From August 02—05 2006, The Barge Company was honoured and privileged to spend a half week cruising on the pretty Alouette barge as she meandered gracefully from Carcassonne to Beziers along the most captivating and scenic stretch of the Canal du Midi in southern France.

Taking only 6 passengers in very pretty surroundings she is recognised as one of the best quality barges to cruise in France, and offers clients a standard of cruising that is rarely exceeded. The on-board crew of 5 (Captain, Matelot, Barge Manager/Guide, Chef and Hostess) ensured that all aspects of the cruise were to the highest of standards.

Please read on to review our exclusive Alouette cruise photographs and our personal feedback on the cruise route, the food, the crew, the excursions and this very special cruising region!

First, may we point out that the Alouette cruise that we did was just half of the usual cruise between Carcassonne and Beziers or reverse. Cruises are usually one week (6 nights) long, although the 3 night cruise such as we did is also available. We joined the barge in Homps and cruised in an easterly direction to Beziers over the 3 days from Wednesday midday to the following Saturday morning.

Our first impression of the barge when we boarded her was that she was utterly immaculately clean, sparkling, pretty and with an air of relaxed elegance. Her graceful lines and shape are every eye-catching and a true sense of ‘traditional luxury barging’ and of ‘historic privilege’ came over us as she is a truly beautiful, floating ‘antique’ barge, but in absolute pristine condition and with everything functioning to perfection. Built in 1908 she is a testament to fine quality and craftsmenship, and you can really feel this when on board.

On entering the lounge and dining room (see above pics, left and middle, and also picture to left), we were delighted with the light, pretty décor, huge windows, large vases of flowers and very high quality wall hangings that give the room a feeling of classic tranquillity. We instantly felt welcome and very ‘at home’. Walls are a textured oatmeal colour and sofas a deep, restful raspberry/red. All furnishings were evidently of a very high quality, and whilst the sun beamed in through the windows not a speck of dust was revealed anywhere.

The sun deck (above right) quickly became our place to chill out and either read, chat or simply sit quietly and watch the world glide by. Luke our Captain was excellent at manoeuvring the barge along the canal and the sensation of movement was always gentle and peaceful.

Our cabin was also a very nice place to retire to; either at the end of a tiring day, or even to take a well-earnt rest in the afternoon. Bed covers, towels, pillows and cushions were again of the highest quality, and beds very comfortable. We had a twin cabin (see above) with colour scheme in gold and cream, which we loved. The other twin cabin is in red and cream, and the slightly larger double cabin is blue and white. Each cabin is gorgeous, and each one classically decorated. Bathrooms are small (see above right) but pleasantly tiled and again all fittings are top quality with showers that are powerful and invigorating. A luxurious array of ‘Occitane’ bath products are also provided, which I particularly loved—it made me feel really pampered.

Food on board the Alouette is a very European mixture of influences as Piero the talented chef is an Italian living in France. We enjoyed the lush salads and superb pasta that he regaled us with, and a wide selection of all types of food was very much enjoyed. He was so accommodating that nothing was too much trouble; on arriving at the barge totally famished he offered to make us something to eat mid-afternoon. I was so grateful—being 7 months pregnant and starving hungry! - but not all chefs would do the same... He was a great guy, and was particularly kind and patient with regard to my special pregnancy diet and all the things I am trying to avoid, like unpasteurised cheeses and un-cooked egg.

Breakfasts are a great start to the day—with an array of croissants, pastries, freshly squeezed orange juice with all those yummy bits in, mineral waters, coffees, teas, yoghurts (fruited and plain), freshly cut fruits plus breads, jams and several choices of cereal that will set you up for a day of sight-seeing and exploration (plus some relaxation of course!).

Mid-morning the menu for the evening meal was brought out—framed up and ready for our eager eyes and taste buds!

Lunches were presented in a buffet format, consisting largely of a choice of fresh salads, fish, quiche lorraines and cold meats, with a variety of fresh breads, pâtés, pickles and cheeses to accompany. Wine is served at both lunch and dinner times, a suitable vintage having been chosen to accompany your dish. We noticed that many of the wines came from the region we were cruising through, and from the very same vineyards that we had visited for wine-tasting. This added a feeling of really immersing ourselves in the culture of the area.

For evening meal the table was bedecked with finery and we enjoyed a wonderful starter, main course, cheese board and then dessert followed by coffee and chocolates. We found the courses were well structured so as not leave us feeling bloated or really ‘stuffed’ with food. Wines were also carefully chosen and complimented each mouthful!