Classic Canal du Midi "Family" Cruise - Marseillan to Le Somail

Sunday, Day 1 - Marseillan
Guests are met at the designated meeting point and escorted by minibus to Anjodi moored in the lake side fishing village of Marseillan, enjoying a view over the oyster beds and home of Noilly Pratt Vermouth. Champagne welcome followed a game of boules or badminton and time for a relaxing stroll around this lovely fishing village before dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 - Marseillan to Portiragnes
This morning we visit the famous Cap d’Agde on the Mediterranean, with golden sands and blue sea or for the more active “Aqualand” park with swimming pools, slides, wave machines and flumes. This afternoon we cruise from Marseillan to Portiragnes through the nature reserve of Bagnas with potential sightings of flamingos and other birds. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 - Portiragnes to Beziers
This morning we cruise to the bottom of the Fonserannes 7 lock flight at Beziers where we continue along the 300 year old tree lined Canal du Midi while guests can enjoy a cycle or walk along the footpaths or enjoy a soak in the spa pool as the world goes by. After lunch we explore the wonderful Oppidum d’Enserune, a pre Roman hill-top settlement with Greek and Iberian excavations dating from 600BC. Children love exploring all the underground passages under the settlement. Dinner at a local auberge.

Wednesday, Day 4 - Beziers to Poilhes
This morning we cross the aqueduct over the River Orb and then ascend the 7-lock flight of Fonserannes before reaching the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas. After lunch we visit the underground world called the Limousis Caves. Originally dug out by an underground river, the cave, which is now dry, contains some superb concretions among which are the exceptional “Chandelier” which is a collection of white arborescent crystals and aragonite. See the stalactites and stalagmites in the well lit caves and luster, 4 meters high and 10 meters diameter, composed of calcite flowers. It also served as shelter for pre historic man, cave bears and people through the ages. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 - Poilhes to Argeliers
After breakfast we transfer to Dinosaur Park and Museum in Meze. This open air museum with skeletons and realistic reconstructions. Even before you arrive you can see the head of the Brachiosaur skeleton, peering out above the treetops, which is the largest complete dinosaur skeleton in the world. Return to the barge for a cruise along the shaded canal to Argeliers, stopping off en route at Domaine de Guery, a 500 year old canal side vineyard, for a pre-dinner wine tasting of the full-bodied Corbieres. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 - Argelier to Le Somail
Morning visit to 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 defenses, it resisted the many armies that tried to storm this Camelot setting. In the afternoon we cruise along the historic Midi Canal to the delightful village of Le Somail. Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 - Le Somail
After breakfast, depart from Le Somail by minibus to the destignated drop off point.

On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
 

Classic Canal du Midi "Golf" Cruise - Marseillan to Le Somail

Sunday, Day 1 - Marseillan
Guests are met at the designated meeting point and escorted by minibus to Anjodi moored in the lake side fishing village of Marseillan, enjoying a view over the oyster beds and home of Noilly Pratt Vermouth. Champagne welcome followed by time for a relaxing stroll around this lovely fishing village before dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 - Marseillan to Portiragnes
This morning we enjoy a round of golf at Cap d'Agde.  This golf course is located in a colourful landscape created by one of the world's most renowned architects, Ronald Fream. An outstanding and inventive course whose greens are jealously protected by bunkers that you will never forget.  Return to the barge and enjoy a late seafood lunch whilst cruising the lagoon and reach our mooring for the night in Portiragnes where there is an opportunity of a sea swim.  Light dinner on board..  (18 holes, 6,301m, Par 72)

Tuesday, Day 3 - Portiragnes to Beziers
We cruise this morning to the bottom of the Fonseranes 7 lock flight at Beziers where we continue along the 300 year old tree lined Canal du Midi.   After lunch we golf at Golf de St Thomas.  This course offers various types of play: woods, hills, lakes and on some fairways a more classic approach.  Return to the barge and enjoy an aperitif before dinner ashore in a local auberge.  (18 holes, par 72,  6130m).

Wednesday, Day 4 - Beziers to Poilhes
A morning visit to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy the Archbishops Palace and Horreum. Explore the indoor market at the hub of this bustling town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the relaxed atmosphere. After lunch we cross the aqueduct over the River Orb and then ascend the 7-lock flight of Fonseranes before reaching the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas and then arrive at the picturesque village of Poilhes for our nights mooring. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 - Poilhes to Argeliers
This morning we play golf at Lamalou-les-Bains Golf Course located at the foot of Mt Carooux by the River Orb, this course with its three small lakes, is flat, wooded, short, technical and most enjoyable. Return to the barge for a cruise along the shaded canal to Argeliers, and then onto our final mooring in Le Somail. Dinner on board..  (9 holes, 2,600m, Par 35)

Friday, Day 6 - Argelier to Le Somail
Fascinating morning tour of Carcassonne. Dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, this is the most complete mediaeval 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. Enjoy Cassoulet in Carcassonne before golf at Golf de Carcassonne. Challenging water obstacles and bunkers make this a tactical golf course for players of all levels. Captain's Farewell Dinner on board. (18 holes, 5,800m, Par 71)

Saturday, Day 7 - Le Somail
After breakfast, disembark the barge and transfer by minibus to the destignated drop off point.

On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
 

Classic Canal du Midi "Wine" Cruise - Marseillan to Le Somail

Sunday, Day 1 - Marseillan
Guests are met at the designated meeting point and escorted by minibus to Anjodi moored in the lake side fishing village of Marseillan, enjoying a view over the oyster beds and home of Noilly Pratt Vermouth. Champagne welcome followed by time for a relaxing stroll around this lovely fishing village. Prior to dinner your wine guide will give you a brief introduction to the vineyards of the region before presenting your first wines.

Monday, Day 2 - Marseillan to Portiragnes
This morning we visit Pezenas, a delightful village, mostly known for its associations with the French playwright Moliere, who is said to have written many plays while staying there. Later we visit the acclaimed Pomerol wine co-operative, Gold Medal winners and leading lights in the Languedoc. This afternoon we cruise from Marseillan to Portiragnes through the nature reserve of Bagnas with potential sightings of flamingos and other birds. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 - Portiragnes to Beziers
This morning we cruise to the bottom of the Fonserannes 7 lock flight at Beziers where we continue along the 300 year old tree lined Canal du Midi. After lunch enjoy an informative wine tasting in the 14th Century Chateau de Perdiguier, famed for its 15th century frescoes and Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines. Dinner at a local auberge.

Wednesday, Day 4 - Beziers to Poilhes
This morning we cross the aqueduct over the River Orb and then ascend the 7-lock flight of Fonserannes before reaching the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas. On arrival at the picturesque village of Poilhes we pay a visit to the Chateau de Pech Redon to taste the wonderfully complex velvety wines produced from the nearby Montagne de la Clape. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 - Poilhes to Argeliers
A morning visit to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy the Archbishop’s Palace and Horreum. Explore the indoor market at the hub of this bustling town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the relaxed atmosphere. Return to the barge for a cruise along the shaded canal to Argeliers, stopping off en route at Chateau de Guery, a 500 year old canalside vineyard, for a pre-dinner wine tasting of the full-bodied Corbieres or a visit to the state of the art winery at Mas de Chevaliere, created by the Burgundian winemaker Michel Laroche, we taste a selection of their delicious wines. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 - Argelier to Le Somail
Fascinating morning tour of Carcassonne, the most complete mediaeval 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. In the nearby village of Boutenac, we sample Patrick Reverdy's internationally renowned Corbieres wine at the 17th Century Chateau LaVoulte Gasparets. Afternoon cruise along the 330 year old Midi Canal to Argeliers through vineyards and pine trees. Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 - Le Somail
After breakfast, depart from Le Somail by minibus to the destignated drop off point.

On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.