|
THE
8 PASSENGER ENCHANTÉ
…. was originally built to navigate the canals and rivers
of Europe and has been completely refurbished to the highest standard.
She provides luxurious accommodation for up to 8 guests in 4 equal
en-suite twin or double suites, (approx. 200sq ft including ensuite)
each with superbly appointed bathrooms with showers and luxurious
bath products. The
barge is tastefully furnished in exotic hardwoods creating a bright
and airy atmosphere. She has a large, spacious saloon where the
attention to detail is exceptional. She has a demonstration galley
for guests to view the chef, internet connection on board and
a guest computer available, DVD/TV and air conditioning throughout.
Spacious sun deck, with al fresco dining, gorgeous hot tub and
luxurious sun loungers. Enchanté's
highly professional crew of four is comprised of Master Chef,
Tour guide and Stewardess, led by a knowledgeable and experienced
Captain who will ensure your cruise is memorable and more!
Enchanté
- Canal du Midi Itinerary
Beziers to Carcassonne, France
Sunday,
Day 1 - Marseillan
You
will be met at the pick-up point at 4pm and escorted by minibus
to Enchanté moored in the lake side fishing village of
Marseillan, enjoying a view over the oyster beds and Noilly Prat
vermouth. Champagne welcome followed by time for a relaxing stroll
around this lovely fishing village before dinner aboard.
Monday,
Day 2 - Marseillan to Portiragnes
This morning we cruise from Marseillan to Portiragnes. On the
way we visit the old Greco/Phoenician port of Agde and explore
its narrow, medieval streets carved from the Languedocian hills’
black volcanic stone. After lunch an informative wine tasting
in the 14th Century Chateau de Perdiguier, famed for its 15th
century frescoes and Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines.
Dinner aboard.
Tuesday,
Day 3 - Portiragnes to Beziers
This morning we visit Pezenas, a delightful village, mostly known
for its associations with the French playwrite Moliere, who is
said to have written many plays while staying there. We then cruise
to the bottom of the Fonseranes 7 lock flight at Beziers where
we continue along the 300 year old tree lined Canal du Midi. Dinner
in Beziers.
Wednesday,
Day 4 - Beziers to Poilhes
This morning we cross the aqueduct over the River Orb and then
ascend the 7-lock flight of Fonseranes before reaching the world’s
oldest canal tunnel at Malpas. On arrival at the picturesque village
of Poilhes we take an excursion out to Minerve, the ancient capital
of Minervois, which boasts a 12th Century Cathar fort surrounded
by deep limestone gorges. Besieged by Simon de Montfort in 1215,
its hill-top location affords spectacular views. A fascinating
recreation in miniature of the bloodthirsty Cathar rebellion and
small museum complete the intriguing picture. Dinner on board.
On certain cruises, an alternative to the wine tasting may be
offered to l'Oppidum D'Enserune, a pre-Roman hilltop settlement
with Greek and Iberian excavations dating from 600 BC.
Thursday,
Day 5 - Poilhes to Argeliers
A morning visit to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where
the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy the Archbishop’s
Palace and Horreum. Explore the indoor market at the hub of this
bustling canal side town, where you will have time to shop or
simply absorb the relaxed atmosphere. Return to the barge for
a cruise along the shaded winding canal to Argeliers, stopping
off en route at Domaine de Guery, a 500 year old canalside vineyard,
for a pre-dinner wine tasting of the full-bodied Corbieres. Dinner
aboard.
Friday,
Day 6 - Argelier to Le Somail
Morning visit to Carcassonne. Dating back to the Gallo-Roman era,
this is the most complete medieval fortified city in existence
today. With its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire
of defenses, it resisted the many armies that tried to storm this
Camelot setting. In the afternoon we cruise along the historic
Midi Canal to the delightful village of Le Somail. Captain's Farewell
Dinner aboard.
Saturday,
Day 7 - Le Somail to Montpellier
After breakfast, depart from Le Somail by minibus to Montpellier.
Expected arrival time 11am. This is a sample itinerary and is
subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise operates in reverse
direction and the pickup and drop off points are reversed.
Enchanté
- Provence Itinerary
Avignon To Agde
Sunday, Day 1 - Avignon Guests are met at 4pm at the delightful
Hotel Mercure Pont D'Avignon in Avignon and escorted by minibus
to L'Impressionniste for a Champagne Welcome. Dine aboard in Villeneuve-les-Avignon.
Monday,
Day 2 - Villeneuve-les-Avignon to Vallabregues This morning
we visit Avignon and the famous Palais des Papes, an impressive
monument to the era of the 'Other Rome', when the popes moved
to France, or enjoy a superb wine tasting at Chateauneuf du Pape,
former vineyard of the Pope. In the afternoon we cruise down the
mighty Rhone River, past the foothills of the Alpilles to Vallabregues,
with a cycle or walking opportunity along the quiet river bank.
Optional early evening tour of King René’s castle
at Tarascon. Dinner on board.
Tuesday,
Day 3 - Vallabregues to Aigues Mortes This morning we explore
Arles. Choose between the Roman Arena and Theatre, St. Trophime's
Basilica and the Museum of Provencal life. We also visit some
of Vincent van Gogh's haunts on foot through the heart of this
old capital of the Camargue before rejoining the barge for our
cruise along the Rhone. We join the Petit Rhone and then the Canal
du Rhone-a-Sete that carries us to our mooring beneath the medieval
fortified walls of Aigues Mortes. Dinner ashore at a local auberge.
Wednesday,
Day 4 - Aigues Mortes to Maguelone Stroll from Enchantée
to visit the Tour de Constance, built in 1248 as a lighthouse
for the returning 13th century crusaders. In the afternoon, we
cruise through the Camargue National Park with its wild white
horses and black bulls, abundant sea bird life and flocks of elegant
pink flamingos, to the vineyard-encircled Maguelone Abbey, just
a short stroll or cycle from the nearby Mediterranean. Dinner
on board.
Thursday,
Day 5 - Maguelone to Marseillan An early morning cruise brings
us to Frontignan lifting bridge. In the afternoon we sail out
onto the Thau Lake, a large, inland salt-water lagoon with acres
of mussel and oyster beds. Miniature sea horses can often be seen
passing on the tide. Marseillan, a beautiful Mediterranean fishing
village and home to the famous vermoutherie of Noilly Prat, is
our visit for the day. There is also time to explore this vibrant
small town. Dinner on board.
Friday,
Day 6 - Marseillan to Agde In the morning we cruise to Agde,
which was settled by the Phoenicians in 2500 BC, along the tree-lined
17th century Canal du Midi. During our tour of Agde we encounter
its cathedral built of lava blocks from the nearby Black Mountains
and its labyrinth of narrow medieval streets. Our afternoon excursion
is Pezenas, Versailles of the Languedoc region and former home
to the French writer Moliere. Captain’s Dinner on board.
Saturday,
Day 7 - Agde After breakfast, we transfer you by minibus to
Agde TGV station by 10am or Montpellier TGV station, airport or
hotel by 11am.
ENCHANTE
CRUISE HIGHLIGHT
* All-inclusive open bar, free wines,gourmet cuisine, entryfees
to excursions
* Tour Carcassonne, the most complete medieval fortified city
in existence
* Visit the ancient Roman city of Narbonne
* Explore the 12th century hill-top fort of Minerve
* Private tastings of Corbières wine at Domaine de Guery
* See the Pyrenees mountains across the vineyards & discover
Cathar history
* Experience Narbonne's colorful indoor market
* Visit Béziers and 600 B.C. L'Oppium D'Enserune
|
