Barge Cruising the Canal du Midi

Day 1 : Narbonne > Le Somail

You will be met at Narbonne and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to board Anjodi. Enjoy a chilled champagne welcome with canapes and the opportunity to meet your crew, followed by time to walk around the charming village and perhaps explore its beautiful bookshop. We then enjoy a short evening cruise before dinner on board.

Day 2 : Le Somail > Salleles d’Aude

This morning, there is a fascinating 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 defenses, it resisted the many armies that tried to storm this Camelot setting. In the afternoon, cruise along the 330-year-old Canal du Midi and through a series of locks on the Canal de la Robine, with excellent walking and biking opportunities en route, to our mooring at Sallèles d’Aude. We return to the barge for lunch, then later in the afternoon we enjoy a visit and a wine tasting at the family-run 17th century Chateau de Paraza wine estate in the Minervois.

Day 3 : Salleles d’Aude > Capestang

This morning, we visit 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. After lunch on board, we cruise to Capestang, passing vineyards and pine trees, with magnificent views of the Pyrenées along the way. There is time to explore the village, once the summer retreat of the Bishops of Narbonne, with its magnificent 14th century collegiate church before dinner on board.

Day 4 : Capestang > Fonserannes

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 enjoy a private truffle-hunting demonstration, where we will follow the expert truffle dog as it searches for the coveted black truffle or “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. We return to the hotel barge for a cruise through the Malpas Tunnel – the world’s oldest canal tunnel, then on to our mooring at Beziers.

Day 5 : Fonserannes > Portiragnes

After breakfast, descend through the unique flight of 7 oval locks, before crossing the aqueduct over the River Orb to moor in Portiragnes where the Canal du Midi is at its closest to the Mediterranean. For those who are feeling active, the beach is only 20 minutes away by bicycle. This afternoon we enjoy an excursion to Pezenas, the delightful 16th century capital of the Languedoc mostly known for its associations with the French playwright Molière.

Day 6 : Portiragnes > Marseillan

This morning, Anjodi sets off through the famous round lock and then the nature reserve of Bagnas, with potential sightings of flamingos, white egrets and other migrating birds before heading out onto the inland saltwater lake of Etang de Thau, past the oyster beds. After mooring in the fishing village of Marseillan, home of Noilly Prat vermouth, take an excursion to Pezenas, the delightful 16th century capital of the Languedoc mostly known for its associations with the French playwright Molière. On the way back to the barge, there is the option to visit a local oyster farm to sample its delicious produce with a glass of white wine while enjoying a view of the oyster beds. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Day 7 : Marseillan > Narbonne

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