Enchanté luxury barge cruises

Trebes

Sunday

After being greeted in Narbonne, guests are driven to Enchante in a chauffeured, air-conditioned minibus.
After being greeted with champagne and getting to know the captain and crew, enjoy dinner on board.

Trebes to Puicheric

Monday

A fascinating tour of Carcassonne in the morning. This magnificent Camelot-like setting, dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, is home to the most extensive medieval fortified city still standing, featuring 52 watchtowers, a portcullis, and an astounding array of defences that repelled numerous armies that attempted to storm it. We travel to Puichéric lock this afternoon by leisurely circling the 330-year-old canal's contours through quaint villages and historic vineyards.

Dinner on board

Puicheric to Homps

Tuesday

Our cruise this morning descends the Canal du Midi's iconic locks, which are deeper and more numerous due to the steep relief. Enchanté is cruising through the triple locking system, making this a great time to walk or ride between locks. The afternoon's activities include a wine tasting and tour at Château Saint Jacques d'Albas in Minervois, one of the few areas in France to be awarded the highly sought-after A.O.C. (Appellation d'Origine Controlée) designation for wine. You can sample wine on the spot and learn more about the history and current state of the Languedoc wine trade with this educational tour.

Dinner on board

Homps to Roubia

Wednesday

This morning we visit a Benedictine abbey that was established in the eighth century. The restored Abbey was once among the most prosperous because of Charlemagne's charter. It is tucked away in Lagrasse, a village recognized as one of the "Plus beaux villages de France" and home to numerous artisans who have established workshops in the medieval centre. After lunch ashore in a breathtaking location with a view of the Corbières, we sample some local cuisine before making our way back to Enchanté for our cruise to Roubia. This afternoon, as we cruise beneath the shadow of the plane trees that border the canal, we pass "l'Epanchoir," one of Pierre Paul Riquet's many engineering marvels for the Canal du Midi.

Dinner on board

Roubia to Le Somail

Thursday

Take a morning cruise among pine trees and vineyards to the historic and picturesque village of Le Somail, which was constructed specifically for the Canal du Midi. This thriving small village is perched atop the "grand bief," another feat of engineering exclusive to the Canal du Midi. Spend some time perusing Le Somail's historic bookstore.
Visit "L'Oulibo," a neighbourhood cooperative olive oil press, in the afternoon for a taste of the renowned Lucques olive olives. We next travel to Minerve, the former capital of the Minervois, which is surrounded by steep limestone gorges and has a Cathar fort from the twelfth century. Its hilltop location, which saw Simon de Montfort lay siege to it in 1210, offers breathtaking views.

Dinner on board

Le Somail to Salleles d'Aude

Friday

This morning's trip is to Narbonne, the capital of the Roman Mediterranean, where the Visigoth kings once resided. Experience a visit to the Archbishop's Palace, an underground Roman market, and the indoor market located at the centre of this bustling canalside town. Here, you can shop or take in the lively atmosphere. Afternoon cruise along the charming Canal de la Robine, which connects Narbonne to the Mediterranean and was constructed as a sequel to the Canal du Midi. Maybe ride on and explore our last mooring, the village of Sallèles d'Aude.
This evening, there is time to chat and reflect on the week aboard during the Farewell dinner.

Salleles d'Aude

Saturday

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private, chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Narbonne.