We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
+1 405 445 0350 
+61 3 9005 8569 
+44 7590 287 178 
Summary
Charter luxury hotel barge Esperance for a delightful cruise for up to six guests and you’ll discover a real French experience on board an authentic but completely transformed and comfortable barge. She cruises the Canal du Midi, providing your party with a glorious cruise and a fascinating introduction to the Languedoc region, its important history and delicious cuisine and wines.
Find out more about Carcassonne
Esperance is owned and captained by the charismatic and friendly Mathias Gilles (a long-time luxury yachting and barging professional), and has four staff dedicated to providing the highest possible standards of hospitality and personal service.
Key Features
- Grand Luxe class (5*)
- Canal du Midi, southern France
- Charter (some occasional cabin bookings), 6 nights, 7 days, March to October
- 2 – 6 guests / 3 suites
- Full board and dine-around
- Individual control conditioning and heating throughout
- Sun deck with dining area, loungers and spa tub
The Classic Cruise — Esperance
Classic Cruise Itinerary
| Route | Between Carcassonne and Beziers on the Canal du Midi, southern France |
| Pick-up | Beziers station, 4pm |
| Dining | All inclusive: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners on board. One dinner at local restaurant |
Classic Cruse Highlights
- Visit Minerve, the important Cathar village in its spectacular siege-top setting
- Delicious wine-tastings in renowned Languedoc vineyards
- Cruise through the Malpas tunnel, the first in Europe
- Visit the town of Pezenas, home to Moliere and many artisans
- Excursion to Narbonne, its famous market and Archbishop’s palace
- Tour of the spectacular medieval city of Carcassonne
Winter Cruise in Provence and the Camargue
- Enjoy the last quiet days of the year in southern France
- Fresh sea-side air combine with fascinating excursions and top class cuisine to soothe and invigorate all your senses
- No matter what the weather, the views are stunning from aboard this exquisitely snug hotel barge – a real tonic for the winter blues
- Charter, full-board only
Please enquire.
Day 1 — Sunday
Arrival in Capestang
You will be picked up at Beziers and transferred by private luxury minivan to Esperance, 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.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to La Croisade | Excursion to Colombiers
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.
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to Le Somail | Excursion to Pezenas
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.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Argens Minervois | Excursion to Narbonne and Oulibo
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 Esperance for the evening’s aperitifs and dinner on board at Argens Minervois, a gorgeous countryside spot.
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to Homps | Excursion to Minervois
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 Minerve 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 Esperance 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.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to Puicheric | Excursion to Carcassonne
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.
Day 7 — Saturday
Departure from Puicheric
Depart after breakfast at 09:00 for chauffeured transport to the pre-arranged drop off point.
This itinerary is a sample only and is subject to change. On alternate weeks it runs in the opposite direction.
Half-board (dine-ashore) cruises are also available (for charter bookings only), providing guests with the opportunity to savor excellent local dishes in an authentic brasserie or restaurant atmosphere. Please enquire.
“In short the boat, crew and cruise were tremendous. The boat was laid out well and the cabins were spacious and comfortable. We could not have asked for, or imagined, a better crew. They were accommodating, caring, worked well together and were fun to be around. Chloe’s meals were creative and delicious. Andras was a great sommelier and was always checking in to see if there was anything we needed. Gael was a very knowledgeable guide and planned some great excursions. And our captain Victor was a master of the boat and cruising the canal. The trip exceeded our expectations and is one we will never forget!”
JW, USA, Sept 2023
“We were traveling with friends that we don’t see very often. We get together for an “adventure” once a year and always have a wonderful time. This was no exception. Being in tight quarters can be a challenge, but we all enjoyed every minute of it! Barging is a great way to relax and enjoy each other’s company and get to know more about the crew!
The staff on the Esperance were exceptional. Professional, friendly, funny, knowledgeable, accommodating and patient… We all agreed….let’s do it AGAIN!!
Thank you Christina for putting this together. Perfect!”
CS, USA, June 2023
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 100 ft long
- Romaniu suite (back cabin) 200 sq ft, Farigola suite 200 sq ft and Sauvia 200sq ft
- Sauvia has a fixed queen-size double bed; Romaniu and Farigola have queen-size double or twin beds
- En-suite bathrooms (included in the dimensions above) have toiletries provided from brand names and local artisans
- All cabins have TV for DVD player, small sofa and hair dryer (bring adaptors for other electrical appliances)
Other items on board:
- Professional English-speaking crew of 4 – captain, pilot, hostess, deckhand and chef. All speak fluent English as well as other languages
- HiFi system with iPod and DVD player
- WIFI (occasional limited availability)
- Loungers, shaded area with dining table and chairs and hot tub on deck
- Mercedes air-conditioned SUV vehicle for transfer and excursions
- 6 touring bicycles and helmets provided
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
With some of the finest produce – delicious breads and pastries, fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh sea-food and a huge variety of local wines – on the very doorstep in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, Esperance delivers superb culinary treats at every meal.
Host Andras and chef Chloe join forces to present and serve delicious dishes at breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with soft drinks and matching wines.
With advance notice, Chloe is delighted to cater for all dietary preferences and is happy to discuss menus and the wines on board. She will also provide demonstration dishes for those who’d like to gather in the open galley and learn from a master.
Photo Gallery
Charter barge Esperance cruises 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
6 nights accommodation
All excursions, tour guide, 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
March 19, 26
April 2, 9, 16, 23
May 7, 14, 21, 28
June 4, 11, 18, 25
July 2, 9,16, 23, 30
August 6, 13, 20, 27
September 3, 10, 17, 24
October 1, 8, 15, 22
2 guest charter: 22,000 USD
4 guest charter: 25,000 USD
5 guest charter: 29,500 USD
6 guest charter: 32,400 USD
Dine-ashore* rate weeks:
* 4 dinners ashore (at recommended local restaurants) at guests’ own expense.
2 guest charter: 19,000 USD
4 guest charter: 22,800 USD
5 guest charter: 26,000 USD
6 guest charter: 29,400 USD
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
6 pax: 37,200 USD
5 pax: 34,000 USD
4 pax: 30,000 USD
Dine-ashore* rate weeks:
* 4 dinners ashore (at recommended local restaurants) at guests’ own expense.
4 guest charter: 28,800 USD
5 guest charter: 32,800 USD
6 guest charter: 36,000 USD
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
