Beautiful Boating Canal du Midi

Category: First Class

This barge is perfect for: Couples, Families, Groups of friends, Golfers, Cooking enthusiasts, Good Cycling/Walking , Historic interest, Markets, Charming Villages.

Ask us about specific departure dates for these special interest cruises: Golf Cruises, Wine Appreciation Cruises.

Enchanté features at a glance

8 GUESTS

4 TWIN/DOUBLE CABINS WITH EN-SUITE BATHROOMS

4 CREW

30 METRES LONG

8 BICYCLES

JACCUZI

AIR CONDITIONING/CENTRAL HEATING

GALLEY AVAILABLE FOR DEMONSTRATION COOKING

PC WITH INTERNET ACCESS

1 AIR CONDITIONED MINIBUS FOR EXCURSIONS

Enchanté is a state of the art, double decked newly built (2009) barge, the most luxurious on the Canal du Midi. All of the spacious double/twin cabins are of an equal size and charmingly appointed with lovely bathrooms and individual mobile phones (pay as you go). The interior décor is bright, fresh and contemporary with extra large windows in the salon and dining area. Guests can enjoy the demonstration galley and watch the chef at work.

The sundeck and outdoor relaxation area is exceptional – beautiful alfresco dining area, lovely Jacuzzi and extremely comfortable sun loungers. The cruise route takes in a beautiful stretch of the Canal du Midi – Lagrasse, one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France”, the enchanting walled city of Carcassonne, the perched Cathar village of Minerve, and the colourful weekly market at Roman Narbonne.

This is a fabulous choice for discerning guests looking for Canal du Midi cruises or a deluxe cruising experience in a stunning region of France.

Enchanté itinerary

Sunday – Puichéric
Passengers are met at the designated meeting point in Narbonne by the Captain at 4pm and escorted by minibus to Enchante, moored at Aiguille lock near Puichéric. Champagne welcome followed by dinner on board.

Monday – Puichéric to La Redorte
Fascinating morning tour of Carcassonne. Dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, this is the most complete mediaeval fortified city in existence today with its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defenses, which resisted the many armies that tried to storm this glorious Camelot setting. Afternoon cruise along the 330 year old Midi canal descending its trademark locks and past “l’Epanchoir”, one of the canal bridges invented by Pierre Riquet for the Canal du Midi. Upon arrival explore the village of La Redorte famous in the 11th century for its basket weaving. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday – La Redorte to Homps
Morning cruise under the shade of the plane trees which line the canal, we gently circle the contours of the land to reach the port of Homps once an important commandery for the Knights Hospitaller. Afternoon excursion to Minerve, the ancient capital of the Minervois, which boasts a 12th century Cathar fort surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Besieged by Simon de Montfort in 1215, its hilltop location affords spectacular views. We continue cruising to a picturesque mooring under the trees, a perfect opportunity to try your hand at pétanque the local sport of boules followed by an alfresco dinner aboard.

Wednesday – Homps to Roubia
This morning we take the minibus to a Benedictine Abbey founded in the 8th century. Nestled in the village of Lagrasse, awarded the title of “Plus beaux villages de France” (most beautiful villages of France), now home to many artisan who have set up workshops in the medieval center, the restored Abbey was once one of the most prosperous thanks to Charlemagne’s chart. A chance to sample some local cuisine with lunch ashore in a spectacular setting overlooking the Corbières. Afternoon cruise reaching Roubia situated on the “grand bief” another engineering prowess unique to the Canal du Midi. Dinner aboard.

Thursday – Roubia to Le Somail
Morning cruise through vineyards and pine trees to the charming and historical village of the Le Somail, purpose built for the Canal du Midi. Take some time to explore the old bookstore of Le Somail. Afternoon excursion to a wine tasting in the Saint Chinian, the first village of the region to receive the much envied French mark of approval for wines known as A.O.C. (Appellation d’Origine Controlée), teamed with an excursion to “Oulibo”, Occitan for olive. This cooperative olive oil press is a great opportunity to sample the famous Lucques olive. Dinner aboard.

Friday – Le Somail to Sallèles d’Aude
This morning’s excursion is to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy a visit to the Archbishop’s Palace and the indoor market at the hub of this bustling canal side town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the relaxed atmosphere. Afternoon cruise through the series of locks and narrow bridges of the Robine Canal, built after the Canal du Midi to link Narbonne and the Mediterranean. Cycle ahead and explore the village of Sallèles d’Aude, our final mooring. Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday – Sallèles d’Aude
After breakfast depart Sallèles d’Aude and transfer to Narbonne by about 11am.

On alternative weeks the itinerary will operate in the reverse direction.

Enchanté photo gallery

Enchanté map

Puichéric to Sallèles d’Aude or vice-versa

Cartography ©Euromapping/European Waterways Ltd

Enchanté prices

Note all our prices are in euros. We convert to Australian dollars at current exchange rates on the day of payment of deposit/full payment.

Price is all-inclusive – accommodation for 6 nights, food, high-quality local wines, mixed drinks and other beverages, excursions and entries are included.

Value Season: March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, October 14, 21, 28, November 4

Regular Season: April 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19, 26, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, October 7.

Enchanté Floorplan

Enchanté bookings/enquiries

If you would like to contact us please use one of the methods below.

Email: info@toujoursfrance.com.au
Phone: (03) 9889 1885
Outside Australia: +61 3 9889 1885

Address:
Toujours France
1 Radnor Street
Camberwell VIC 3124
Australia

Ph: +61 03 9889 1885
Mobile: 0413 055 360

Or fill out our online form.