Enchanté - Canal
du Midi Itinerary - Beziers to Carcassonne, France
Sunday, Day1 - Marseillan
You will be met at the pick-up
point at 4pm and escorted by minibus to Enchanté moored
in the lake side fishing village of Marseillan, enjoying
a view over the oyster
beds and Noilly Prat vermouth. Champagne welcome followed
by time for a relaxing stroll around this lovely fishing
village before dinner aboard.
Monday, Day 2 - Marseillan to Portiragnes
This morning
we cruise from Marseillan to Portiragnes. On the way we
visit the old Greco/Phoenician port of Agde
and explore its narrow, medieval streets carved from the
Languedocian hills' black volcanic stone. After lunch an
informative wine tasting in the 14th Century Chateau de
Perdiguier, famed for its 15th century frescoes and Cabernet
Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines. Dinner aboard.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Portiragnes to Beziers
This morning we
visit Pezenas, a delightful village, mostly known for its
associations with the French playwrite Moliere,
who is said to have written many plays while staying there.
We then cruise to the bottom of the Fonseranes 7 lock flight
at Beziers where we continue along the 300 year old tree
lined Canal du Midi. Dinner in Beziers.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Beziers to Poilhes
This morning 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. On
arrival at the picturesque village of Poilhes we take an
excursion out to Minerve, the ancient capital of Minervois,
which boasts a 12th Century Cathar fort surrounded by deep
limestone gorges. Besieged by Simon de Montfort in 1215,
its hill-top location affords spectacular views. A fascinating
recreation in miniature of the bloodthirsty Cathar rebellion
and small museum complete the intriguing picture. Dinner
on board. On certain cruises, an alternative to the wine
tasting may be offered to l'Oppidum D'Enserune, a pre-Roman
hilltop settlement with Greek and Iberian excavations dating
from 600 BC.
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 canal side town, where you will have time
to shop or simply absorb the relaxed atmosphere. Return
to the barge for a cruise along the shaded winding canal
to Argeliers, stopping off en route at Domaine de Guery,
a 500 year old canalside vineyard, for a pre-dinner wine
tasting of the full-bodied Corbieres. Dinner aboard.
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 aboard.
Saturday, Day 7 - Le Somail to Montpellier
After breakfast,
depart from Le Somail by minibus to Montpellier. Expected
arrival time 11am. This is a sample itinerary
and is subject to change.
On
alternate weeks the cruise operates in reverse direction
and the pickup and drop off
points are reversed.
Enchanté - Provence Itinerary
- Avignon To Agde
Sunday, Day 1
Avignon Guests are met
at 4pm at the delightful Hotel Mercure Pont D'Avignon in
Avignon and escorted by minibus to L'Impressionniste for
a Champagne Welcome. Dine aboard in Villeneuve-les-Avignon.
Monday, Day 2 - Villeneuve-les-Avignon to Vallabregues
This morning we visit Avignon and the famous Palais des
Papes, an impressive monument to the era of the 'Other
Rome', when the popes moved to France, or enjoy a superb
wine tasting at Chateauneuf du Pape, former vineyard of
the Pope. In the afternoon we cruise down the mighty Rhone
River, past the foothills of the Alpilles to Vallabregues,
with a cycle or walking opportunity along the quiet river
bank. Optional early evening tour of King René's
castle at Tarascon. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3
Vallabregues
to Aigues Mortes This morning we explore Arles. Choose
between the Roman Arena and Theatre, St. Trophime's Basilica
and the Museum of Provencal life. We also visit some of
Vincent van Gogh's haunts on foot through the heart of
this old capital of the Camargue before rejoining the barge
for our cruise along the Rhone. We join the Petit Rhone
and then the Canal du Rhone-a-Sete that carries us to our
mooring beneath the medieval fortified walls of Aigues
Mortes. Dinner ashore at a local auberge.
Wednesday, Day
4
Aigues Mortes to Maguelone Stroll from Enchantée
to visit the Tour de Constance, built in 1248 as a lighthouse
for the returning 13th century crusaders. In the afternoon,
we cruise through the Camargue National Park with its wild
white horses and black bulls, abundant sea bird life and
flocks of elegant pink flamingos, to the vineyard-encircled
Maguelone Abbey, just a short stroll or cycle from the
nearby Mediterranean. Dinner on board.
Thursday, Day 5
Maguelone to Marseillan An early morning cruise brings
us to Frontignan lifting bridge. In the afternoon we
sail out onto the Thau Lake, a large, inland salt-water
lagoon
with acres of mussel and oyster beds. Miniature sea horses
can often be seen passing on the tide. Marseillan, a
beautiful Mediterranean fishing village and home to the
famous vermoutherie
of Noilly Prat, is our visit for the day. There is also
time to explore this vibrant small town. Dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6
Marseillan to Agde In the morning we
cruise to Agde, which was settled by the Phoenicians
in 2500 BC,
along the tree-lined 17th century Canal du Midi. During
our tour of Agde we encounter its cathedral built of
lava blocks from the nearby Black Mountains and its labyrinth
of narrow medieval streets. Our afternoon excursion
is Pezenas, Versailles of the Languedoc region and former
home to the French writer Moliere. Captain's Dinner
on
board.
Saturday, Day 7
Agde After breakfast, we transfer
you by minibus to Agde TGV station by 10am or Montpellier
TGV station, airport or hotel by 11am.
Please
note; This is a sample itinerary and is subject
to change. On alternate weeks the cruise operates in reverse
direction and the pickup and drop off points are reversed.
European
Waterways - Enchante Hotel Barge 2010 Rates 
