We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
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Summary
Rosa is a delightfully re-fitted Dutch Klipper barge with light and airy interiors and four staterooms for eight guests. Outside there is a spacious sun deck for enjoying the sunny cruise through the beautiful fruit-growing regions of Gascony and Aquitaine, a relatively unknown cruising region.
She offers two routes through glorious countryside and excellent itineraries for wine-lovers, visiting famed appelations, as well as excursions to ancient chateaux and pretty bastides villages. She features culinary excellence, too – Rosa was chosen by famous chef Rick Stein for his TV series, ‘French Odyssey’, a culinary discovery through southern France.
Dominique and Catherine Monclus have owned Rosa for many years. Passionate about green tourism, Dominique created the Rives du Sud company in 2008 and has been providing luxury barge cruises aboard Rosa ever since.
Key Features
- Premier class (3*)
- Canal de Garonne, Gascony and Aquitaine, south-west France
- Two routes and itineraries
- Charter and cabin bookings, 6 nights, 7 days, May to October
- 8 guests / 4 suites
- Full board, on board dining
- Sundeck and Jacuzzi
-
The Classic Cruise — Rosa
Classic Cruise Itinerary
Route | Between Agen and Montauban, Canal de Garonne, Gascony |
Pick-up | Toulouse, 4pm |
Dining | All inclusive: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners on board. 1 dinner in a local restaurant |
Cruise Highlights in Gascony
- Visit to Château Bellevue la Fôret for a tour and tasting
- Cruise the stunning aqueduct over the River Tarn
- Excursion to Château de Goudourville and a tour of Auvillar
- Visit Moissac and its UNESCO-classified abbey
- Tour the fabulous medieval town and castle of Nérac
- Exclusive tour and tasting at a local Armagnac producer
Cruise Highlights in Bordeaux
- Tour the famous Saint Emilion winery
- Marvel at the impressive Château de Duras
- Cruise the aqueduct over the Tarn river
- Explore the bastide villages of Vianne and Barbaste
- Savour wine, cheese and Armagnac tastings
- Visit Le Mas d’Agenais and Marmande’s market
Rosa also offers Family, Golf and Wine Appreciation themed cruise for charter parties.
Please enquire.
Day 1 — Sunday
Arrival in Agen
Meet your guide at the pre-arranged meeting point in Toulouse for a private transfer via air-conditioned minibus to Rosa, moored in Agen. A Champagne welcome awaits, during which you will meet the crew before settling in. Then, there may be time for a stroll around the port before returning to Rosa for dinner on board.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to Valence d'Agen
After breakfast there’s an excursion to Domaine Lapeyrade for a private tastings of their esteemed Armagnac and Floc du Gascogne wines. Then, tour the nearby medieval town of Nérac and its chateau, once home to Henry IV of France. After lunch on board, a leisurely cruise through the bucolic countryside to Valence d’Agen, an 18th century ‘Bastide’ town with a Palladian canal side public laverie (wash-house) and arcaded market place.
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to Moissac | Excursion to Auvillar | Dinner at local restaurant
Morning excursion to the 11th century Château de Goudourville and then drive to Auvillar, a medieval red-stone village perched high above the Garonne river and renowned for its circular 17th century covered market. Return to Rosa for lunch, then an afternoon cruise through the countryside and brick-lined canal through Moissac onto the glorious Tarn river, perhaps for some swimming or canoeing. Then, return to moor in Moissac port and dine at the excellent restaurant Le Florentin, in front of the spectacular entrance portal of the Abbaye St-Pierre de Moissac.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Castelsarrasin | Tour of Moissac
A morning visit Moissac’s ancient Abbey, one of the architectural highlights of the region, founded in the 7th century with its wonderfully preserved cloisters and chapel and explore the charming town with its abundance of arts and crafts workshops. After lunch, continue cruising towards the night’s mooring in Castelsarrasin crossing the Tarn river via the 1,000 ft red-bricked Pont-Canal du Cacor.
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to Montech | Excursion to local market
After breakfast an excursion to explore Castelsarrasin’s bustling morning market, and then a short drive to tour the estate and taste the foie gras of Eric Couderc, an local farmer. After lunch on board Rosa, enjoy a leisurely cruise to Montech with opportunities or walk and cycle along the towpath and view the remarkable inclined Water Plane, an amazing feat of engineering that used to by-pass five locks, raising vessels 43 feet. The return to Rosa for a delicious dinner on board, perhaps with some of the fresh ingredients purchased this morning.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to Montauban | Excursion to Château Bellevue la Fôret and wine-tasting
The final cruise is down a flight of ten locks on the beautiful and recently restored branch canal skirting the Forest of Agre, to moor in the port of Montauban. After lunch on board an excursion into the Côtes du Frontonnais wine region for a tasting at the renowned Château Bellevue la Fôret and an introduction to the outstanding Cuvée Optimum. Toast your week at the captain’s Farewell Dinner on board tonight.
Day 7 — Saturday
Departure from Montauban
After breakfast, disembark at around 9am for transfer to Toulouse and onward journey.
On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
“Ruth, the trip was outstanding!! We loved everything about the barge
journey. Nicole was excellent with her choices of wines and excursions.
Captain Julian had looks of insights with the operation of the
barge and canal cruising. The meals were spot on as Stephan was
brilliant with his presentations. Good group of guest from Napa and
Sydney. Five star trip and looking forward to our next outing.”
Jan & Craig, USA, July 2022
“We are happy to report that this cruise exceeded anything we had imagined. The very competent and capable captain Julien, his incredibly knowledgeable and personable wife Nicole, the ever smiling and helpful Agata and the incredible chef Stefan, all went over and above to make the trip a success. We will be talking about this trip for a long time and recommending it to all. We would also like to thank you, Ruth, for your great customer service, always responding quickly to any questions we had.”
Charlie and Judy, USA, June 2022
“This has been a truly wonderful experience … So relaxing, friendly and interesting. Superb food + wine and great hospitality … We leave with very fond memories of Rosa and the crew, this has been one of our best holidays ever.”
Allison and Arthur W, Auckland, New Zealand
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 98ft x 16ft 4” (29.5m x 5m)
- Cabin sizes:
Champollion: 8ft x 13ft (2.5m x 4m)
Ingres: 8ft x 11ft 5” (2.5m x 3.5m)
De Severac: 6ft 5” x 16ft 5” (2m x 5m)
Toulouse-Lautrec: 10ft x 11ft 5” (3m x 3.5m) - Champollion & Toulouse-Lautrec each have a double bed 5ft” wide x 6ft 8” long
Ingres: double bed 5ft” wide x 6ft 8” long or twin beds 2ft 9”wide x 6ft 5” long (84cm x 2m)
De Severac: twin beds 2ft 9”wide x 6ft 5” long (84cm x 2m) - Ceiling Heights:
Severac & Lautrec: 7ft 4” (2.25m)
Ingres & Champollion: 8ft 2” (2.5m) - All bathrooms have shower, wash basin and WC, washing gel, hand soap, shampoo, towels and hair dryer.
- Each stateroom has individually controlled air conditioning and central heating.
- 110v and 220v electrical fittings (please bring adaptors as required)
Other items on board
- Professional English-speaking crew of 4 – Captain, tour guide, master chef and housekeeper
- Small library of books, maps, board games
- Music centre / CD player
- Wifi (limited in some areas)
- Hot air balloon flights may be available as an extra, booked in advance
- 8 folding bikes
- Air-conditioned executive minibus for transfers and excursions
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
Rosa’s cruising area is a real paradise for those who enjoy a rich culinary tradition.
Breakfast: Continental breakfast buffet with fresh breads, fruit, cereals etc.
Lunch: Buffet of colourful salads, pates and cold meats, accompanied by hot soup or entrée, delectable desserts and a different selection of regional cheeses and wines daily.
Dinner: Always a gastronomic adventure. A taste of regional cuisine by candlelight, harmonising food and good wines from the best vineyards; followed by a selection of regional cheeses. Coffee and liqueurs served in the salon.
Meals are prepared with first-class fresh products, and will vary according to the itinerary, local markets and seasons. They will be served either in the dining area or on the sun deck. Gourmet dinners will be served according to French tradition.
Regional Specialties
- Entrecôte de Bazas à la Bordelaise
- Magret de Canard aux Pommes et aux Oignons Confit
- Tourtière de Pommes
- Confit de Canard et Son Jus au Thym
- Foie Gras Poélé Déglacé au Vin de Figues
- Filet de Truite au Beurre Blanc
- Gâteau Basque
- Pruneaux à l’Armagnac
Wines
On board, a stock of carefully selected prominent white, rose and red wines from Bordeaux vineyards. Amateurs will appreciate meeting and sharing the knowledge of local wine makers.
The Wine Cellar:
- Buzet (Baron d’Ardeuil, Côtes de Buzet)
- Sauternes Bordeaux Superieur, Barsac, Haut Medoc
- Cotes du Frontonnais (Château Bellevue La Forêt)
Cheese
France offers a wide variety of cheeses – cow, goat, sheep – and you can taste a different one every day.
Le Bleu de Quercy, Templais Sec, Tomme de Lomagne, Cabécou, Roquefort, Laguiole
Hotel barge Rosa cruises in the Gascony and Bordeaux regions
– [below] In the region: Bordeaux, Duras, Moissac, St Emilion, Bordeaux Wine, Canal de Garonne, Serignac, Agen –
Duras © Michel Michelot | Bordeaux vineyard ©Chateau Raba | Tasting ©Nicolle Croft | Others ©FW, wikimedia, n/a
Classic cruise rates and dates
All rates and prices will be confirmed at time of booking. Special Offers are available from time to time – contact us
6 nights/7 days accommodation
Return transfers from Toulouse or Bordeaux
All meals and wines on board
Daily excursions, fees, tour guide and associated transport
What’s not included
Travel to the meeting point
Travel medical and cancellation insurance
Personal expenses
Crew gratuities (5-10% suggested)
2024
Charter and Cabin bookings
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Value rate weeks
April 7, 14, 21
July 21, 28
August 4, 11, 18
October 6, 13, 20
6 guest charter: 38,000 USD
7 guest charter: 39,500 USD
8 guest charter: 41,000 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Stateroom Double Cabin: 5,490 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 2,100 USD
Regular rate weeks
April 28
May 5, 12, 19, 26
June 2, 9, 16, 23
July 14
September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
6 guest charter: 43,600 USD
7 guest charter: 45,300 USD
8 guest charter: 47,000 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Stateroom Double Cabin: 6,390 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 2,400 USD
These USD prices are for US and Canadian residents only.
Pricing is available in GBP for UK residents only, and in EUR for residents from all other countries.
Please enquire.
2025
Charter and Cabin bookings
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Value rate weeks
April 6, 13, 20
July 20, 27
August 3, 10, 17
October 12, 19, 26
6 guest charter: 38,000 USD
7 guest charter: 39,500 USD
8 guest charter: 41,000 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Stateroom Double Cabin: 5,490 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 2,100 USD
Regular rate weeks
April 27
May 4, 11, 18, 25
June 1, 8, 15, 22
July 13, 31
August 24, 31
September 7, 14, 21, 28
October 5
6 guest charter: 43,600 USD
7 guest charter: 45,300 USD
8 guest charter: 47,000 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Stateroom Double Cabin: 6,390 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 2,400 USD
These USD prices are for US and Canadian residents only.
Pricing is available in GBP for UK residents only, and in EUR for residents from all other countries.
Please enquire.
Booking
Booking a luxury barge vacation isn’t the kind of thing one does with just a mouse-click or two. It takes a little research, thought and understanding, and we hope that our pages have provided you with all the information and inspiration you need to take this next step.
Why should you book with us? Because…
We’ve explored the waterways of France on our own boat since 2003 and know each of the barges and their routes.
We’re independent, impartial and enthusiastic – and we are the only France cruising specialist that can offer you the benefits of our own in-depth cruising knowledge and experience.
We love France, we love the rivers and canals of France, we love hotel barging – and we love talking about all three!
There’s nothing like speaking to a friendly expert to help you see the wood for the trees and to make the best possible decision about the vacation cruise of a lifetime. Get in touch – we’re here to help.
We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise