence.

The Canal du Midi was built in the 17th century and was an engineering marvel of its time. Highlights of this area include Carcassonne, the most complete medieval, fortified city still in existence.

Wining and dining is a highlight of any cruise, the table d'hote menus on board the barge are of the very highest quality and include many regional specialities and fine wines.

Each week's menu includes some of the chef's original recipes as well as regional specialities and seasonal delicacies unique to the particular area of the country in which you are cruising.

Inclusions

  • Gourmet cuisine including 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners
  • All-inclusive open bar including free wines
  • Entry fees to excursions

Special Notes

  • Travel April through October from $3950.00. Please call for rates and availability.


Itinerary

Day 1 - Carcassonne to Beziers
Your tour guide meets you in the lounge of Hotel de la Cite at 2:00 PM and escorts you on your transfer to the barge at Beziers. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening, enjoy your first dining experience on board.

Day 2 - Visit Pezenas
Cruise to Capestang. Tour Oppidum d'Enserune. Enjoy a morning visit to Pezenas, a beautiful town where Louis 15th held court in the summertime and famous for its antique shopping. Back to the barge begin the cruise to Capestang where we spend the night. In the afternoon your guide takes you to Oppidum d'Enserune, one of the most important archaeological sites in the region, followed by a wine tasting at Chateau Auris.

Day 3 - Visit Narbonne & Cruise to Le Somail
This morning experience the wonderful covered market in Narbonne; a lively Mediterranean city playing an important role as a wine-producing centre. The municipal, military and religious architecture; the treasures in its museums; the river banks of the Robine and its shaded boulevards, all contribute to its charm. Back to the barge for another delicious lunch and cruise, making a stop along the way at a charming Roman museum and pottery before arriving at Le Somail. There's a chance to taste some awarding-winning olive oil at the local olive press at l'Oulibo.

Day 4 - Cruise to Homps & visit Minerve
Take in the grandeur and beauty of the Canal du Midi, with its impressively fine locks, buildings and aqueducts, scarcely changed from their completion over 300 years ago. After lunch, visit Minerve, an old village on a limestone cliff, which dominates the vineyards below. Its now ruined castle was once a Cathar stronghold besieged and captured by Simon de Montfort. On your way back to the boat stop at Peyriac-Minervois for wine tasting and discover the Chateau de Violet.

Day 5 - Visit Abbaye de Fontfroide & Cruise to Trebes
After breakfast your guide takes you to visit l'Abbaye de Fontfroide a Cistercian monastery founded in the 11th century. Now privately owned, the abbey has been sympathetically restored with well-kept gardens and peaceful cloisters. Return to the barge for lunch and an afternoon cruise to Trebes.

Day 6 - Cruise to Carcassonne
Finish the week with a tour of Europe's largest medieval fortress - La Cite of Carcassonne. Explore the intricate fortifications of the two castellated walls, one inside the other, about a mile in circumference. The views from the battlements towards the Pyrenees are stunning. Visit the Cathedral remarkable for its stained glass rose windows, fine statues, elegant Romanesque nave and Gothic transepts. Back on board the chef is preparing a memorable feast for your farewell dinner.

Day 7 - Carcassonne
After breakfast disembark and transfer to Hotel de la Cite, Carcassonne.

Travel Dates & Rates, Ask Agent

  • Note: From pricing is per person based on double occupancy and does not include airfare. Itinerary operates in reverse on alternate weeks. Itineraries are subject to change due to canal/river conditions and are at the sole discretion of the captain.

Prices subject to change without notice until time of deposit. All dollar values not denoted as US or CA are in US Dollars.