The 4-passenger luxury hotel barge Colibri is one of the prettiest and most comfortable barges on the canals of France. Consider her your own private hotel with ever changing views. Come on board and let us look after your needs and make you feel pampered.
The Colibri's cruise route takes in the Cité of Carcassonne, on the Canal du Midi in the Languedoc - roussillon region in the south of France. One route cruises from a small Roman village near Beziers to Trebes, a village near the stunning medieval cite of Carcassonne. You will cruise along the beautiful canal as it follows the meandering contours of the land surrounded by vineyards and historical villages. The alternative cruise route is from Carcassonne to Castelnaudary and the Summit, taking you to the highest point between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. As the vineyards give way to fields bright with sunflowers, the canal continues to wind it's way along, sheltered by trees hundreds of years old. This lesser known stretch is the real treasure of the Canal du Midi, where time seems to stand still in a serene and peaceful way.
Colibri is a classic Dutch Luxemotor canal barge, built in Friesland Holland in 1931, and lovingly converted from her cargo carrying days. Colibri has been completely refitted in 2004 and a upon the splendid foundations we have added a touch of luxury and an air of relaxed elegance.
Despite her generous size, Colibri takes only four guests, thus affording space and maximum comfort to all parties. The interior is air conditioned to ensure your well-being.
Sleeping accommodation is in two staterooms with generous en-suite bathrooms. The beds are European king-size, or you may choose two twin beds to afford flexibility to guest’s arrangements. The cabins are furnished with French oak furniture with ample hanging space and draws to unpack your belongings and to feel at home. The bathrooms have hairdryers and bathrobes.
The dining area and salon are light and spacious, the perfect place to relax and feel at home, read a book, or chat over dinner and a glass of wine. There is a music system and collection of music, a small library of books, games and DVD's available to you. Guidebooks for the area are available for you to browse and help us to customise the cruise to your wishes.
On deck there is the canopied wheelhouse, where you may be shaded and chat with the Captain and be involved in all aspects of cruising the canals. The large deck space also allows for comfortable shaded al fresco dining, and the chance to relax and find yourselves in awe of the scenery as we pass ancient villages and vineyards.There are lounge chairs for those who wish to take some sun while cooled by the gentle breeze as we cruise along.
Four bicycles are at your disposal for riding the towpaths or exploring the villages and surrounding areas. Plus our chauffeured air-conditioned minibus to take you on excursions so that you can take in the sites in the area surrounding the canal.
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS: Owners Earl and Fiona worked for many years in the luxury yachting industry, cruising the Mediterranean, Caribbean, from Australia to Alaska and have now chosen to make the canals of France their cruising ground. Having married in France and fallen in love with the country, life style, foods and wines, they say they can think of no better place to cruise.
With a background in catering and luxury service including chief stewardess / head of household on yachts up to 75 metres, Fiona delights guests with a gastronomic tour of our region and the Mediterranean.
Earl, who is Australian, has cruised widely with many ocean passages as an officer on vessels up to 75 meters. Earl is delighted to take command of his own vessel. With the knowledge and experience gained from super yacht chartering and his love of people, Earl is fulfilling his dreams in welcoming and entertaining guests aboard his own boat. His enthusiasm for life will come across as soon as you are met.
Earl and Fiona offer their service to make your holiday a magnificent experience that you will remember for a lifetime. They feel, after spending a great deal of their lives working on luxury super yachts, that everyone deserves to be pampered!
Sunday
Guests are met by the Captain, Earl, between 4 and 5pm at the arranged meeting point. Warm welcome on board with aperitifs, and cruise slowly overlooking the vineyards near the Roman village of Poilhes, to whet your appetites for dinner and the days to come.
Monday
Morning visit to the Enserune Oppidum, a site inhabited by man since 800BC. After lunch aboard we cruise past Capestang, a small town dominated by a huge church that we can see for some kilometers as the canal meanders along. From here we cruise on towards La Croisade and a beautiful mooring beneath the trees.
Tuesday
The bustling markets and the historic sites of Narbonne are on offer for today's excursion; Earl takes you ashore for lunch today. In the afternoon we cruise to Le Somail, a staging post that was used by passenger boats in the 18th century. The village is pretty and one must visit the antique bookshop. Dinner is a taken aboard tonight.
Wednesday
The Abbey de Fontfroide is a beautiful tranquil setting and with its garden of 3000 rosebushes, a wonderful place to visit. We commence our climb through the locks today, and cruise towards the town of Homps. Looking forward to a sensational dinner aboard.
Thursday
Visit to the Cathar fort and hilltop village of Minerve, a stunning location with a museum that tells of its history. We cruise just beyond the village of Puicheric this afternoon, to "The sculpture lock," a great place to sit under the trees and relax, and watch the world go by. Tonight you dine ashore, at a beautiful restaurant, with a chance to view the Cite of Carcassonne by night, to fire your imagination with fairy tale castles.
Friday
Tour of the Cite of Carcassonne, to take in the fascinating medieval city, a wonderful journey into history. In the afternoon we cruise the final leg of our journey to a quiet location for the farewell dinner aboard.
Saturday
Leisurely breakfast, and transfer between 10 and 11am to the arranged drop off point.
Note: This is a very much a guideline, and we can do as much or as little as you would like. It is your holiday and our pleasure to tailor the cruise to your needs. This itinerary runs in reverse on alternate weeks.
Rev 12/11 cb
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Canal du Midi:
Carcassonne to Castelnaudary
Alternate Cruise Available Upon Request
Carcassonne to the Summit of the Canal du Midi
Sunday
Guests are met by the Captain, Earl, between 4 and 5 PM at the arranged meeting point. Warm welcome on board with aperitifs, and cruise slowly through the vineyards of Millegrand, toward the village of Trebes, to whet your appetites for dinner and the days to come.
Monday
Tour of the Cite of Carcassonne, to take in the fascinating medieval city, a wonderful journey into history. In the afternoon we cruise the heights of Carcassonne and stop in the Port of Carcassonne for the evening.
Tuesday
The bustling markets and the historic sites of Narbonne are on offer for today's excursion; lunch is taken ashore today. In the afternoon we cruise toward Villesequelande, a pretty and relaxing cruise to a quiet location for dinner aboard.
Wednesday
In the morning we visit the town of Limoux and the Sieur d'Arques winery, for information on the wines and a tasting including the Cremants and Blanquettes of Limoux. We cruise a very pretty stretch of the canal today, stopping for the evening beneath the tree near Villepinthe.
Thursday
Morning visit to the Cathar castle of Saissac, the remains of a beautiful castle in a stunning location, perched in the hills of the Montagne Noire. On the way back to Colibri we can visit the Verrerie du Canal with its exhibition of stained and blown glass. We cruise in the afternoon through a series of locks, into the Grand Bassin of Castelnaudary, the home of Cassoulet, a local dish.
Friday
We visit the medieval market town of Mirepoix with half-timbered houses and a beautiful square. We cruise the final leg of our journey to the Seuil de Naurouze located on the highest stretch of the Canal du Midi, 194 metres (650ft) above sea level. This is the watershed between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. One can take a stroll and visit the obelisque to Pierre Paul Riquet, the builder of the canal set in a beautiful park. Farewell dinner aboard.
Saturday
Leisurely breakfast, and transfer between 10 and 11am to the arranged drop off point.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. It runs in reverse on alternate weeks.
Rev 10/11 sd
Colibri
2012 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Apr 1 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Main
|
| Apr 8 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Main
|
| Apr 15 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Main
|
| Apr 22 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Main
|
| Apr 29 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Main
|
| May 6 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Main
|
| May 13 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Main
|
| May 20 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Main
|
| May 27 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Main
|
| Jun 3 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Main
|
| Jun 10 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Main
|
| Jun 17 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Main
|
| Jun 24 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Main
|
| Jul 1 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Main
|
| Jul 8 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Main
|
| Jul 15 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Main
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 22 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Main
|
| Jul 29 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Main
|
| Aug 5 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Main
|
| Aug 12 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Main
|
| Aug 19 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Main
|
| Aug 26 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Main
|
| Sep 2 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Main
|
| Sep 9 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Main
|
| Sep 16 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Main
|
| Sep 23 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Main
|
| Sep 30 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Main
|
| Oct 7 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Main
|
| Oct 14 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Main
|
| Oct 21 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Main
|
| Oct 28 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Main
|
|
The Colibri's route through the south of France, from Carcassonne to Beziers on the Canal du Midi. For a more detailed look at the cruise route, view our map of the Canal du Midi.
*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.
COLIBRI
2012 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
MAIN
Apr 1 thru Nov 3 |
|
Charter for up to 4 |
$19,500 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from local rail station, hotel or other point in the cruise area to the barge and return, as agreed with the barge owner
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday for full board, including 2 meals in restaurants on shore
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (golf, etc at extra cost)
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transfers from Paris to the barge pickup point and return
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent Euros
 |
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|
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Last Update: January 12, 2012
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