'EMMA'

Saturday, Day 1: 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 the evening overlooks the village and is ideal for a stroll before your first gourmet dinner.

Sunday, Day 2: 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. In the 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: 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. In the afternoon we visit Homps, with its replica of the Basilica of Lourdes, is our mooring for tonight. We have the Jouarres Lake beside us, so if you fancy a swim, bring your costume.

Tuesday, Day 4: 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. 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: Narbonne is our destination today. Once the capital of Roman Gaul, their influence is still visible in the old road dating back to 118 BC 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. In the 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: 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). Our afternoon cruise takes us to Poilhes from where we shall visit the Oppidum d’Enserune. This hilltop settlement which dates from pre-christian times overlooks the magnificent Etang de Montady and gives us a 360° view of the area. The museum houses many artefacts dating from this time and the remains of the dwelling houses gives us an insight into this early civilization.

Friday, Day 7: After breakfast, we must say our farewells and you shall be taken to your departure point for your onward journey.

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS SAMPLE ITINERARY AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Sat pm - Your guide will meet you at your chosen pick-up point and bring you to where “Emma” is moored in the port of Trébes. Once you are settled on board we shall cruise off with champagne cocktails out into the vineyards, through two locks to Leveque.

Sun am - This morning’s visit will take you over the Alaric Mountains to the medieval village of Lagrasse with its beautiful bridges over the River Orbeil, its 14th century Abbey, cloister, monks dormitory, and for those who like a spot of retail therapy, fabulous pottery, wooden and leather craft shops and art galleries. Return to Emma for lunch.
Sun pm: Put your feet up and relax during our afternoon cruise, which takes us through four locks to Herminis. Have a stroll through the vineyards, cycle the towpath or just sit and have a glass of local wine, read your book whilst dinner is being prepared.

Mon am. This morning your guide will take you to Limoux, home of the famous sparkling wine. Can we tempt you to a little dégustation (tasting?)? You will then carry on to Rennes le Chateau, which if you have read Dan Brown’s novel ‘The Da Vinci Code’ you will remember the story of the Curé Saunier who all of a sudden had great riches. Did he find the treasure? This is a very interesting visit, so keep your eye out for the lost treasure.
Mon pm: After lunch we shall cruise to the typical Languedocian village of Brams. It is known as a ‘circulade’ due to its resemblance to the spiral of a snail’s shell.

Tues am: From Brams this morning your visit will take you through the rolling plains of the Lauragais, fields of sunflowers in summer and views of the snow capped mountains on a clear day, to the town of Mirepoix. We shall stop off at Fanjeaux, home of St Dominic and the Dominican Convent; the views are spectacular. Mirepoix itself is renowned for its wooden columns surrounding the main market square, its colombaged houses and its cathedral.
Tues pm: After lunch you captain will gently guide you along the canal, going through a selection of lovely locks to moor up in the lovely Lauragais countryside.

Wed am: This morning we shall cruise to the very pretty town of Castelnaudary.
Wed pm This afternoon your guide will take you to visit Castelnaudary. It is one of the contenders for ‘the original and best Cassoulet’ dish— the others being Carcassonne and Toulouse. The ‘Grand Bassin’, the Gothic Collegiale with its 56 meter bell tower, the 17th Century windmill, the vestiges of the Presidial (partly destroyed by Louis X11 and the Chapelle Notre Dame de la Pitié) with its gold covered wood sculptures depicting ten episodes in the life of Christ are all on the visit!

Thurs am We leave Castelnaudary this morning and continue our cruise to Le Seuil de Narouze. This is the highest point on the Canal du Midi, after which it descends the other side towards the Atlantic. Obligatory champagne on crossing this momentous spot! Here the plane trees are the same age as the canal, and their girth is amazing.
Thurs pm. This afternoon’s visit is to the reason why the Canal du Midi was possible - the Lac St Ferreol. It was the only land which had slopes both to the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. You will see the intricate irrigation system which allows us to have the canal we love today. To think this was all discovered in the 1600’s on horseback by Paul Riquet. ..Return to Emma for your final gala dinner lovingly prepared by your personal chef.

Fri am: Sadly you must leave us this morning, and after breakfast, your guide will be ready to escort you to your onward departure point.

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS SAMPLE ITINERARY AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.