<< Previous Barge

                               Emma

Next Barge >>

                       Back to the index

Take the warmth of an Irish welcome, add the seductive charm of the French, put it on a beautifully restored turn of the century barge, cover it with a balmy Mediterranean climate and what have you got?

A lazy luxury cruise along the historic 17th century Canal du Midi with your hosts René and Liz aboard their floating home "Emma".

"Emma" is a lovingly restored barge of 28 metres in length and 4.6 metres wide – a Klipper Aak of Belgian origin.

The interior is spacious, bright and very comfortable for 6 passengers . The 3 cabins with en suite facilities can be either twin or double bedded, as you wish – no more narrow bunk beds but full-sized mattresses guaranteeing a good nights sleep.

The outer deck has a comfortable eating area and deck chairs to relax on as you watch the French countryside glide by.

Two Different Itineraries for 2010

Itinerary One
Carcassonne to Beziers

Cruise Highlights:

This route is along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Canal du Midi. The canal winds its way through the biggest vinyard in the world , lined with plane trees and umbrella pines.

We go through about 12 locks, some of which have single basins, some double and a few with triple basins. We crossover aqueducts, canal bridges and through a tunnel!

We have the Corbiere range of mountains on one side and the minervois on the other. the flavour of this cruise is the countryside.

Pick-up Carcassonne.

Saturday

 5pm:  We join « Emma » at Trebes. A little cruise to the 17^th century aqueduct while enjoying a champagne reception is the best way of welcoming you aboard. Our mooring for h evening overlooks the village and is ideal for a stroll before your first gourmet dinner.

Sunday

 am:  We go off to explore the biggest and best fortified city in Europe, Carcassonne. Although dating from the time of Charlemagne, it has been extensively restored. You can walk along the ramparts, visit the Chateau Comptal, shop in the boutiques along the cobbled streets, visit galleries and museums and get the feel of life in the middle ages.

 pm:  We cruise to the little village of Puicheric which overlooks the Alaric Mountains; Enjoy a walk around the lock-keepers garden filed with rather unusual wooden sculptures and back to “Emma” for another gastronomic treat.

Monday

 am: A trip up into the Black Mountains to Caunes Minervois and the quarry of red marble which Louis xiv liked so much he decorated the palace of Versailles with it. The giant underground cave at Cabresprine which is so big the Eiffel Tower fits in with room to spare is another stop on today’s visit.

 pm: Olonzac with its open air market full of local produce from the surrounding countryside, cheeses, olives, home made jams , pottery and colourful fabrics is our first stop; Then we head up into the hills to Minerve, a mediaeval village perched on a spectacular rocky outcrop formed by the rivers Cesse and Brian. Famous for its Cathar history and sweet wine.

Tuesday

 am: Olonzac with its open air market full of local produce from the surrounding countryside, cheeses, olives, home made jams , pottery and colourful fabrics is our first stop; Then we head up into the hills to Minerve, a mediaeval village perched on a spectacular rocky outcrop formed by the rivers Cesse and Brian. Famous for its Cathar history and sweet wine.

 pm: After lunch we cruise through a particularly beautiful section of canal, with a series of double and single locks, lined with plane trees and surrounded by vineyards;

Wednesday

 am: Narbonne is our destination today. Once the capital of Roman Gaul, their influence is still visible in the old road dating back to 118bc and the underground stores called the Horreum. It is now a bustling town with chic boutiques, street cafés and pride of place goes to the covered market which overflows with the smells and colours of all the local produce for which the Midi is renowned. Narbonne is dominated by the 12^th century cathedral and Arch Bishop’s Palace. If you fancy a swim, the sea is not far.

 pm: We cruise to the charming little village of Le Somail for the evening. You may visit the antique bookshop, admire the old ice house and church on either side of the hump back bridge over the canal, or have a stroll through the vineyards before dinner.

Thursday

 am:  We visit the olive factory of Oulibo this morning; sample the different types of olive oil, olives and all the other by products such as soap and hand cream and not forgetting the beautiful bowls and implements made from the wood. We cruise on to Capestang for lunch passing under the smallest bridge in France. (If you can get under this you can go anywhere on the French canal system)

 pm: Our afternoon cruise takes us to Poilhes from where we shall visit the Oppidum d’Enserune.

Friday

 am: After breakfast, we must say our farewells and you shall be taken to your departure point for your onward journey.

Itinerary Two
Beziers to Aigues Mortes

Cruise Highlights:

We start our cruise out in the beautiful countryside and begin the descent down to sea level. The first lock we come to is at Beziers where we have the flight of 7 basins at Fonserranne - a truly spectacular lock.

This leads us across the canal bridge over the river Orb and down into the port of Beziers, the birthplace of Baron Pierre Paul Riquet, the engineer responsable for the Canal du Midi.

Each day brings us closer to the Mediterranean and you can see the scenery changing and smell the difference in the air; this route allows you to experience a river cruise as we go up the River Herault and also (weather permitting) the Etang de Thau - a big inland salt water lagoon .

This part of the canal is nearest to the sea so for those of you like swimming and water sports it is a good option.

Rates :

Prices are in EURO

Rates include:

In The Full Board Price:

• 6 night’s accommodation aboard
• 4 crew members: captain. personal chef, hostess and matelot/driver
• Liaison between the railway/airport and the barge both before and after your cruise.
• All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) with their accompanying wines from the region
• Fully stocked bar with a selection of cocktails, digestives and soft drinks.
• Guided tours each day in the mini bus and all entrance fees

In The Half Board Price:

• 6 night’s aboard
• Breakfast & 4 course evening meal & wines
• 3 crew members: captain,chef & hostess
• Liaisons between barge airport/railway
• Guided tours in the mini bus

Rates do not include:

In The Half Board Price:

• Lunch and accompanying wines

• Entrance fees whilst on visits

• Bar drinks

Features:

• Barge : 94 ft. by 16 ft / 28m by 4.6m

• 6 passengers

• 3 cabins (twin or double bedded) with private bath

• Crew : 4

• Air Conditioning

• Central Heating

• Salon

• Bar

• Deck

• Bicycles available