Discover, Plan & Go!

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.