Accommodating up to 4 passengers
Alegria is rated 5 star
- Visit the medieval citadel of Carcassonne, the largest preserved town of its kind
- Step back in time: 6th century BC Oppidum of Enserune
- Discover the Cathar history in the hilltop village of Minerve
- Visit the Archbishops Palace and colourful market in the roman town of Narbonne
- See the marvels of the UNESCO Canal du Midi, including the Fonserranes lock staircase and the Malpas tunnel
Cruise information file for Alegria
Specifications
Crew members : 5
Boat size
Length 98′5″ ft (30 metres)
Width 16′5″ ft (5 metres)
Number of bicycles : 4
Accommodation
Up to 4 guests
Suites : 2
Also...
Central heating
Air-conditioning
Spa or pool
Wifi
Alegria photos and videos
Click on any photo to begin the slide show, with photos of the barge and cruise program
Children and adults alike adore the chance to relax in the pool
Testimonials for Alegria
David C; September 2019 private charter for 45* for the barge, destination, service from Hotels Afloat and the website!
The on board service was personal, professional, super friendly and thoughtful of us as guests in every respect. This is what stands out the most from this great recreational travel experience. It was fun, educational and totally unique. Captain Olivier and our chef, Lynn, could not have been more gracious or kind. Alegria is a beautiful barge and the cabin accommodations are excellent with king beds as a huge bonus. The deck arrangements are comfortable and perfect for experiencing the Canal du Midi in all its glory and dining outside as the weather permits. The lounge is large, fully outfitted with reading materials and games and is thus well suited to comfortable relaxation or fine dining. The bar is fully stocked and the access to the local wines of region is excellent. All of our concerns and requests were handled efficiently and well. Bravo!!
Debb and Gregg, Canada; Cruised September 2019Deb************ Sar******, Canada 1/10/2019
5 stars for the Alegria barge, cruise destination and website.
We enjoyed our time immensely and would love to do it again.
Christie Adams & Rogon de Carcaradec, May 2017Alegria was just as expected: Spacious, confortable, clean and impeccably well maintained. The captain runs a 'tight ship' and is present all while giving us privacy. good crew.
Boat rating 10/10
We appreciated the interesting side tripsThe chef on the Alegria is excellent.I found Hotels Afloat on the internet, and rate them a 10. We'd definitely book again.
About the barge "Alegria"
The privately owned Alegria is a stunning barge, completely renovated to provide exceptionally spacious, comfortable accommodation for up to 4 guests.
Measuring 100 feet (30m) x 16 feet (5 meters), aboard you will find two superb sun decks complete with a great, heated plunge pool, and high-quality deck-furniture for sun-bathing, and dining.
Below decks, the saloon/dining area (17ft x 15ft; 5.2m x 4.6m)is the perfect place to relax, and includes DVD player, CD player, books, games, internet access with a Hotspot wifi, and use of the barge laptop!
The fully air conditioned/centrally heated cabins (190 and 220 sq feet) including the bathroom equipped with heated towel rails, hair dryer and complimentary bathrobes, have king sized beds, or twins on request; a mini fridge filled with complimentary drinks; tea and coffee tray are all at your disposal.
The front cabin enjoys direct access to the spa-pool area of the deck.
4 bikes are available
Alegria cruises with a dedicated crew of 4 led by the Captain-owner for a fully personalized service.
Aboard the Alegria, the itinerary below can be adapted to include many local treasures including wine tasting and cellar tours, depending upon your tastes and interests.
Plan of Alegria
Alegria cruise routes & itineraries
Cruising between Beziers and Puicheric
Saturday
Beziers - Poilhes
We have the pleasure of welcoming you at either the airport or at the railway station (from 4pm), and transferring you to Alegria, moored in Poilhes.
After the crew is introduced to you and after you settle in, you are served a welcome Champagne drink while we start cruising slowly along the canal.
After a u-turn, we come back to the mooring of Poilhes.
You can slowly stroll through this lovely village of less than 500 inhabitants before the aperitifs...
We serve your first dinner on board and spend the night in Poilhes, our 'home' mooring.
Beziers - Poilhes
We have the pleasure of welcoming you at either the airport or at the railway station (from 4pm), and transferring you to Alegria, moored in Poilhes.
After the crew is introduced to you and after you settle in, you are served a welcome Champagne drink while we start cruising slowly along the canal.
After a u-turn, we come back to the mooring of Poilhes.
You can slowly stroll through this lovely village of less than 500 inhabitants before the aperitifs...
We serve your first dinner on board and spend the night in Poilhes, our 'home' mooring.
Sunday
Poiles - Capestang
This morning, our guide proposes a 'multi-site' excursion: The City of Beziers, the famous 'stair case' of the Nine Locks of Fonserane, the archeological (6th century BC) site of the Oppidum of Enserune, and the Malpas Tunnel, the first tunnel built in the world for a canal.
After (or during) lunch, depending upon the weather conditions, we cruise to La Croisade and pass underneath the lowest bridge on the Canal, the famous bridge of Capestang.
Mind your head!
This 18 km cruise is typical with its numerous meanders: Yes, the canal actually looks like a river!
After this four-hour cruise, dinner is served on board and we spend the night in a restful place, a stones throw from a 17th century stone bridge.
Poiles - Capestang
This morning, our guide proposes a 'multi-site' excursion: The City of Beziers, the famous 'stair case' of the Nine Locks of Fonserane, the archeological (6th century BC) site of the Oppidum of Enserune, and the Malpas Tunnel, the first tunnel built in the world for a canal.
After (or during) lunch, depending upon the weather conditions, we cruise to La Croisade and pass underneath the lowest bridge on the Canal, the famous bridge of Capestang.
Mind your head!
This 18 km cruise is typical with its numerous meanders: Yes, the canal actually looks like a river!
After this four-hour cruise, dinner is served on board and we spend the night in a restful place, a stones throw from a 17th century stone bridge.
Monday
Capestang - Le Somail
In the morning, we cruise slowly to Le Somail, one of the most charming villages along the canal.
Should you need a book for the week, you can buy one from a unique book shop that has approximately 50 000 second-hand books in stock... in numerous languages!
In the afternoon you may choose to relax on the barge, roam around, cycle etc, but we can also offer a visit to a local vineyard or an olive mill, or any other site that might suit your wishes.
At the end of the day you are invited for the Captains Dinner in a local auberge.
It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of a French restaurant!
Capestang - Le Somail
In the morning, we cruise slowly to Le Somail, one of the most charming villages along the canal.
Should you need a book for the week, you can buy one from a unique book shop that has approximately 50 000 second-hand books in stock... in numerous languages!
In the afternoon you may choose to relax on the barge, roam around, cycle etc, but we can also offer a visit to a local vineyard or an olive mill, or any other site that might suit your wishes.
At the end of the day you are invited for the Captains Dinner in a local auberge.
It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of a French restaurant!
Tuesday
Le Somail - Roubia
In the morning, we visit one of the best markets in the region, in Olonzac.
You can see and buy almost anything you could wish for here, from a provencal table cloth to special locally grown olives.
Then our guide takes you to Minerve, a fascinating site and a previously fortified village in a very special rocky environment.
Minerve was attacked in 1210 by the terrible army led by Simon de Montfort: This is the perfect time for us to tell you everything about the Crusade of the Albigeois in the 13th century, one of the harshest stories of our past.
This afternoon's cruise takes us to the typical Minervois village of Roubia for our overnight mooring.
Dinner in served on board.
Le Somail - Roubia
In the morning, we visit one of the best markets in the region, in Olonzac.
You can see and buy almost anything you could wish for here, from a provencal table cloth to special locally grown olives.
Then our guide takes you to Minerve, a fascinating site and a previously fortified village in a very special rocky environment.
Minerve was attacked in 1210 by the terrible army led by Simon de Montfort: This is the perfect time for us to tell you everything about the Crusade of the Albigeois in the 13th century, one of the harshest stories of our past.
This afternoon's cruise takes us to the typical Minervois village of Roubia for our overnight mooring.
Dinner in served on board.
Wednesday
Roubia - Homps
This morning you visit the beautiful town of Narbonne, full of Roman history, including a visit to the 'Palace of the Archbishop'.
You will love its Mediterranean and Gothic style.
We will have lunch here in a typical restaurant, which has some excellent fish specialities.
After lunch, you are driven back to the Alegria for our afternoon cruise, to the port of Homps, which was one of the busiest harbours in the old times of the Canal commercial era.
Dinner aboard
Roubia - Homps
This morning you visit the beautiful town of Narbonne, full of Roman history, including a visit to the 'Palace of the Archbishop'.
You will love its Mediterranean and Gothic style.
We will have lunch here in a typical restaurant, which has some excellent fish specialities.
After lunch, you are driven back to the Alegria for our afternoon cruise, to the port of Homps, which was one of the busiest harbours in the old times of the Canal commercial era.
Dinner aboard
Thursday
Homps - Puicheric
In the morning, you visit the great City of Carcassonne, the biggest medieval city in Europe.
You will be amazed by the size of the walls and the narrow streets inside, as you step back in to the middle ages of French history!
There are many shops where you can buy typical, regional souvenirs.
After lunch you embark on the last cruise for the week, from Homps to the area of Puicheric.
You pass the last lock of the cruise and can admire the wooden and iron sculptures made by the most famous lock-keeper on the canal.
Alegria is moored just above this most beautiful lock for your final night on board after the Farewell Dinner prepared by our chef.
Homps - Puicheric
In the morning, you visit the great City of Carcassonne, the biggest medieval city in Europe.
You will be amazed by the size of the walls and the narrow streets inside, as you step back in to the middle ages of French history!
There are many shops where you can buy typical, regional souvenirs.
After lunch you embark on the last cruise for the week, from Homps to the area of Puicheric.
You pass the last lock of the cruise and can admire the wooden and iron sculptures made by the most famous lock-keeper on the canal.
Alegria is moored just above this most beautiful lock for your final night on board after the Farewell Dinner prepared by our chef.
Friday
After your breakfast, it is sadly time to conclude this unforgettable cruise.
We transfer you back to the airport or railway station... so that you can continue your onward adventure.
After your breakfast, it is sadly time to conclude this unforgettable cruise.
We transfer you back to the airport or railway station... so that you can continue your onward adventure.
Cruise rates
Beziers and Puicheric dates and rates
| 2020 EURO rates | Regular | Value | |||
| Whole boat charter for 4 | 19000€ | 17500€ | |||
| Whole boat charter for 3 | 18500€ | 17000€ | |||
| Whole boat charter for 2 | 18000€ | 16500€ | |||
| 2020 USD rates | Regular | Value | |||
| Whole boat charter for 4 | 25000 USD | 21500 USD | |||
| Whole boat charter for 3 | 24200 USD | 20700 USD | |||
| Whole boat charter for 2 | 23400 USD | 19900 USD |
| Value | 11th April to 18th April; 18th July to August 8th; 17th October to 24th October |
| Regular | 25th April to 11th July; 15th August to 10th October |
Enquiry & availability for Alegria
After you've submitted your enquiry form, if you do not receive a reply within the next 24 hours
then please call Emma +33 614 250 200 or email emmas.cruises@gmail.com.