YOUR CRUISE
ITINERARY: NARBONNE TO BEZIERS
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ITINERARY: NARBONNE TO BEZIERS
SATURDAY - DAY 1
5:00 p.m:
You will be met at around 5pm and escorted to where
« Emma » is moored. After being introduced to the rest of the
crew and shown to your cabins we shall cruise off with a little
champagne reception to inaugurate your holiday. You have time for a
walk in the nature reserve of Saint Lucie whilst the first of your
gourmet dinners is being prepared.
SUNDAY - DAY 2
Morning:
Your visit this morning is to the charming little village of Gruissan.
The beach here is loved by wind surfers and the houses are very unusual
being built on stilts. The old historic town itself is a “circulade”
built around the old fort. This is great wine tasting country.
Afternoon:
We shall cruise through the beautiful salt water étangs of Bages and
Sigean. Keep the binoculars handy for all the abundant wild life. We
shall moor up just outside of Narbonne.
MONDAY - DAY 3
Morning:
Narbonne 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.
Afternoon:
After lunch we shall cruise up through Narbonne, across the river Aude
to Salleles d’Aude. There is a centre of patchwork here which is worth
a visit and a great place for cycle rides.
TUESDAY - DAY 4
Morning:
We head up into the hills in the mini bus 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. A visit
to the olive factory at Oulibo is also a possibility for those
interested in seeing all the different end products from the olive tree.
Afternoon:
Another delicious lunch and an afternoon cruise which brings us on to
the Canal du Midi. We leave behind the big umbrella pines and meet the
plane trees which hold the banks in and give shade. Our mooring tonight
is at a little hamlet La Croisade
WEDNESDAY - DAY 5
Morning:
This morning we shall cruise to Capestang going under the smallest
bridge on the whole French canal system. You will have time to explore
this little town before returning to the barge for lunch.
Afternoon:
After lunch we shall cruise off to Regismont le Haut, a delightful halt
on the canal and home of the greatest French conductor Michel Plasson.
From here you will visit the Oppidum d’Enserune the hilltop settlement
which dates from pre-christian times overlooking the magnificent Etang
de Montady and giving us a 360° view of the area. The museum houses
many artefacts dating from this time and the remains of the dwelling
houses give us an insight into this early civilization. THURSDAY - DAY 6
Morning:
This morning our cruise will take us through the oldest tunnel on the
canal, Malpas., through the little town of Colombiers to the top of the
locks at Fonserrannes. This spectacular flight of locks has 7 basins
and gives a fabulous view over the city of Beziers. Once down the locks
we have the impressive canal bridge over the River Orb and then a deep
lock to bring us down into the port of Beziers.
Afternoon:
Your visit in the mini bus this afternoon is to the town of Pezenas.
This is a beautiful town, filled with wonderful architecture dating
from the middle ages It is now a haven for all sorts of artists,
sculptors potters etc and you will be sorely tempted in the variety of
boutiques.
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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