Cruising on the Canal du Midi, between Beziers and Carcassonne (or reverse)

Saturday, Day 1:
We join “Emma” at Trebes. A little cruise to the 17th 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, Day 2:
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. In the afternoon 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, Day 3:
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. In the afternoon we visit Homps, with its replica of the Basilica of Lourdes, is our mooring for tonight. We have the Jouarres Lake beside us, so if you fancy a swim, bring your costume.

Tuesday, Day 4:
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. 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, Day 5:
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 12th century cathedral and Arch Bishop’s Palace. If you fancy a swim, the sea is not far. In the afternoon 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, Day 6:
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) . Our afternoon cruise takes us to Poilhes from where we shall visit the Oppidum d’Enserune. This hilltop settlement which dates from pre-christian times overlooks the magnificent Etang de Montady and gives us a 360° view of the area. The museum houses many artefacts dating from this time and the remains of the dwelling houses gives us an insight into this early civilization.

Friday, Day 7:
After breakfast, we must say our farewells and you shall be taken to your departure point for your onward journey.

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS SAMPLE ITINERARYAND MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Possible alternative route (or reverse, on request only) Cruising between Beziers and Sete, on the Canal du Midi and inland salt water lagoon of the ‘Etang de Thau’

Saturday, Day 1:
Join “Emma” at Regismont le Haut. Champagne reception and cruise off the Malpas Tunnel constructed in the 17th century, to Colombiers where we moor for the night. Colombiers is a beautiful little village with its mediaeval church and little Chateau. Ideal for a stroll after the first of your gourmet dinners.

Sunday, Day 2:
We cruise to Beziérs, birthplace of Paul Riquet, the genius behind the canal, and descend the flight of 7 locks at Fonserannes. We then go across the biggest canal bridge on the Midi which takes us across the River Orb and down into the port of Beziers. In the afternoon we visit the pre-Roman site of Oppidum d’Enserunes, the settlement which overlooks the Via Domitia and the Etang de Montady. Dinner in Beziérs.

Monday, Day 3:
Lazy morning cruise to Villeneuve-Les Béziers. In the afternoon we visit Valras Plage. A beautiful sandy beach which we reach by driving through the vineyards of the Bitterois. Opportunities galore for wine tasting.

Tuesday, Day 4:
Visit to Pezenas, adopted home of Molière. A paradise for those interested in architecture, quaint boutiques, arts and crafts and antiques. In the afternoon we cruise to Port Cassafières and moor up for the evening under the pine trees at Le Libron, a feat of engineering which allows the river to pass under the canal.

Wednesday, Day 5:
Cruise to the ancient Greek town of Agde built on the river Hérault out of volcanic stone. In the afternoon we visit old Agde, the Cap d’Agde and Le Grau d’Agde with its beautiful sandy beaches. A lively town famous for its water jousting and spectacular fireworks. The old Agde will delight you with its numerous boutiques selling local produce and arts and crafts in la rue de l’Amour (the street of love) Back to “Emma” and we shall cross the round lock of Agde, one of only 2 round locks in Europe. Evening cocktails will be served as we cruise up the river Hérault.

Thursday, Day 6:
We cruise to Les Onglous, the very start of le Canal du Midi which gives into L’etang de Thau, an inland salt water lake 22kms long and 7kms wide. All around the étang are little ports and fishing villages famous for the mussel and oyster beds and the lovely white wine of the region Picpoul de Pinet. In the afternoon we visit Sète, birthplace of Georges Brassins, singer/songwriter known for his wit, and also your captain René, born on Le Mont St Clair , the hill dominating the port. René will be thrilled to show you all the delights of this charming town known as the little Venice of the Midi because of its canals which criss cross the town. Colourful, noisy, bright, animated, Sète has all the attributes of a Mediterranean port which makes it a regular stop or the Trans Atlantic liners.

Friday, Day 7:
Sadly we take our leave after breakfast when you shall be taken to your departure point to continue your onward journey.

NOTE: These are a sample itineraries and are subject to change.