We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
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Summary
Cruising along the world-famous Canal du Midi, Savannah is a stunning sight, her warm exterior colours shining in perfect harmony with her Mediterranean setting. She is fitted and finished throughout in rich mahogany, sumptuous furnishings, classic ceramic tiling, and a tasteful selection of high-quality contemporary furniture.
Up to seven guests are treated to a full and fascinating itinerary, with visits to pretty villages and historic towns and cities, and the very best of vineyards. Savannah is perfect for family charters and groups of friends and offers one of the most flexible itineraries in France.
Adrien Bramoullé is one of the most hard-working and creative owner/operators on the Canal du Midi. With a background in veterinary science, and a flourishing Safari business during the winter months in South Africa, he delivers extraordinarily high levels of quality and professionalism for his guests aboard Savannah.
Key Features
- Grand Luxe class (5*)
- Canal du Midi, southern France
- Charter only: 6 nights/7 days, April to October
- Classic and Family Adventure cruises
- 7 guests: 1 double cabin, 2 double/twin cabins, 1 single cabin, all with ensuite bathrooms
- Full board: all inclusive: 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 6 dinners on board. 2 lunches at local restaurants
- Spacious sun deck with shaded dining area, loungers and spa pool
- Private luxury vehicle and a bike for each guest
Hotel Barge Savannah has been rigorously appraised and selected by the Cercle Prestige Sud de France to be promoted internationally as a unique asset to France’s Languedoc-Roussillon region. This constitutes a guarantee of high standards in both luxury and authenticity.
The Classic Cruise — Savannah
Classic Cruise Itinerary
| Route | Between Bram and La Redorte on the Canal du Midi |
| Pick-up | Carcassonne or Narbonne, 4pm |
| Dining | All inclusive: 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 6 dinners on board. 2 lunches at local restaurants |
Classic Cruise Highlights
- Visit the pretty hilltop villages of Minerve and Mirepoix with winetastings
- Excursion to Narbonne, the ancient regional capital
- On-board musicians while you dine
- Discover Carcassonne’s fairytale medieval castle, the largest in Europe
- Options to drive a classic French 2-CV or try a medieval-style castle lunch
- Visit Château de Pennautier for a wine-tasting and gourmet lunch
Special Options and Theme Cruises
- Optional sensational luxury flight over the Canal du Midi
- Family Adventure Cruise, including tree adventure, kayak rafting and archery
- Château Cruise including a stay at the Château de Pennautier
- Tour de France cruise including professional Carbon racing cycles on board, guided tours with a professional cyclist and a visit to a cycling team
- A wealth of unique excursions make Savannah cruises very special indeed.
Please enquire.
Day 1 — Saturday
Arrival at La Redorte
Upon arrival at the pre-arranged meeting point, your guide will transfer you by executive minibus to Savannah at her mooring. Once you are settled in comfortably, the crew hosts a Champagne reception and you’ll set off on your first short voyage to the evening’s countryside mooring before dinner on board.
Day 2 — Sunday
Cruise to Millepetit Excursion to Minerve and wine-tasting
Discover Minerve, considered one of the prettiest villages in France, perched on a heart shaped rocky spur at the meeting point of two valleys. This village is also one of the emblematic sites of the Cathars and was besieged by Simon de Montfort during the Albigensian crusade. The surrounding Minervois wines have been appreciated since Roman times.
After a walk through this unique village and the surrounding valley, your guide will accompany you to an exceptional Minervois vineyard where you will meet the wine maker as he joins you for your first wine tasting of the week. A selection of these internationally acclaimed wines will be served during your lunch prepared on board.
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon cruise through the unique ovoid-shaped locks, over aqueducts and under low stone bridges to Millepetit, the night’s mooring. Choose to relax on the sundeck, in the spa pool, or take the opportunity to stroll and cycle along the canal before aperitifs and dinner on board.
Day 3 — Monday
Cruise to Villedubert | Excursion to Narbonne | Lunch at a local restaurant
After breakfast, a morning visit to Narbonne, the regional capital established in 118 BC as a Roman colony boasts numerous historical and architectural tracks of the town’s prestigious past. Discover the Roman pavements of the Via Domitia and visit the Saint Just Cathedral and Episcopal Palace.
A relaxed promenade through the shady pedestrian streets will lead you past local boutiques to the covered marketplace. Colours, aromas and flavours! The chef will join you and together you’ll discover the exceptional produce of the Languedoc Roussillon region and choose the fresh ingredients that will form the gastronomic meals on board Savannah.
This perfect morning will be followed by lunch in the marketplace, and the afternoon will be dedicated to cruising the outskirts of Carcassonne towards the palm-tree lined lock of Villedubert. Relax on deck, or take to the spa pool, before dinner on board.
Day 4 — Tuesday
Cruise to Ladouce | Excursion to Carcassonne
Breakfast will be served whilst slowly cruising towards the port of Carcassonne, your lunchtime destination.
Occupied since the Neolithic period and symbol of the middle ages, the fortified city of Carcassonne is not to be missed. Ascend the ramparts dating back to Gallo-Roman times, discover the central medieval town, its fort and cathedral. Roam and shop in the 19th century ‘bastide’ of this regional capital.
At the end of the day, your gentle cruise aboard Savannah leads you into the undulating Lauregais valleys of sunflowers and wheat – a distinct change from the previous vineyard scenes.
Day 5 — Wednesday
Cruise to Villesque | Excursion to Château de Pennautier with wine tasting and lunch
After breakfast on board, today offers a fascinating visit to the Château de Pennautier. Dating from 1620 the château is set in French style gardens amidst the vineyards of the Lorgeril family. They are the 10th generation descendants of the original owners of Pennautier and the family still lives there. The estate has 6 vineyards in the Languedoc Roussillon region, each producing its own distinctive wines. A delicious private wine tasting and lunch will be hosted in the domain and time will be spent thereafter to relax and enjoy a siesta.
Today is an ideal opportunity to experience Savannah’s optional, inclusive 2CV outing. Take to the country roads and explore Languedoc at the wheel of France’s most iconic, best loved car – the Citroen 2CV. All the cars are in tip-top, brightly sparkling condition. This kind of fun is guaranteed to put a smile on everybody’s face.
This memorable excursion will be followed by a cruise through the Midi’s historic locks on your way to a new idyllic countryside mooring for the evening and dinner on board.
Day 6 — Thursday
Cruise to Bram | Excursion to Mirepoix
After breakfast, leave the Canal du Midi for the foothills of the Pyrenées mountains. Mirepoix, a magnificent medieval town in the Ariège region, awaits you. The market is always bustling, held around the central village hall, in small pedestrian streets and under overhanging arcades with colourful half-beamed houses. You will see the Midi Pyrénées region on this excursion, which is architecturally and scenically different from Languedoc.
In contrast, if you prefer, discover the origins of the Canal du Midi at St Ferréol’s reservoir near Revel, and its market. Follow the Rigole, an artificial brook built to supply water from the Montagnes Noir (Black mountains) to the canal. Drive through the mountains and view Saissac with its Cathar castle.
Toast your week at the final festive dinner on board tonight.
Day 7 — Friday
Departure from Bram
After breakfast, transfer to your departure point between 09:00 and 10:00 for your onward journey.
Please note: this itinerary is subject to change and on alternate weeks runs in the reverse direction.
“Our trip will go down in our family history! We had the most wonderful time imaginable. The chance to be together unfettered by the demands of cooking, cleaning, and planning was simply stupendous. Specifically, the sense of fun, deep knowledge and hard work that Adrien brought to us, combined with the cuisine prepared by Valerie and hospitality by Maelys were highlights. Cruising the canal on the beautifully cared for Savannah, and on bikes, were also highlights. We liked the excursions to Mirepoix and Carcassonne the best, although the cave was amazing and temperature-cool.”
CR, USA, August 2023
“The whole trip was amazing and exceeded our expectations. Savanna is a beautiful boat with everything we needed…Adrian was the perfect host, always helpful, witty, smart but never intrusive. Valerie was a superb cook, always producing delicious meals despite our varied and somewhat restricted tastes…
We all would rate it 5 stars out of 5 and would unhesitatingly recommend Savannah to our friends!
MB and party, AUS, June 2023
“Hi Christina..
We loved everything about the cruise: the barge, Adrian, the crew, the food, the side trips and the whole thing. We also appreciate all the interactions and attentiveness we had with you and Ruth…Adrian deserves special mention. He did everything he could to insure we had a great experience…We will, and in fact already have, recommended the Savannah as well as French Waterways, to anyone.”
B.P and party, USA, May 2023
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 30m x 5m
- Corbieres and Minervois cabins, 130 sq feet with king size or twin beds
- Laurgais cabin, 160 sq feet with king size double bed and private entrance from the deck
- Malpere cabin, 85 sq feet with single bed
- Ensuite bathrooms (sizes included in the dimensions above) have:
- bathrobes and slippers for each guest
- shaving point (please bring adaptors for all electrical equipment)
- hair dryer
- toiletries provided by Graine de Pastel
- All cabins have TV for DVD player
- All cabins have individually controlled heating and air conditioning
Other items on board:
- Professional English-speaking crew of 4 – captain, hostess, deckhand and chef. All speak fluent English as well as other languages
- HiFi system with iPod and DVD player
- Numerous family games, cards, books, DVDs.
- WIFI (sometimes limited connection along the route)
- Musicians for one evening, 2CV drive to Château Pennautier
- 6 touring bicycles – Italian brand PIXIE Jumper Trek (ideal for the canal pathway and countryside roads). Standard size helmets available.
- Air-conditioned Mercedes Viano for excursions and transfers
- In the interests of conservation, Savannah no longer issues guests with plastic bottled water. Instead, each guest receives a fresh glass bottle which can be re-filled from Savannah’s own on-board system. Purified and cooled water at any time – still or sparkling!
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
Luxury barge Savannah is passionate about its on-board cuisine and uses local producers from the markets of
- Narbonne, Carcassonne and Mirepoix, as well as:
- Boucherie Bareil, Beef, Lamb and Porc www.bareil.com
- Ferme de Las Cases, Porc and Charcuteriewww.lascases.fr
- Boucherie Cargoles Emmanuel : Beef, Lamb, Pork
- Poissonnerie Moderne, Fishmonger www.poissonnerie-moderne-trebes.fr
- Ferme de Cabriole,cheese www.ferme-de-cabriole.com
- Les Jardins de Riquet, Fruits and Vegetables
- Artisan Boulangeries : Artisan bakery in local villages
- Damman Frères Carcassonne, Tea www.dammann.fr
Wines are permanently sourced from regional vineyards and oenologues so as to offer exceptional products from this wine producing region: Minervois, Corbières, Saint Chinian, Cabardès, Fitou and other local domaines. Wines and champagnes from other regions are also stocked on board.
At least two wine tastings are organized in prestigious vineyards allowing you to meet the wine maker, visit their domains and discover their acclaimed creations, for example:
- Château Massamier Lamignarde www.massamier-la-mignarde.com
- Château Pennautier www.lorgeril.com
- Domaine Gayda www.domainegayda.com
- Les Clos de Jarres (organic) www.leclosdesjarres.fr/en
Photo Gallery
Luxury barge Savannah cruises on the Canal du Midi
– [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 / 7 days accommodation
Return transfers to the barge
All meals and drinks on board
Excursion guide, fees and associated transport
What’s not included
Travel to the pick-up
Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
Crew gratuities (5–10% suggested)
Personal expenses
2023
Charter bookings only
Saturday to Friday
Rates and dates
Low Season:
March 25
April 1, 8, 15, 22
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
August 5, 12, 19, 26
4 guest charter: 27,400 USD / 27,000 EUR
6 guest charter: 35,000 USD / 34,600 EUR
7 guest charter: 40,900 USD / 40,500 EUR
Regular Season
April 29
May 6, 13, 20, 27
June 3, 10, 17, 24
September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
October 7, 14, 21, 28
4 guest charter: 29,400 USD / 29,000 EUR
6 guest charter: 36,400 USD / 36,000 EUR
7 guest charter: 42,250 USD / 41,800 EUR
Per Cabin bookings on selected weeks only
Double Cabin: 8,000 USD / 7,800 EUR per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 2,000 USD / 1,950 EUR
2024
Charter bookings only
Saturday to Friday
Rates and dates
Low Season:
March 23, 30
April 6, 13, 20
July 6, 13, 20, 27
August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
4 guest charter: 27,400 USD / 27,000 EUR
6 guest charter: 35,000 USD / 34,600 EUR
7 guest charter: 40,900 USD / 40,500 EUR
Regular Season
April 27
May 4, 11, 18, 25
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 28
September 7, 14, 21, 28
October 5, 12, 19, 26
4 guest charter: 29,400 USD / 29,000 EUR
6 guest charter: 36,400 USD / 36,000 EUR
7 guest charter: 42,250 USD / 41,800 EUR
Per Cabin bookings on selected weeks only
Double Cabin: 8,000 USD / 7,800 EUR per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 2,000 USD / 1,950 EUR
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
