Johanna Midi
Hotel Barge

Your pick up is from Narbonne train station around 4pm for a private transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle to Johanna, just twenty minutes away. Champagne or a traditional sparkling Limoux wine is waiting to welcome you aboard whilst you meet the captain and crew and settle in.
There’s time for a stroll around the scenic village of Le Somail before a short evening cruise to Porte Minervoise, 1.8 km from Somail. You’ll see the high canal bridge over the river Cesse, the Epanchoir des Patiasses, and the little waterway of La Rigole, the original route of the canal. Spend the night under the majestic Mediterranean pine trees for aperitifs and a delicious three course dinner on board Johanna, featuring the best local produce and wines, with views of the sunset over the Pyrenees.

After breakfast on board, depart for a visit to the world-famous medieval city of Carcassonne to discover the ramparts and the château of the Counts of Carcassonne. These Gallo-Roman and medieval
masterpieces of military architecture have been UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1997.
Return to Johanna by 1pm for by a two-course lunch with wine on board. Then an afternoon cruise along the winding, picturesque stretch of the canal to the
pretty town of Capestang, passing beneath one of the lowest bridges, with only a few inches to spare!
End the day with aperitifs and a three course dinner on board, enjoying the lively atmosphere of this friendly canal town.

Wake up to a lovely breakfast and get ready to visit Miinerve, the historic capital of the Minervois. The town rises high in the middle of the valley, protected by the deep gorges of the rivers Cesse and Brian, whose waters have shaped astonishing natural bridges. In the medieval streets, the epic and turbulent
history of the Cathars is evident.
Back on board Johanna for lunch and then an afternoon cruise to include the short Malpas tunnel, created in the late 17C to pass under the hill of Ensérune. This was the first tunnel of its kind and was so difficult to engineer that it nearly brought the whole project to a halt!
After a fascinating day, there’s another delicious dinner on board, whilst you enjoy a spectacular sunset over the historic Ensérune.

After breakfast, we visit the ancient Roman city of Narbonne, with its imposing Cathedral and famous remains of the Via Domitia, the first Roman road built in France. Take in the enticing sights and smells of award-winning Les Halles, one of the most famous covered food markets in France. We’ll lunch either in one of the delightful counter restaurants and tapas bars of Les Halles, or on board Johanna.
Then a highlight, to Beziers and down the famous Fonserannes flight locks and over the Orb river on the magnificent acqueduct. We’ll visit the ancient city of Béziers, with its unique Allées Paul Riquet and lush Jardin des Poètes park. The city’s reputation is built on wine-growing, rugby, and the vibrant Spanish-influenced Féria, which takes place over two weeks every August. Dinner on board.

A peaceful cruise this morning to the Mediterranean village of Portiragnes. See protected fauna and flora, and many varieties of migratory birds such as pink
flamingo and grey heron amongst the reed beds and salt marshes. After lunch on board, we’ll visit the nearby town of Pézenas, steeped in history. Its historic centre has many elegant mansions dating back to the 17th century.  Enjoy a stroll around the beautiful cobbled streets and boutique shops.
Once back at the barge, cycle or walk just a kilometre or so to Portiragnes beach, and paddle or swim in the clear blue Mediterranean sea. Dinner on board, enjoying the salty sea air and tranquil atmosphere.

We leave Portiragnes to cruise through the unique round lock of Agde and onward to the end of the Canal du Midi at Les Onglous, with its photogenic lighthouse. You are now cruising through salt water on the stunning Étang du Thau, looking out over the
oyster beds and working fishing boats. The colourful
atmosphere of the fishing port of Marseillan and the paths around the estuary invite you to slow down and observe the surrounding landscapes; the amazing
light reflected from the water, and views of the city of Séte and its hill of Mont St Clair.
Lunch on board, with optional oysters from Bouzigues just across the étang! In the afternoon, a visit to Noilly Prat, an historic vermouth producer in the village, or an excursion to Séte with its typical Mediterranean working fishing port.
A final gourmet three course dinner this evening with an option to taste seafood from the producers just on the doorstep, with wonderful wines from the local vignerons.

At 09:00, after a last delicious breakfast on board and a farewell from the captain and crew, guests will be transferred to Narbonne station for their onward travel.

What’s not included:
Air fares and travel to the pick-up
Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
Crew gratuities (5 – 10% suggested)
Personal expenses

2025

Charter bookings only
Sunday to Saturday

Rates and dates