All About The French Hotel Barge Anjodi

Discover the beauty of the Canal du Midi in style with a barge cruise aboard the French Hotel Barge Anjodi and understand why she’s been delighting guests for over 40 years.

With her rich history and elegant Dutch design, Anjodi is the perfect vessel for a relaxing cruise along the picturesque Canal du Midi in the south of France. From fine dining and wine tastings to exploring historic towns and local villages, Anjodi offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Come and enjoy the charm of the Canal du Midi with either a private barge charter or a cabin cruise aboard Hotel Barge Anjodi.

A Short History of Anjodi

Over the past forty-some years, Anjodi has made a name for herself on the Canal du Midi in France. She is a Dutch-designed Luxemotor barge which is a special class of cargo carrier that included accommodation for her crew, rather than only a cargo hold and a tiller for steering.

Built in the Netherlands in 1927 and christened as “Marie” shortly thereafter, she worked the waterways of Northern Europe as a trading barge. Renamed in 1954 to “Twee Gebroeders” (Dutch for “Two Brothers”) she followed in the Dutch maritime tradition of barges being named after family members.

She was renamed in 1963 as “Anjodi” – a combination of Anna, Johanna and Diana – after the three daughters of the then-owner.

In 1982, the founder and Managing Director of European Waterways purchased Anjodi from her last skipper, Foppe de Jong. He sought a 30-meter (100 ft) barge to transform into a luxury floating hotel, thus giving Anjodi a new life.

After traveling from the Netherlands to France via the Rhine, Anjodi underwent a refit, and based in Agde. In 1984, Anjodi received her first passengers for her maiden voyage as a luxury hotel barge.

A Film Star Barge

Anjodi reached new heights in 2005, achieving film star status in Rick Stein’s French Odyssey. The six-part television series which aired on the BBC received global acclaim. It took Stein from Bordeaux to Sète on a voyage of culinary discovery, along with Hotel Barge Rosa.

Hotel Barge Anjodi Today

Anjodi has more than 40 years’ experience as a luxury hotel barge. She is a classic Dutch barge built with the refinement and elegance of a yacht, plus modern comforts. Anjodi’s African hardwood and buffed brass portholes are evocative of a bygone era that hails glamor and tradition.

You will be well taken care of by a crew of five, including the Captain, Chef, Hosts, Tour Guide, and Deckhand. With Anjodi’s service rivalling top hotels, your glass will never be empty, and your stomach will always be content.

The spacious saloon and dining area are perfect for relaxing and mingling with fellow passengers. The rich, wood flooring feels luxurious and warm. Combined with elegant French dining furniture and plush banquette seating, the room feels welcoming and inviting. Kick back and relax with a brandy or a cocktail, served from the fully stocked bar.

Anjodi’s four cabins accommodate eight passengers. Each individual cabin feels cosy and comfortable with half-panelled wooden walls and feature porthole windows. All cabins have the option to have beds made up into a double or twin configuration. They are equipped with a modern ensuite bathroom with shower, plus luxury toiletries for your convenience.

A large upper deck is ideal for taking in the afternoon sun, reading a book, or relaxing in the hot tub with a refreshing cold drink. If you prefer a bit more shade, then simply enjoy an iced refreshment under the large extendable canopy.

Barge Anjodi Cruises on the Canal du Midi

The French Hotel Barge Anjodi traverses the historic Canal du Midi, a major inland waterway linking the Bay of Biscay in the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.

The Canal du Midi is over 240 kilometers (149 miles) long. Running through southern France, the canal connects Toulouse with the Mediterranean at Sète via the Etang de Thau. The French built it in the 17th century when the nation was the center of civil engineering

Fed by water from an artificial reservoir in the Black Mountains, the Canal du Midi rises 63 meters (206 feet) over its route. Boats traveling the canal, experience as many as 26 locks on its 51.5-kilometer journey from Toulouse to its peak point. The waterway then descends 189 meters (620 feet) through 74 locks to the Étang de Thau. Truly an amazing feat of engineering.

Anjodi’s Itinerary Highlights

Anjodi’s itinerary is a mixture of culture, history, nature, and gastronomy. Spend a morning at Maison Noilly Prat for a flavor of the famous French Vermouth which went into production in 1813. In addition, a stop at Château de Paraza will reveal the secrets of winemaking at an extraordinary 17th-century vineyard. An interesting wine tasting completes the tour, allowing you to savor the flavors of Southern France.

Food connoisseurs will enjoy the huge variety of dishes prepared by Anjodi’s onboard master chef. They can cater to your dietary needs too, ensuring you enjoy mealtimes as much as your fellow guests.

Also of interest is the itinerary’s historic highlights. As you cruise this ancient region of Southern France, you view scores of vineyards on rolling hills, all with a backdrop of silhouetted peaks from the Pyrenees mountains.Once home to Cathars, the area’s dark past saw people burned at the stake and cast from their homes.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Carcassonne is an undeniable pinnacle of Anjodi’s itinerary. Built in the 5th century, the fortress of Carcassonne underwent painstaking restoration in the 19th-century, making it the world’s most complete fortified medieval city. Visitors can see 52 watchtowers, 3 kilometers of ramparts and a drawbridge.

Guests aboard Anjodi will cruise through the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas. Excavated in 1679, it extends for 165 metres before returning to the surface. Barge lovers will revel in crossing the aqueduct over the River Orb and passing to the top of the Fonserannes locks, which consist of a unique stair of seven locks in a row.

For a special view of the French countryside, familiarize yourself with its beauty by walking along the towpath on a sunny day. If you prefer a faster mode of transport, take advantage of the onboard bikes to cycle along the towpath as the barge gently cruises along to the next lock.

Anjodi Has Special Cruises Tailored For:

– Families

Book a whole barge for a unique, multi-generational family getaway. With space for up to eight passengers, you can swap out up to four activities from Anjodi’s classic cruise itinerary, for more family-friendly options. View Anjodi’s family itinerary for great examples.

Ready for a Barge Cruise with Anjodi?

Feeling inspired and interested in a Canal du Midi cruise aboard French Hotel Barge Anjodi? Contact Paradise Connections – we are happy to assist with your barging vacation.

Learn More About the Canal du Midi:

• View links to our many articles about the Canal du Midi

ANJODI – All About the French Hotel Barge Anjodi

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