canal midi cruises

Full Guide to a Canal Du Midi Cruise with European Waterways

The first time I visited the Languedoc-Roussillon region in southern France, I had one thing on my mind and that was exploring the wine appellations . But an evening wine tasting cruise on the Canal du Midi was the highlight of our trip and I soon became fascinated with the thought of taking a weeklong Canal du Midi cruise.

My opportunity finally came this summer when I was invited on a European Waterways barge cruise on the Canal du Midi. While I was hosted on this trip by European Waterways for purposes of this review, all opinions are my own. It was a perfect follow up to my cruise through Burgundy on the Hotel Barge Elisabeth, as it allowed me to compare the differences between a privately-owned and corporate-owned barge experience ( TLDR: both were amazing in their own right! )

European Waterways: Pioneers of Barge Cruising

European Waterways was one of the pioneers of barge cruising back in the early 1980s when decommissioned transport barges were transformed to carry tourists instead. In the intervening years, the company has grown to offer cruise itineraries on 17 barges in nine European countries.

European Waterways offers three hotel barges on the Canal du Midi, from the ultra luxe Enchanté to the first class Athos . While many barges ply the waters of the Canal du Midi, I got to experience the godmother of them all, the Barge Anjodi .

This Dutch barge was built in 1929 and was the first to join European Waterways’ fleet. For a time she was the premiere luxury hotel barge on the Canal du Midi and first achieved fame by appearing on the BBC’s cooking series French Odyssey hosted by celebrity chef Rick Stein. I learned from my Australian fellow passengers that it was this notoriety that attracted them to the Anjodi in particular.

10 Things to Know Before you Book a Canal du Midi Cruise

Barge cruising is a travel category that many people still aren’t aware of or fully understand. I have written a full breakdown about France barge cruising , but if you are considering taking a Canal du Midi cruise, there are a few things you should be aware of first:

• Book Early: The Canal du Midi is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historical significance and it is also one of the most popular routes for barge cruising in France. Since Canal du Midi barge cruises can be in high demand, especially during peak seasons, consider booking well in advance to secure your desired dates and accommodations. You can book direct through European Waterways or contact the Barge Lady Cruises , a travel agent that can help you best navigate the options for barge holidays.
• Choose the Right Time: Plan your trip according to the best time of year to visit. Summer months in the south of France can be very hot! While the cabins are air conditioned, you want to be able to enjoy time on deck with the sunshade down and not get overheated during excursions. Spring and early autumn are popular for Canal du Midi cruises because of the milder weather and fewer crowds.
• Cabin vs. Charter: There are many options when you are looking at Canal du Midi cruises. You can charter a hotel barge for your friends or family, you can book an individual cabin on a hotel barge with a company like European Waterways, or you can rent and pilot your own boat with a company like Le Boat for a DIY barge cruise. You need to decide on how you prioritize budget, service, privacy, amenities, and control/involvement.
• Cabin Types: Understand the different cabin options available. Some barges offer luxurious suites, while others have more basic accommodations. European Waterways has a range of both, with the Enchanté offering larger staterooms and the Anjodi with quite cosy cabins.
• Consider the Full Package: When you are looking at the cost of a barge cruise, it can be easy to get sticker shock. However, you need to look at the full picture. With a company like European Waterways, the price is inclusive of gourmet meals, unlimited wine and drinks, privately-guided excursions and wine tastings, and transfers from a local city to/from the barge location.
• Review Cruise Itinerary: The Canal du Midi is 150 miles long, starting in the west at Port de l’Embouchure in Toulouse and ending in the east at Marseillan, where the canal opens into the Étang de Thau. Since most barges only sail at about 4-5 miles per hour, you would never travel the entire length of the canal during a weeklong cruise. Take a careful look and see if you would prefer to visit the western or eastern sections of the canal and pick the barge that covers that section.  
• Be Aware of your Physical Abilities: Canal du Midi cruises often involve some physical activity, such as walking or biking. Ensure you’re comfortable with the level of physical exertion required, especially along cobblestone streets. You also need to be able to navigate the narrow, ladder-like staircase from the top deck into the main cabin of the barge.
• Be Ready to Eat: There is no shortage of amazing food on hotel barge cruises and it is a large part of the barge cruise experience. If you don’t enjoy gourmet food, prefer to have more input over your food choices, or you like to eat light, you may not fully enjoy the barge cruise experience. Be prepared for leisurely meals over course after course of delicious local cuisine paired with the best wines of the region.
• Get Ready for Downtime: A barge cruise is one of the most relaxing ways to travel and still get to see interesting places. Yes, there are included private excursions each day, but the other half of your day will be spent relaxing (and eating) on board the barge. You can always choose to walk or ride bikes along the towpath instead of sitting on board, but generally you will have plenty of time to sit and watch the workings of the locks, enjoy the scenery, read a book, take a nap, or maybe have a soak in the hot tub.
• Stay Flexible: Just like river cruising , barge cruises are subject to the water levels of the canals. As such, the itinerary or mooring points may change. Just remember that a barge trip is about the relaxing cruise experience more than individual activities and excursions.

Life On Board the Barge Anjodi

The Anjodi is a first-class rated hotel barge with four cabins, holding a maximum of eight passengers for weeklong cruises on the Canal du Midi in southwest France. The Anjodi cruises the eastern section of the Canal du Midi, from the port of Marseillan to Le Somail, and vice versa, from April to October.

The Anjodi is a founding member of the European Waterways fleet and has been sailing on the Canal du Midi for over 40 years. While the Anjodi is known for its beautiful interior that utilizes African hardwoods and shining brass to create a classic yacht feel, what makes a Canal du Midi cruise so special is the exceptional level of service.

On board the Anjodi was a crew of five, the captain, two hostesses who manage the serving and housekeeping, the chef, and a tour guide. Each was friendly, hard-working, and professional. It was their hard work which really made the trip so pleasant.

Cabins on the Anjodi

There are four cabins on board the Anjodi, ranging from 91 to 102 square feet in size. Each cabin has a small en-suite bathroom and can be set up with a double bed or two twin beds. It is recommended that you choose the twin configuration, otherwise one side of the bed will be against the wall and it will be hard for that person to get in and out of bed.

I was joined on the Canal du Midi cruise by my friend Michelle and we were in the Thym cabin. It was definitely quite tight for the two of us, but once we got unpacked and into a rhythm of rooming together, it was fine as we spent most of our time out of the cabin.

The cabin was set up with two twin beds. Each bed has a narrow shelf space at the head and one had a series of cabinets above the bed for storage. The beds had a drawer in the foot of the bed, although one was hard to open given the set up.

In terms of storage, there was also a small closet with hanging space with a shelf above, along with a nightstand with a couple of drawers. Each cabin has an individually-controlled air conditioner, which is helpful in the hot French summers. But do keep in mind that fabrics tend to get a little damp by the end of the trip when you keep the air on. A little bottle of travel Febreze and a change of sheets in the middle of the week helps keep things fresh.

Every cabin also has an en-suite bathroom, which is also quite snug with very little storage. European Waterways does supply the common toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. With all barge cruises, you do need to be careful with the maceration toilets as they clog easily and can only accept toilet paper. We had an issue with some of the toilets on board during our cruise but luckily the captain was able to get it working again while we were on an excursion.

Public Spaces on the Barge Anjodi

Each hotel barge has slightly different amenities so it is helpful to look closely at each that you are considering and decide what is important to you. On the Anjodi , the saloon has a dining table for indoor meals and comfortable banquette seating for relaxing, as well as a fully stocked bar.

On the top deck, there is a picnic table and folding chairs, covered by a sunshade except when going under the lowest bridges. When the weather is nice, guests can enjoy meals al fresco at the picnic table. Another amenity that sets the Anjodi apart is the hot tub at the front of the barge.

The pilot house is behind the crew area, but the downside is that it is hard to talk to the Captain to learn more about the region as you are sailing. While sailing, most of the guests sit out on deck (in the shade when they can get it) and watch the landscape, which varies from open fields to vineyards to small villages to lines of plane trees.

If you don’t want to relax and watch the French countryside, guests can also hop off and either walk or ride bikes (available on the barge) along the tow path. Just talk to the crew in advance because some stretches are longer than others, while some offer more shade and an interesting view.

Food & Wine On Board

Barge cruising is known for exceptional gourmet food and the Anjodi is no exception. If anything, my only complaint is that there was too much good food — my clothes protested! The Chef works so hard to please the guests and serve up delicious dishes for each meal.

Breakfast started at 8:00 am and was available until about 9:00 am, which is when we typically left for our morning excursion. The meal consisted of a buffet of pastries, yogurt, fruit, granola and cereals, along with a different hot dish each day, including eggs Benedict, crepes, and scrambled eggs.

Lunch was served either inside or outside, once we returned from our morning excursion at around 12:30 or 1:00 pm. The food was typically served family-style for lunch with a mix of salads and pastas, except for Thursday, which was a full seafood feast featuring fresh oysters, shrimp, and mussels. And, of course, there was plenty of wine and let me tell you, a nice cold rosé from the region was the perfect accompaniment!

Dinner was a multi-course extravaganza featuring entrees like shrimp risotto, Coq au vin, and seared salmon. There was always a typical French cheese course and the meal finished with a tasty homemade dessert. Since each barge cruise usually includes one meal in a town, our cruise included dinner at a fine dining restaurant in Beziers mid-week.

Friday night is the Captain’s dinner, the highlight of the week. Everyone gets a little dressed up and it starts with bubbles and appetizers with the crew, followed by dinner with the Captain and late night drinks with the crew. The dinner itself was masterful, with the addition of one of the Chef’s special dishes, made by special request from the passengers.

Canal du Midi Barge Cruise Itinerary

During my cruise on the Canal du Midi, we started in the touristic port town of Marseillan, which was an area that I hadn’t explored before, and we finished in the town of Le Somail. During our cruise, we passed through some of the most iconic sites sites on the canal.

Sunday, Day 1 – Narbonne to Marseillan

Most barge cruises go from Sunday through Saturday. We were picked up at the Narbonne train station, where I had just taken the train from Bordeaux , and another set of guests were collected from a nearby hotel in Narbonne. From the city of Narbonne, our tour guide drove us an hour to the port town of Marseillan.

This cute town is located at the entrance to the saltwater lake of Étang de Thau, famous for its oyster beds and pink flamingos. Once everyone was on board and settled in, we headed out for an exciting, open water sail on the lake, past the oyster beds, which was a very different view and experience from our time on the canal.

Afterwards, everyone had time to walk around town, which has a nice collection of outdoor cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and gift shops. Before long, it was time for our first delicious meal on board the Anjodi.

Monday, Day 2 – Marseillan to Portiragnes

On our first full day on board, we started off with a short walking tour of Marseillan. This was followed by a private guided tour and tasting of Noilly Prat , one of the leading Vermouth producers with a nearly 200 year history. Even though I’m not a vermouth fan, I enjoyed learning about the production process and getting to taste their four different styles of vermouth, including one only sold locally.

Back on board, it was time to set sail to our mooring near the town of Portiragnes. It was exciting to enter the Canal du Midi and begin our journey, but the landscape on the first day is somewhat uninspiring, so we enjoyed some time sipping rosé while enjoying a soak in the hot tub. In Portiragnes, it is only a 20 minute bike ride to the beach but we decided just to take a walk along the canal instead.

Tuesday, Day 3 – Pezanas to Fonseranes

In the morning, we took a guided walking tour of Pezanas, which I’ve visited previously and I think is one of the prettiest towns in France . Pezenas is the charming 16 th Century capital of the Languedoc region and is known for its associations with the French playwright Molière. After the tour, we had about 45-minutes to explore town on our own before meeting back up with the group and heading back to the Anjodi .

The afternoon was an exciting one, as we sailed over an aqueduct and then through the famous flight of oval locks, the Fonseranes, or the Écluses de Fonseranes. This series of locks allow boats to be raised 71 feet over a distance of 980 feet. It is a slow process, especially when the canal is busy, but luckily hotel barges get priority entrance over the smaller boats. It is also a popular tourist attraction so expect to be gawked at a bit as you make the 45 minute journey through the locks.

But don’t worry, once you arrive at the mooring, you can easily hop off the barge and go gawk at the next set of boats going through the locks! This is actually a great area to take a walk.

Wednesday, Day 4 – Narbonne to Capestang

The next day started off with a guided tour of the famous Narbonne Market with Chef Jan, where we got to see a bit behind the scenes of him purchasing the ingredients for our seafood feast and future meals. He even took special requests and sought out ingredients to offer up later in the week.

After checking out the Narbonne Market, we had a guided tour of the Narbonne historical sites with our tour guide Johan. After visiting the Narbonne Cathedral, we got a closer look at Narbonne’s Roman roots with a tour of the underground Horreum subterranean warehouses that date back to the first century B.C.

I’m happy we had some time to explore the city on our own. Even though I’ve visited Narbonne in the past, it was good to have more time in the city for a little shopping!

Back on board, we enjoyed a lovely lunch of fresh pasta and another afternoon sailing. The highlight that day was sailing through the Malpas Tunnel – the world’s oldest canal tunnel. It isn’t long, but it is still a cool sight.

Instead of dinner on board, we headed back to Beziers for dinner out at a gastronomic restaurant. I’ll be honest and kind of wish we had been able to go to someplace more casual for our one meal off of the barge, as that would have been a nice change from long meals and perhaps allowed more personal choice to the menu. I also wish I had more time to walk around Capestang, instead of getting ready for a night out.

Thursday, Day 5 – Capestang to Sallèles d’Aude

The morning started with an outing to the nearby farm of Mas d’Antonin for some truffle hunting. Even though it wasn’t truffle season, we still got to meet the expert truffle dog and get a truffle hunting demonstration. This producer also has an olive oil farm and we learned more about the different olives of the region and tasted the oils that they produce. 

After an amazing seafood feast on board, we were treated to a special surprise when local French signers hopped on board halfway through the cruise. We were serenaded with a wonderful performance while sailing along the side Canal de la Robine en route to our mooring at Sallèles d’Aude. It was also of interest to the locals along the tow path and passing barges. But honestly, it was such a luxurious and special experience!

Friday, Day 6 – Sallèles d’Aude to Le Somail

It was almost hard to believe how quickly the week sails by, but we started our last morning with one of the most famous sights in the region, Carcassone. We took a guided tour of tour of Carcassonne, which is a medieval fortified city that dates back to the Gallo Roman era and is the most complete medieval fortified city in existence. With its 52 watchtowers and portcullis, from the outside it is something like a Disney castle and inside, it has the touristic feel of theme park as well, with stores selling swords and other medieval paraphernalia.

Our tour covered the history of the city and its successful rebuffs of enemy attacks and included a short walk through the city center and the church. After that, we had almost an hour to explore on our own, but I’ll be honest and say there isn’t a lot to see as the shops are very touristic and you really need to watch to make sure you are buying goods that are actually made in France. You may want to try the city’s famous cassoulet, just remember that lunch is also served back on board.

Before long, it was time for our last sail of the trip to the adorable small village of Le Somail. I remember sailing past this town and under its stone bridge during my last trip to the region and thinking how charming it looked, enough to want to buy a house there. While small, it really is quite quaint, with a bookshop, boutique, barge cafe, and a handful of restaurants.

We didn’t have a lot of time to explore, because we were whisked off to a final wine tasting at a nearby Chateau. And then it was time to prepare for the Captain’s Dinner, the capstone event of our trip! Just don’t celebrate too hard because the next morning it is time to say goodbye to the Captain and crew of the Anjodi . We were dropped off back at the Narbonne train station, where I headed to Paris for a night before my flight home.

2024 Pricing

Prices for a 6-night cruise aboard the 8-   passenger Anjodi start from $5,690   per person for 2024 sailings and include all gourmet meals, fine wines, an open bar for the duration of the cruise, daily escorted excursions, admissions, and private transfers at either end of the cruise. Full barge charters are also available for families and groups.

Bottom Line

I’m now a convert for barge cruising as a relaxed, easy way to explore some of the smaller nooks and crannies of Europe. Ideally, it is great to enjoy a chartered barge cruise experience, since you never know how you will click with strangers in a tight space and lots of time spent together. I found the crew on the Anjodi to be attentive but not obtrusive, friendly and welcoming, and very good at their jobs, making the experience on board even better.

The downside would be the smaller cabins, so if you can afford it, you can always splurge on the Enchanté or another ultra luxury barge, like the new Kir Royale that is launching in the Champagne region in 2024.

See My Instagram Reel about the Anjodi:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tamara Gruber (@yourtimetofly)

Hear More About My Time on the Barge Anjodi

Interested in Cruising?

• Essential guide to a Bordeaux River Cruise with AmaWaterways
• Cruising through Burgundy on a France Barge Cruise
• How to plan a girls’ trip cruise
• Sailing on a Maine Windjammer Cruise with Schooner Heritage

Tamara is an over 50, award-winning travel writer, and recent empty nester based in Rhode Island. After years of writing about family travel on We3Travel and inspiring wanderlust as co-host of the Vacation Mavens family travel podcast, she started Your Time to Fly as a place to share ideas for girlfriend getaways, romantic escapes, and solo female travel for midlife women.

Share this post

Discover the Canal Du Midi Cruises

The UNESCO world heritage site, Canal Du Midi cruise , is one of the best places to experience the best of all that France has to offer. The whole length of the Midi Canal is filled with incredibly beautiful yet serene views that will make you fall in love with the South of France. From ancient village houses to exquisitely arched bridges, wherever you rest your eyes, you will have the best sights to behold. The canal has perfect paths for cycling as well as for morning walks. Barge cruising on the Midi Canal will give you a unique and enriching France experience with Mediterranean flavors, and to ensure that happens with the wholeness of the experience we offer the following dedicatedly-crafted Canal Du Midi Cruises itineraries.

'Alouette' Canal du Midi Cruise

7 Days Carcassonne to Beziers (or reverse)

Available for Private Charter cruises only (2 to 4 guests)

• Tour Code : ALO-AIF
• Tour Type : Hotel Barge Cruises | Luxury Collection
• Barge Ratings : 4 Passengers - Ultra Deluxe (5*) - Private Charters Only
• Experience : Honeymoon & Romance

'Anjodi' Canal du Midi Cruise

7 Days Marseillan to Le Somail (or reverse)

Available for Individual Cabin Bookings and Full Boat Private Charters (6 to 8 guests)

• Tour Code : ANJ-EW
• Tour Type : Hotel Barge Cruises
• Barge Ratings : 8 Passengers - Premier Class (3*)
• Experience : Family | Golf | Wine Connoisseur

'Athos' Canal du Midi Cruise

7 Days Argeliers to Marseillan (or reverse)

Available for Individual Cabin Bookings and Full Boat Private Charters (6 to 10 guests)

• Tour Code : ATH-EW
• Barge Ratings : 10 Passengers - Premier Class (3*)
• Experience : Art Workshops | Family | Golf | Tennis | Wine Connoisseur

'Beatrice' Canal du Midi Cruise

6 Days Portiragnes to Homps (or reverse)

Private Cruise exclusively for one couple (possibility to accommodate a party of 4)

• Tour Code : BEAT
• Barge Ratings : 4 Passengers - Casual-Traditional (3*) - Private Charters Only

'Caroline' Canal du Midi Cruise

7 Days Beziers to Carcassonne (or reverse)

Available for Private Charter cruises only (2 to 6 guests)

• Tour Code : CARO
• Barge Ratings : 6 Passengers - Casual-Traditional (3*) - Private Charters Only

'Clair De Lune' Canal du Midi Cruise

7 Days Beziers to Homps (or reverse)

Available for Individual Cabin Bookings and Full Boat Private Charters (4 to 6 guests)

• Tour Code : CDL6
• Barge Ratings : 6 Passengers - Deluxe (4*)
• Experience : Cruise & Bike | Family

'Emma' Canal du Midi Cruise

Available for Individual Cabin Bookings and Full Boat Private Charters (4 to 6 guests)

• Tour Code : EMM6
• Barge Ratings : 6 Passengers - Premier Class (3*)

'Enchante' Canal du Midi Cruise

7 Days Trebes to Salleles d'Aude (or reverse)

• Tour Code : ENC-EW
• Barge Ratings : 8 Passengers - Ultra Deluxe (5*)
• Experience : Culinary | Family | Golf | Wine Connoisseur

'Esperance' Canal du Midi Cruise

• Tour Code : ESPE
• Barge Ratings : 6 Passengers - Ultra Deluxe (5*) - Private Charters Only

'Esperance' Extended Journey on the Midi Canal

12 Days Beziers to Homps to Carcassonne (or reverse)

• Tour Code : ESPE-EXT
• Experience : Extended Cruises | Honeymoon & Romance

Make memories with us

Savannah Barge

Canal du midi, amour barge.

Enjoy the barge with its large terrace and luxurious air-conditioned cabins

Savannah for an enchanting discovery cruise along the canal du midi.

Enjoy the barge with its large terrace and luxurious air conditioned cabins to relax, savor the chef’s exquisite cuisine and discover picturesque villages, fortified cities, cathar castles, remarkable countryside, local markets and unique vineyards. Cruise the royal canal du midi, conceived and financed by Pierre Paul Riquet to the glory of Louis XIV and the commercial development of the Midi Pyrénées and Languedoc Roussillon regions in southern France. Fabulous and enchanting.

• Savannah is a unique 30 meter barge
• 4 cabins to host 4 to 7 passengers

CREW MEMBERS

Booking type, charter only, check-in time / location, 4:00 pm in narbonne, just for two canal cruise, amour canal cruise.

luxury canal barge Amour is a private floating haven for leisurely and luxurious cruising in France. Once a freight-carrying vessel she’s now beautifully converted to offer the ultimate in luxury cruising, plying the delightful Canal du Midi in southern France.

• Grand Luxe class (5*)
• Sun decks fore and aft
• Full board with private chef
• Canal du Midi, southern France
• Charter for two guests, 6 nights, 7 days, April to October
• 1 double-bedded suite within a private apartment of 110sq feet
• If required, two further guests with the same party can join, sleeping on the convertible sofa within the apartment.

Experience the Ultimate Cusine

Years Experience

Destinations, satisfied guests, professional staff.

Adrien’s Bramoullé

Adrien’s bramoullé’s french parents emigrated to south africa and he subsequently attended one of the country’s leading farming oriented boarding schools. during that time he frequently camped at pilanesberg, swam in the lake and was part of the working party removing signs of human habitation and helping to restore the traditional environment., savannah & amour barge.

Slow pleasures, shared pleasures, and irrepressible memories – Savannah barge, on the historic Canal du Midi in southern France, delivers a unique experience. Amour is the ultimate barge just for two guests. The keynote of her bespoke cruise is romance and her elegant mahogany interior offers a private apartment, ravishingly decorated and furnished to provide the best in taste and comfort.

Luxury Safari Lodge in Pilanesberg

There anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain of because pain but because occasionally circumstances master builder human happiness no onedislikes, too avoids pleasure itself because it but enjoy those do not knows rationally.

Avail 10% Dsicount

Subscribe to our mailing lists and get a 10% discount coupon code in your inbox instantly.

Canal Du Midi Blog

Savannah Safaris Experience

• By royalcanals

Cruises & Cusines

Hospitality at Amour Barge

Savannah Barge © 2023, All Rights Reserved.

Created and Managed By

Canal du Midi Cruises & Tours

Canal du midi travel guide, all you need to know about barge cruising, what to expect on a barge cruise, best destinations for european barge cruises, barge cruise vs. river cruise, when to take a barge cruise in europe.

• France :  Alsace-Lorraine ,  Burgundy ,  Champagne , Paris .
• Scotland &  Ireland
• Germany :  Moselle River
• Netherlands  &  Belgium  

Top France Travel Destinations

• French Riviera
• Mediterranean
• Moselle River
• Rhine River
• Rhone River
• Seine River

France Trips by Departure Date

• 2024 France trips (146)
• 2025 France trips (69)
• April 2024 (55)
• May 2024 (81)
• June 2024 (71)
• July 2024 (79)
• August 2024 (77)
• September 2024 (79)
• October 2024 (74)
• August 2025 (43)
• October 2025 (42)

Top Experiences in France

• France Cruises (159)
• France River Cruises (102)
• France Luxury (52)
• France Cultural (40)
• France Food & Wine (39)
• France Barge Cruising (23)
• France Beaches (10)
• France Private Yacht Charter (9)
• France Family (3)

France Trips by Duration

• 5 day trips (12)
• 7 day trips (33)
• 8 day trips (63)
• 9 day trips (5)
• 10 day trips (6)
• 11 day trips (12)
• 12 day trips (7)
• 13 day trips (5)
• 14 day trips (6)
• 15 day trips (5)

France Trips by Activity

• France wine tasting (73)
• France biking (69)
• France village visits (69)
• France small ship cruises (56)
• France hiking (40)
• France urban exploration (39)
• France local market visits (36)
• France small ship sailing (15)
• France archaeological site visits (15)
• France christmas market visits (15)
• France cooking classes (7)
• France land & sea exploration (6)
• France wildlife viewing (4)
• France spa relaxation (3)

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

Canal Du Midi

Anjodi is very much a hotel barge of the classic Dutch design and also the founding member of our fleet, embarking on her first cruises along the historic Canal du Midi 35 years ago.

5 STAR CLASS BARGE

Barge cruise, cruise saloon.

Personalized and attentive service waiting for you.

The four compact, cleverly-designed cabins, featuring hardwood panelling and brass portholes, offer a choice of twin or double bedded accommodation, each with en suite facilities.The spacious sundeck is shaded by an adjustable canopy and there are comfortable sun loungers and a spa pool to soak in with a glass of chilled white wine. Savannah cruises between Bram and La Redorte (or reverse route) through the flowing sunflower valley of the Lauragais into the vineyards of Crobières and Minervois

Anjodi is a very well-known hotel barge having achieved ‘film star’ status some years ago following her many appearances in the television series Rick Stein’s French Odyssey, when she carried the eponymous chef on a voyage of culinary discovery through Southern France. Why not follow in his footsteps with a cruise along the Canal du Midi, a 330-year-old canal with UNESCO World Heritage status.

Discover Anjodi

• Private wine tasting at the beautiful Château Pech-Celeyran
• Winery Tour and Tasting
• Biking Plus
• Spacious Sundeck
• Fully Stocked Bar
• Dinner on board
• Excellent towpath for walking and cycling. “Biking Plus” option available
• Tour Carcassonne – the most complete medieval fortified city in existence
• View the Pyrenees mountains across the vineyards and discover Cathar history
• See the spectacular hilltop village of Minerve
• Cruise through the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas

Reviews & Testimonials

Enquire for this cruise.

Popular Tours

• Destinations

Important Links

• Privacy Policy
• Get in touch
• Untitled 6 Created with Sketch.

©2001-2023 All Rights Reserved. Lauthentic France® is a registered trademark of Authentic France SASU. 61 Avenue de Narbonne, 11220 Saint Laurent de la Cabrerisse, Occitanie, France Tel: 33 4 68 27 43 34, Immatriculation Atout France : IMO11160003 // RCS: No 818284382.

• Southern Burgundy
• Northern Burgundy
• Canal du Midi
• Alsace-Lorraine
• Upper Loire
• Loire Valley

• Holland Cruises

• Meet the Team
• In the Press
• Guest Login

• Category Premier
• Capacity 6 Guests
• Crew Members 4
• Booking Type Charter Only
• Check-in Time / Location 4:00 PM in Beziers or Narbonne

Float back in time to the 1920’s Art Deco heyday of the famed Orient Express trains on the Canal du Midi’s newest barge, the Elegance!

Elegance is the inspired creation of French captain Mathias Gilles, known for the signature sophisticated style onboard his first vessel, the Esperance. His longtime fascination with the glamorous train travel of yesteryear informed the décor on the aptly-named Elegance. “Precisely as on the Orient Express, Elegance is a work of art that displays a beautiful collection of furniture and objects,” says Mathias.

Elegance’s marquetry, woodwork, cutlery, crystalware, wallpaper, and fabric have all been chosen to reflect this retro-chic railway theme. The celebrated Art Deco artist Rene Lalique’s 1928 etched glass panels — once found on the Orient Express trains! — now enliven the barge’s light-filled salon. Three identically sized cabins ensure deluxe accommodations with Jazz Age charm. A graceful spiral staircase leads to the spacious deck, where ample outdoor seating beckons for hours of lounging and al fresco dining.

Onboard cuisine features the region’s fresh seafood and savory flavors, paired with crisp roses and small-batch spirits from the surrounding Languedoc. As on Esperance, original and creative table settings on Elegance will provide fabulous feasts for the eyes! Enriching excursions introduce guests to European history and French heritage, including visits to charming seaside villages, tasting freshly pressed olive oil, and exploring beautifully preserved churches.

All aboard the Elegance!

A Day in the Life of a Barge Cruise

Extra, extra…Read all about Barge Lady Cruises!

• Accommodations & Amenities

Itineraries

Gourmet dining, rates & dates.

• Interested in This Cruise?

Accommodations & Amenities View Deck Plan

Accommodations

• 100 ft long, with  7′ 2″ ceiling height in the salon
• 3 cabins, all 137 sq ft, 6′ 72″ ceiling height, with choice of queen or two twin beds
• Ensuite bathrooms with shower, 6′ 6″ ceiling height
• Ample storage space in cabins
• Salon and dining room
• Deck with umbrella
• Outdoor dining space and seating

Classic Itinerary with Daily Guided Sightseeing

Travel from Capestang to Puicheric on the Canal du Midi *Your cruise could operate in the opposite direction. Please consult with us before making any arrival or departure plans.

Welcome Aboard

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Elegance at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored in Capestang. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first of many gourmet dinners aboard. After dinner, feel free to take a dip in the hot tub with a nightcap.

Sip, Shop, and Stroll

This morning, your Tour Guide presents Pezenas, a lively town full of art and history, and a place most dear to French playwright Molière. The city's historic center has become a bohemian haven of lively cafes and specialty boutiques. Sip, shop, and stroll your way through this adorable town brimming with authentic French life. Cruise this afternoon; laze on deck and admire the countryside gliding by, or explore the towpath by bicycle or on foot. Enjoy tonight’s dinner onboard.

Gourmet Day

This morning, laze on deck while Elegance glides along the canal. Upon mooring, bookworms are invited to browse a unique book shop with approximately 50,000 second-hand books. In the afternoon, your Tour Guide introduces an olive pressoir for a tasting of small batch olive oils, then it’s a scenic drive to discover the historic and hilltop village of Minerve. Back onboard, join Chef in the open kitchen for a cooking demonstration, followed by drinks and dinner.

An Authentic Taste of France

The morning begins with a visit to Narbonne, a regional capital established in 118 B.C.E. as a Roman colony. A study of European history and local modernity thriving side by side, preserved Roman ruins are reverentially presented in public spaces, while the lively Narbonne market reflects the region’s gastronomic bounty. Enjoy a winetasting, then it’s back to Elegance to cruise through typical villages and under tiny bridges. Enjoy dinner onboard, moored deep in the countryside.

Captivating Carcassone

Begin the day with a scenic cruise through rustic countryside. Enjoy relaxing on deck, or explore the towpath by bicycle or on foot. This afternoon, experience a cruise high point: your Tour Guide introduces Carcassonne, a fortified Medieval fortress with a walled city, ancient castle, and preserved ramparts. If you have already discovered Carcassonne, visit Lagrasse, an attractive market town full of art galleries and craft shops. Return to the Elegance for appetizers and aperitifs followed by another gourmet dinner.

Cruising the Canal du Midi

It’s a full day of cruising, gliding past typical villages and under tiny bridges as you fully savor the magic of one of France’s most iconic canals. Now is the time to explore by bicycle, laze in the hot tub, or join your Captain in his wheelhouse. At the L’Aiguille lock, disembark to view the collection of unusual sculptures created by the artistic lockkeeper, then celebrate your luxurious journey on the Canal du Midi with a festive Farewell Feast onboard.

A Sad Farewell

After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.

Breakfast selections consist of freshly baked goods from a local boulangerie, along with fruit, cereal, yogurt, cheese, coffee, tea, and juice. For lunches and dinners, your onboard Chef creates regionally and seasonally inspired fare. Lunch is typically a light buffet featuring hearty salads and savory entrees, and your multi-course gourmet dinner is served with grand table settings and fine crockery, all in a festive setting. Wine pairings feature a red and a white from area vineyards, along with a cheese platter of artisanal favorites. Note these are sample menus. Bon Appetit!

• Market Greens, Pear, and Parmesan Salad
• Sautéed Ravioli with Pancetta and Local Mushrooms
• Cheeses: Crotin de Chavignol and St. Nectaire Fermier
• Cider and Green Apple Sorbet
• A Selection of Coffees, Teas and Biscuits
• Amuse-bouche
• Comté Soufflé with Seared Scallop and Tomato Jam
• Grilled Cod with Horseradish Lentils and Petit Pois
• Cheeses: Ossau-Iraty and Picodon de l’Ardéche
• Tarte Tatin with Cinnamon Vanilla Ice Cream
• A Selection of After Dinner Drinks
• Daumas Gassac
• Voulte Gasparet
• Saint Chinian: Les Terrasses de Gabrielle
• Jean Batiste Sénat: La Nine
• Jeff Carrel: Les Darons
• Limoux: Toques et Clochers

Gray Bold Dates = Regular Season

Additional Details

Included in the rate.

• 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
• Round trip chauffeured transfers to and from a local meeting point
• A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
• All meals onboard from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
• All wines served onboard with lunches and dinners
• Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
• Unlimited use of onboard amenities such as bicycles and the hot tub

Not included in the rate

• International airfare
• Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
• Transport to and from the cruise region
• Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

*All rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted

“Everything about the barge trip was great. We loved Captain Mathias! Not only is he a skilled captain, but he took wonderful care of us — he seemed to know what we needed even before we did! The barge is so comfortable, and our Chef was superb. We had beautiful weather so we could sit out on the deck and enjoy the canal as the scenery passed by. We all kept saying we could hardly believe we were so fortunate. It really was a perfect vacation.” – Linda S, Esperance, sister ship to Elegance

Are you ready to discover the cultural treasures of the Canal du Midi?

Plan Your Cruise

Other cruises in which you may be interested

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Cruise Planner
• Book a Flight
• Book a Hotel
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Required Travel Documents
• Make a Payment
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• Update Guest Information
• Beverage Packages​
• Dining Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Transportation
• Royal Gifts
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

GO BACK TO GUIDES 

Closest Cruise Ports Near Me: Midwest United States

Here's how to choose the best cruise port.

By Robert Schrader | Published on July 19, 2023

If you live in the Midwest United States and Google "cruise ports near me," you might initially feel shocked. As a born-and-bred Midwesterner, I know all too well what an ordeal getting to the coast can be! Whether you fly west to Los Angeles and Seattle, or southward to Houston, New Orleans or Miami, the idea of having to take a flight before you take your cruise can be daunting. I, however, prefer to think of it as exhilarating — here's why.

The Truth About Cruising From The Midwest

There are a lot of reasons to love living in the Midwest — easy access to the ocean is not among them. Growing up, I remember many a long drive to the Gulf or the Atlantic, arguably more than any beach or seafood meal. As an adult, however, I can appreciate that there's opportunity in having to reach one destination en route to another, even as an adult who's spent a fair few living outside the middle of the country.

Indeed, rather than asking, "Where is the closest cruise port to me?" you might instead ask where the coolest one is. Depending on how much time you've allocated for your cruise and the preferences of the people in your party, you can think of the place where you set sail from as a trip-within-a-trip. Before your ship leaves or after it returns to port, make the most of your travels by diving into the city where you'll embark on your journey.

Another factor to keep in mind, beyond convenience and personal preferences, is that not all cruise destinations are accessible from every cruise port. Obviously, if you're cruising to the Caribbean , doing so from the West Coast will be a very circuitous journey indeed. Likewise, the vast majority of Alaska cruises depart from Seattle, or even from ports in Alaska itself, depending upon which one you choose.

Here, too, lies an opportunity. Personally, rather than wondering about the nearest cruise port to me, I sometimes think of the two main decisions I need to make — where I'll leave from and where I'll go — together. Heading to Central America from New Orleans, for example, is a package deal. You can see the stunning beaches of Belize on the front end, then swim through a world of sugar and dough with beignets  at Café du Monde in New Orleans on the back end. Which combination will you choose?

The Best Cruise Port To The Caribbean

It's no surprise that the Caribbean is one of the world's most diverse cruising destinations, with as many ports to visit as there are postcard-perfect beaches. Some of the most popular ports for Caribbean cruises include Galveston (near Houston), New Orleans and the ports of Fort Lauderdale and Miami in South Florida. These ports are just a quick — and often affordable — flight from the Midwestern United States.

The Galveston  cruise port is a popular option, for many reasons. For travelers who are flying, the fact that both of Houston's airports are hubs means you'll have your pick of convenient flights from the Midwest. Driving to the coast? While the Houston area isn't exactly close to most of the Midwest, it's a relatively straight shot. As far as what to do in Galveston? Let's just say that if the beaches (and beach boardwalk) don't entice, the amazing seafood meals and century-old architecture should do the trick.

When it comes to Florida  cruise ports, meanwhile, you've got even more options. If you can plan for a few days here before or after your cruise vacation, you can explore all of South Florida, and maybe even beyond that. With a couple of days, you can explore everywhere from Palm Beach to South Beach; and with a few more than that, you could do a Florida Keys road trip.

Considering the New Orleans  cruise port? This is a personal favorite of mine. Usually, I like to set sail for my destination (typically somewhere in Mexico or Central America, but sometimes farther east) and then return to the Big Easy as my reward for a trip well-taken. Depending on my mood, I may just chill out in the French Quarter, explore churches and cemeteries, stuff myself on Jambalaya or even boat through the nearby bayous.

Where To Begin Your Pacific Pilgrimage

Pacific cruises aren't as typical of a choice for Midwestern travelers for one obvious reason: Los Angeles  is a lot farther than Louisiana! On the other hand, no matter where on America's left coast you hit the open sea from, Pacific cruises are more than worth the journey of getting there. This would be true even if you didn't spend a couple days in the port city but is especially true if you do.

Headed to Mexico? Even though ports in the LA area will never appear in a list of "cruise ports near me" if you live in cities like Chicago or St. Louis, SoCal is more than just a gateway to Mexico's Baja Peninsula or offshore Catalina Island. Sometimes, I like to spend a day or two here and rent a car. From there, I head north along the 101 to Malibu or Santa Barbara, or dig into unique neighborhoods — Thai town and its spicy food are a personal favorite place to stop.

If you have a little longer before or after your cruise, you have endlessly more options. Head south, whether to the OC and Laguna Beach or all the way to San Diego. You could also drive eastward into the desert, whether to the famous Joshua Tree or to somewhere more obscure or even farther north along the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur and beyond. Los Angeles is the city of dreams not just for Hollywood hopefuls, but also for travelers with inspiration and curiosity.

Apart from the Los Angeles cruise port, the most popular place to set sail is probably Seattle, which is a common jumping-off-point for cruises to Alaska. Here, you can spend a night or two and explore exciting neighborhoods like Downtown Seattle and Capitol Hill, or stay longer and hike Mt. Rainier or destinations even farther into the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. Some Alaska cruises even depart from Anchorage. If you fly here, spend some time kayaking near Seward or even enjoy a drive north to Fairbanks before you head for even wilder waters.

The Europe Cruising Quandary

While it's technically possible to cruise all the way to Europe from ports on the east coast of the United States, many shorter European cruises actually depart from European ports. Some popular options include Barcelona, the timeless city of Antoni Gaudí where the curious sounds of Catalán  are as audible as more familiar Castellano, and the floating city of Venice, where your cruise vessel isn't the only ship that can take you somewhere exciting.

In this instance, being in the Midwest doesn't actually put you at much of a disadvantage compared to other American travelers. You may need to connect somewhere if you don't live in a city with a major hub (as I don't), but everyone who isn't sailing the whole way to Europe will have to get on a plane . If you think a Europe cruise will float your boat, then, don't stress out about the journey to your destination.

Instead, get excited: Most major European ports are well-connected to regions and cities you're unlikely to visit on your cruise itinerary — this really is two trips in one. Cruising from Athens? Use your days in the ancient city as an opportunity to head to inland Greek destinations like Mount Olympus and the monastery of Meteora, or even to head north into Balkan countries like Albania, Macedonia, Bosnia and beyond.

When "the closest cruise port to me" is on the other side of the ocean, it also invites you to make more adventurous choices. Everyone loves the Mediterranean, for example, by why not head north and sail beneath summer's Midnight Sun? Whether from the fairy tale city of Copenhagen and its Little Mermaid statue or from London where traveling the world can be as simple as visiting a few different neighborhoods, Northern Europe is a hotter cruise destination than its temperatures suggest.

Wheels Down, Anchor Up

Written By ROBERT SCHRADER 

Robert Schrader is a writer, photographer and one of the web's original travel bloggers. In 2009 he launched his blog  Leave Your Daily Hell , which has taken him to nearly 100 countries, and has since spun off niche sites focused on Japan, Thailand, Taiwan and Italy. Robert seeks to inform, inspire, entertain and empower travelers through his work, which has been featured in in-flight magazines and digital media outlets around the world. He's excited about travel's post-pandemic rebirth, and in particular the cruise industry's comeback!

Get Royal Deals, Sign Up Today

Sign up to receive information about our special offers and deals. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our Privacy Policy .

Related Articles

Top Things to Do on Grandeur of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Best Weekend Cruises from Florida | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Everything You Need to Plan a Perfect Day at Cococay

Insider Tips to Maximizing Your Time at Perfect Day at CocoCay

EXPLORE MORE

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

Waterway Depths, Heights and Widths Practical Navigation

NOTE : In the late 19th many canals were re-engineered to provide standardised dimensions including a depth of 2.20m and with locks 39.00m long by 5.20m wide, in order to accommodate barges 38.50m x 5.05m x 1.80m draught (the so-called ‘Freycinet’ standard). Much of the network still offers these dimensions, with the notable exception of the Canal du Midi and some other smaller waterways and locks, which were never enlarged. Many waterways also no longer reliably offer the full 1.80m draught along their length, as maintenance dredging programmes are delayed for lack of funding, or because 1.60m (or even less) is considered sufficient where commercial traffic has disappeared. In the table below the dimensions are the maximum vessel dimensions through each section.

Important Notes [1] Whatever printed documentation may state, depths vary according to season and river flow, and vary locally. As noted elsewhere on this website, depths immediately downstream of locks can be lower than book values, [2] If it is critical, err on the side of caution. We have heard of yachts getting stuck and having to be craned out of the Midi and loaded onto a transporter. Remember that you will float about 2.5% lower in fresh water than in salt water, say +40mm for a draught of 1.50m. [3] Using a pilot-guide book is strongly recommended: Breil Guides or Fluviacarte (Navicarte) Guides . Each navigable waterway in France also has its own detailed guidance page on this site :: Practical Navigation

• VNF INFORMATION ONLINE – Stoppages / Works – Maintenance Map – Opening Hours / Seasons
• MONITOR VHF CHANNEL 10 to listen out and communicate.
• VNF – 0800 863 000 – A nationwide single telephone point of access for making lock arrangements and notify breakdowns and problems.

Cruise Lines International

Inland Waterways Intl – Barge Assocn

The information published here results from more than ten years personal experience cruising the waterways from north to south and east to west.

Terms, Conditions, ©Copyright and Privacy Statement

Cruise Routes (Interactive Map)

Request a quote download brochure

Russian River Cruises

• Find your cruise
• Moscow — St. Petersburg
• Moscow — Astrakhan
• Astrakhan — St. Petersburg
• St. Petersburg
• Cruise Highlights
• News & Travel Tips

Lorem Ipsum

Moscow to Saint Petersburg

13 days – 12 nights

Collapse Full Itinerary

Gold, Platinum  Airport transfer / Check-in at centrally located Marriott Aurora***** or Ararat Park Hyatt*****

Imperial : Private airport transfer / Check-in at the luxurious Four Seasons Moscow***** only a minute from the Kremlin and Red Square

Volga dream experience:

Gold: City Tour / Novodevichy Cemetery Imperial, Platinum:  City tour / Lunch in a Moscow City Skyscraper / Novodevichy Cemetery / Sparrow Hills

Meals: Breakfast

Platinum / Imperial

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Gold:  Moscow Kremlin / Armory Museum / Red Square / GUM Department Store

Platinum:  Moscow Kremlin / Armory Museum / Red Square / St. Basil’s Cathedral / GUM Department Store / Park Zaryadye

Gold:  Tretyakov Gallery / Moscow Metro Tour.

Platinum:  Leo Tolstoy House-Museum in Hamovniki / Tretyakov Gallery / Moscow Metro Tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gold, Platinum:  Town of Uglich / Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood

Volga dream experience: Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony & Russian Cooking Class

Gold, Platinum:  Yaroslavl City Tour / Governor’s house 

Volga dream experience: Sun Deck Barbeque

Gold:  Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery  

Platinum:  Ferapontov Monastery

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting

Gold, Platinum: Kizhi Island / Lake Onega

Volga dream experience: Piano Concert – Compositions by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov

Gold, Platinum:  Svirstroy village / Local resident’s home / Local primary school

Volga dream experience: Farewell Dinner, Captain’s cocktail

Gold:  City Tour / Peter and Paul Fortress

Platinum:  City Tour / St. Isaac’s Cathedral / Canal boat / Yusupov Palace

Gold:  The State Hermitage Museum / Peterhof: Park and a historic Cottage

Platinum:  The State Hermitage Museum (Early Entrance!) / Gold Room / Peterhof: Park and a historic Cottage

Gold:  Catherine’s Palace / Amber Room

Platinum:  Faberge Museum / Catherine’s Palace / Amber Room

Meals: Breakfast / Imperial

Gold, Platinum, Imperial: Check-out / Airport transfer

Volga dream experience: -

The rates are set for a cruising season. The price is not dependent on the month within a selected year

Choose a date

View all months May July August

Choose Staterooms

All prices are per person based on double occupancy.

All rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Actual size of cabins can slightly differ within one category.

Request a quote

Journey: Volga Dream

Price per person: not specified

EMMA, a 6-passenger first class barge, cruises on the Canal du Midi in the South of France

View Food and Wine

EMMA Cruise Stops

EMMA , a homey and immaculate six-passenger barge that cruises the scenic Canal du Midi. Take the warmth of an Irish welcome, add the seductive charm of the French, put it on a beautifully restored turn of the century barge, cover it with a balmy Mediterranean climate and what have you got? A lazy luxury cruise along the historic 17th century Canal du Midi with your hosts, René and Liz, aboard their floating home.

Cruise Highlights

• Visit the pre-Roman site of Oppidum d'Enserunes, built in 800BC
• A Unesco World Heritage Site, The Canal du Midi is lined with towering plane trees and winds through pretty Languedoc villages
• Carcassonne, the most well preserved fortified town in Europe with its cobblestone streets, boutiques and castle
• The fascinating history of the Cathars, a religious sect that was persecuted by Rome yet stayed true to their beliefs
• Languedoc is the largest wine region in France bordered on the South by the Pyrenees Mountains and the Cevennes Mountains in the north
• A sun washed Mediterranean climate with friendly people and beautiful scenery

Cruise Features

Cruise Rates 2020

Included in cruise price.

• Round trip transfers in air conditioned vehicle from pre-arranged meeting point in Narbonne or Beziers to the canal barge and return after the barge cruise
• Accommodation for up to 6 passengers for 6 nights in 1 double bed cabin and 2 twin bed cabins (or queen), all with private bathrooms. (5 night cruise is available upon request.)
• All meals including wine with meals and drinks from the bar
• Excursions in the private, spacious air conditioned vehicle and admittance fees as stipulated
• All meals, wine and drinks on board
• Entrance fees on excursions
• Use of on-board bicycles
• Champagne welcome aboard

Not Included in Cruise Price

• Air or other transportation to the meeting location
• Trip cancellation or medical insurance (available when booking)
• Personal expense
• A discretionary gratuity for the crew (suggested minimum is 5% of the cruise price)

EMMA Features

Cruising on emma, itinerary #1 (classic itinerary) canal du midi carcassonne to beziers (or reverse).

Saturday - Transfer to Barge in Trebes After your pickup in Narbonne on Saturday afternoon, you will be chauffeured to Emma moored in the village of Trebes. There will be time to meet your crew, pictured below, and enjoy a champagne reception. We shall let you get settled in and unpacked which is the most strenuous task of the week, and then sit back and relax while we take a short cruise so that you feel you really are on a boat. During this time the first of your gourmet dinners will be prepared. Sunday - Trebes to Countryside Mooring After a leisurely breakfast of fresh fruit, croissants, homemade jams, cereal and coffee you will be taken off in the minivan to explore the wonderful medieval city of Carcassonne. A stroll through the cobbled streets with the array of boutiques, a visit to the Feudal Castle, a foray into the Inquisition museum or a walk along the ramparts. Carcassonne has something for everyone to enjoy. Back to the boat for a lunch of tasty homemade pâtés, quiches and salads followed by a selection of the 365 cheeses which France has to offer and washed down with some of the finest wines of the Languedoc Rouissillon region. After lunch we shall cruise off to our next mooring spot along the canal, going down several locks as we start our descent towards the Mediterranean. Emma will stop at another lovely setting where your evening dinner will be served. Monday - Your Choice of Excursions After breakfast today you will be whisked off again to discover another delight of the region. We could go to Lagrasse, a little village in the heart of the Corbières with a magnificent Benedictine Abbey perched on the banks of the river Orbiel and where the little cobbled streets house a multitude of potters, artists, wood carvers, etc. Or we could go and visit the giant underground cave at Cabrespine, or again visit the ruins of the old Cathar stronghold Chateau Lastours. Another delicious lunch will be ready for you when you get back and you will be able to relax while we cruise on to our next stop. Tuesday - Open Air Market France is famous for its open air markets and today you will have the chance to experience this for yourself when we visit the market at Olonzac, pictured at right. The smells of the olives and herbs and the roasting chickens will make your mouth water and the arrays of fresh fruit and vegetables are a picture. We will then go up into the heart of the Minervois region to Minerve a spectacular village set on a rocky outcrop in the gorges formed by the rivers Cesse and Brian. There are lovely walks here, just the thing to build up your appetite for lunch. If you have plenty of energy after lunch while Emma is cruising to her next stop maybe you would like to take a bicycle ride or a stroll. The towpath follows the canal all the way so any time you want to this option is available. Wednesday - Narbonne Narbonne is our tour for today. The ancient capital of Roman Gaul still retains a lot of its history. You will see the Via Domitia, a road 2000 years old with its chariot ruts still visible, visit the old Roman storehouses, the Archbishop's palace, the Cathedral St Just with its cloister, high altar, and splendid organ. For those of you who enjoy food and markets, the indoor market at Narbonne is one of the best. You will see the finest display of fish, shellfish, fruit, vegetables, meats, herbs, spices, olives, cheese, and the list goes on. Perhaps you would like to dip your feet in the blue water of the Mediterranean, or visit the little fishing port of Gruissan. Such wonderful choices. Thursday - Narbonne to Beziers Gala Dinner - then its music on Deck! Today we continue our lazy cruise which takes us under the smallest bridge in France, if you can get under this, you can go anywhere on the canal system! A choice of visits awaits you. A wine tasting at Guery or at St Chinian, a visit to the Abbey at Fontcaud, a trip up to the prehistoric site of Enserune with its panoramic views, there is so much to see, you will be spoiled for choices! End the cruise in style at our final Gala Dinner, followed by an informal concert under the stars. Friday - Transfer to Narbonne Emma is moored in or near Beziers. All too soon your week is over, but we will still manage a short cruise before we say our good- byes and after your breakfast you will be taken to Narbonne to continue your travels, taking with you lasting memories of this most beautiful countryside.

Itinerary #2 (Alternative Itinerary Upon Request and Subject to Availability) Canal du Midi Carcassonne to Toulouse (or reverse)

Saturday - Trebes to Leveque You will be met by your guide who will 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 2 locks to Leveque. Sunday - Carcassonne This mornings visit will take you either to the walled city of Carcassonne or 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. Monday - Carcassonne to Bram This morning your guide will take you to Limoux, home of the famous sparkling wine. Can we tempt you to a little degustation? 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 Cure Saunier who all of a sudden had great riches. Did he find the treasure? This is a very interesting visit, through beautiful scenery, but keep your eye out for the lost treasure. 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. Tuesday - Bram to Lauraigais Countryside From Brams this morning your visit will take you through the rolling plains of the Lauraigais, 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 renouned for its wooden columns surrounding the main market square, its colombaged houses and its cathedral. After lunch your Captain will gently guide you along the canal, going through a selection of lovely locks to moor up in the lovely Lauragais countryside. Wednesday - Countryside to Castelnaudary This morning we will shall cruise to the town of Castelnaudary. This afternoon your guide will take you to visit Castelnaudary. One of the contenders for "the original and best Cassoulet", the others being Carcassonne and Toulouse. The Grand Bassin, the Gothic Callegiale with its 56 meter bell tower, the 17th century windmill the vestiges of the Presidial, partly destroyed by Louis XII and the Chapelle Notre Dame de la Pitie with its gold covered wood sculptures depicting ten episodes in the life of Christ are all on the visit. Thursday - Castelnaudary to Seuil de Narouze We leave Castelnaudary this morning and continue our cruise to The Seuil de Narouze. This is the highest point on the Canal de Midi after which it descends the other side towards the Atlantic. Here the plane trees are the same age as the canal - amazing! This afternoon's visit is to the reason why the Canal du Midi was possible, the Lac St. Ferrol. 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. Friday - Transfer to Drop-Off Point After breakfast, we must say our farewells and you shall be taken to your departure point for your onward journey.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. The itinerary is in reverse direction on alternate weeks.

Barge Cruise Reviews for ​Emma

"It was a lovely relaxing trip. The barge was beautiful and the Emma crew were all great with us. The meals were outstanding, and we were able to experience much of the local color in the surrounding areas." Colette P and family

"Our barge cruise was delightful in every way. Liz and Rene couldn't have done more to make our week extra special. Thank you." The Arnold Party

Back to The Barges »

Search Barges

Book your Cruise Today!