BARGE FANDANGO 6-NIGHT ITINERARY
About Canal du Midi
The magnificent tree-lined Canal du Midi is Paul Riquet's engineering wonder, completed in 1681 to link the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean, bypassing the long passage around Spain. To preserve the beauty of this masterpiece, UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site in 1996. From Tango's sundeck you can appreciate the graceful olive-shaped locks, unique to this canal, which enable us to climb up and down the hilly terrain of the Languedoc-Roussillon. All along the canal, impressive stone bridges and aqueducts reflect the handsome Versailles architectural style of Louis XIV, the Sun King.
The barge cruises the entire length of the Canal du Midi, from the ancient Phoenician seaport town of Marseillan on the Mediterranean to the beautiful 'Ville Rose' of Toulouse. In mid-Summer the Carcassonne to Toulouse route offers cruising in the shaded avenues of the famous sycamore trees, colorful vistas of sunflower fields in full bloom, and quiet back-road visits to farmer's markets.
An ever-changing scenery of vineyards, sunflower fields, and pretty villages are on each day's cruise route while tranquil moorings are the setting for each evening's enjoyment.
Canal du Midi - Carcassonne to Castelnaudary
On alternate weeks the cruise will run from Carcassonne to Castelnaudary. Every week will include an open air market, wine tasting and at least one lunch on shore to taste regional cuisine. Many destinations of interest from which to choose are within the cruise area, the historical Cathar castles of Saissac and Lastours, Cistercian Abbey de Fontfroide or the very scenic Montolieu village unique for book lovers and graphic art enthusiasts. Your personal chef will prepare all of your lunches and dinners on board from fresh produce acquired locally.
Sunday Afternoon - Seuil de Naurouze
Your tour guide will meet you at your chosen rendezvous and accompany you to the barge moored at the highest point of the Canal du Midi. A lush canopy of sycamore trees creates a magical setting for your champagne welcome to meet the Captain and crew.
 Monday - Cruise to Castelnaudary
Monday's outdoor market at Castelnaudary, a charming canal side town, a must for the surrounding villages. First thing after breakfast, into the minivan with the tour guide and chef to select basketfuls of fresh vegetables, fruit, cheeses, and of a course a cassoulet, the town's specialty, and why not buy an authentic French beret?
Spend the afternoon relaxing on deck watching the unspoiled countryside glide by. You'll also have the opportunity to bike or hike along the towpath as the barge negotiates eight locks. Dinner on board.
Tuesday - Cruise to Villepinte
This morning the barge cruises through fields of wheat and sunflowers as we enter the picturesque agricultural Lauragais region.
Lunch will be on board to make the most of today's spectacular views to the snowcapped Pyrenees mountains, enjoying the rhythm of descending locks and cruising along the peaceful curving tree-lined avenues.
As usual, divine aromas float on deck as the chef prepares your meals, you can venture into the galley and pick up some good tips to take home. Dinner on board.
 Wednesday - Cruise to Villesquelande
Today starts with a cruise and a few locks before disembarking with your tour guide in time for a sparkling white wine tasting in Limoux. A delicious gourmet lunch in a spectacular setting awaits you inside the walls of the castle of Ducs des Joyeuses. Our final destination is Rennes le Château, a tiny hamlet on what was once the smugglers' route between France and Spain. Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code tells the story of the mysterious treasure hidden here... why is the Chapel named after Mary Magdelene? Back to the barge to ponder the mysteries while cruising to another beautiful mooring. Dinner on board
Thursday - Cruise to Carcassonne
We'll cruise into the port of Carcassonne in the morning, walk into the bustling streets of 'modern' 300 years old Carcassonne for varied and elegant shopping. In the afternoon, you'll tour the Cité of Carcassonne, the largest Medieval fortress in Europe. Visit the Château Comtal, climb along the ramparts and explore ancient cobblestone streets.
Back to the barge at the end of another great day of cruising and visiting. Dinner on board.
Friday - Cruise to Villedubert
This morning a series of attractive locks and an impressive cyprus tree lined stretch of canal add to the delight of a beautiful cruise to our mooring in the vineyards.
Your afternoon excursion takes you into the foothills of the Corbières region to visit the secluded town of Lagrasse, a storybook village built around a 10th century Benedictine Abbey. Enjoy a private wine tasting of the area's magnificent red wines.
A special delicious farewell dinner will be awaiting your return.
Saturday
After breakfast your tour guide will accompany you to your nearby train station, rental car, airport or hotel.
Canal du Midi Itinerary - Beziers to Carcassonne
Beziers to Carcassonne is the most famous and popular of our cruise routes, and perferred for spring and fall cruising. Your private charter itinerary can be tailored to a charter group's special interests in wine, food, history, art, and more. Please note that the route reverses on alternate weeks, Beziers to Carcassonne, or Carcassonne to Beziers.
Sunday, Day 1 - Marseillan
Your tour guide meets you at your designated meeting point and accompanies you to the barge moored on the edge of the Mediterranean in the Phoenician port town of Marseillan. 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 canal-side pastures. You will 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 aquaduct 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 canal-side 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, the ancient town where the Cathars made their last stance, taking advance of the natural protection of the canyons, before being defeated by Simon de Montfort. 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 tour guide 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.
Cruise routes pictured include Carcassonne to Castelnaudary, Béziers to Carcassonne, and Marseillan to Avignon.
Where to Stay Before and After Your Cruise
The French Government Tourist Office at www.franceguide.com has information on all the towns and cities in France with links to hotel websites. We can recommend the very elegant and less expensive B&B accommodation in Carcassonne, Domaine St. Louis or the Maison Coste In Toulouse. The Grand Hotel de L'Opera in Toulouse, is a beautifully converted convent and best possible location.
Travel To and From the Barge
You will embark on your cruise Sunday at 4:00 pm. Departure time is 10:00 am Saturday. On arrival and departure, you will be transported to/from a local train station, hotel, or car rental agency. The fast track TGV train is the best way to get from major cities to the barge. TGV fast trains and regular trains service Castelnaudary and Carcassonne. You can find schedules and buy tickets online at either www.raileurope.com or www.sncf.com.
Toulouse and Montpellier have international airports Carcassonne and Perpignan also have RyanAir/Easy Jet low cost regular flights to London. Rental cars are in all the towns.
Please consult with us for help with your travel arrangements, depending also on whether you would like to spend a night in either Toulouse, or Carcassonne, pre or post cruise.
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