Itineraries

Canal du Midi - Provence - Camargue (South of France)

The Alouette cruises the beautiful tree-lined Canal du Midi between Carcassonne and Béziers and is the ideal barge for a family holiday.

Languedoc-Roussillon is a region famous for its wines and gorgeous countryside and a rich historical texture. Fortified villages, castles and market towns provide a varied itinerary. Highlights of this area include Carcassonne, the most complete medieval, fortified city existing.

2009 Schedule
April-October, annual

Prices

Quoted prices are from and may vary depending on the season.

Private hire only, for up to 4 passengers.

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What’s Included

• 6 nights accommodation on board your péniche-hôtel
• Breakfast, lunch and candlelit dinner each day
• Refreshments on board after excursions
• Wine with meals, liqueurs and bar drinks on board
• Sightseeing excursions, including entrance fees
• Use of bicycles
• Air-conditioned mini-van with driver for sightseeing
• All transfers for your visits and excursions

Gratuities and Insurance are not included.


Sample a Journey
Béziers to Carcassonne aboard The Alouette

Sunday- Meet in Béziers with your Afloat in France guide who will escort you to The Alouette barge, where a welcoming champagne reception awaits.

Monday - Enjoy a morning cruise along the beautiful Canal du Midi to Capestang. In the afternoon, visit Oppidum d’Ensérune, one of the most important archaeological sites in the region. Return to the barge to begin the cruise to Capestang where you will stay overnight.

Tuesday- Take in the grandeur and beauty of the Canal du Midi, with its fine locks, impressive buildings and aqueducts, scarcely changed since their completion over 300 years ago. After lunch, go on a guided visit to l’Abbaye de Fontfroide, a Cistercian monastery founded in the 11th century. On returning to the boat, stop at Château Auris for a wine tasting.

Wednesday- Experience the wonderful covered market in Narbonne, which is a lively Mediterranean city playing an important role as a wine-producing centre. The municipal, military and religious architecture, the treasures in its museums, the riverbanks of the Robine and its shaded boulevards, all contribute to its charm. Enjoy lunch at a bistrojust in front of the market and then return to the barge for an afternoon's cruise.

Thursday- After breakfast, visit Minerve, an old village on a limestone cliff, which dominates the vineyards below. Discover the Château de Violet while stopping off at Peyriac Minervois for wine tasting. Return to the barge for lunch and enjoy an afternoon cruise to Trebes.

Friday- Finish the week with a tour of Europe’s largest medieval fortress – La Cité de Carcassonne. Explore the intricate fortifications of the two castellated walls, one inside the other, which are about a mile in circumference.  This evening enjoy a farewell gala dinner on board. 

Saturday- After breakfast, disembark the Alouette.

More about the barge | Info & Booking Request