'ESPERANCE'

Sunday : A crew member will welcome you at Beziers railway station from on 4 pm and a short drive will take you on board your beautiful barge 'Esperance' moored out in the enchanting country side of the famous Canal du Midi. A champagne reception will be served on deck as a wonderful start to your week's cruise. You will then have plenty time to explore the barge, and to settle into your cabin before dinner.

Monday : Before we start cruising we will go and visit the nearby Oppidum d'Enserunes and its superb view over the 'Etang de Montady', drained in 1247 and transformed into a curious pattern of cultivation. This hill top is one of the most important archaeological sites in the region where you will be able to visit what is left of a Gaulish village and enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding countryside in which our cruise is going to take place. Back on the boat for lunch and this afternoon's cruise will take us to Capestang going thru the exciting 'Tunnel de Malpas' with its unique structure; quite an experience!

Tuesday : This morning we will drive to Narbonne, a lively city full of art and history. The choice is yours; you can go shopping in the many walking streets around the old town centre , visit the colourful covered market , the Archbishop's Palace, the archaeological museum, the ancient Roman road the 'via Domitia', but if you do not want to spend your morning in the city the Mediterranean sea is very close by, and perfect for a swim or just relaxation ....A beautiful cruise today with many turns and loops and a romantic night mooring in Le Somail with its fascinating antique bookshop and local potters and artists.

Wednesday : For the religious history fans, the Abbey de Fontfroide is quite a site. It was founded as a Benedictine abbey in 1093 and affiliated with the Cistercians in 1145. It is a beautiful collection of religious buildings and the gardens around it are stunning. But, maybe you would prefer to see the Olive factory at L’Oulibo - a prize winning olive oil mill and a great place for tasting and buying olive oil or tapenade. This afternoon let the world float by; your lunch will be served on deck while the barge is moving slowly on this peaceful tree-lined canal all the way to Homps.

Thursday : Today a very scenic drive into the Minervois hills and 'Les Gorges de la Cesse' to get to Minerve. This amazing mediaeval village is perched on a spectacular rocky outcrop formed by the rivers Cesse and Brian. Famous for its Cathar history and it's wine countryside this village is full of charm and history. On the way back what about a little wine tasting to discover more about the excellent wines this region has to offer. Time to relax on deck later whilst your floating hotel is on the move and the cruise will take you to a quiet mooring close to the village of Puicheric.

Friday : Going thru a couple of traditional locks the barge will cruise to our last mooring for the week, close to Carcassonne. After lunch you will have plenty of time to discover the world famous walled Medieval town 'La Cité de Carcassonne'. This extraordinary place is a Unesco World Heritage Site and is said to be the most visited site in France. If you have already visited 'the Cité', it is not a problem; we will then go and visit Lagrasse, an attractive village now home to numerous pottery workers and artists, attracted by the place itself and the renowned natural light of the region. The two highlights of the village are perhaps the Abbey and the bridges, although the narrow medieval streets of the village itself are also very attractive, and remains of the town walls can still be seen.

Saturday : After a wonderful breakfast your guide will take you to your hotel in Carcassonne or to the railway station for your onward travel.

This is a sample itinerary to be reversed on alternate weeks. It may be subject to changes depending on your personal preferences and/or local conditions.

Sunday: You will be met at the location of your choice in Avignon, which is easily accessible by TGV train from Paris or Nice, or at a rental car return point. You will be transferred to your luxury barge, moored in the nearby port of Beaucaire. You will be welcomed aboard with a champagne toast and the first of many gourmet dinner

Monday: This morning our first visit is Avignon. You will be able to tour the largest Gothic palace in Europe, the Pope's palace. You may prefer to explore the picturesque shopping area around the palace, or relax in a café on the town square… The choice is yours. You will return to the barge to have lunch and then it is off to visit the impressive Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard. A late afternoon cruise will take you through a lock on our way to Bellegarde

Tuesday: Today, after breakfast a drive through beautiful tree lined roads will lead you to the famous and enchanting hilltop village of Les Beaux de Provence, one of the most beautiful village in France, known for its gorgeous views over the Provencal landscape and its artisans colony. After lunch it is time to relax and enjoy a very peaceful country side cruise until our mooring for the night close to St Gilles

Wednesday: A very short drive will give you the opportunity to visit Arles, where Van Gogh fell in love with the lights and colours of this fascinating countryside. Heading to the heart of town we will see Les Arenes, a Roman amphitheatre built in the first century AD and much more !For the rest of the day we will cruise on the Canal du Rhône a Sète through the stunningly beautiful Camargue National Park, home to various wildlife including black bulls and the beautiful white Camargue horses. Tonight we invite you to one of our favourite restaurant in 13th century walled town of Aigues-Mortes

Thursday: Aigues-Mortes, is not only famous as an embarkation port for the Crusades but also for the salt formations that are created from the evaporated water and salt marshes in the area .There are many historical sites to visit and there will be time to climb the walls and shop for souvenirs. After lunch we set out to the most peaceful and romantic mooring of this cruise located at the 6th century Maguelone Cathedral on a peninsula with the canal on one side and the beautiful blue of the Mediterranean on the other side. A relaxing gourmet dinner will be served on board!

Friday: Today is a perfect day to go walking or biking. This site has so much to offer: the cathedral surrounded by vineyards and water, the flamingos with other wildlife, and of course the beautiful Mediterranean beaches. In the afternoon we will have a gentle cruise along peaceful lakes and ponds to our last mooring close to Frontignan festive Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday: You’ll say "Au Revoir" and depart after breakfast for transfer to Montpellier. Presently, there is a TGV train departure to Paris and Nice. If you prefer, you may also be transferred to the airport, rental car office, or hotel of your choice.

Please note: On alternate weeks this itinerary will be cruised in reverse direction. Depending on your date, this cruise will start near Beaucaire and end near Montpellier, or start near Montpellier and end near Beaucaire.