Classic France River Cruise – Canal du Midi
The 340-year-old Canal du Midi skirts the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean before meandering inland through ancient villages, Roman fortifications and famed vineyards. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this canal is defined by its beauty, lined with shady plane trees which often touch to form an arc of green above the water from bank to bank, and crossed by pretty arched bridges. The warm Mediterranean weather and relaxed pace of life is sure to lull you into unwinding as your luxury Canal du Midi cruise meanders gently downstream.
Our Canal du Midi cruises are the perfect choice for cycling or walking along scenic tow paths, or simply watching the scenery pass by as you relax on the deck of your Canal du Midi barge with a cool drink. In the distance you can see the Pyrenees, whereas closer to hand are the vineyards that stretch for thousands of square miles. Enjoy private wine tastings at one of the various chateaux en route.
On a Canal du Midi boating holiday you will discover a marvellous blend of ancient Gallo-Roman and traditional influences reflected throughout this very historic region. Explore this further with your tour guide when you visit the medieval walled city of Carcassonne, the Cathar stronghold of Minerve or the underground Roman market in Narbonne.
Canal du Midi Cruise Highlights
With many of our cruises exploring some of the best wine-growing regions of France, our Canal du Midi cruise itineraries never fail to impress! Oenophines (wine-lovers), will appreciate our private wine tours and tastings at popular domaines such as the five-generation family-run Château Pech-Celeyran, aboard hotel barge Anjodi.
Carcassonne is a medieval fortified city set atop a hill overlooking the Aude River, and you can explore this city on any of our Canal du Midi cruises. Composed of a circle of towers and battlements, turrets and ramparts, with the longest city wall in Europe, it’s a perfectly restored medieval town. The oldest sections of its encircling wall were built by the Romans in the third century AD. Rising against the backdrop of the Black Mountains, Carcassonne is striking not only during the day but also at night, when it is floodlit!
Sitting atop a rocky outcrop at the junction of the Cesse and Brian Rivers, Minerve, the ancient capital of Minervois is considered by many as a quintessentially medieval French village. First founded in the 8th century, it is surrounded by deep limestone gorges and offers magnificent views of surrounding countryside. Wander in the shadows of a 12th century Cathar fort surrounded by these gorges as part of our Canal du Midi cruise itineraries.
Narbonne was the first town outside of Italy to be colonised by the Romans and grew to be the largest port outside Rome. Once a coastal port, it prospered until the sea receded in the Middle Ages. It is now eight miles inland. Today Narbonne has a well-restored medieval quarter and is famous for its magnificent art-nouveau covered food market, Archbishop’s Palace, Cathedral and Via Domitia (Roman road). Experience the very best of Narbonne on any of our Canal du Midi cruises.
Between Poilhes and Colombiers lies the Malpas Tunnel, the world’s first section of navigable underground canal. At 525 feet, it is not particularly long, but it is certainly wide and high! Cut through sandstone, look up and you’ll notice that most of the inside is lined with ornate stone vaulting. Local folklore suggests after the completion of the canal, that one of the workers built a small nook inside the ceiling of the tunnel and lived as a hermit inside it. When barges pass through the tunnel on our Canal du Midi cruises aboard Anjodi, look out as the captain and deckhands will often throw a piece of bread into the opening of the nook as a “gift for the hermit!”
And on the subject of architectural wonders and engineering feats, a key highlight on all our cruises are the unique lock experiences, such as the Seven-Rise Lock Staircase of Fonserannes on the Canal du Midi. On this Canal du Midi cruise highlight, you’ll get to travel 21.5 metres up or down seven ovoid chambers, over 300 metres – passing through just one set of gates between each chamber, so water levels are maintained by use of a side pond.
Whilst our Canal du Midi cruises pass from lock to lock, now is the perfect time to hop-off, and perhaps stretch your legs or take advantage of the barge’s bicycles to explore the towpath. Simply meet the barge at one of the approaching locks; or, if you’d like to explore further afield – many of our barges offer recommended cycling routes which your Captain will be provide more information on. If you prefer to use e-bikes, our Cruise Team can arrange this for you at the time of booking (supplement applies).
Guests are met in Narbonne and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Enchanté where a champagne welcome and cruise to Le Somail awaits. Dinner on board.
This morning, we head to Mas d’Antonin for some truffle hunting. Follow the expert truffle dogs searching under the oak trees to find the “black gold” which we can help to dig up and understand its appearance, colour and most important – its aroma. Here, we’ll also learn about the different olives of the region and taste the oils that they produce. After lunch on board, we cruise west along the Grand Bief, a stretch of canal without locks which follows the contours of the land for over 30 miles – a huge technological achievement for the 17th century- to the charming historical village of Roubia. On the way, we pass over France’s oldest aqueduct, the Pont du Gard. Dinner on board.
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 or simply absorb the vibrant atmosphere. Afternoon cruise past vineyards and pine trees to Homps. This picturesque mooring in the heart of a French village presents a perfect opportunity to explore on foot, or perhaps try your hand at a game of boules, followed by an alfresco dinner on board.
This morning we enjoy a private winery tour at the family-owned 17th century Château de Paraza whose 70 hectares of vineyards border the canal. After tasting some of their fine wines, among the best in the Languedoc, we have a private lunch in the château’s salon. This afternoon, we return to the barge for a cruise to Puichéric, past l’Epanchoir’ – one of the bridges invented by Pierre Paul Riquet for the Canal du Midi. Dinner on board. board.
Today we visit the fortified hilltop village of Minerve, named one of the ‘plus beaux villages de France’, and learn about its dramatic medieval history as centre of the Cathar religious rebellions against the Catholic church. This afternoon, we’ll cruise along the 340-year-old canal ascending its trademark locks as the relief becomes steeper. This is a great opportunity to walk or cycle from one lock to the next as Enchanté cruises on, navigating the triple locking system. Dinner on board.
Fascinating morning tour of Carcassonne. Dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, this is the most complete medieval fortified city in existence today with its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defences, which resisted the many armies that tried to storm this glorious Camelot setting. This afternoon we squeeze through tight bridges and glide past picturesque vineyards and hamlets to Trèbes. Once a major ally to Carcassonne, this medieval town still retains unique paintings within its 13th century church. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Narbonne.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
On alternate weeks, the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
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Cabin
Vessel Type: Hotel Barge
Length: 100 feet
Passenger Capacity: 8
Anjodi is very much a hotel barge of the classic Dutch design and also the founding member of our fleet, embarking on her first cruises along the historic Canal du Midi over 40 years ago.
Her beautiful interior makes the most of traditional materials such as African hardwoods and shining brass to create a warm onboard feel, reminiscent of a classic yacht.
The charming saloon is particularly welcoming, with its combination of richly coloured wooden flooring, elegant French dining furniture and comfortable banquette seating, as well as a fully stocked bar.
The four compact, cleverly-designed cabins, featuring hardwood panelling and brass portholes, offer a choice of twin or double bedded accommodation, each with en suite facilities.
The spacious sundeck is shaded by an adjustable canopy and there are comfortable sun loungers and a spa pool to soak in with a glass of chilled white wine.
Anjodi is a very well-known hotel barge having achieved ‘film star’ status some years ago following her many appearances in the television series Rick Stein’s French Odyssey, when she carried the eponymous chef on a voyage of culinary discovery through Southern France. Why not follow in his footsteps with a cruise along the Canal du Midi, a 330-year-old canal with UNESCO World Heritage status.
Vessel Type: Hotel Barge
Length: 99 feet
Passenger Capacity: 10
Built: 1982
Athos was originally built as a commercial sand, grain and wine barge and converted into a luxury hotel barge in 1982. Her association with wine continues today as she gracefully meanders along the Canal du Midi, through the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France.
Her intimate saloon is the perfect place to relax on a comfortable sofa with a good book, or to sip an aperitif before enjoying another gourmet meal at the elegant dining table. The barge is air-conditioned throughout and the five bright staterooms, each with a modern en suite shower room, offer all modern comforts and can be in either twin or queen-size double bed configuration.
Outside, her spacious sundeck has a large, adjustable canopy to offer shade during a long, lazy lunch. There are comfortable hardwood deckchairs in which to relax and admire the slowly-passing Midi countryside and, of course, bicycles for the more energetic to venture along the towpath to the next lock or two.
Athos is one of the most traditional hotel barges cruising the Canal du Midi and her welcoming onboard ambience will make your gentle voyage through the Languedoc landscape truly memorable.
Vessel Type: Hotel Barge
Length: 100 feet
Passenger Capacity: 8
Enchanté is a spacious, double-decker hotel barge that has been built to the highest standard to offer a stylish on board ambience that is perfect for enjoying a cruise through the sun-drenched region of the Canal du Midi.
The hotel barge is tastefully furnished in a contemporary style, creating a bright, art deco atmosphere. She has a large saloon with outstanding attention to detail, including an open-plan demonstration galley where guests can see their skilled chef at work. On the lower deck, there is also a computer with internet connection for guests’ use, as well as the requisite Wi-Fi onboard.
The luxurious air-conditioned accommodation is in four equally spacious twin or double-bedded suites, the largest of any hotel barge on the Canal du Midi and all with superbly appointed en suite shower rooms.
Outside, the spacious sun deck boasts an alfresco dining area, a gorgeous spa pool and comfortable loungers to relax in while the countryside drifts slowly by.
Enchanté is a hotel barge that offers an alluring blend of luxury and modernity. She is a vessel that will charm any discerning traveller on her sedate journey through the Midi countryside.
Vessel Type: Hotel Barge
Length: 128 feet
Passenger Capacity: 8
Finesse is a double-decker hotel barge that was built to exacting standards with luxury in mind, enhanced by her modern public areas and very spacious cabin suite accommodation.
The well-designed public areas include a saloon with contemporary furnishings and panoramic windows where the emphasis is on making the most of the natural light. There is also a demonstration galley where guests can watch their chef preparing delicious gourmet meals. Outside, guests can relax on the large sun deck with its alfresco dining area, comfortable seating and spa pool.
The four en-suite cabins, which can be in twin or double-bedded configuration, are very spacious (approx. 265sq ft including en suite), each one air-conditioned and with a beautifully appointed shower room.
Finesse is the perfect vessel on which to cruise the meandering waterways of Southern Burgundy past vineyards and charming canal-side villages, and to discover fascinating places along the way such as Autun, Beaune and Dijon.
Inclusions
• All meals catered for by our on board Master Chef, good regional wines served throughout the cruise, an open bar with a large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Chauffeured and guided sightseeing and use of all barge facilities such as bicycles
• Some barges also have an on-deck jacuzzi
• Local transfers to your barge are included and we will advise you of your meeting point at time of booking
• On our Family Charter Cruises equipment for babies and children will be included on most vessels; cribs, travel cot, high chair, car seats, toys, children bicycles and baby bicycle seats
Exclusions
• Gratuities are not included in the cruise fare. Tipping is entirely discretionary but is greatly appreciated by the crew if you are fully satisfied with the level of service on board. As a guidance our passengers on average tip approximately 5% of the cruise fare. All tips should be given to the Captain on board and are shared between the whole crew. Gratuities can only be made on board by cash payment.
• Optional hot air ballooning. Medical Cancellation Insurance: We strongly recommend the purchase of medical cancellation insurance within 14 days of submitting deposit for your cruise.
Highlights
• Experience a taste of barging history aboard 8-passenger Anjodi, a 1929 Luxemotor barge and the founding member of our fleet• Travel in the height of elegance and style aboard ultra-deluxe Enchanté
• Witness a naturalist’s idyll on a river cruise through the ‘Petite Camargue’ aboard 10-passenger Athos
Our Associates Include
