There are a number of different possible
cruises in the regions of
the South of France: we have chosen to offer you what we feel is the
most magnificent itinerary, which is the Canal du Midi between BEZIERS
and CARCASSONNE. We are also keen to study any specific request for a
possible tailor-made cruise.
Please
bear in mind that Alegria – as all the barges on the Canal - will
cruise at between 4 and 6 kms/hour depending on the meanders of the
Canal and the traffic. Our objective is that you spend between 3 and 4
hours a day cruising. The day is split nicely between navigating the
canal and visiting some of the exceptional sites in the region. You can
also run or cycle along the Canal: you will go faster than the barge!!
While cruising ... just relax, enjoy the scenery, enjoy the locks,
refresh yourself in the pool and enjoy the drinks offered by your
hostess!!
When
you look at the itinerary below you might be surprised that no Wine
Tasting or Cellar Tour is planned … Do not worry!!!! Our Languedoc
region offers many treasures of the local great wine makers. Depending
on your taste and your willingness to discover some of them, we will
personalize each cruise including visits which will appeal to you. The
day is always long enough to allow time for this. Our schedule, as you
can read below, is not very heavy. Some wine makers have also committed
to coming on board Alegria to give you a personalized wine tasting.
The
itinerary will be similar to the one below, but it can be changed
according to your taste or due to unforeseeable circumstances. (This
itinerary is therefore not to be considered as binding.) The same
itinerary can also be done the other way round, Carcassonne to Béziers
(with some slight differences that will be explained on request):
please have a look at the schedule of the 2009 cruises below.
DAY 1 -
SATURDAY: BEZIERS-POILHES
From
4pm we have the pleasure of welcoming you at the airport or at the
railway station and driving you to Alegria. On the way we may pop into
the City of Beziers to see the famous locks of Fonséranes. After you
settle down on the barge, you'll a welcome drink of a glass of
Champagne and the crew will be introduced to you. Alegria might even
take you for a short introductory cruise, depending on the navigation
conditions. We'll also explain you how the week will work and we'll
give you the necessary instructions for your stay on board. We'll serve
your first dinner and spend the night in Poilhes, our "home mooring".
DAY 2 -
SUNDAY: CAPESTANG AND LA CROISADE
Sunday
is "Le Jour du marché" in Capestang: your French Captain, Olivier, will
teach you all the secrets of a French Public Market ... We may even
find something tasty to buy for lunch which will be served along the
beautiful bank of the Canal. The afternoon takes you to La Croisade
underneath the lowest bridge on the Canal: the famous bridge of
Capestang. Mind your head! We spend the night in a restful place a
stone's throw away from ... an old 17th century stone bridge.
DAY 3 -
MONDAY: LE SOMAIL AND ROUBIA
Should
you be interested in archeology, you can visit an exceptional site
today: the Oppidum of Ensérune, one of the largest around the
Mediterranean. This takes you back to pre-Roman times in the South of
France, from the 6th century BC. Thereafter, we cruise along Le
Sommail, one of the most charming villages along the Canal. Should you
need a book for the week you can buy one from a unique book shop that
has approximately 50 000 second-hand books in stock ... in many
different languages! The evening and the night are spent along the
Canal near Roubia.
DAY 4 -
TUESDAY: HOMPS
In
the morning we visit Minerve, a fascinating site and a previously
fortified village in a very special rocky environment. Minerve was
attacked in 1210 by the terrible army led by Simon de Montfort: the
right time for us to tell you about the Crusade of the Albigeois in the
13th Century, one of the harshest stories of our past… After the
afternoon cruise you'll be offered a dinner "à terre", off the barge.
It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of a French
restaurant! We spend the night in the beautiful area of Homps, a
significant harbor on the Canal.
DAY 5 -
WEDNESDAY: PUICHERIC
In
the morning we drive through the landscape and we visit a beautiful
town, Narbonne. Narbonne is full of Roman history and includes the
"Palace of the Archbishop". You will love its Mediterranean and Gothic
style. And ... we'll offer you lunch there. After lunch we drive back
to the barge for the afternoon leg, up to Puicheric, where we'll stay
for the night.
DAY 6 -
THURSDAY: TREBES
In
the morning we visit the great City of Carcassonne, the biggest
medieval City in Europe. You will be fascinated by the size of the
walls and the narrow streets inside. You will be right there in the
middle of French history! There also many shops where you can buy
typical souvenirs to bring back to friends or children. After lunch we
embark on the last leg of the cruise for the week, from Puicheric to
the area of Trebes. We spend the last night there after the "Captain’s
Farewell Dinner".
DAY 7 -
FRIDAY: DEPARTURE
After
your breakfast, it is unfortunately time to conclude this unforgettable
cruise. We will transfer you back to the airport or railway station …
so that you can continue your adventure in Europe or wherever!!!
