Barge Cruising the Canal du Midi

Day 1 : Marseillan

The journey begins in Narbonne where you are met and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Anjodi for a champagne welcome. Enjoy an early evening cruise on the Étang de Thau, before dinner on board.

Day 2 : Marseillan to Portiragnes

After breakfast we take the opportunity of a morning visit to nearby Maison Noilly Prat, which has been producing its famous vermouth since 1813. We enjoy lunch on board, and then embark on our cruise along the 340-year-old Canal du Midi through the Bagnas nature reserve, with potential sightings of flamingos, white egrets, and other migrating birds, under bridges built from the local black volcanic stone.

Day 3 : Portiragnes to Béziers

After breakfast, we visit Pézenas, the delightful 16th century capital of the Languedoc known for its associations with the French playwright Molière. Following lunch on board we cruise further along the Canal du Midi, crossing the aqueduct over the River Orb and ascending the 7-lock flight of unique oval locks at Fonserannes to arrive at our mooring at Beziers, a short drive from the pretty village of Colombiers which lies on an old Roman road, the Via Domitia.

Day 4 : Béziers to Capestang

This morning, we enjoy a special culinary experience at Le Mas d’Antonin, an estate producing high-quality truffles and olive oil. After a welcome introduction by the owners, we take a private tour of the domain, following the expert truffle dog who is trained to search for the coveted black truffle, known as “black gold” beneath oak trees. We also discover the olive varieties grown in the estate’s olive grove before returning to the farmhouse to sample olive oils and truffles, and enjoy a gourmet lunch which incorporates their wonderful produce, paired with fine local wines. In the afternoon, we cruise through the Malpas Tunnel – the world’s oldest canal tunnel. We then continue cruising past vineyards and pine trees, with magnificent views of the Pyrenees along the way, to moor in Capestang. There is time to explore the village, once the summer retreat of the Bishops of Narbonne, with its magnificent 14th century collegiate church.

Day 5 : Capestang to Sallèles d’Aude

This morning’s excursion is to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. We tour the Archbishop’s Palace, Cathedral and Via Domitia and explore the indoor market at the hub of this bustling town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the vibrant atmosphere. Following lunch on board, we cruise further along the 340-year-old Canal du Midi and then through a series of locks on the Canal de la Robine, with excellent walking and biking opportunities en route, to reach our mooring at Sallèles d’Aude.

Day 6 : Sallèles d’Aude to Le Somail

In the morning we visit 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, it resisted the many armies that tried to storm this Camelot setting. Returning to the barge for lunch, we embark on our final cruise, rejoining the historic Canal du Midi to arrive at the delightful village of Le Somail in mid-afternoon. We then enjoy a late afternoon visit and wine tasting at Chateau de Paraza, a family-run 17th century Minervois wine estate. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Day 7 : Le Somail

After breakfast, you will be transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Narbonne.