We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
+1 405 445 0350
+61 3 9005 8569
+44 7590 287 178
Summary
Reminiscent of the days of the European Grand Tour and the opulence of the Orient Express trains, this beautifully refurbished barge offers sublime cruising along the iconic Canal du Midi. Step into her lavish mahogany interiors and instantly transport into timeless travel; an exclusive, luxurious ambience for a week’s fascinating journey.
Elegance has just three gorgeous suites, a saloon and dining area and a perfect sundeck where you will sip a chilled drink as the scenery drifts by, or take a night-cap after dining under the stars.
Key Features
- Grand Luxe class (5*)
- Canal du Midi, southern France
- Charter 6 nights, 7 days, March to October
- 2 – 6 guests / 3 suites
- Full board
- Individual control conditioning and heating throughout
- Very large sundeck with dining area, loungers and spa tub
The Classic Cruise — Elegance
Classic Cruise Itinerary
Route | Between Beziers and Homps, Canal du Midi, southern France |
Pick-up | Carcassonne or Narbonne, 4pm |
Dining | All inclusive: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners on board. One dinner at local restaurant |
Classic Cruse Highlights
- Delicious wine-tastings in renowned Languedoc vineyards
- Tour of the spectacular medieval city of Carcassonne
- Discover Minerve, its strategic position and tragic history
- Tour Narbonne, one of the ancient Mediterranean ports
- Explore Pezenas, admire its architectural centre and travel back to a wealthier era
Day 1 — Sunday
Arrival in Beziers
Your guide will collect you for a private luxury minibus transfer to Elegance, patiently waiting for you at her mooring. Over a sparkling Champagne reception meet the crew and settle into your cabins before your first gourmet dinner on board. As you begin to unwind take a stroll to marvel at the semi-circular bridge or enjoy a digestif and a dip in the hot tub.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to Capestang | Excursion to Colombiers
This morning, after a hearty continental breakfast, enjoy a leisurely cruise to the small town of Colombiers where we will stop to meander the pretty streets and explore its 12th century church.
Back on board after a delicious lunch the cruise continues through the ancient Malpas tunnel, the first ever constructed in Europe, and one of the magnificent engineering feats of the Canal du Midi. There’s time to don your walking shoes or cycle along the excellent towpath this afternoon, accompanying the barge as it makes its way to the evening’s mooring.
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to La Croisade | Excursion to Pézenas
Today the cruise continues westward and throughout the morning there’s time to soak up the sunshine, catch up on some reading or take to the spa pool on deck.
After a light lunch on board there is an excursion to Pézenas. This once wealthy town is rich with fine architectural buildings and details from centuries past; beautiful, paved streets lined with craft workshops make it a fascinating stroll, especially when you consider that the famed French playwright, Molière, made this is home in the 17th century.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Carcassonne | Rest and relaxation cruise with al fresco picnic lunch
This morning we will cruise along the canal to Le Somail, a famous local village with a fascinating antique bookshop, local potters and artists. We will then drive to the city of Narbonne, a major pre-Roman city, to see the Archbishop’s Palace, its museum, the original Roman road and the famous, thriving covered market.
Alternatively, take a trip to the Mediterranean seaside and the prize-winning olive grower at l’Oulibo for a tasting and to buy olive oil or tapenade. Return to Elegance for the evening’s aperitifs and dinner at a gorgeous countryside spot.
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to Argens Minervois| Excursion to Minerve
The cruise continues this morning with opportunities to walk, cycle and stop at villages along the way, perhaps to purchase local wines before lunch. In the afternoon, there’s an excursion to the Gorges de la Cessa and the beautiful village of Minerve, perched on a spectacular rocky outcrop.
This Cathar stronghold played a major part in the region’s tragic religious history. Enjoy some more wine-tasting on the way back to Elegance and then moor up on the lovely quayside. There’s time for an evening stroll around this small town before or after dinner on board.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to Bram | A choice of beautiful excursions
After our morning’s cruise into the small town of Homps, there’s time to discover the world famous medieval Cité of Carcassonne, perhaps the highlight of the cruise. This extraordinary walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest restored castle in Europe, and seen in Hollywood films such as ‘Robin Hood’. Its center still bustles with boutiques, craftsmen and places to eat and drink, just as it ever did.
If you’ve already visited the Cité, we’ll show you Lagrasse, a very attractive village now home to numerous potters and artists. Admire the abbey, narrow streets and bridges, and the remains of the ancient town walls can also be seen. Over a delicious Captain’s dinner on board this evening, we’ll share and toast the week’s delights.
Day 7 — Saturday
Departure from Homps
Around 9am after your last breakfast we’ll say Au Revoir and your guide will take you to the railway station or to your hotel for your onward journey.
This itinerary is a sample only and is subject to change. On alternate weeks it runs in the opposite direction.
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 100 ft long
- London, Paris and Venice suites 135 sq ft
- Each suite has King size double bed or two twin beds
- Bathrooms (included in the dimensions above) have toiletries provided from brand names and local artisans
- All cabins have TV for DVD player, hair dryer (bring adaptors for other electrical appliances)
Other items on board:
- Professional English-speaking crew of 4 – captain, pilot, hostess, deckhand and chef. All speak fluent English as well as other languages
- HiFi system with iPod and DVD player
- WIFI (occasional limited availability)
- Loungers, shaded area with dining table and chairs and hot tub on deck
- Mercedes air-conditioned SUV vehicle for transfer and excursions
- 6 touring bicycles and helmets provided
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
With some of the finest produce – delicious breads and pastries, fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh sea-food and a huge variety of local wines – on the very doorstep in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, Elegance delivers superb culinary treats at every meal.
Sample menu
Lunch
Market Greens, Pear, and Parmesan Salad
Sautéed Ravioli with Pancetta and Local Mushrooms
Cheeses: Crotin de Chavignol and St. Nectaire Fermier
Cider and Green Apple Sorbet
A Selection of Coffees, Teas and Biscuits
Dinner
Amuse-bouche
Comté Soufflé with Seared Scallop and Tomato Jam
Grilled Cod with Horseradish Lentils and Petit Pois
Cheeses: Ossau-Iraty and Picodon de l’Ardéche
Tarte Tatin with Cinnamon Vanilla Ice Cream
A Selection of After Dinner Drinks
Wines
Daumas Gassac
Voulte Gasparet
Saint Chinian: Les Terrasses de Gabrielle
Jean Batiste Sénat: La Nine
Jeff Carrel: Les Darons
Limoux: Toques et Clochers
With advance notice, Elegance is delighted to cater for all dietary preferences and is happy to discuss menus and the wines on board. Chef will also provide demonstration dishes for those who’d like to gather in the open galley and learn from a master.
Charter barge Elegance cruises the Canal du Midi
Minerve ©Ian Cameron | 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 accommodation
All excursions, tour guide, fees and associated transport
What’s not included:
Air fares and travel to the pick-up
Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
Crew gratuities (5 – 10% suggested)
Personal expenses
2024
Charter bookings only
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
March 24, 31
April 7, 14, 21, 28
May 5, 12, 19, 26
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
July 7, 14, 21, 28
August 4, 11, 18, 25
September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
October 6, 13, 20
4 guest charter: 32,500 USD
5 guest charter: 36,000 USD
6 guest charter: 39,000 USD
2025
Charter bookings only
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
March 23, 30
April 6, 13, 20, 27
May 4, 11, 18, 25
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
July 6, 13, 20, 27
August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
September 7, 14, 21, 28
October 5, 12, 19
4 guest charter: 32,500 USD
5 guest charter: 36,000 USD
6 guest charter: 39,000 USD
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