South of France & the Canal Du Midi Cruise Aboard 'Clair De Lune'
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est.1974 South of France & the Canal du Midi Cruise aboard ‘Clair de Lune’ Canal du Midi South of France Cruise the Canal du Midi TYPICAL CUISINE ABOARD Aboard the 6 passenger Clair de Lune Regional Specialities The Canal du Midi is one of the oldest canals in Foie Gras sur Pain d’Épices Tièdes et son Confit de Europe. Linking the Atlantic with the Mediterranean, Figues; Cuisse de Canard Confites Sauce au Merlot et this remarkable 17th century feat of engineering Fruits Rouges; Carré d’Agneau aux Herbes, Ratatouille was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in et Riz de Marseillette; Grenadin de Veau des Corbières, 1996. This famous waterway meanders past sleepy Poélée de Girolles et son Gratin Dauphinois; Cassoulet canalside villages, sun-drenched vineyards and offers de Castelnaudary views of the snow-capped Pyrenees. We cruise the canal between the charming village of Le Somail and the Cheese Board fortified city of Carcassonne, discovering some of the most beautiful Roquefort; Pélardon; Gaperons; Brebis; Tomme de scenery in the south of France along the way. During our voyage along the Lozère; Causses Bleu tree-lined Canal du Midi we visit historical sites such as the spectacular Cathar town of Minerve, the elegant city of Narbonne and enjoy wine tastings at renowned local domaines. Clair de Lune is a deluxe hotel barge tastefully furnished with cherrywood and African hardwoods that provide a sophisticated, modern interior. She provides superior accommodation for up to 6 guests in three contemporary double or twin junior suites with en suite facilities. There is a comfortable, stylish dining area and saloon with picture windows and a large sundeck with a spa pool from which to admire the passing countryside, together with bicycles for exploring the famous towpath. A Stylish Way to Cruise a Famous Canal Canal du Midi Clair de Lune DAILY ITINERARY ABOARD* Six Nights Narbonne Indoor Market Sunday, Day 1 LE SOMAIL Guests are met at the designated meeting point in Narbonne and transferred to Clair de Lune moored at the port of Le Somail. The crew welcomes you on board with a glass of chilled champagne and canapés on the sun deck. Time for a walk or bicycle ride around this pretty canal side village before your first dinner on board. Monday, Day 2 Minerve LE SOMAIL TO ARGENS-MINERVOIS After breakfast, we cruise to Argens-Minervois through beautiful, Minervois Vineyard far reaching scenery as far as the foothills of the Pyrenees, which you can admire from the sundeck. After lunch, your guide takes you to the impressive village of Minerve, boasting a 12th century Cathar fort surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Besieged by Simon de Montfort in 1215, its hilltop location affords spectacular views. A fascinating recreation in miniature of the bloodthirsty Cathar rebellion and small museum complete this intriguing visit. On the way back to the hotel barge we visit a producer of fine Minervois wines, Domaine Massamier La Mignarde, for a private tasting. Dinner on board. Tuesday, Day 3 ARGENS-MINERVOIS TO PUICHERIC After breakfast, we drive you to the beautiful city of Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy the Archbishop’s Palace and Roman 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. On your return to the hotel barge, we serve an aperitif and al fresco A Small Selection of the Cruise Highlights lunch under the trees, before a relaxing afternoon cruise through five locks to Puichéric. Dinner on board. Wines Served Aboard l Tour the fortified City of Carcassonne Wednesday, Day 4 l Pic Saint Loup l Visit Narbonne with its Archbishop’s Palace and PUICHERIC TO MILLEGRAND Morning cruise to Millegrand, a perfect opportunity for towpath l Borrie de Maurel lively covered market walking or cycling, or just lying back in the spa pool and enjoying l Château la Voulte Gasparet l Private Minervois wine tasting at the Domaine the day. Lunch is prepared by your chef, before you leave with Massamier La Mignarde your guide to visit the medieval village of Lagrasse. It is one of the most beautiful villages in France, with its 8th century l Domaine la Colombette Benedictine abbey and many skilled artisans’ workshops located l Tour of medieval Lagrasse and its Benedictine l Picpoul de Pinet amongst the narrow, winding streets. Then enjoy a wine tasting abbey at Château Villemagne, an established family-run domaine l producing distinctive Corbières and other wines. Dinner ashore Beauvignac l Private wine tasting at the Château Villemagne at an excellent local auberge. l Domaine Gourganzaud l Visit Montolieu, also known as the Thursday, Day 5 “Village of Books” MILLEGRAND TO VILLEDUBERT l Tour of the hilltop village of Minerve Morning cruise to our mooring at the lock near the village of Villedubert. After lunch we leave the barge and drive to the picturesque hilltop village of Montolieu, known as the ‘Village of l Excellent walking and bicycling Books’, with its many antiquarian bookshops and art exhibitions. You can visit the museum and be charmed by this medieval town, then return to the barge, visiting the 12th century Cistercian Abbaye de Villelongue on the way. Dinner on board. Deck Plan Friday, Day 6 VILLEDUBERT TO CARCASSONNE Jasmin Orchidée Lotus This morning we cruise to our final destination and one of the highlights of the week, Carcassonne. After lunch on board, your Saloon Double Double Double or Twin or Twin or Twin guide will accompany you to the restored and most complete medieval fortified city in existence today, dating back to the Gallo Crew Spa Galley Pool Roman era. With its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary Dining Room repertoire of defences, it resisted the many armies that tried to storm this Camelot setting. You can walk the ramparts, visit the Château Comptal and step back in time. Captain’s Dinner aboard. Saturday, Day 7 l 100 Feet Long l 3 Twin/Double l Centrally Heated l CD Player / iPod Dock CARCASSONNE After breakfast, depart the barge by minibus and transfer to the l 6 Passengers Junior Suites l Sun Deck l Air-Conditioned designated drop off point in Narbonne. l 4 Crew l Wifi (Subject to Local l Spa Pool Minibus *This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate Reception) l Air-Conditioned l 6 Touring Bikes weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. est.1974 ©Atout France/Catherine Bibollet.