Anjodi Barge - Canal du Midi Cruise

You are met in Narbonne and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Anjodi. Enjoy a chilled champagne welcome with canapés and the opportunity to meet your crew. Enjoy a short evening cruise before dinner on board.

This morning, there is a fascinating tour of Carcassonne. Dating back to the Gallo Roman era, this is the most complete medieval fortified city in existence today. In the afternoon, cruise along the 330-year-old Canal du Midi and through a series of locks on the Canal de la Robine, with excellent walking and biking opportunities en route, to your mooring at Sallèles d’Aude. Dinner on board.

This morning, cruise to Capestang, passing vineyards and pine trees, with magnificent views of the Pyrenées along the way. After lunch on board, your excursion is to Minerve, the ancient capital of the Minervois, which boasts a 12th century Cathar fort surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Its hilltop location affords spectacular views and the museum’s fascinating miniature recreation of the bloodthirsty Cathar rebellion completes the intriguing picture. Dinner on board.

This morning, visit Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Tour the Archbishop’s Palace, Cathedral and Via Domitia and explore the indoor market at the hub of this bustling town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the vibrant atmosphere. Return to the hotel barge for a cruise via the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas, perhaps pausing en route at the Poilhes brewery for a tour and tasting, to your mooring in the pretty village of Colombiers, which lies on an old Roman road, the Via Domitia. Dinner ashore tonight at a gastronomic restaurant in Beziers.

After breakfast, cruise to Fonserannes and descend through the unique flight of 7 oval locks, before crossing the aqueduct over the River Orb to moor in Portiragnes where the Canal du Midi is at its closest to the Mediterranean. This afternoon, enjoy an informative winery tour and tasting at the 14th century Château de Perdiguier, named after King Charles V’s finance minister and famed for its frescoes and Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Dinner on board.

This morning, Anjodi sets off through the famous round lock and then the nature reserve of Bagnas, with potential sightings of flamingos, white egrets and other migrating birds before heading out onto the inland saltwater lake of Thau, past the oyster beds. After mooring in the fishing village of Marseillan, take an excursion to Pezenas, the delightful 16^th century capital of the Languedoc mostly known for its associations with the French playwright Molière. On the way back to the barge, there is the option to visit a local oyster farm to sample its delicious produce with a glass of white wine while enjoying a view of the oyster beds. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

After breakfast, you are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to your choice of location in Narbonne.