saraphina - canal du midi
canal cruising in france
hotel barge in france
We endeavour to make your holiday one to remember.
From the moment you step onboard
you will have only one thing to do, RELAX and let a crew of 3 take care of your every need.
We invite you to cruise with us through tiny bridges, unique oval locks, and the French
countryside
enveloped by vines.
Click here to check our specials
saraphina - canal du midi
Canal Barge in France
"Drifting down the Canal du Midi on Saraphina is a life changing experience: cozy cabins and exquisite meals make river cruising with Finnegan and Emily perfection."
Owners Finnegan and Emily bring their extensive experience in hospitality and piloting from their years on luxury barges, to make your week cruising on Saraphina the perfect holiday. Saraphina is a Dutch barge, built in 1924. Finnegan converted the barge in 2007. She cruises between Portiragnes plage and the majestic medieval city of Carcassonne, the locks at Beziers, the winding "grand bief" (long stretch of water between 2 locks) with beautiful views and pretty villages. Finnegan and Emily select unique places for your lunches or dinners ashore.
video
THE 4 PASSENGER BARGE saraphina
Saraphina has 2 spacious cabins each about 20 square meters in size. The aft cabin, which is designed for a couple has many original features giving it a traditional "boaty" feel. The front cabin is more contemporary modern with queen size or twin beds. Both cabins have en-suite bathrooms. Lunches and dinners can be enjoyed outside, in our covered wheelhouse, or in Saraphina's spacious dining area. The open kitchen allows you to see your meals being prepared by your hosts.
Self catered sample itinerary
SUNDAY
Sunday afternoon, arrival to the barge. After showing you around we will take you on a short cruise through the
"Mini Camargue". Sunday night will be spent the night in the country side in a beautiful spot. Use this opportunity to enjoy dinner at a lovely seafood restaurant on the sand overlooking the mediterranean. We
will be your chauffeur free of charge.
MONDAY
During the Morning we will cruise from Portiragnes to Beziers, over the aqueduct and up the majestic
flight of locks at Fonserannes. During the afternoon we can organise a visit to the historic streets of
Pezenas, renaissance village with its arts, crafts and antique shops.
In the evening you will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner at Restaurant "Le 9" over looking the cathédrale Saint-Nazaire lighted at night.
TUESDAY
Today, we will cruise from Beziers to a small village called Capestang, with a charming square where you can
enjoy an aperitif with a view of the enormous 12th century collegial church. If you fancy an excursion our guide can take you for a
visit of the Cistercian Abbey of Fontfroide.
WEDNESDAY
Narbonne market is a "must see". The market halls of Narbonne are famous across the south. The market
counts more than 70 stalls: bakers, pastries, butchers, caterers, fishmongers, greengrocers, poultry merchants,
delicatessens, bars and wine merchants. Every morning the market welcomes hungry visitors, cooks and gourmets.
Local producers are at your disposal, offering the best products and advice on how to prepare them. Whilst there
you must experience "Chez Bebelle" - http://www.chez-bebelle.fr/. When you return to the boat, we will cruise to another stunning mooring next to the sleepy village of Le Somail. While there, visit the world famous antique book shop
and the ateliers. In the evening you can walk to one of the many restaurants in the village to wine and dine.
THURSDAY
We can organise a morning visit to the picturesque medieval village of Minerve and the olive oil factory
Oulibo. In Minerve, there is a spectacular restaurant we highly recommend: "Le Relais Chantovent" - https://www.relaischantovent-minerve.fr/en/.
The afternoon cruise will take you to Argens where you can have dinner at the local "guinguette" - https://www.laguinguette-restaurant.com.
FRIDAY
Today, we propose a visit of the world famous fortified town of Carcassonne, a highlight of the trip. There are
many restaurants there where you can enjoy lunch and experience the famous "Cassoulet". On your return we will spend the afternoon cruising up-stream the remainder of the locks, followed
by a farewell drink on deck together. The village of Homps boasts many restaurants for your evening meal, our
favourite being "En Bonne Compagnie" _ http://www.en-bonne-compagnie.com/en.
SATURDAY
After breakfast you will be tranferred to train station, hotel or local airport for your onward journey.
On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
classic itinerary - Portiragnes plage to Homps
SUNDAY
We pick you up from your hotel, train station, or local airport and bring you safely aboard Saraphina.
After a short cruise through the "mini Camargue" and Champagne welcome, your first dinner will be
served aboard. A beautiful mooring in the country side close to the village of Portiragnes.
MONDAY
After breakfast you will be taken to the historic streets of renaissance Pezenas with its arts, crafts and
antique shops. After a typical bistro lunch in Béziers we cruise over the aquaduct and up the majestic
flight of locks at fonserannes. This evenings mooring a stones through away from Béziers.
TUESDAY
The morning visit brings you to the cistercien abbey of Fontfroide. After lunch at a quaint restaurant
with a stunning view of the "pond of Montady" we cruise along the windiest part of the canal to our
mooring in Capestang, a small village with a charming square where you can enjoy an aperitif with a view
on the enormous 12th century collegial church .
WEDNESDAY
Our tour guide takes you to Narbonne. known for the archbishops palace, the gothic cathedral,
shopping, and the famous covered foodmarket, where you will choose a selection of sea food or
charcuterie to enjoy back onboard. We then cruise to another stunning mooring next to the sleepy
village of Le Somail. Take the opportunity to visit the world famous antique book shop and the ateliers.
In the evening you can walk to a restaurant in the village to wine and dine.
THURSDAY
Thursday's visit brings you to the medieval cathar village Minerve and the olive oil factory «Oulibo».
You will then enjoy your lunch ashore returning to the barge for an afternoon cruise to Roubia. A wine
tasting before dinner could be organised if you wish.
FRIDAY
The medieval city of Carcassonne is a highlight of the week. After a guided tour around europe’s largest
medieval fortified town and lunch there we set off for the final cruise to the village of Homps and
farewell dinner aboard.
SATURDAY
After breakfast you will be tranferred to train station, hotel or local airport for your onward journey.
On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
-
cruise
description
individual or charter
us$ price on request
Private charter 6 nights
private charter 5 nights
private charter 4 nights
private charter 3 nights
we pilot the boat
you do the rest!
-
2018 season
full boat / 4 passengers
April to October
us$ price on request
full board / 1/2 board
14650 / 13650 Euros
12850 / 11850 Euros
11050 / 10050 Euros
9250 / 8250 Euros
4995 Euros - Apr / Jul / Aug / Oct
5995 Euros - May & June
-
2018 season
full boat / 2 passengers
April to October
us$ price on request
full board / 1/2 board
11720 / 10720 Euros
10880 / 9280 Euros
8840/ 7840 Euros
7420 / 6420 Euros
5995 Euros - Apr / Jul / Aug / Oct
6995 Euros - May & June
14650 / 13150 Euros<br>
<br>
Price for Saraphina includes:
7 days full board price includes: • Full Board includes:
- All meals from Sunday dinner through to Saturday breakfast, including some meals ashore (with house
wine) at restaurants selected by the owners. • Wines with meals on board • Open bar • All escorted excursions (golf, horse riding, etc at extra cost) • Use of bicycles • Transfers to and from the barge.
Half board inlcudes: • All breakfasts and dinners from Sunday dinner through Saturday breakfast • Wines with dinners on board • All escorted side-excursions (golf, etc at extra cost) • Open bar • Use of bicycles • Transfers to and from the barge • All lunches are taken ashore at passengers expense.
These rates do not include:
• Insurance • Personal expenses • Gratuities to the crew (between 7 and 10%)
Self catering inlcudes:
• Rental of the boat with 2 air conditioned cabins • use of the kitchen and BBQ • 2 crew (Pilot and Hostess) • bicycles • towels • bathrobes • hairdryers • 3-5 hours of cruising each day.
These rates do not include:
• Tours • transport service • food • beverages
To avoid currency exchange fees
• Australians can pay in Australian dollars by direct deposit or credit card.
• New Zealanders can pay in New Zealand dollars by direct deposit or credit card.
• US citizens will be charged in US dollars using credit card.
OR 
Click on image to check availability.
Bon voyage!
THE 4 PASSENGER BARGE saraphina
Saraphina has 2 spacious cabins each about 20 square meters in size. The aft cabin, which is designed for a couple has many original features giving it a traditional "boaty" feel. The front cabin is more contemporary modern with queen size or twin beds. Both cabins have en-suite bathrooms. Lunches and dinners can be enjoyed outside, in our covered wheelhouse, or in Saraphina's spacious dining area. The open kitchen allows you to see your meals being prepared by your hosts.
Self catered sample itinerary
SUNDAY
Sunday afternoon, arrival to the barge. After showing you around we will take you on a short cruise through the
"Mini Camargue". Sunday night will be spent the night in the country side in a beautiful spot. Use this opportunity to enjoy dinner at a lovely seafood restaurant on the sand overlooking the mediterranean. We
will be your chauffeur free of charge.
MONDAY
During the Morning we will cruise from Portiragnes to Beziers, over the aqueduct and up the majestic
flight of locks at Fonserannes. During the afternoon we can organise a visit to the historic streets of
Pezenas, renaissance village with its arts, crafts and antique shops.
In the evening you will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner at Restaurant "Le 9" over looking the cathédrale Saint-Nazaire lighted at night.
TUESDAY
Today, we will cruise from Beziers to a small village called Capestang, with a charming square where you can
enjoy an aperitif with a view of the enormous 12th century collegial church. If you fancy an excursion our guide can take you for a
visit of the Cistercian Abbey of Fontfroide.
WEDNESDAY
Narbonne market is a "must see". The market halls of Narbonne are famous across the south. The market
counts more than 70 stalls: bakers, pastries, butchers, caterers, fishmongers, greengrocers, poultry merchants,
delicatessens, bars and wine merchants. Every morning the market welcomes hungry visitors, cooks and gourmets.
Local producers are at your disposal, offering the best products and advice on how to prepare them. Whilst there
you must experience "Chez Bebelle" - http://www.chez-bebelle.fr/. When you return to the boat, we will cruise to another stunning mooring next to the sleepy village of Le Somail. While there, visit the world famous antique book shop
and the ateliers. In the evening you can walk to one of the many restaurants in the village to wine and dine.
THURSDAY
We can organise a morning visit to the picturesque medieval village of Minerve and the olive oil factory
Oulibo. In Minerve, there is a spectacular restaurant we highly recommend: "Le Relais Chantovent" - https://www.relaischantovent-minerve.fr/en/.
The afternoon cruise will take you to Argens where you can have dinner at the local "guinguette" - https://www.laguinguette-restaurant.com.
FRIDAY
Today, we propose a visit of the world famous fortified town of Carcassonne, a highlight of the trip. There are
many restaurants there where you can enjoy lunch and experience the famous "Cassoulet". On your return we will spend the afternoon cruising up-stream the remainder of the locks, followed
by a farewell drink on deck together. The village of Homps boasts many restaurants for your evening meal, our
favourite being "En Bonne Compagnie" _ http://www.en-bonne-compagnie.com/en.
SATURDAY
After breakfast you will be tranferred to train station, hotel or local airport for your onward journey.
On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
classic itinerary - Portiragnes plage to Homps
SUNDAY
We pick you up from your hotel, train station, or local airport and bring you safely aboard Saraphina.
After a short cruise through the "mini Camargue" and Champagne welcome, your first dinner will be
served aboard. A beautiful mooring in the country side close to the village of Portiragnes.
MONDAY
After breakfast you will be taken to the historic streets of renaissance Pezenas with its arts, crafts and
antique shops. After a typical bistro lunch in Béziers we cruise over the aquaduct and up the majestic
flight of locks at fonserannes. This evenings mooring a stones through away from Béziers.
TUESDAY
The morning visit brings you to the cistercien abbey of Fontfroide. After lunch at a quaint restaurant
with a stunning view of the "pond of Montady" we cruise along the windiest part of the canal to our
mooring in Capestang, a small village with a charming square where you can enjoy an aperitif with a view
on the enormous 12th century collegial church .
WEDNESDAY
Our tour guide takes you to Narbonne. known for the archbishops palace, the gothic cathedral,
shopping, and the famous covered foodmarket, where you will choose a selection of sea food or
charcuterie to enjoy back onboard. We then cruise to another stunning mooring next to the sleepy
village of Le Somail. Take the opportunity to visit the world famous antique book shop and the ateliers.
In the evening you can walk to a restaurant in the village to wine and dine.
THURSDAY
Thursday's visit brings you to the medieval cathar village Minerve and the olive oil factory «Oulibo».
You will then enjoy your lunch ashore returning to the barge for an afternoon cruise to Roubia. A wine
tasting before dinner could be organised if you wish.
FRIDAY
The medieval city of Carcassonne is a highlight of the week. After a guided tour around europe’s largest
medieval fortified town and lunch there we set off for the final cruise to the village of Homps and
farewell dinner aboard.
SATURDAY
After breakfast you will be tranferred to train station, hotel or local airport for your onward journey.
On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
-
cruise
descriptionindividual or charter
us$ price on request
Private charter 6 nights
private charter 5 nights
private charter 4 nights
private charter 3 nights
we pilot the boat
you do the rest! -
2018 season
full boat / 4 passengersApril to October
us$ price on request
full board / 1/2 board
14650 / 13650 Euros
12850 / 11850 Euros
11050 / 10050 Euros
9250 / 8250 Euros
4995 Euros - Apr / Jul / Aug / Oct
5995 Euros - May & June -
2018 season
full boat / 2 passengersApril to October
us$ price on requestfull board / 1/2 board
11720 / 10720 Euros
14650 / 13150 Euros<br>
10880 / 9280 Euros
8840/ 7840 Euros
7420 / 6420 Euros
5995 Euros - Apr / Jul / Aug / Oct
6995 Euros - May & June
<br>
Price for Saraphina includes:
7 days full board price includes: • Full Board includes:
- All meals from Sunday dinner through to Saturday breakfast, including some meals ashore (with house
wine) at restaurants selected by the owners. • Wines with meals on board • Open bar • All escorted excursions (golf, horse riding, etc at extra cost) • Use of bicycles • Transfers to and from the barge.
Half board inlcudes: • All breakfasts and dinners from Sunday dinner through Saturday breakfast • Wines with dinners on board • All escorted side-excursions (golf, etc at extra cost) • Open bar • Use of bicycles • Transfers to and from the barge • All lunches are taken ashore at passengers expense.
These rates do not include:
• Insurance • Personal expenses • Gratuities to the crew (between 7 and 10%)Self catering inlcudes:
• Rental of the boat with 2 air conditioned cabins • use of the kitchen and BBQ • 2 crew (Pilot and Hostess) • bicycles • towels • bathrobes • hairdryers • 3-5 hours of cruising each day.
These rates do not include:
• Tours • transport service • food • beveragesTo avoid currency exchange fees
• Australians can pay in Australian dollars by direct deposit or credit card.
• New Zealanders can pay in New Zealand dollars by direct deposit or credit card.
• US citizens will be charged in US dollars using credit card.
OR Click on image to check availability.