Sample Wine Cruise - Carcassonne to Beziers
This
cruise has been designed to offer the opportunity to taste the fine
variety of AOC Languedoc wines which are cultivated along the Canal du
Midi.
Sunday Day 1,
Carcassonne
Your
tourguide meets you at the designated meeting point and brings you to
the barge moored nearby. After a champagne reception and welcome by the
Captain and crew, there is time to unpack and relax before your first
dinner on board.
Monday Day 2, Cruise
to Millegrand
As
soon as the first lock opens at 9a.m. the barge will start its descent
into the spectacular scenery of this section of the Canal des Deux
Mers, virtually unchanged since Paul Riquet finished the canal 300
years ago. At the end of the morning, appetites will be ready for a
succulent cassoulet lunch in the Medieval City of Carcassonne, followed
by a visit to the ramparts with the tourguide. On the way back a
winetasting at the vineyards of Pierre Cros to pay homage to his prize
winning Minvervois. Time to put feet up and relax on deck for an
evening cruise to a magical mooring where the sycamore trees form a
green cathedral of leaves above.
Tuesday Day 3, Cruise
to Aiguilles
A
leisurely morning cruise during which passengers can enjoy ‘lock
hopping’, taking the bikes or walking the mile or so between locks.
After lunch on board a minivan afternoon visit to the cobble stoned
artists’ village of Lagrasse, hidden in the Corbieres hills. Once a
sanctuary of 10th Century Benedictine monks who built a splendid Abby,
it is now a haven for artisans, especially potters offering tasteful
objets d’art. On the way back to the barge a wine tasting at Chateau
les Auzines, a stunning location and offering prize winning Corbieres
wines grown organically.
Wednesday Day 4,
Cruise to Paraza
This
morning a minivan tour to the ruined fortified town of Minerve, where
you will learn of the fate of the Cathars at the hands of Simon de
Montfort. Spectacular views as you drive through the hills on the way
to taste another famous wine at La Liviniere, this time we shall see
the whole process at the local cooperative which has enjoyed press in
the world of conoisseurs. Back for lunch on board and an afternoon of
cruising before stopping and tying up at the oldest acquaduct, the Pont
Canal de la Repudre, another beautiful peaceful setting.
Thursday Day 5, Cruise
to Le Somail
A morning minivan departure to the bustling street market in Narbonne,
tour with the
guide
to learn about the once Roman capital of the Minervois, you can walk on
the Roman road, visit the Cathedral and shop in the covered Les Halles
market with the barge chef . Taste an ice cold white wine with a
platter of fresh seafood and enjoy the atmosphere of this 100yr old
traditional French food paradise. Back to the barge with the market
spoils for lunch and a relaxing afternoon cruise. Winetasting at the
canalside Chateau de Ventenac before mooring up in Le Somail, the most
picturesque village on the Canal du Midi and famous for its antique
bookstore, where old French prints and posters can be found.
Friday Day 6
In
the morning a visit to the nearby prize winning l’Olibou olive mill, a
variety of olives and fine cold pressed olive oil as well as attractive
pottery, soaps and arisanal wares make good gifts. The barge cruises to
an impressive aquaduct where guests can enjoy lunch on deck overlooking
the river Cesse. An afternoon cruise on the 56 km. ‘grand bief’ where
the locks are replaced by gentle curves taking the canal down towards
the Mediterranean. Today presents the views you will always remember,
quite unique to this magical canal, elegantly winding its way in an
avenue of sycamore trees. The barge ties up in the canalside village of
Capestang, just in time for those who would like to get to the goat
farm to watch the milking and buy fresh goat cheese. This evening’s
aperitif will be a winetasting from the Captain’s selection.
Saturday
After breakfast, you will be taken by minivan to your point of
departure for the continuation of your travels.
