Cruise In The South Of France On The Canal du Midi Aboard The Deluxe Hotel-Barge CLAIR DE LUNE

BARGE CRUISES: SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS
The 6-passenger Clair de Lune is tastefully furnished with Mediterranean plane tree and American cherry wood furnishings. There is a stylish, modern salon with a comfortable sitting area, a large dining table and a well stocked bar. There are three spacious cabins, each of which can be configured with a queen bed or two twin sized beds. Each cabin has a large wardrobe, dressing table, and an ensuite bathroom, with large shower. The cabins and the salon all have large picture windows. The beds in each cabin face the windows, so that you can enjoy the scenery even from inside of the barge. For easy access, the boat has been built with as few stairs as possible.

A very large sundeck takes command on the exterior of the barge, where you can lounge in comfort on reclining chairs. Sun-lovers can soak up the sun and cool down in the Jacuzzi, while those who prefer the shade can relax under the awning while watching the picturesque scenery unfold. The sundeck is a perfect setting to enjoy an al fresco lunch or a leisurely candlelit dinner on beautiful summer evenings.

The Clair de Lune cruises on the quaint Canal du Midi between the charming village of Homps (near the fortified city of Carcassonne) and Beziers, discovering some of the most beautiful scenery in the south of France along the way. During the cruise you will visit historical sites such as the spectacular Cathar village of Minerve and the walled town of Carcassonne, the elegant city of Narbonne and enjoy a private wine tasting at a renowned local domaine. Clair de Lune offers 6-night full board cruises for individual cabin bookings and charters as well as 6-night half board charters and 4-night full board charters.

The Clair de Lune team is led by its French owner, Yves Pastor, who is accompanied by the Chef who will be responsible for all of the meals on board, a tour guide who will lead all of the excursions, and a hostess. Yves' lifelong love of boating and desire to provide a luxury barge experience to passengers from all over the world is what drives his passion for barging. While on board, the crew invites you to relax and enjoy the landscapes and natural beauty of this magnificent canal. We have been on board the Clair de Lune many times over the years and think Yves and his crew provide an excellent cruise on one of the most beautiful canals in France. We were most recently on board in May 2019, met with the owners and saw the new sun canopy on deck.

---

Features

• Size of barge: 100 ft by 16.5 ft
• Number of Passengers: 6
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 3
• Crew: 4
• Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
• Salon: Large salon/dining area with corner banquette, club chairs, and dining table for 6. Four large picture windows.
• Bar: Open bar
• Deck: Large teak sundeck with spa pool, sun canopy, reclining chairs, dining table
• Spa Tub: Yes
• Cabin Features: 3 cabins each 135 sq ft, configured as twin beds or queen bed, with ensuite bathroom with shower. All with large picture windows and writing desk.
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned Mercedes Vito, 8 passenger plus driver minibus
• Accessibility: No gangplank from the shore is needed and there are no steps to enter the salon. Three steps from salon to cabins. Seven steps from the salon to sundeck.
• Bicycles: 6 Touring Bicycles
• Wi-Fi: Yes - limited in some areas
• Meal Plan:Offers full board, half board and 4-night charter cruises

---

Clair de Lune's Deck Plan

All three cabins can be configured as twin beds or queen bed.

---

CLAIR DE LUNE 2021 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
TYPE	REGULAR Apr 4 thru Oct 30
Cabin (per person, double occupancy)	$4,830
Charter for 4	$25,725
Charter for 5	$26,775
Charter for 6	$28,350
Family Charter for 6	$28,850
Half Board Charter for 4	$21,210
Half Board Charter for 5	$22,050
Half Board Charter for 6	$23,100
Four Night Charter for 4	$16,905
Four Night Charter for 5	$17,850
Four Night Charter for 6	$18,900

Please visit our ...
Special Offers Page
... to see potential discounts for this barge or many others.

What's Included

 
6-Night Full Board Cruise
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with ensuite bathroom
- Transfers from Narbonne, Beziers or Carcassonne to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday, including one lunch at a local restaurant
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (golf, etc. at additional cost)
- Use of bicycles

6-Night Half Board Cruise
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with ensuite bathroom
- Transfers from Narbonne, Beziers or Carcassonne to the barge and return
- All breakfasts, all dinners on board plus 1 lunch at a local restaurant included, beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast the following Saturday
- Wines and open bar on board
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (golf, etc. at additional cost)
- Use of bicycles

4-Night Full Board Cruise
- 5 days and 4 nights on the barge in a cabin with ensuite bathroom
- Transfers from Narbonne, Beziers or Carcassonne to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Thursday, including one lunch at a local restaurant
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (golf, etc. at additional cost)
- Use of bicycles

What's Not Included

 
6-Night Full Board Cruise
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transportation from Paris to Narbonne, Beziers or Carcassonne and return
- Suggested 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent Euros to the captain
- Trip cancellation insurance
 
6-Night Half Board Cruise
- 4 lunches ashore at passenger's expense. Restaurants selected by barge are along the canal.
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transportation from Paris to Narbonne, Beziers or Carcassonneand return
- Suggested 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent Euros to the captain
- Trip cancellation insurance

4-Night Full Board Cruise
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transportation from Paris to Narbonne, Beziers or Carcassonne and return
- Suggested 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent Euros to the captain
- Trip cancellation insurance

 

---

Clair de Lune 2021 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week	Route (Or Reverse)	Season
Apr 4	Beziers-Homps	Regular
Apr 11	Homps-Beziers	Regular
Apr 18	Beziers-Homps	Regular
Apr 25	Homps-Beziers	Regular
May 2	Beziers-Homps	Regular
May 9	Homps-Beziers	Regular
May 16	Beziers-Homps	Regular
May 23	Homps-Beziers	Regular
May 30	Beziers-Homps	Regular
Jun 6	Homps-Beziers	Regular
Jun 13	Beziers-Homps	Regular
Jun 20	Homps-Beziers	Regular
Jun 27	Beziers-Homps	Regular
Jul 4	Homps-Beziers	Regular
Jul 11	Beziers-Homps	Regular
Jul 18	Homps-Beziers	Regular
Jul 25	Beziers-Homps	Regular
Aug 1	Homps-Beziers	Regular
Aug 8	Beziers-Homps	Regular
Aug 15	Homps-Beziers	Regular
Aug 22	Beziers-Homps	Regular
Aug 29	Homps-Beziers	Regular
Sep 5	Beziers-Homps	Regular
Sep 12	Homps-Beziers	Regular
Sep 19	Beziers-Homps	Regular
Sep 26	Homps-Beziers	Regular
Oct 3	Beziers-Homps	Regular
Oct 10	Homps-Beziers	Regular
Oct 17	Beziers-Homps	Regular
Oct 24	Homps-Beziers	Regular

*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.

---

Dining Aboard the Clair de Lune
SAMPLE MENU

BREAKFAST

• Freshly baked croissants, pastries and breads
• Cereals
• Fresh fruits
• Fresh fruit juices
• Coffee and a selection of teas

LUNCH

• Quiche Lorraine
• Assorted salads may include green bean salad with lardons and walnuts, tabbouleh salad,
  mesclun salad with pine nuts and raspberry vinaigrette
• Ballotine of chicken stuffed with leeks & spinach, fondant potatoes and brandy mustard sauce
• Ratatouille quiche and warm potato salad with shallot dressing
• Assorted seafood platter
• Assorted cheese board that may include Tomme de Lozere, Roquefort, Bleu des Causses
  and Comte Cheese
• Peach sabayon with balsamic peaches

DINNER

• Scallops and Prawns on the bed of leek and herb sauce
• Filet mignon of veal hallot sauce galette de polenta et ratatouille provençale revisitée
• Salmon dome with avocado mousse
• Rosemary Lamb garlic cream crème Small potatoes and sweet potatoes purée with provencal herbs
• Mushroom from Corolla and salmon with dill
• Cod filet Radish scale cress-grenadine sauce –Radish bunch / vitelotte purée/ green beans /Baby onions.
• Foie gras on ginger bread petal of roses Jam and Figs Jam
• duck filet with mango Vermouth (Nouilly Prat) sauce Candied Carrots and white beans purée hazelnut oil.
• Aspergus mousseline sauce
• Sea bream Filet Quinoa 3 coulors – Roasted Fennel Orange sauce
• Assorted cheese board to include Osso Iraty, Tomme des Pyrenees, Brillat Savarin, Beaufort, Mimolette,
  Langres, Bleu des CAusses, Roquefort, Chaource, Ecu and Cantal

DESSERTS

• Tiramissu lemon and limoncello
• Aumoniere of pear caramel sause
• Figs vanilla and sorbet apricot
• Blueberry pie
• Chocolate Ball, Violette ice cream and pistachio and hot black chocolate sauce
• Foret noire au grand marnier

SAMPLE WINE LIST
Château la Negly, Viognier; Domaine Beauvignac, Picpoul de Pinet; Château La Liquiere, Cistus; Domaine des Ânes, Fontanilles; Domaine de l'Hortus, Pic Saint Loup; Domaine de l'Ancienne; Mercerie, Fougères; Château Puech-Haut, Coteaux du Languedoc Prestige; Château Aqueria, Tavel

---

Passenger Comments:

Best vacation we've had in 30 years. The service was unparalleled. Friendly, attentive and easy going at the same time. It could not have been better. We found the barge trip quite fascinating. The scenery, bridges, towns and locks were all great fun to travel through. the high points were going through the locks. Enjoyed the pace and how peaceful it was. Dining outside with our cabin mates was so much fun. Had a delightful time playing and singing with captain Yves. We had a number of dietary idiosyncracies and chef Nathalie managed the food brilliantly.
R.C., J.B., Canada

We thought that it was magical. The staff gave us impeccable and gracious service. Their delight in sharing their skills and culture we’re a major part of the charm of this experience. The luncheon restaurants chosen by our captain were superb. The dinner and wine pairings were five star. The tour guide was well informed, patient and passionate about the history and culture of the area. We thought that it was excellent value for the cost. A decidedly great alternative to river boat and larger excursion boats.
L.G, J.H., Canada

The service was superb! The trio were always happy, upbeat and there to ensure our trip was the most successful. The meals were delicious and beautiful, our room was always made up each morning including fresh towels. We loved the cruise route! The history of Canal du Midi was fascinating. The weather was perfect along with the whole experience of barging. The high points were the meals, wines, tours, traveling under ancient and narrow bridges, relaxation, the staff, so many fond memories made.
T&T D. WA USA

I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the Clair de Lune -- for a number of reasons: The boat -- very comfortable, well-designed with more room than most barges in both the public areas and the cabins despite the small size of the ship; our Jasmine cabin was wonderful--lots of storage, good lighting, individual air conditioning and heating units, and a wooden suit rack in the cabin The staff -- all four of the staff were exceptional: Captain Yves gave us a smooth ride through the canal and locks and, being a professional musician, treated us to a fantastic concert of classic French songs on the last night (great singer, whistler and guitar player); he also selected wonderful excursions for us--in addition to the normal visits to historical sights we were treated to visits and tastings at wineries, an olive processing plant and, the piece de resistance, a goat cheese farm.
J.H. CA USA

The trip was fabulous. Everything was handled beautifully. The food was a work of art, and delicious. The service was impeccable. The staff was friendly and attentive. I loved it all. The high points were certainly the food; the trip to the market with Alex, the chef; Yves playing guitar and singing for us; Ruth's descriptions of the cheeses and wines.
L.V. Puerto Rico

---

LINKS to Clair de Lune Information

---

Email us at: info@bargesinfrance.com


This page last updated February 18, 2021