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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 - Beziers -You will be met at The Holiday
Inn Hotel, Montpellier, at 4pm and escorted by minibus to Enchante
moored in the port of Beziers. Champagne welcome followed by a
cruise to the top of the flight of 7 locks of Fonseranes. Dinner
aboard.
Monday, Day 2 - Beziers to Capestang - This morning we
cruise to Colombiers via the world’s oldest canal tunnel
at Malpas, an engineering feat made possible by the draining of
the Etang de Montady nearby. Afternoon excursion to l'Oppidum
D'Enserune, a pre-Roman hilltop settlement with Greek and Iberian
excavations dating from 600 BC. Upon return to the boat we will
continue along the 300 year old tree lined Canal du Midi to Capestang.
Late afternoon excursion to a wine tasting in Saint Chinian, the
first village of the region to receive the much envied French
mark of approval for wines known as A.O.C. (Appellation d’Origine
Controlée). Dinner aboard.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Capestang to La Croisade - This morning
we visit Pezenas, a delightful village, mostly known for its associations
with the French playwright Moliere, who is said to have written
many plays while staying there. Afternoon cruise gently circling
Capestang as the canal winds its way following the contours of
the land to La Croisade, a picturesque mooring under the plane
trees which line the canal and a perfect opportunity for an alfresco
dinner aboard.
Wednesday, Day 4 – La Croisade to Le Somail - Morning
cruise to Argeliers followed by a late morning excursion to Minerve,
the ancient capital of the Minervois, which boasts a 12th century
Cathar fort surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Besieged by Simon
de Montfort in 1215, its hilltop location affords spectacular
views. A chance to sample some local cuisine with lunch ashore
in a spectacular setting overlooking the scene of the Cathar siege.
Afternoon cruise through vineyards and pine trees to the charming
and historical village of the Le Somail, purpose built for the
Canal du Midi. Dinner aboard.
Thursday, Day 5 – Le Somail to Paraza - 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 town, where
you will have time to shop or simply absorb the relaxed atmosphere.
Return to the barge for a cruise along the shaded canal to reach
Paraza, where we will moor at Répudre, the oldest canal
bridge of. Dinner aboard.
Friday, Day 6 - Paraza to Homps - Morning visit to Carcassonne.
Dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, this is the most complete
mediaeval 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 through its
trademark locks to the delightful village of Homps. Farewell Dinner
aboard.
Saturday, Day 7 - Le Somail to Montpellier - After breakfast,
depart from Homps by minibus to Montpellier. Expected arrival
time 10am.
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
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