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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
Puichéric to Beziers, France
Fascinating morning tour of 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 defences, which resisted the many armies that tried to storm this glorious Camelot setting. Afternoon cruise along the 330 year old Midi canal descending its trademark locks to reach Homps, where will moor in the village. Dinner aboard.
Tuesday, Day 3 Homps to Le Somail
Morning cruise to Ventenac followed by a 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. A chance to sample some local cuisine with lunch ashore. Afternoon cruise through vineyards and pine trees to the charming and historical village of the Le Somail, purpose built for the Canal du Midi. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday, Day 4 Le Somail to Capestang
This morning we set off to La Croisade, a picturesque mooring under the plane trees which line the canal. Late morning excursion to a wine tasting at Chateau Ollieux Romanis which has been in the same family since 1860. We will then continue cruising to Capestang circling it gently as the canal winds its way following the contours of the land. Take some time to explore the village and its landmark 13th Century Collegiate which towers over the surrounding area. Dinner aboard.
Thursday, Day 5 Capestang to Colombiers
This morning’s excursion is to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Explore 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. Cruise to Colombiers via the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas, an engineering feat made possible by the draining of the Etang de Montady nearby. Colombiers is a perfect opportunity to try your hand at pétanque the local sport of boules. Dinner aboard.
Friday, Day 6 Colombiers to Béziers
We set off by minibus for an excursion to the L’Oppidum of Ensérunes, a pre-Roman hilltop settlement with Greek and Iberian excavations dating from 600 BC.A chance to admire the panoramic views of the Orb Valley and the unusual cart-wheel shape of the drained lake. Lunch onboard followed by an afternoon cruise where we will moor at the top of the flight of seven locks of Fonséranes. Upon arrival in Béziers, late afternoon excursion to Béziers’ flower market and fortified Cathedral. Farewell Dinner aboard.
Saturday, Day 7 Béziers to Narbonne
After breakfast depart the barge by 10am and transfer to Beziers train station.
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 > Marseillan to Capestang
CANAL DU MIDI
Puichéric to Beziers, France
Sunday, Day 1 Narbonne to Puichéric
You will be met at Narbonne station at 4pm escorted by minibus to
Enchanté, moored near the village of Puichéric. Champagne welcome and
time to walk to the nearby lock. Dinner aboard.
Fascinating morning tour of 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 defences, which resisted the many armies that tried to storm this glorious Camelot setting. Afternoon cruise along the 330 year old Midi canal descending its trademark locks to reach Homps, where will moor in the village. Dinner aboard.
Tuesday, Day 3 Homps to Le Somail
Morning cruise to Ventenac followed by a 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. A chance to sample some local cuisine with lunch ashore. Afternoon cruise through vineyards and pine trees to the charming and historical village of the Le Somail, purpose built for the Canal du Midi. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday, Day 4 Le Somail to Capestang
This morning we set off to La Croisade, a picturesque mooring under the plane trees which line the canal. Late morning excursion to a wine tasting at Chateau Ollieux Romanis which has been in the same family since 1860. We will then continue cruising to Capestang circling it gently as the canal winds its way following the contours of the land. Take some time to explore the village and its landmark 13th Century Collegiate which towers over the surrounding area. Dinner aboard.
Thursday, Day 5 Capestang to Colombiers
This morning’s excursion is to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Explore 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. Cruise to Colombiers via the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas, an engineering feat made possible by the draining of the Etang de Montady nearby. Colombiers is a perfect opportunity to try your hand at pétanque the local sport of boules. Dinner aboard.
Friday, Day 6 Colombiers to Béziers
We set off by minibus for an excursion to the L’Oppidum of Ensérunes, a pre-Roman hilltop settlement with Greek and Iberian excavations dating from 600 BC.A chance to admire the panoramic views of the Orb Valley and the unusual cart-wheel shape of the drained lake. Lunch onboard followed by an afternoon cruise where we will moor at the top of the flight of seven locks of Fonséranes. Upon arrival in Béziers, late afternoon excursion to Béziers’ flower market and fortified Cathedral. Farewell Dinner aboard.
Saturday, Day 7 Béziers to Narbonne
After breakfast depart the barge by 10am and transfer to Beziers train station.
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 > Marseillan to Capestang