Canal du Midi

The magnificent tree-lined Canal du Midi is Paul Riquet's engineering wonder, completed in 1681 to link the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean bypassing the long passage around Spain. To preserve the beauty of this masterpiece, UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site in 1996. From the barges' sundecks you can appreciate the graceful olive-shaped locks, unique to this canal, which enable us to climb up and down the hilly terrain of the Languedoc-Roussillon. All along the canal, impressive stone bridges and aqueducts reflect the handsome Versailles architectural style of Louis XIV, the Sun King.

The barges cruise the entire length of the Canal du Midi from the ancient Phoenician seaport town of Agde on the Mediterranean to the beautiful 'Ville Rose' of Toulouse. The most popular stretch is between Beziers and Carcassonne where the canal serpentines past villages and vineyards. In mid-Summer the Carcassonne to Toulouse route offers cruising in the shaded avenues of the famous sycamore trees, colorful vistas of sunflower fields in full bloom and quiet back-road visits to farmer's markets.

Provence and the Camargue

The majestic Rhone river is host to the sun drenched historical Provençal riverside towns of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Avignon, Tarascon, and Arles. The vistas of cypress and olive groves of Van Gogh's paintings come to life as we cruise through the Camargue on the Petit Rhône river and the Canal du Rhône-à-Sète. Wild white horses, black bulls of bullfighting tradition and pink flamingoes wander free totally unconcerned by our presence as we glide through France's largest wildlife reserve. The ancient fortified town of Aigues-Mortes, and the Mediterranean fishing ports of Sète, and Marseillan, where we are treated to mouthwatering fresh seafood, have colorful outdoor markets and Provencal boutiques such as Soleido. One of the most spectacular and exciting days of this cruise is sailing alongside the Mediterranean coast on the inland salt lake of Etang de Thau, entering the Canal du Midi at Les Onglous.

This Provence route is an excellent proposition for second time passengers who have cruised the Canal du Midi and is best taken in either Spring or Fall when temperatures are usually cooler.

Sample Itinerary - Beziers to Carcassonne

Beziers to Carcassonne is the most famous and popular of our cruise routes. Here follows a suggested itinerary. This itinerary can always be tailored to a charter group's special interests in wine, food, history, art, etc. For fans of the Da Vinci Code we have developed a special itinerary which explores the Languedocian lore of this best-selling novel. Please contact us for sample itineraries for our other routes.

Sunday, Day 1
Agde
Your tourguide meets you at your designated meeting point and accompanies you to the barge moored on the edge of the Mediterranean in the Phenicien port town of Agde,
A champagne reception welcomes you on board and provides the occasion to meet your Captain and the rest of the crew. You will enjoy the first of many wonderful feasts with dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2
Cruise to Villeneuve les Beziers.
A morning cruise through Camargue landscapes, black bulls and white horses graze alongside in canalside pastures .. You will quickly settle into the rhythm of relaxing on board while the scenery changes before your eyes as the barge heads inland shaded by the famous sycamore trees., A wine tasting at the cellars of Noilly Prat , creators of the famous Vermouth, and a visit to Marseillan’s oyster beds for some fresh oysters to enjoy on the barge.

Tuesday, Day 3
Cruise to Foncerannes Locks
Excellent biking and walking opportunities during this morning’s cruise towards the acquaduct and seven staircase locks of Beziers, the most exciting of Paul Riquet’s engineering feats. You can get off at the locks and take advantage of the easy exercise while the barge cruises leisurely alongside. After ascending the locks, a minivan visit to Pezenas, renowned for the magnificent architecture of its elegant and historical town houses. On the return journey, we can stop for a glass of cold white Picpoul de Pinet in a local vineyard before dinner on board.

Wednesday Day 4
Cruise to Regismont le Haut
Morning visit to Narbonne, once Roman capital of the region, where you can walk on the rutted paving stones of the Via Domitia. Now a bustling and attractive Languedoc town there is something for all visitors, a stunning Cathedral and cloisters, a 100 yr. old covered Les Halles market where guests help the chef fill the shopping baskets to take back to the barge, and for those that need designer boutiques, there are plenty..
A relaxing afternoon cruise takes us to a delightful countryside mooring with spectacular views..

Thursday Day 5
Cruise to Pigasse
Morning cruise to the canalside village of Capestang. You can stroll into the village for a pastis at a terrace café and buy some postcards before lunch on deck. After navigating through the tiniest stone bridge as we leave Capestang, breathtaking vistas of vineyards as far as the eye can see, and views of the snow capped Pyrenees make this afternoon’s cruise exceptionally beautiful. Enjoy a visit to L’Oulibo, our local olive mill boasting gold medals for both their oil and olives.
You will end the day with a drive up to the ruins of Minerve, defeated by Simon de Montfort the Cathars made their last stance here due to the natural protection of the canyons, Time to savor some fine wine of the Captain’s selection before dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6
Cruise to Le Somail
After a short morning cruise, the tourguide takes you to Carcassonne to discover Europe’s largest medieval fortress city, including the Cathedral famous for its rose stained glass windows. You are invited out to lunch for a succulent cassoulet, confit of duck and special white beans simmered for hours, by far the most famous of Languedoc dishes...A late afternoon cruise takes you to the most picturesque canal village of Le Somail, where you will enjoy a farewell dinner in this exquisite peaceful setting.

Saturday, Day 7
After breakfast your tourguide will take you to the departure point for the continuation of your journey.

Sample Wine Cruise - Carcassonne to Beziers
This cruise has been designed to offer the opportunity to taste the fine variety of AOC Languedoc wines which are cultivated along the Canal du Midi.

Sunday , Carcassonne
Your tourguide meets you at the designated meeting point and brings you to the barge moored nearby. After a champagne reception and welcome by the Captain and crew, there is time to unpack and relax before your first dinner on board.

Monday , Cruise to Millegrand
As soon as the first lock opens at 9a.m. the barge will start its descent into the spectacular scenery of this section of the Canal des Deux Mers, virtually unchanged since Paul Riquet finished the canal 300 years ago. At the end of the morning, appetites will be ready for a succulent cassoulet lunch in the Medieval City of Carcassonne, followed by a visit to the ramparts with the tourguide. On the way back a winetasting at the vineyards of Pierre Cros to pay homage to his prize winning Minvervois. Time to put feet up and relax on deck for an evening cruise to a magical mooring where the sycamore trees form a green cathedral of leaves above.

Tuesday Cruise to Aiguilles
A leisurely morning cruise during which passengers can enjoy ‘lock hopping’, taking the bikes or walking the mile or so between locks. After lunch on board a minivan afternoon visit to the cobble stoned artists’ village of Lagrasse, hidden in the Corbieres hills.. Once a sanctuary of 10th Century Benedictine monks who built a splendid Abby, it is now a haven for artisans, especially potters offering tasteful objets d’art. On the way back to the barge a wine tasting at Chateau les Auzines, a stunning location and offering prize winning Corbieres wines grown organically.

Wednesday Cruise to Paraza
This morning a minivan tour to the ruined fortified town of Minerve, where you will learn of the fate of the Cathars at the hands of Simon de Montfort. Spectacular views as you drive through the hills on the way to taste another famous wine at La Liviniere, this time we shall see the whole process at the local cooperative which has enjoyed press in the world of conoisseurs. Back for lunch on board and an afternoon of cruising before stopping and tying up at the oldest acquaduct , the Pont Canal de la Repudre, another beautiful peaceful setting.

Thursday Cruise to Le Somail
A morning minivan departure to the bustling street market in Narbonne, tour with the
guide to learn about the once Roman capital of the Minervois, you can walk on the Roman road, visit the Cathedral and shop in the covered Les Halles market with the barge chef . Taste an ice cold white wine with a platter of fresh seafood and enjoy the atmosphere of this 100yr old traditional French food paradise. Back to the barge with the market spoils for lunch and a relaxing afternoon cruise. Winetasting at the canalside Chateau de Ventenac before mooring up in Le Somail, the most picturesque village on the Canal du Midi and famous for its antique bookstore, where old French prints and posters can be found.

Friday In the morning a visit to the nearby prize winning l’Olibou olive mill, a variety of olives and fine cold pressed olive oil as well as attractive pottery, soaps and arisanal wares make good gifts. The barge cruises to an impressive aquaduct where guests can enjoy lunch on deck overlooking the river Cesse. An afternoon cruise on the 56 km. ‘grand bief’ where the locks are replaced by gentle curves taking the canal down towards the Mediterranean. Today presents the views you will always remember, quite unique to this magical canal, elegantly winding its way in an avenue of sycamore trees. . The barge ties up in the canalside village of Capestang, just in time for those who would like to get to the goat farm to watch the milking and buy fresh goat cheese. This evening’s aperitif will be a winetasting from the Captain’s selection..

Saturday After breakfast, you will be taken by minivan to your point of departure for the continuation of your travels.