Sample Itinerary - Beziers to Carcassonne
Beziers
to Carcassonne is the most famous and popular of our cruise routes.
Here follows a suggested itinerary. This itinerary can always be
tailored to a charter group's special interests in wine, food, history,
art, etc.
Sunday, Day 1
- Agde
Your
tourguide meets you at your designated meeting point and accompanies
you to the barge moored on the edge of the Mediterranean in the
Phenicien port town of Agde. A champagne reception welcomes you on
board and provides the occasion to meet your Captain and the rest of
the crew. You will enjoy the first of many wonderful feasts with dinner
on board.
Monday, Day 2 - Cruise
to Villeneuve les Beziers
A
morning cruise through Camargue landscapes, black bulls and white
horses graze alongside in canalside pastures .. You will quickly settle
into the rhythm of relaxing on board while the scenery changes before
your eyes as the barge heads inland shaded by the famous sycamore
trees., A wine tasting at the cellars of Noilly Prat , creators of the
famous Vermouth, and a visit to Marseillan’s oyster beds for some fresh
oysters to enjoy on the barge.
Tuesday, Day 3 -
Cruise to Foncerannes Locks
Excellent
biking and walking opportunities during this morning’s cruise towards
the acquaduct and seven staircase locks of Beziers, the most exciting
of Paul Riquet’s engineering feats. You can get off at the locks and
take advantage of the easy exercise while the barge cruises leisurely
alongside. After ascending the locks, a minivan visit to Pezenas,
renowned for the magnificent architecture of its elegant and historical
town houses. On the return journey, we can stop for a glass of cold
white Picpoul de Pinet in a local vineyard before dinner on board.
Wednesday, Day 4 -
Cruise to Regismont le Haut
Morning
visit to Narbonne, once Roman capital of the region, where you can walk
on the rutted paving stones of the Via Domitia. Now a bustling and
attractive Languedoc town, there is something for all visitors, a
stunning Cathedral and cloisters, a 100-year old covered Les Halles
market where guests help the chef fill the shopping baskets to take
back to the barge, and for those that need designer boutiques, there
are plenty. A relaxing afternoon cruise takes us to a delightful
countryside mooring with spectacular views..
Thursday, Day 5 -
Cruise to Pigasse
Morning
cruise to the canalside village of Capestang. You can stroll into the
village for a pastis at a terrace café and buy some postcards before
lunch on deck. After navigating through the tiniest stone bridge as we
leave Capestang, breathtaking vistas of vineyards as far as the eye can
see, and views of the snow capped Pyrenees make this afternoon’s cruise
exceptionally beautiful. Enjoy a visit to L’Oulibo, our local olive
mill boasting gold medals for both their oil and olives. You will end
the day with a drive up to the ruins of Minerve, defeated by Simon de
Montfort the Cathars made their last stance here due to the natural
protection of the canyons. Time to savor some fine wine of the
Captain’s selection before dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6 - Cruise
to Le Somail
After
a short morning cruise, the tourguide takes you to Carcassonne to
discover Europe’s largest medieval fortress city, including the
Cathedral famous for its rose stained glass windows. You are invited
out to lunch for a succulent cassoulet, confit of duck and special
white beans simmered for hours, by far the most famous of Languedoc
dishes. A late afternoon cruise takes you to the most picturesque canal
village of Le Somail, where you will enjoy a farewell dinner in this
exquisite peaceful setting.
Saturday, Day 7
After breakfast your tourguide will take you to the departure point for
the continuation of your journey.
Note:
On alternative weeks the cruise is in reverse direction. This itinerary
is subject to change.
