Elegance
Hotel Barge

You will be picked up at Beziers and transferred by private luxury minivan to Elegance, patiently waiting for you at the quayside in the delightful town of Capestang. Over a sparkling Champagne reception meet the crew and settle in to your cabins before your first gourmet dinner on board. As you begin to unwind take a stroll along the quayside and marvel at the famous tightly-fitting semi-circular bridge, or enjoy a dip in the hot tub with a night-cap.

This morning, after a hearty continental breakfast, enjoy a leisurely cruise to the small town of Colombiers where we’ll stop to explore its 12th century church and meander the pretty streets. After lunch back on board the cruise continues through the ancient Malpas tunnel, the first ever constructed in Europe, and one of the magnificent engineering feats of the Canal du Midi. There’s time to don your walking shoes or cycle along the excellent tow-path this afternoon, accompanying the barge as it makes its way to the evening’s mooring. 

Today, the cruise continues westward and throughout the morning there’s time to soak up the sunshine, catch up on some reading or take to the spa pool on deck. After a light lunch on board there’s an excursion to Pézenas. This once wealthy town is rich with fine architectural buildings and details from centuries past; beautiful paved streets lined with craft workshops make it a fascinating stroll, especially when you consider that the famed French playwright, Molière, made this is home in the 17th century.

This morning’s cruise is to Le Somail, a small canal-side village with an extraordinary and famous second-hand bookshop and many local artists in situ.  Later, the excursion after lunch is a guided tour to the city of Narbonne, a major pre-Roman city, to see the Archbishop’s Palace, its museum, the original Roman road and the famous, thriving covered market. Alternatively, take a trip to the  Mediterranean seaside and the prize-winning olive factory at l’Oulibo for a tasting and to buy olive oil or tapenade. Return to Elegance for the evening’s aperitifs and dinner on board at Argens Minervois, a gorgeous countryside spot.

The cruise continues this morning with opportunities to walk, cycle and stop at villages along the way, perhaps to purchase local wines. In the afternoon, there’s an excursion to the Gorges de la Cessa and the village of Minervois perched on a spectacular rocky outcrop. This Cathar stronghold, now a beautiful village, is a major part of the region’s tragic religious history.  Enjoy some more wine-tasting on the way back to Elegance and then moor up on the lovely quayside at Homps. There’s time for an evening stroll around this small town before or after dinner on board.

Awake to the tinkling church bells of Homps and the twittering of the swifts circling the tower and then cruise towards Carcassonne, stopping at Puicheric for lunch on board. Today, there’s  guided tour of the world famous medieval Cité of Carcassonne, perhaps the highlight of the cruise. This extraordinary walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest, restored castle in Europe, and seen in Hollywood films such as ‘Robin Hood’. Its centre still bustles with boutiques, craftsmen and places to eat and drink, as it ever did.  A delicious Captain’s dinner on board this evening, to share and toast the week’s delights.

Depart after breakfast at 09:00 for chauffeured transport to the pre-arranged drop off point.

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

2024

Charter bookings only
Sunday to Saturday

Rates and dates

March 24, 31
April 7, 14, 21, 28
May 5, 12, 19, 26
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
July 7, 14, 21, 28
August 4, 11, 18, 25
September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
October 6, 13, 20

4 guest charter: 32,500 USD
5 guest charter: 36,000 USD
6 guest charter: 39,000 USD