Canal du Midi

Beziers to Carcasonne

Day 1: Béziers - Portiragnes
Day 2: Portiragnes - Fonserannes or Gourgasse
Day 3: Fonserannes - Capestang
Day 4: Capestang - La Croisade or Somail
Day 5: Somail - Paraza
Day 6: Paraza - Homps
Day 7: Disembarkation

It is important to note that this charter is run in either direction. It is not always known until a few weeks before a tour date the direction of the itinerary for your particular date. In regards to airport preference, the starting location will not affect this decision nor will it affect the included transfers. 

Overnight mooring locations can be tweaked somewhat as the boat can moor along the canal if you prefer a more remote overnight location.

Day 1: Béziers - Portiragnes
From a pre-arranged meeting point, you will be transferred to the barge and welcomed on board. After checking in and settling in your cabins, you can enjoy some champagne as you begin navigation at 16h00 along the canal through a rural area with wetlands and a reserve for flamingoes and horses.

Day 2: Portiragnes - Fonserannes or Gourgasse
As you travel this historic waterway, you will understand what a feat of engineering this was considering that the project was undertaken during the 17th century. Constructed to artificially link the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean, today this canal is a wonderful journey into history.

As your barge navigates, you will come across many locks, still operated manually by lockkeepers who live on site. The surrounding grounds of the various locks take on the personality of the residing keeper adding to the cultural experience.

You will enjoy a morning excursion to the small, historic city of Pézenas, characterized by ancient architecture. Local artisans add to the delightful atmosphere. The cobbled streets are lined with colorfully shuttered medieval buildings housing the creation and handmade wares such as sculptures, pottery, jewelry, fashion items, tableware, and decorative objects.

Today features navigation through the incredible Locks of Fonserannes (9 locks staircase). 

Suggested activities/excursions:

• Wine tasting at a renowned winery or;
• Excursion to the impressive hilltop village of Roquebrun by the Orb River where it is possible to swim or kayak and/or;
• Visit the pre-Roman Oppidum of Enserune, a major archaeological site with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and/or;
• Visit Béziers historical center and shops

Day 3: Fonserannes - Capestang
As you sail into the heart of the historic and charming village of Capestang, you will be delighted as the typical red-tiled roofs beckon from a distance. 

Suggested activities/excursions:

• Private visit to the Cistercian Abbey of Fontroide, one of the finest examples in France, and/or;
• Excursion to the impressive hill village of Roquebrun by the river Orb (possible to swim or kayak) and/or;
• Visit a bull and horse ranch with the opportunity to round up the bulls on horseback and/or;
• Wine tasting at the cellar of a top sommelier who supplies Michelin-starred chefs

Day 4: Capestang - La Croisade or Somail
A morning excursion to the charming city of Narbonne which was once the Roman capital and seaport of the early Gaulles. After years of river silting, the city is now located 15 km inland, connected by an offshoot of the Canal du Midi, the Canal de la Robine. With its wide new promenades on both sides, it is the perfect place for a stroll. Here you will find a vibrant food market, the famed art and Roman Archeology museums within the Bishop Palace, and ancient shops lining the cobblestone streets and plazas. In the afternoon you will find yourself drifting to the peaceful country village of Somail.

Day 5: Somail - Paraza
First on today's agenda is a visit to the hilltop village of Minerve, a beautiful place with a very dramatic and bloody history dating back to the Crusades. Today it is a peaceful and charming place with narrow winding streets that lead past shops with pottery, antiques, and wines. This is the place to taste excellent Minervois wines. In the afternoon, you sail to Paraza, and moor by an ancient canal bridge with views across the valley 

Suggested activities/excursions:

• Visit a prized olive oil mill, Oulibo, and a historic Languedoc village
• Private wine tasting in a renowned Minervois domain with 15 varietals. 

Day 6: Paraza - Homps
Carcassone awaits today, Europe's largest walled fortress - a great place to be transported into medieval history. If you prefer, you could visit the medieval village of Lagrasse and its artisans. In the afternoon, you navigate to Homps with its many locks.

Day 7: Disembarkation
Enjoy a last, leisurely breakfast onboard and then transfer to the departure point by 10 am.

If cruising is not your thing, please take a look at all we have to offer including bike, bike and boat, hiking, and multi-adventure!

• Roi Soleil

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  Inspired by the classic yachts of the 1920s, the Roi Soleil, is more than a barge. This luxury vessel with its light-filled interior, elegantly fitted hardwoods, enameled lava, and designer fabric, will beguile you. The Roi Soleil is ready and waiting for your family, friends, or small group charter request along the Canal du Midi or in the region of Provence. Read More