ANJODI

Barge Cruises on the Canal du Midi
Between Marseillan and Le Somail, France

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Anjodi Standard Classic Cruise Itinerary

Canal du Midi between Between Marseillan and Le Somail

The historic Canal du Midi leaves the Mediterranean coast, winding inland through ancient villages, Roman ruins, and vineyards.

Map - Canal du Midi itinerary for French Hotel Barge Anjodi

Map of the Canal du Midi

Sunday, Day 1 – Marseillan

Guests are met in Narbonne and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Hotel Barge Anjodi. Enjoy a chilled Champagne welcome, meet the crew, and have an early evening cruise on the Étang de Thau before dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 – Marseillan to Portiragnes

After breakfast we take the opportunity of a morning visit to nearby Maison Noilly Prat, which has been producing its famous vermouth since 1813. After enjoying lunch on board, we then embark on our cruise along the 345-year-old Canal du Midi. Anjodi with cruise through the Bagnas nature reserve, with potential sightings of flamingos, white egrets, and other migrating birds, under bridges built from the local black volcanic stone. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 – Portiragnes to Béziers

After breakfast, we visit Pézenas, the delightful 16th century capital of the Languedoc known for its associations with the French playwright Molière. Following lunch on board, we cruise further along the Canal du Midi, crossing the aqueduct over the River Orb. Shortly after, Anjodi ascends the 7-lock flight of unique oval locks at Fonserannes to arrive at our mooring at Béziers. It is a short drive to the pretty village of Colombiers which lies on an old Roman road, the Via Domitia. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 – Béziers to Capestang

This morning, we enjoy a visit to Château Canet, where we learn about olive cultivation and the estate’s agricultural practices before enjoying a tasting of their olives, tapenades and rosé wine. Following a short stroll through the olive groves and vineyards to the center of this beautiful domaine, we explore the historic cellars and learn about the wine production. We then enjoy a private lunch at the château with thoughtfully paired wines, before returning to Anjodi.

In the afternoon, we cruise through the Malpas Tunnel – the world’s oldest canal tunnel. We then continue cruising past vineyards and pine trees, with magnificent views of the Pyrenees along the way, to moor in Capestang. There is time to explore the village, once the summer retreat of the Bishops of Narbonne, with its magnificent 14th-century collegiate church. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 – Capestang to Sallèles d’Aude

This morning’s excursion is to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. We tour the Archbishop’s Palace, Cathedral and Via Domitia and explore the indoor market at the hub of this bustling town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the vibrant atmosphere. Following lunch on board, we cruise further along the Canal du Midi. Then through a series of locks on the Canal de la Robine, with excellent walking and biking opportunities en route, we reach our mooring at Sallèles d’Aude. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 – Sallèles d’Aude to Le Somail

In the morning we visit 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 defenses, it resisted the many armies that tried to storm this Camelot setting. Returning to the barge for lunch, we embark on our final cruise, rejoining the historic Canal du Midi to arrive at the delightful village of Le Somail in mid-afternoon. We then enjoy a late afternoon visit and wine tasting at Chateau de Paraza, a family-run 17th century Minervois wine estate (Discover Minerve). Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 – Le Somail

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Narbonne.

NOTES:

On alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
Family themed charters are also available.