We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
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Summary
A simply enchanting hotel barge offering exceptionally spacious accommodation for up to 8 passengers, including a sunny deck and spa pool. With luxury oozing from all quarters and excellent cuisine and wines to savour, your absolute enjoyment is guaranteed.
Enchanté is currently based in the south of France, cruising along the famous 400 year old Canal du Midi. Glide beneath the famous arching plane trees and enjoy an historic journey through Cathar country and sunny rural vineyards with easy connections from Narbonne.
Enchante has a sister ship, Finesse, cruising in Burgundy.
Key Features
- Grand Luxe class (5*)
- Canal du Midi, southern France
- Charter and cabin bookings, 6 nights, 7 days, March to October
- Themed cruises and Biking Plus
- 8 guests / 4 suites
- Individually controlled conditioning and heating throughout
- Full board, on-board dining
- Sun deck with spa tub
The Classic Cruise — Enchanté
Classic Cruise Itinerary
| Route | Between Trebes and Salelles d'Aude, Canal du Midi |
| Pick-up | Narbonne TGV station 3:30pm |
| Dining | All inclusive | 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 6 dinners on board. One lunch at a local restaurant |
Cruise Highlights
- Tour the vineyards of Minervois plus delicious wine-tasting
- Discover Narbonne’s Archbishop’s Palace and its famous colourful market
- Visit an olive oil press to sample the famous Lucques olives
- Excursion to Lagrasse village, its winding streets and 8th century abbey; lunch in a local restaurant with stunning views across the countryside
- See the historic Cathar town of Minerve in its spectacular hilltop setting
- Tour of the spectacular medieval city of Carcassonne, the largest surviving in Europe
- Excellent towpath for walking and cycling, and Biking Plus option
Themed cruises - Charter parties only
Culinary theme
Each culinary themed cruise includes cooking demonstrations in the open galley by your private chef, wine and food pairings for each meal, and Mediterranean cuisine focusing on the freshest local produce and presentations of all cheeses and wines.
Wine Appreciation theme
Explore the up-and-coming sunny, fruitier flavours of the Provence and the Languedoc-Roussillon regions. A supplement is paid for these cruises to cover the cost of a professional sommelier, a comprehensive itinerary and an upgrade of all wines to include Premier and Grand Cru.
Please enquire.
Day 1 — Sunday
Arrival in Narbonne
Guests are met in Narbonne and chauffeured by private minibus to Enchanté at her mooring at Salleles d’Aude on the Canal de la Robine. A champagne welcome awaits with an introduction to the captain and crew. Then settle into your luxurious surroundings before the first dinner on board.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to Roubia | Excursion to l'Oulibo and Minerve
A beautiful morning cruise beneath the umbrella pines of the Grand Bief, a technological achievement unique to the Canal du Midi, linking it to Narbonne and the Mediterranean Sea.
The afternoon’s excursion takes us to
L’Oulibo’, a local co-operative olive oil press where we’ll sample the famous Lucques olives. We continue on to Minerve, the ancient capital of the Minervois, to marvel at its 12th century Cathar fort surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Besieged by Simon de Montfort in 1210, its hilltop location affords spectacular views.
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to Homps | Excursion to Narbonne
After breakfast, our excursion is to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy a visit to the Archbishop’s Palace, Roman Horreum and the indoor market at the hub of this bustling canalside town, where you will have time to shop for souvenirs or simply absorb the vibrant atmosphere.
Later, cruise past vineyards and pine trees to the evening’s picturesque mooring in the heart of a French village; a perfect opportunity to try your hand at boules.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Puichéric | Excursion to Lagrasse | Lunch at a local restaurant
This morning we visit a Benedictine Abbey founded in the 8th century. Nestled in Lagrasse, a village awarded the title of ‘Plus beaux villages de France’ and home to many artisans who have set up workshops in the medieval centre, the restored Abbey was once one of the most prosperous.
We take lunch ashore in a spectacular setting overlooking the Corbières vineyards, before returning to the barge to cruise to Puichéric, passing ‘l’Epanchoir, one of the bridges created by Pierre Paul Riquet for the Canal du Midi.
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to Marseillette | Wine tasting at Château Saint Jacques d’Albas in Minervois
Today we cruise through some of the Midi’s unique ovoid locks as the relief becomes steeper. This is a great opportunity to walk or cycle (see also the Biking Plus option) as Enchanté navigates. The afternoon excursion is a wine tour and tasting at Château Saint Jacques d’Albas in Minervois, one of the few regions to receive the much-envied French mark of approval for wines known as A.O.C. (Appellation d’Origine Controlée). Enjoy a delicious wine-tasting and find out more about the Languedoc’s rising standing in the wine trade.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to Trèbes | Excursion to Carcassonne
Today’s tour of Carcassonne is a highlight of the week. Dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, it has been restored to be the most complete medieval fortified city in existence today.
This afternoon we squeeze through tight bridges and glide past picturesque vineyards and hamlets to Trèbes, once a major ally to Carcassonne. This delightful medieval town still retains unique paintings within its 13th century church. Farewell Dinner on board tonight.
Day 7 — Saturday
Departure from Trèbes
After breakfast, guests are chauffeured to their choice of location in Narbonne.
*This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. It may also run in the reverse direction.
“The whole trip exceeded our expectations. First and foremost, everyone enjoyed the crew….seemed to go the extra mile to make sure we were properly taken care of….the food and wine were nothing short of fantastic. The boat was spotless.. spacious rooms which had adequate storage for all our possessions. We all had a great time.”
TM and party, USA, Sept 2023
“Enchante is utterly fantastic! Rooms are so spacious. The food is incredible. The staff are wonderful. Trip of a lifetime! Thank you so much for your help and recommendation for the Enchante!”
KW, USA October 2022
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 100ft (30.58m) x 16ft 6″ (5.05m)
- All suites are double or twin-bedded, similar in size measuring 165ft² (15.5m²).
- Bathrooms: 33ft² (3m²) included in the suite sizes above.
- All cabins heated and air conditioned, individual controls
Other items on board:
Professional English-speaking crew of 5 – Captain, tour director, chef, housekeeper and hostess
8 person spa-pool (hot tub) with electronic thermostat
Small library of books and maps
Collection of board games and boules
Telescope
Computer with 3G internet connection
Sound System iPod / MP3 / CD player
8 bicycles
Wifi (limited in some places)
Air-conditioned minibus for transfers and excursions
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
All meals on board are freshly prepared by your chef using fresh ingredients bought at the local markets.
Vegetarian, pescatarian and vegan dishes, and non-allergenic dishes, can be served given at least 8 weeks notice prior to your departure date.
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Breakfast: wholesome and balanced variety of breakfast foods, along with fresh breads & pastries, freshly-squeezed orange juice and hot beverages.
Lunch: regional specialities, accompanied by a selection of quality wines.
Dinner: a candlelit four-course gourmet experience.
Captain’s farewell dinner is held on the last night. Guests may choose to dress slightly formal.
Regional Specialities
Noisette d’Agneau en Croûte de Sel avec Sauce Romari; Ragout de Calamars “Provençàle”
Cheese Board
Le Saint-Remoi;, Fromage de Chévre au Poivre et au Thyme;
Tomme de Valdeblore
Sample menus
~ Lunch ~
Pissaladiére with sun blushed tomatoes and mesclun salad
Chicken breast served with spiced sweet potatoes, braised haricots verts and a warm tomato and olive salsa
Crème brulée
~ Dinner ~
Thai fish cakes with sweet and sour cucumber dressing
Magret of Duck and Confit with leeks & prunes in a filo pastry basket, spring onion and ginger sauce
Selection of Cheeses
Pink Champagne jelly
Wine Cellar
Domaine de Nalys; Châteauneuf du Pape; Château Haut Gléo; Corbières; Domaine Corsin; Pouilly Fuissé; Domaine Vacheron, Sancerre; Château Les Ollieux Romanis; Domaine Alquier; Faugères; Château de Gourgazau; Minervois La Livinière
Photo Gallery
Hotel barge Enchante cruises along the Canal du Midi in Languedoc
– [below] In the region: Minervois, Minerve, Canal du Midi, Beziers, Narbonne, Carcassonne –
Minerve ©Ian Cameron | Others ©FW, wikimedia, n/a
Classic cruise rates and dates
All rates and prices will be confirmed at time of booking. Special Offers are available from time to time – contact us
What’s included:
6 nights accommodation
Return transfers to Narbonne
All meals and drinks on board
Excursion fees and transport
What’s not included:
Air fares and travel to the pick-up
Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
Crew gratuities (5-10% suggested)
Personal Expenses
2023
Charter and Cabin bookings
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Value rate weeks:
March 26
April 2, 9, 16, 23
July 16, 23, 30
August 6, 13, 20
October 8, 15, 22
6 guest charter: 48,000 USD
7 guest charter: 50,000 USD
8 guest charter: 52,000 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Double Cabin: 6,950 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 2,600 USD
Regular rate weeks:
April 30
May 7, 14, 21, 28
June 4, 11, 18, 25
July 2, 9
August 27
September 3, 10, 17, 24
October 1
6 guest charter: 55,400 USD
7 guest charter: 57,700 USD
8 guest charter: 60,000 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Double Cabin: 7,950 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 2,900 USD / 1,950 GBP / 2,350 EUR
These USD prices are for US and Canadian residents only.
Pricing is available in GBP for UK residents only, and in EUR for residents from all other countries.
Please enquire.
Themed charter cruises are available and extra supplements apply for Culinary, Family, Golf and Wine cruises. Please enquire.
All rates and prices will be confirmed at time of booking. Special Offers are available from time to time – contact us
2024
Charter and Cabin bookings
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Value rate weeks:
March 24, 31
April 7, 14, 21
July 21, 28
August 4, 11, 18
October 13, 20, 27
6 guest charter: 52,300 USD
7 guest charter: 54,400 USD
8 guest charter: 56,500 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Double Cabin: 7,500 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 2,800 USD
Regular rate weeks:
April 28
May 5, 12, 19, 26
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
July 7, 14
August 25
September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
October 6
6 guest charter: 59,700 USD
7 guest charter: 62,100 USD
8 guest charter: 64,500 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Double Cabin: 8,590 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 3,200 USD / 1,950 GBP / 2,350 EUR
These USD prices are for US and Canadian residents only.
Pricing is available in GBP for UK residents only, and in EUR for residents from all other countries.
Please enquire.
Themed charter cruises are available and extra supplements apply for Culinary, Family, Golf and Wine cruises. Please enquire.
All rates and prices will be confirmed at time of booking. Special Offers are available from time to time – contact us
Hotel Barge Enquiry
Booking a luxury barge vacation isn’t the kind of thing one does with just a mouse-click or two. It takes a little research, thought and understanding, and we hope that our pages have provided you with all the information and inspiration you need to take this next step.
Why should you book with us? Because…
We’ve explored the waterways of France on our own boat since 2003 and know each of the barges and their routes.
We’re independent, impartial and enthusiastic – and we are the only France cruising specialist that can offer you the benefits of our own in-depth cruising knowledge and experience.
We love France, we love the rivers and canals of France, we love hotel barging – and we love talking about all three!
There’s nothing like speaking to a friendly expert to help you see the wood for the trees and to make the best possible decision about the vacation cruise of a lifetime. Get in touch – we’re here to help.
We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
