Sunday, Beziers
In the afternoon, you will be met at the designated meeting point by Esperance crew.
From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored nearby in Beziers. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first of many gourmet dinners aboard. After dinner, feel free to take a dip in the hot tub with a nightcap.
Monday, Cruise to Colombiers and Capestang
The first of two cruises today stops in Colombiers, a petite hamlet with a small church built in the 12th century. Later, an afternoon cruise culminates in the charming village of Capestang. Both cruises provide ample opportunities for gentle pedals or leisurely strolls on the towpath, while gourmands and gastronomes are welcome to join Chef in the galley to observe traditional French cooking techniques. Meanwhile, Mathias will be putting the finishing touches on another one of his elaborate table settings. Dinner is served onboard.
Tuesday, Pezenas
During the morning cruise, you can laze on deck and admire the bucolic countryside glide by, or the explore the towpath by bicycle or on foot. In the afternoon, your Tour Guide escorts you to Pézenas, a town of art and history, and a place most dear to French playwright Molière. The city's historic center has become a charming bohemian haven of craft shops, lively cafes, and specialty boutiques. Sip, shop, and stroll your way through this adorable town brimming with authentic French life. Back onboard,
cocktails and dinner await.
Wednesday, Cruise to Le Somail
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.
This afternoon your guide will start the tour with a visit at the Oulibo Olive factory , a prize winning olive oil mill and a great place for tasting and buying olive oil or tapenade.
Next, a wine tasting at a local vineyard reveals the complexities of the grapes grown along the Canal du Midi.
Thursday, Narbonne
This morning, 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.
Your afternoon cruise will end up in the nature after cruising through charming wine villages where your captain may stop to select the wine for your dinner.
A perfect mooring to enjoy a cocktail in the hot tub.
Friday, Fontfroide
A special day since you are going the experience your first locks . Some of them are single, others are double . You are going to be surprised to see how this massive barge is going to fit in those tiny locks . We will stop for lunch in the village of Homps.
This afternoon, discover Fontfroide Abbey; Nestled in a green valley, the Abbey of Fontfroide (founded in 1093) is one of the most complete abbey complexes remaining today.
Saturday, L’aiguille Lock
In the morning your Tour Guide accompanies you to Minerve, a preserved Medieval city with fascinating social, historical, and military import. A very scenic drive for a very dramatic landscape .
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon cruise through olive shaped locks, over aqueducts and under low stone bridges. Choose to relax on the sundeck or take the opportunity to stroll and cycle along the canal and to discover the Artist and Lock keeper Joel Barthes
at the lock l’Eguille.
Sunday, Lagrasse
Your Tour Guide chauffeurs you to 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 medical streets of the town walls can still be seen.
This perfect morning will be followed by lunch on board, and the afternoon dedicated to cruising the outskirts of Carcassonne in the village of Marseillette.
Monday, Trebes
Discover the famous Cité of Carcassonne!.
Occupied since the Neolithic and symbol of the middle age, you will visit the fortified city of Carcassonne, ascend the ramparts dating back to Gallo-Roman times, discover the medieval town, its fort, the cathedral. Roam and shop in the 19th century “bastide”
of this regional capital Carcassonne will delight you.
Tuesday, L’Eveque Lock
After breakfast on board, visit the Château de Pennautier and winetasting. At the end of the day, your nautical stroll onboard L’Esperance will lead you towards the lock of L’Eveque approaching the Lauragais and a change from the previous vineyard countryside into undulating valleys of sunflowers and wheat.
Wednesday, Ladouce Lock
You last day on the barge to enjoy this beautiful canal…we will cruise gently towards Carcassonne; This is your day to stay on board and relax or spend some time in Carcassonne at your own pace for some last minute shopping, spend your afternoon at the Mediterranean Sea or to join an excursion with the guide to the local weekly market of Bram….
Thursday, Departure
After breakfast, time has come to say Goodbye and safe onward journey.
Your guide will accompany you to your departure point (train station, hotel or airport).
Route runs in reverse on alternate weeks and may differ on selected cruise dates
Esperance
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