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The Alouette accommodates six passengers in well-appointed cabins located above the water line. Her sun-deck provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy the passing scenery while cruising on the Canal du Midi. The Canal du Midi was built in the 17th century and was an engineering marvel of its time.

Wining and dining is a highlight of any cruise, the table d'hôte menus on board the barge are of the very highest quality and include many regional specialities and fine wines. Each week's menu includes some of the chef's original recipes, as well as regional specialities and seasonal delicacies unique to the particular area of the country in which you'll be cruising.

Cruise Highlights: 

• Oppidum d'Enserune: one of the most important archaeological sites in the region

• Abbaye de Fontfroide: Cistercian monastery

• Narbonne: Lively Mediterranean city

• Minerve: Old village built on a limestone cliff

• Wine tasting in several chateaux

• La Cite de Carcassonne: Europe's largest medieval fortress

Itinerary - Canal du Midi, Beziers to Carcassonne:

Sunday – Béziers.
A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening, enjoy your first dining experience on board.

Monday – Cruise to Capestang. Tour Oppidum d’Enserune.

A morning cruise along the beautiful Canal du Midi to Capestang. In the afternoon, visit Oppidum d’Enserune, a pre-Roman hill-top settlement and one of the most important archaeological sites in the region. The top of the hill affords a panoramic view of the pond of Montady drained in 1247 and transformed into a curious pattern of cultivation.

Tuesday – Cruise to Le Somail. Visit Abbaye de Fontfroide.
Take in the grandeur and beauty of the Canal du Midi, with its fine locks, buildings and aqueducts, scarcely changed from their completion over 300 years ago. After lunch, visit l’Abbaye de Fontfroide a Cistercian monastery founded in the 11th century. Now privately owned, the abbey has been loving restored with a well kept garden and peaceful cloister. On the way back to the boat, stop at Château Auris for a wine tasting.

Wednesday – Visit Narbonne and the market. Cruise to Homps.
This morning, experience the wonderful covered market in Narbonne, a lively Mediterranean city playing an important role as a wine-producing centre. The municipal, military and religious architecture, the river banks of the Robine and its shaded boulevards, all contribute to its charm. Enjoy lunch at a bistro just in front of the market and then return to the barge for an afternoon’s cruise

Thursday –Visit Minerve. Cruise to Trebes.
After breakfast, visit Minerve, an old village on a limestone cliff, which dominates the vineyards below. Its now ruined castle was once a Cathar stronghold besieged and captured by Simon de Montfort. On the way back to the boat stop at Peyriac-Minervois for wine tasting. Return to the barge for lunch and an afternoon cruise to Trebes.

Friday – Cruise to Carcassonne. Visit Carcassonne.
Finish the week with a tour of Europe’s largest medieval fortress – Carcassonne. Explore the intricate fortifications of the two castellated walls, one inside the other, about a mile in circumference. The views from the battlements towards the Pyrenées are stunning. Visit the Cathedral remarkable for its stained glass rose windows, elegant Romanesque nave and Gothic transepts. Farewell gala dinner on board.

Saturday – Carcassonne.
After breakfast disembark and transfer to the local train station. (If you wish to make alternative transfer arrangements, please discuss your requirements at the time of booking.)

 

Rates 2009:

Note: All prices are in AUD

Features:

• Length/width: 30.48m x 4.85m

• 2 staterooms

• Air conditioning/central heating throughout

Rates include:

• Accommodation on board the barge

• All meals, table wines and alcoholic beverages

• All sightseeing and admittance fees as stipulated

• Round trip transfers from the meeting point to the barge are also included in the fares

Rates do not include:

• Cancellation and holiday insurance

• On board gratuities and items of personal nature