Sunday, Day 1
A member of the crew will welcome you at the pre-agreed pick up location at 4 PM and transfer you to your beautiful barge Esperance moored in the enchanting countryside of the famous Canal du Midi. A champagne reception will be served on deck as a nice premise to your week cruise. You will then have plenty of time to discover the barge, its environment and to settle in your bedroom before dinner.
Monday, Day 2
Today is a very relaxing day aboard Esperance! As we set off after breakfast, you will be surprised by the peacefulness of the barge while gliding along this beautiful 16th Century canal. We stop in Colombiers, where you will have time to explore before lunch. The pretty canal side village boasts a small church built in the 12th century. Our cruise this afternoon takes us through the exciting tunnel de Malpas, excavated in 1679; it was Europe’s first navigable tunnel. We arrive to the pretty village of Capestang; time to walk into the village, admire the Cathedral and have a drink at the main square. Today is the perfect day to go for a bicycle ride or enjoy a hike while the barge is moving slowly.
Tuesday, Day 3
After a morning cruise with many turns and loops we will find a romantic mooring in the middle of the vines and arched trees. A perfect spot to enjoy a gourmet lunch! Following lunch your guide will come and pick you up for a visit to Pézenas, a magical city full of art and history. The entire old town is rich with period mansions, wonderful wrought iron balconies, stone sculpture and ornate doorways.
A gourmet dinner awaits you onboard.
Wednesday, Day 4
The world floats by as the barge is moving slowly along the picturesque canal. We will cruise to Le Somail, a famous local village with a fascinating antique bookshop, local potters, and artists. Guests are welcome to stroll about this petite and charming village. Your guide can then drive to you to Narbonne, a lively city dating back from the Roman time. The choice is yours; you can go shopping around the old town center, visit the colorful covered market, the Archbishop's Palace, or the archaeological museum. Or, you may choose to spend your afternoon at the Mediterranean Sea and visit the Olive factory at L’Oulibo, a prize winning olive oil mill and a great place for tasting and buying olive oil or tapenade...
Thursday, Day 5
Today a very scenic drive into the Minervois hills and les gorges de la Cesse to get to Minerve. This amazing medieval village is perched on a spectacular rocky outcrop formed by the rivers Cesse and Brian. Famous for its Cathar history and its wine countryside, this village is full of charm and history. On the way back, how about a little wine tasting to discover more about the excellent wines this region has to offer? Time to relax on deck, as your floating hotel is on the move and the cruise will take you to a quiet mooring close to Puicheric.
Friday, Day 6
Going thru a couple of traditional locks the barge will cruise to our last mooring for the week, close to Carcassonne. After lunch you will have plenty of time to discover the world famous walled medieval town la Cité de Carcassonne. This extraordinary place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is said to be the most visited site in France. If you have already visited " the Cité," we will visit Lagrasse, an attractive village now home to numerous pottery workers and artists attracted by the place itself and the renowned natural light of the region. The two 'highlights' of the village are perhaps the Abbey and the bridges, although the narrow medieval streets of the village itself are also very attractive, and remains of the town walls can still be seen.
Saturday, Day 7
After a wonderful breakfast your guide will take you to your next destination to continue your onward journey.
Route runs in reverse on alternate weeks and may differ on selected cruise dates
Esperance
Exclusively for private charter cruises (from just 2 to 6 guests), the deluxe Esperance is a one-of-a-kind luxury barge. Rebuilt as a private yacht with customized furniture and hand-made ceramics, Esperance has all the amenities distinguished barge enthusiasts have come to love and expect. With he...Rates are for 6 nights (Sunday departure to following Saturday) and based on whole barge private charter
HALF BOARD / DINE AROUND Cruise Program: Includes two dinners onboard Esperance, and all breakfasts & lunches thereafter. Four dinners will be at passenger’s expense in authentic local restaurants along the route, all carefully selected and recommended by your Captain, for a true regional French dining experience
Not Available!
