Beziers to Carcassonne
Languedoc Cruise Canal du Midi
Barge cruise
Experience the beauty and history of southern France on a languedoc barge cruise. Explore charming towns and ancient landmarks, like Beziers, Narbonne, Carcassonne, Enserune Oppidum, Fontfroide Abbey, and the picturesque port of Somail, there's something for everyone to enjoy on this cruise. Discover the rich Roman history of the region while floating along the beautiful Canal du Midi.
Beziers Carcassonne - sample itinerary
Sunday
Guests are met by the Captain, Earl. Between 4 and 5 PM at the arrange meeting point. Warm welcome on board with aperitifs, and cruise slowly overlooking the vineyards near the Roman village of Poilhes, to whet your appetites for dinner and the days to come.
Monday
Morning visit to the Enserune Oppidum, a site inhabited by man since 800BC. After lunch aboard we cruise past Capestang. A small town dominated by a huge church that we can see for some kilometres as the canal meanders along. From here we cruise on towards La Croisade and a beautiful mooring beneath the trees.
Tuesday
The bustling markets and the historic sites of Narbonne are on offer for today's excursion; Earl takes you ashore for lunch today. In the afternoon we cruise to Le Somail, a staging post that was used by passenger boats in the 18th century. The village is pretty and one must visit the antique bookshop. Dinner is a taken aboard tonight.
Wednesday
The Abbey de Fontfroide is a beautiful tranquil setting and with its garden of 3000 rosebushes, a wonderful place to visit. We commence our climb through the locks today, and cruise towards the town of Homps. Looking forward to a sensational dinner aboard.
Thursday
Visit to the Cathar fort and hill top village of Minerve, a stunning location with a museum that tells of its history. We cruise just beyond the village of Puicheric this afternoon, to « The sculpture lock », a great place to sit under the trees and relax, and watch the world go by. Tonight you dine ashore, at a beautiful restaurant, with a chance to view the Cite of Carcassonne by night, to fire your imaginations of fairy tale castles.
Friday
Tour of the Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne, to take in the fascinating medieval city, a wonderful journey into history. In the afternoon we cruise the final leg of our journey to a quiet location for the farewell dinner aboard.
Saturday
Leisurely breakfast, and transfer between 10 and 11am to nominated drop of point.
This is a sample itinerary, due to the nature of barging the moorings and visits may vary depending on the seasons, local influences and, of course, your preferences.
Southern France canal map
Canal du Midi Cruise from Beziers to Carcassonne
Resources
Boating in France with John and Irene