SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 4-Passenger Alouette offers private charters on one of the most luxurious barges afloat with elegant Provencal decor throughout. It is confiqured with two large staterooms -- beautifully appointed with its own private bathroom with shower, satellite TV and large windows that open well above the waterline. The spacious living/dining salon with large picture windows has a library area, writing desk, stereo, games, satellite TV and internet access. The sundeck with lounge chairs and sheltering umbrellas is perfect for soaking up the scenery during the day.
The Alouette cruises from Southern Burgundy to Provence in early April before moving to the historic Canal du Midi, between Béziers and Carcassonne. In late October it cruises back to Burgundy via Provence. The beautiful tree-lined Canal du Midi was built in the 17th century and was an engineering marvel for its time. Highlights of this area include Carcassonne, the most complete medieval, fortified city in existence. Excursions to fortified villages, castles and market towns plus a sophisticated gourmet and service tradition on board the Alouette create the ingredients for an exceptionally memorable barge cruise.
One day you may decide to bicycle through the countryside to visit Roman ruins, travel in your own air-conditioned mini-bus to an out of the way vineyard, or visit a local market or the historic towns and villages of the region. Then, at the end of a glorious day, return to your floating "country home" where your crew has been preparing an evening feast ... an elegant five course gourmet dinner graced by fine wines and cheeses unknown outside France. A sense of comradeship seems to prevail as you share the day's adventures with friends ... reliving memories that will carry your conversations for years to come.
Our week on the Alouette was an exquisite experience, from beginning to end.
The barge is very well laid-out, beautifully furnished, and completely comfortable. The cabins were well-appointed and quite stylish, in a Provencal manner. And even the smaller of the two cabins was better laid-out than many Paris hotel rooms.
The crew was splendid. They were attentive, friendly, and well-attuned to our special interests in food and wine. Sarah, the guide/driver/sommelier, took special care to arrange visits to food-oriented venues - an oyster farm, a boulangerie, a farmers' market, a vineyard and an olive farm cooperative, among others. She also did a fine job in selecting our wines and matching them well with the food – taking special note of the preferences we had expressed before the trip.
We thought the food would be good, but it surpassed our expectations. As Gus, the chef, got to know our tastes and interests, he worked even harder at trying to surprise us, and he succeeded. We were impressed.
Luke - the captain - was a cheerful and positive presence who made sure that everything was as we wanted it to be. And Moira, the hostess/waitress was relentlessly cheerful and energetic in dealing with our requests and questions.
More broadly, the crew members seemed to genuinely like each other, which made for a harmonious and positive feeling throughout the trip.
In looking back, the Canal du Midi was itself the star of the show. It is cinematically beautiful – a fantasy setting that is only lightly attached to the rest of the world. It feels as though you’re drifting within an Impressionist painting. It could only exist in France.
What a trip!
-- Bob Rosen, New York, NY. October 2008
Merci, merci, merci! What an incredible week ... every sense has been on vacation, from the beautiful vistas, the gourmet meals, the bold wines, the delightful napkins, the french music and the wonderful comraderie.
-- Rich & Irene M.
Our first barging experience was wonderful! All of you made it so special. Terrific food and wine, beautiful scenery and friendly service. Thank you all for a fantastic time.
-- Fran & Chuck J.
Very hard working team, charming experience. It was perfect!
--name withheld
Sunday - Béziers.
A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Time permitting, enjoy your first cruising experience to the pretty village of Colombieres. Later that evening, enjoy your first dining experience on board.
Monday - Visit Abbaye de Fontfroide. Cruise to Capestang.
This morning visit l'Abbaye de Fontfroide, a Cistercian monastery founded in the 11th century. Now privately owned, the abbey has been lovingly restored with a well-kept garden and peaceful cloister. Return to the barge for lunch and then an afternoon cruise along the beautiful Canal du Midi to Capestang.
Tuesday - Tour Oppidum d'Enserune. Cruise to Le Somail.
After breakfast enjoy a visit to Oppidum d'Enserune, a pre-Roman hill-top settlement and one of the most important archaeological sites in the region. The top of the hill affords a panoramic view of the pond of Montady drained in 1247 and transformed into a curious pattern of cultivation. On the way back to the boat we stop off at local wine producer for a tasting. Return to the barge for lunch followed by a relaxing afternoon taking in the grandeur and beauty of the Canal du Midi, with its fine locks, buildings and aqueducts, scarcely changed from their completion over 300 years ago.
Wednesday - Visit Narbonne and the market. Cruise to Homps.
This morning, experience the wonderful covered market in Narbonne with the chef and help choose what is on the menu for dinner! Narbonne is a lively Mediterranean city playing an important role as a wine-producing centre. The municipal, military and religious architecture, the river banks of the Robine and its shaded boulevards, all contribute to its charm. Enjoy lunch at a bistro just in front of the market and then return to the barge for an afternoon's cruise to the port at Homps.
Thursday - Visit Minerve. Cruise to Trebes.
After breakfast, visit Minerve, an old village on a limestone cliff, which dominates the vineyards below. Its now ruined castle was once a Cathar stronghold besieged and captured by Simon de Montfort. This village is full of history of days gone by. On the way back to the boat stop at Peyriac-Minervois for wine tasting. Return to the barge for lunch and then enjoy the ever changing views from the comfort of the deck, or perhaps walk or cycle along the tow path. Tonight we moor in the pretty town of Trebes.
Friday - Cruise to Carcassonne. Visit Carcassonne.
Finish the week with a tour of Europe's largest medieval fortress - Carcassonne. Explore the intricate fortifications of the two castellated walls, one inside the other, about a mile in circumference. The views from the battlements towards the Pyrenées are stunning. Visit the Cathedral remarkable for its stained glass rose windows, elegant Romanesque nave and Gothic transepts. Meanwhile the chef is busy preparing your farewell gala dinner on board.
Saturday - Carcassonne.
After breakfast disembark the boat for your onward travel arrangements.
Note: The day to day itinerary described is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise, the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.
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*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
| ALOUETTE 2012 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | |
|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | REGULAR Apr 1 thru Oct 27 |
| Charter for 2 |
$22,600 |
| Charter for 3 |
$24,900 |
| Charter for 4 |
$27,200 |
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid to the captain in equivalent euros
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Special Places Travel, LLC "Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™
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