'Enchante' Canal du Midi Cruise

If you are a family with children, we are able to create a bespoke itinerary and substitute a maximum of 4 excursions from our Classic Cruise Itinerary with your preferred family activities.

The following activities can usually be arranged on-board directly with the barge Captain and included in your itinerary without any extra charge, unless otherwise stated:
 

Prehistoric Caves at Limoussis
The prehistoric Caves at Limoussis are a series of underground tunnels dating back over 100 years. They also boast the largest array of aragonite crystals in the world. A fair level of fitness is required as the paths within the cave are relatively steep.

Kayaking, Rafting, Pot Holing and Rock Climbing
All of the above are available at the delightful Eaurizon Base Nautique on the scenic River Aude. Several time durations are available during the cruise, depending on the time slot allocated by the barge’s itinerary – the whole day (more than 3 hours of activities), half a day (from 1½ to 3 hours) or a quick tour (from 1 to 2 hours).

Goat’s Cheese Farm at Combebelle
Come and meet the goats! At this wonderfully rustic shop and barn you can sample an array of different cheeses and even head out back to the milking parlour to play with the goats and watch how the milking process is done.

Swimming
It being the Mediterranean, there are no shortage of swimming opportunities,  from freshwater lakes such as the Lac de Jouarres and the picturesque Lac de la Cavayère near Carcassonne to the warm, lengthy beaches of Narbonne and the Saint-Pierre La Mer, Fleury. Should you wish, there is also an indoor pool available in Narbonne.

Ice Skating, Bowling & Go Karting
In the unlikely event the weather isn’t favourable, there are plenty of activities on offer to keep the kids entertained at this leisure centre in Narbonne, including ice skating, bowling and go karting, as well as an olympic size swimming pool so you can splash the day away!

Richard de Bas Paper Mill & Workshop
The mill, restored by Marius Péraudeau in 1941 was the first living museum in France. The paper mill still functions today, with 200 to 300 hand-made pieces of paper made each day, using the traditional artisanal methods of the 15th century. Here, you can try your hand at paper making or follow the paper maker’s trail along the streams and mills of the valley.

Other activities* – shown below – can be arranged but, due to their nature, they should be booked directly by the passenger with the activity provider. These activities are:

Horse Riding (2+ Years)
Pony & Horse Riding is available through the vineyards and alongside the Canal du Midi. Two tariffs are available, for one or two hours. Pony treks are also available for younger or novice riders and are for either 15 or 30 minutes duration. (Supplement Payable).
Please Contact Us to discuss your specific requirements. We will be very happy to help.

*Activities are payable by the passenger directly to the provider, whose individual terms and conditions apply.

All activities are subject to availability. Children’s bicycles, bicycle helmets, child car seats and high-chairs are all available without cost.

Golf cruises include four pre-booked and paid tee times and transfers to and from the golf clubs. Hire of clubs, caddy or buggy not included. Only those golfing pay the supplement. A minimum of 4 passengers on a golf charter are required to play golf.
 

Sunday, Day 1 Trebes
Guests are met in Narbonne and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Enchante. A Champagne Welcome awaits you, with the chance to meet your Captain and crew followed by dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 Trebes to Puicheric
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. Following a lunch cruise you will head to Golf de Carcassonne. Challenging water obstacles and bunkers make this a tactical golf course for players of all levels. Dinner on board.  
(18 holes, 5,800m, Par 71)

Tuesday, Day 3 Puicheric to Homps
Morning cruise under the shade of the plane trees which line the canal to Puicheric. 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. We continue cruising to a picturesque mooring under the trees, a perfect opportunity to try your hand at boules followed by an alfresco dinner on board.
(18 holes, par 72, 6130m)

Wednesday, Day 4 Homps to Roubia
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. Enjoy lunch ashore before returning to the barge for an afternoon cruise, we transverse the canal bridge l’Epanchoir, one of the many feats of engineering invented by Pierre Riquet for the Canal du Midi, to Roubia. Dinner on board.
(9 holes, 2,600m, Par 35)

Thursday, Day 5 Roubia to Le Somail
Morning cruise through vineyards and pine trees to the charming and historical village of the Le Somail, purpose built for the Canal du Midi. Take some time to explore the old bookstore of Le Somail. Afternoon excursion to a wine tasting in the Saint Chinian, the first village of the region to receive the much envied French mark of approval for wines known as A.O.C. (Appellation d’Origine Controlée), teamed with an excursion to “Oulibo”, Occitan for olive. This cooperative olive oil press is a great opportunity to sample the famous Lucques olive. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Le Somail to Sallèles d’Aude
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. Afternoon cruise through the series of locks and narrow bridges of the Robine Canal, built after the Canal du Midi to link Narbonne and the Mediterranean. Cycle ahead and explore the village of Sallèles d’Aude, our final mooring. Captains Farewell Dinner on board.
(18 holes, 6,301m, Par 72)

Saturday, Day 7 Sallèles d’Aude
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Narbonne.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change
Alternative Pick Up and Drop Off locations available upon request

Cruises for charter groups include a comprehensive wine itinerary with additional winery visits, private tastings and the services of a professional wine guide. Also includes an upgrade of the wine list to include additional premier and grand cru wines.
 

Sunday, Day 1 Trèbes
Guests are met in Narbonne and escorted by minibus to Enchanté, moored in Trèbes. A champagne welcome followed by time to walk around the charming and historical village. Prior to dinner your wine guide will give you a brief introduction to the vineyards of the region before presenting your first wines. Dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 Trèbes to Puichéric
A 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. On the way back to the barge, in the nearby village of Badens we sample Jean-François Orosquette’s internationally renowned wines at Château La Grave which was founded in the 12th century. In the afternoon, we cruise along the 330-year-old canal and gently circle the contours of the land through the dappled Cathedral-like canopy of the plane trees, to Puichéric lock. You might want to admire the lock-keeper’s artistic creations which surround the lock-house. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 Puichéric to Jouarres
This morning, our cruise descends the trademark locks of the Canal du Midi as the steep relief requires them to be more numerous and deeper. This is a great opportunity to walk or cycle from one lock to the next as Enchanté cruises on, navigating the triple locking system. The afternoon excursion is a wine tour and tasting at the winery of Château Saint Jacques d’Albas in Minervois, one of the few regions to receive the much envied French mark of approval for wines known as A.O.C. (Appellation d’Origine Controlée).This informative tour offers an opportunity to sample wine in situ and find out more about the Languedoc’s long-standing and continuing wine trade. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 Jouarres to Roubia
This morning, we visit a Benedictine Abbey founded in the 8th century. Nestled in Lagrasse, a village awarded the title of “Plus beaux villages de France” and home to many artisans who have set up workshops in the medieval centre, the restored Abbey was once one of the most prosperous thanks to Charlemagne’s charter. Then we sample some local cuisine with lunch ashore in a spectacular setting overlooking the Corbières, before visiting the Château Lalis to taste the wonderfully complex velvety wines produced from the Corbières A.O.P. This afternoon, while cruising under the shade of the plane trees which line the canal, we pass the canal bridge “l’Epanchoir”, one of the many feats of engineering invented by Pierre Riquet for the Canal du Midi. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 Roubia to Le Somail
A morning cruise through vineyards and pine trees to the charming and historical village of Le Somail, purpose-built for the Canal du Midi. This bustling little village is situated on the “grand bief”, another engineering prowess unique to the Canal du Midi. Take some time to explore the old bookstore of Le Somail. . An afternoon excursion to Château de Combebelle, owned by Master of wine Catherine Wallace who fulfilled her life-long dream by becoming one of the most acclaimed wine producers of the Saint Chinian A.O.P. We continue by minibus to Minerve, the ancient capital of the Minervois, which boasts a 12th century Cathar fort surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Besieged by Simon de Montfort in 1210, its hilltop location affords spectacular views. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Le Somail to Salleles d’Aude
This morning’s excursion is to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy a visit to the Archbishop’s Palace and the indoor market at the hub of this bustling canal side town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the vibrant atmosphere. During this afternoon’s cruise to Sallèles d’Aude, our wine guide presents a comparative tasting of the wines currently being produced in the Languedoc region. Finally, we enjoy a wine-tasting of the full-bodied and diverse wines at the vineyard Domaine de l’Herbe Sainte where the fiercely passionate Greuzard family apply their Burgundy know-how. Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 Sallèles d’Aude
After breakfast, guests disembark Enchanté and transferred by private minibus to Narbonne.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change
Alternative Pick Up and Drop Off locations available upon request

Culinary cruises include more food-focussed excursions, a French cooking lesson and onboard cooking demonstrations in the open galley by the on board chef, wine and food pairings for each meal, Mediterranean cuisine which focuses on the freshest local produce and presentations of all cheeses and wines.
 

Sunday, Day 1 Trebes
Guests are met in Narbonne and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Enchanté. A champagne welcome and an introduction to the Captain and crew, followed by dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 Trebes to Aiguille
This morning we take you for a French cooking class alongside the Canal du Midi. This is a hands-on experience where the focus is on seasonal produce and classic recipes with a modern twist! For lunch you’ll be able to enjoy the food you have just prepared seated at the stunning setting on the canal side. In the afternoon we cruise along the 330 year old Canal du Midi, and gently circle the contours of the land through the dappled Cathedral-like canopy of the plane trees, to Aiguille lock. You might want to admire the lock-keeper’s artistic creations which surround the lock-house. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 Aiguille to Homps
This morning, there is a 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. Home to many artisanal confectioners this is a perfect opportunity to indulge in some nougats and chocolates. Upon returning to the boat we enjoy a lunchtime cruise to the charming and historical village of Homps, followed by a tour of a local boulangerie where you will be overwhelmed by the wonderful smell of freshly-baked bread and patisseries. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 Homps to Roubia
This morning, we drive to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. We enjoy a tour of Narbonne’s indoor food market where Enchanté’s chef will be on hand to help you select your evening’s dinner menu. After lunch in the market, we return to the barge, then cruise through vineyards and pine trees to Roubia, followed by a wine tour coupled with a wine tasting at Château Pique Perlou in the Minervois, one of the few regions to receive the much envied French mark of approval for wines known as A.O.C. This informative tour is not only an opportunity to sample wine in situ but also find out more about the Languedoc’s long-standing and continuing wine trade. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 Roubia to Le Somail
A morning cruise through vineyards and pine trees to the charming and historical village of Le Somail, purpose built for the Canal du Midi. This bustling little village is situated on the “grand bief” one of the engineering prowess unique to the Canal du Midi. Take some time to explore the old bookstore of Le Somail. After lunch onboard, we enjoy an afternoon excursion to “Oulibo”, Occitan for olive. This small but reputable olive oil press is a great opportunity to find out what “Extra Virgin” really means. Home to the famous Lucques olive, you will also enjoy tasting some Picholine or Ascolana tapenades or olive oils. We continue to the Combebelle goat farm for a comparative tasting of young and mature goats’ cheeses. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Le Somail to Salleles d’Aude
We start the day with the ancient art of “cavage”, French for truffle hunting, in the oak forests of the Minervois hills. After a successful search and then a savouring of the white truffle, we will stop at “La Cargolade” on the way back to the barge. This farm, named after a traditional Languedoc dish, specialises in the Petit Gris variety of escargot. Lunch onboard is followed by an afternoon cruise through the series of locks and narrow bridges of the Robine Canal during which you can watch a truffle cooking demonstration by our chef. This evening’s mooring will be in the village of Salleles d’Aude, our final mooring. Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 Salleles d’Aude
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Narbonne.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change
Alternative Pick Up and Drop Off locations available upon request