We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
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Summary
Just four privileged passengers can charter this luxurious Belmond barge to progress regally along the renowned 17th century Canal du Midi. The beautiful, sleek Alouette is perfectly appointed for a relaxing and exclusive cruise along this world treasure; the area is steeped in history and you’ll be delighted with its beauty and fascinated by its history.
Alouette has a light and airy ambience, being very spacious and perfectly decorated in the French country-style. With large picture windows in the salon and a sun-deck with loungers on top she provides spectacular views of the passing scenery – one of the most exclusive ways to soak up the sun and scenery of this world-heritage canal.
Discover the Canal du Midi chateaux
Key Features
- Grand Luxe class (5*)
- Part of the Belmond luxury fleet
- Beziers to Carcassonne, Canal du Midi, southern France
- Charter bookings only, 6 nights, 7 days, April to October
- 4 guests / 2 double or twin cabins with en-suite bathrooms
- Individually controlled air conditioning and heating throughout
- Full board, on-board dining with personal chef
- Sun deck with loungers
- Wifi (limited in some places)
- First class high-speed rail tickets from Paris included
- Air-conditioned executive minibus for transfers and excursions
The Classic Cruise — Alouette
Classic Cruise Itinerary
| Route | Carcassonne to Beziers along the Canal du Midi, southern France |
| Pick-up | Paris, for First Class TGV train |
| Dining | All inclusive: 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners on board. One lunch and 1 dinner at local restaurants. |
Classic Cruise Highlights
- Excursion to the medieval fortress of Carcassonne
- Visit to the pre-Roman city of Narbonne
- Delicious wine-tastings at Languedoc vineyards
- Discover Fontfroide and its religious history
- Delight in the canalside village charm of Homps
- Stroll and cycle along the towpath and explore the villages
Day 1 — Sunday
Depart Paris, arrive in Béziers
Step aboard and enjoy a welcoming champagne reception, meeting your crew and guide for the trip. In the evening, enjoy your first fabulous dining experience on the barge. Your chef will have prepared a feast showcasing the region’s tastiest seasonal ingredients.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to Capestang | Discover Fontfroide
Spend your first morning relaxing as you cruise along the beautiful Canal du Midi, one of the
most stunning waterways in France. After lunch on board, alight with your guide for a visit to
Fontfroide Abbey, a Cistercian monastery founded in the 11th century. Now privately owned, the abbey has been lovingly restored with a well-kept garden and peaceful cloister. On the way back to the barge, stop to enjoy a wine tasting at a local domaine.
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to Le Somail | Explore the village, discover an olive mill
This morning’s cruise brings you to Le Somail, one of the prettiest moorings along the canal,
which attracts a host of local artists displaying their wares. After lunch, accompany your guide on a short drive to a local olive mill, where you can uncover the farmer’s secrets with a private demonstration and tasting. Return to the boat for dinner.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Homps | Excursion to Narbonne | Lunch in local restaurant
This morning, accompany your chef to the wonderful covered market in Narbonne to choose ingredients for your dinner. Narbonne is a lively Mediterranean city and an important wine-producing centre. The historic architecture, shady boulevards and location on the banks of the Canal de la Robine all contribute to its charm. Enjoy a very traditional
lunch at a bistro in the market before returning to the barge for an afternoon’s cruise to the
port at Homps. Dinner is served on board.
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to Trèbes | Excursion to Minerve | Dinner in a local restaurant
After breakfast, visit Minerve, an ancient village perched on a limestone cliff, overlooking the
vineyards below. Its now-ruined castle was once a Cathar stronghold, besieged and captured by Simon de Montfort. Return for lunch on board, and then relax and soak up the ever-changing views from the comfort of the deck, or perhaps walk or cycle along the towpath. Tonight we moor on the outskirts of the picturesque town of Trèbes, the perfect spot for dinner at a charming local restaurant.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to Béziers | Excursion to Pre-Roman settlement
Relax on board as you navigate your final stretch of canal this week. Admire the beautiful scenery along the Canal du Midi from the deck. After lunch, alight to tour one of Europe’s largest medieval fortresses, Carcassonne. Explore the intricate fortifications of the two castellated walls, one inside the other, stretching about a mile in circumference. The views from the battlements towards the Pyrenees are stunning. Visit the cathedral, remarkable for
its stained-glass rose windows, elegant Romanesque nave and Gothic transepts. Back on board, your chef is preparing your farewell gala dinner.
Day 7 — Saturday
Departure from Beziers
Please check out this morning by 09:00.
After breakfast, your crew bids you farewell as you disembark for your onward travel arrangements.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. In exceptional circumstances it may be necessary to alter the route without prior notice. The itinerary runs in the reverse direction on alternate weeks.
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 100ft (30.48m) x 15.58ft (4.75m)
- The suites measure 204 sq ft and 269 sq ft including the bathrooms
Each cabin has a queen size double or twin beds - Bathrooms have large walk in showers, hand basin and WC, toiletries, hairdryer, bathrobe for each guest and heated towel rack
- Both cabins have:
– Individually controlled heating and air conditioning
– Safe
– Phone intercom system - All windows open
Other items on board
- Expert and professional English-speaking crew of 4
- 4 bicycles
- Small library of books and games
- Computer for guest use and Wifi (may be limited in some areas)
- Lounge and dining area with stereo system
– DVD player and DVDs
– HiFi system and CDs
– Bose iPod docking station
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
Great care and expertise is taken in planning the menus aboard Alouette.
All meals on board are freshly prepared by Cordon Bleu trained chef with fresh ingredients using local suppliers. They are served either in the dining room or up on deck, accompanied by carefully matched wines from the region.
Vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan and non-allergenic dishes can be arranged given at least 8 weeks notice prior to departure.
Photo Gallery
Charter barge Alouette 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 accommodation
First-class rail tickets from Paris and transfers to barge
All meals and drinks on board
All excursion fees and associated 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 bookings only
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Belmond offers Low, Value, High and Peak rate weeks – contact us for availability information
Low rate weeks
4 guest full charter: 25,344 EUR
Value rate weeks
4 guest full charter: 28,161 EUR
High season rate weeks
4 guest full charter: 34,420 EUR
Peak season rate weeks
4 guest full charter: 37,864 EUR
2024
Charter bookings only
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Belmond offers Low, Value, High and Peak rate weeks – contact us for availability information
Low rate weeks
4 guest full charter: TBC
Value rate weeks
4 guest full charter: 37,865 EUR
High season rate weeks
4 guest full charter: 41,650 EUR
Peak season rate weeks
4 guest full charter: TBC
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
