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ENCHANTÉ
| Luxury barge cruise vacations on the French hotel barge ENCHANTÉ cruising the South of France along the Canal du Midi and also the regions of Provence & Camargue |  |
French Hotel Barge ENCHANTÉ
CANAL DU MIDI
Capestang to Puichéric (Carcassonne), France
Morning cruise along the grand bief, to the charming and historical village of the Le Somail, purpose built for the Canal du Midi. Take some time to explore the old bookstore of Le Somail. Afternoon excursion to a wine tasting in the Saint Chinian, the first village of the region to receive the much envied French mark of approval for wines known as A.O.C. (Appellation d’Origine Controlée), teamed with an excursion to “Oulibo”, Occitan for olive. This cooperative olive oil press is a great opportunity to sample the famous Lucques olive. Dinner aboard.
Tuesday, Day 3 Le Somail to Roubia
This morning’s excursion is to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy a visit to the Archbishop's Palace and the indoor market at the hub of this bustling canal side town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the relaxed atmosphere. Afternoon cruise, through vineyards and pine trees along the “grand bief,” another engineering prowess unique to the Canal du Midi, to Roubia, a picturesque mooring under the trees and a perfect opportunity to try your hand at pétanque the local sport of boules. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday, Day 4 Roubia to Homps
This morning we take the minibus to a Benedictine Abbey founded in the 8th century. Nestled in the village of Lagrasse, awarded the title of “Plus beaux villages de France” (most beautiful villages of France), now home to many artisan who have set up workshops in the medieval center, the restored Abbey was once one of the most prosperous thanks to Charlemagne’s chart. A chance to sample some local cuisine with lunch ashore in a spectacular setting overlooking the Corbières. Afternoon cruise under the shade of the plane trees which line the canal, we gently circle the contours of the land to reach the port of Homps once an important commandery for the Knights Hospitaller. Dinner aboard.
Thursday, Day 5 Homps to La Redorte
Morning excursion to Minerve, the ancient capital of the Minervois, which boasts a 12th century Cathar fort surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Besieged by Simon de Montfort in 1215, its hilltop location affords spectacular views. Afternoon cruise along the 330 year old Midi canal ascending its trademark locks, walking from one to the next or perhaps cycling ahead to explore the village of La Redorte famous in the 11th century for its basket weaving. Dinner aboard.
Friday, Day 6 La Redorte to Puichéric
Fascinating morning tour of Carcassonne. Dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, this is the most complete mediaeval fortified city in existence today with its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defenses, which resisted the many armies that tried to storm this glorious Camelot setting. We cruise in the afternoon to Puichéric, past “l’Epanchoir”, one of the canal bridges invented by Pierre Riquet for the Canal du Midi. Farewell Dinner aboard.
Saturday, Day 7 Puichéric to Narbonne
After breakfast depart Puichéric by about 10am and return to Narbonne.
Note:
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternative weeks the cruise operates in reverse direction and the pickup and drop off points are reversed.
ENCHANTÉ HOME > ITINERARIES > Capestang to Puichéric
CANAL DU MIDI
Capestang to Puichéric (Carcassonne), France
Sunday, Day 1 Narbonne to Capestang
Passengers are met in Narbonne by the Captain at 4pm and escorted by
minibus to Enchante, moored in Capestang. Champagne welcome followed by
dinner on board.
Morning cruise along the grand bief, to the charming and historical village of the Le Somail, purpose built for the Canal du Midi. Take some time to explore the old bookstore of Le Somail. Afternoon excursion to a wine tasting in the Saint Chinian, the first village of the region to receive the much envied French mark of approval for wines known as A.O.C. (Appellation d’Origine Controlée), teamed with an excursion to “Oulibo”, Occitan for olive. This cooperative olive oil press is a great opportunity to sample the famous Lucques olive. Dinner aboard.
Tuesday, Day 3 Le Somail to Roubia
This morning’s excursion is to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy a visit to the Archbishop's Palace and the indoor market at the hub of this bustling canal side town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the relaxed atmosphere. Afternoon cruise, through vineyards and pine trees along the “grand bief,” another engineering prowess unique to the Canal du Midi, to Roubia, a picturesque mooring under the trees and a perfect opportunity to try your hand at pétanque the local sport of boules. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday, Day 4 Roubia to Homps
This morning we take the minibus to a Benedictine Abbey founded in the 8th century. Nestled in the village of Lagrasse, awarded the title of “Plus beaux villages de France” (most beautiful villages of France), now home to many artisan who have set up workshops in the medieval center, the restored Abbey was once one of the most prosperous thanks to Charlemagne’s chart. A chance to sample some local cuisine with lunch ashore in a spectacular setting overlooking the Corbières. Afternoon cruise under the shade of the plane trees which line the canal, we gently circle the contours of the land to reach the port of Homps once an important commandery for the Knights Hospitaller. Dinner aboard.
Thursday, Day 5 Homps to La Redorte
Morning excursion to Minerve, the ancient capital of the Minervois, which boasts a 12th century Cathar fort surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Besieged by Simon de Montfort in 1215, its hilltop location affords spectacular views. Afternoon cruise along the 330 year old Midi canal ascending its trademark locks, walking from one to the next or perhaps cycling ahead to explore the village of La Redorte famous in the 11th century for its basket weaving. Dinner aboard.
Friday, Day 6 La Redorte to Puichéric
Fascinating morning tour of Carcassonne. Dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, this is the most complete mediaeval fortified city in existence today with its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defenses, which resisted the many armies that tried to storm this glorious Camelot setting. We cruise in the afternoon to Puichéric, past “l’Epanchoir”, one of the canal bridges invented by Pierre Riquet for the Canal du Midi. Farewell Dinner aboard.
Saturday, Day 7 Puichéric to Narbonne
After breakfast depart Puichéric by about 10am and return to Narbonne.
Note:
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternative weeks the cruise operates in reverse direction and the pickup and drop off points are reversed.
ENCHANTÉ HOME > ITINERARIES > Capestang to Puichéric