The Alouette accommodates six passengers in well-appointed cabins located above the water line. Her sun-deck provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy the passing scenery while cruising through Bordeaux, the Canal du Midi and Provence.
The Canal du Midi was built in the 17th century and was an engineering marvel of its time. Highlights of this area include Carcassonne, the most complete medieval, fortified city still in existence.
Alouette is a Luxemotor type of barge and is 30,48 metres in length and 4,85 metres beam.
Wining and dining is a highlight of any cruise, the table d’hôte menus on board the barge are of the very highest quality and include many regional specialities and fine wines.
Each week’s menu includes some of the chef’s original recipes as well as regional specialities and seasonal delicacies unique to the particular area of the country in which you are cruising.
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Itinerary
Sunday: Day 1 - Béziers
A Champagne reception introduces you to the crew. Later that evening, enjoy your first dining experience on board.
Monday: Day 2 - Beziers to Capestang The first morning’s cruise is along the beautiful Canal du Midi to
Capestang where we will moor for the night. In the afternoon, visit
Oppidum d’Enserune, a pre-Roman hill-top settlement and one of the most
important archaeological sites in the region. The top of the hill
affords a panoramic view of the pond of Montady drained in 1247 and
transformed into a curious pattern of cultivation.
Tuesday: Day 3 - Capestang to Le Somail Take
in the grandeur and beauty of the Canal du Midi, with its fine locks,
buildings and aqueducts, scarcely changed from their completion over
300 years ago. After lunch, visit l’Abbaye de Fontfroide, a Cistercian
monastery founded in the 11th century. Now privately owned, the abbey
has been lovingly restored with a well-kept garden and peaceful
cloister. On the way back to the boat, stop at Château Auris for a wine
tasting.
Wednesday: Day 4 - Le Somail to Homps
This
morning, experience the wonderful covered market in Narbonne, a lively
Mediterranean city playing an important role as a wine-producing
centre. The municipal, military and religious architecture, the river
banks of the Robine and its shaded boulevards, all contribute to its
charm. Enjoy a lunch at a bistro just in front of the market and then
return to the barge for an afternoon’s cruise.
Thursday: Day 5 - Homps to Trebes
After breakfast, visit Minerve, an old village on a limestone cliff,
which dominates the vineyards below. Its now ruined castle was once a
Cathar stronghold besieged and captured by Simon de Montfort. On the
way back to the boat stop at Peyriac-Minervois for wine tasting. Return
to the barge for lunch and an afternoon cruise to Trebes.
Friday: Day 6 - Trebes to Carcassonne
Finish
the week with a tour of Europe’s largest medieval fortress – La Cité of
Carcassonne. Explore the intricate fortifications of the two
castellated walls, one inside the other, about a mile in circumference.
The views from the battlements towards the Pyrenées are stunning. Visit
the cathedral, remarkable for its stained glass rose windows, fine
statues, elegant Romanesque nave and Gothic transepts. Back on board
the chef is preparing a memorable feast for your farewell dinner.
Saturday: Day 7 - Carcassonne
Disembark after breakfast.
The day to day itinerary described above is a typical cruise. However,
on any one cruise, the moorings may change and the places visited may
vary depending on the season.
2009 Departure Dates
2009 Cruise Rates
Contact us now to book this cruise or for more information Contact
Prices Do Not Include: Drinks or insurance.
For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, the cruise line and the Captain of the ship reserve the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise.
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