YOUR CRUISE
ITINERARY: CARCASSONNE – BEZIERS
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ITINERARY: CARCASSONNE – BEZIERS
Pick-up Carcassonne. SATURDAY - DAY 1
5:00 p.m:
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
Morning:
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.
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
Morning:
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.
Afternoon: 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 - DAY 4
Morning:
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.
Afternoon: 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
Morning:
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.
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
Morning:
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)
Afternoon: Our afternoon cruise takes us to Poilhes from where we shall visit the Oppidum d’Enserune.
FRIDAY - DAY 7
Morning: After breakfast, we must say our farewells and you shall be taken to your departure point for your onward journey.
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