Cruise in the South of France on the Canal du Midi aboard the First Class Hotel-Barge Emma

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 6-passenger Emma takes the warmth of an Irish welcome, adds the seductive charm of the French, puts it on a beautifully restored turn of the century barge, and covers it with a balmy Mediterranean climate and what have you got?

A lazy luxury cruise along the historic 17th century Canal du Midi with your hosts René and Liz aboard their floating home, "Emma."

"Emma" is a lovingly restored barge of 28 metres in length (92 feet) and 4.6 metres wide (15 feet) -- a Klipper Aak of Belgian origin.

The interior is spacious, bright and very comfortable for 6 passengers. The 3 cabins with private bath can be either twin or double bedded, as you wish - no more narrow bunk beds but full-sized mattresses guaranteeing a good nights sleep.

"Emma" is fully air-conditioned and has central heating for the cooler evenings in Spring and Autumn.

The outer deck has a comfortable eating area and deck chairs to relax on as you watch the French countryside glide by.

---

What do barge vacations offer you?
A barge cruise is a step back from the pressure of the 21st century to a much slower pace, while enjoying all the creature comforts of modern day living.

You can visit ancient villages where time appears to stand still, country chateaux where you can taste the wine grown in their own vinyards, shop at the local markets where you will be amazed by the colorful displays of fresh fruit and vegetables, you can cycle along the towpath if you are feeling energetic or you can just relax on board and watch the world glide by. Every day is a different picture.

"Emma" will slowly wind her way during the course of the week for approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) along the canal which was built during the reign of Louis XIV.

While you are relaxing and enjoying yourselves, we shall be busy preparing the gourmet meals with which to tempt you, accompanied by a selection of the very splendid wines of the Languedoc Rouissillon region. Meals will be served either in the dining room or out on deck.

---

Your hosts
Renè, your captain, was born in Sète, the Little Venice of the Midi, and knows the Canal and surrounding areas like the back of his hand. He comes from a line of boat enthusiasts, his grandfather having rounded the Cape Horn in the 1900's in a sailing boat and his uncle was a violinist aboard the "Normandy", the luxury liner cruising between France and America. He is an engineer by trade with a passion for mechanics and will ensure the smooth running of "Emma."

Liz, originally from Ireland, has been living in France for the last 18 years and is a superb chef having spent many years in the hotel trade. More importantly are the tips and hints picked up from watching the great cooks in Renè's family. She will take great pleasure in preparing for you the specialities of this gastronomic region of France.

There are two other members of the crew to ensure you have a comfortable, relaxing and interesting vacation. A competent hostess to look after all your needs on board and a tour guide to whisk you off in the mini van to visit the beautiful countryside so full of history. Together the team will offer their guests an insight into local traditions as well as a chance to discover some of the lesser known treasures of the Languedoc.

---

The Lounge
The interior is bright and spacious with beautiful arched double glazed windows which give you a good view of the outside countryside whilst cruising.

The French oak furniture has been hand made by a master craftsman and the whole effect is warm and inviting.

The boat is fully air conditioned and centrally heated to meet all climatic conditions.

You are welcome to peruse the books in the library, listen to the varied selection of CD's, help yourself to the well stocked bar, and generally make yourself thoroughly at home.

Dining Area
The convivial dining area where you will enjoy sampling the best of local french cuisine.

Breakfast: Wake up to the smell of fresh coffee, warm croissants, crusty bread, fresh fruit, cereal and yoghurts - a good start to any day!

Lunch: Lingering over a lazy lunch of home-made pâtés and terrines, crispy salads, quiches and tarts, all washed down with a perfectly chilled bottle of sauvignon blanc from a local vinyard -- heaven!

Dinner: Emma's elegant dining room is the perfect place to enjoy the gourmet dinners prepared for you by Liz. She will be using the recipes passed down by René's family through many generations -- this is one of the reasons why France deserves the reputation of having the best cuisine. Liz will be delighted to share her recipes with you.

---

Cabins
There are 3 cabins on "Emma"

The beds are normal sized, not bunks, and there is ample wardrobe and shelf space. We do however recommend where possible to bring soft luggage instead of rigid suitcases.

• Cabin 1 - " Mimosa" -- the gold cabin, with fixed double bed.
• Cabin 2 - "Muguet" -- the green cabin, can be either double or twin bedded.
• Cabin 3 - "Lavande" -- the lavender cabin, can be either double or twin bedded.

Emma's cabins. Each cabin has its own bathroom with wash hand basin, toilet and a normal sized shower with sliding doors. The bathrooms are beautifully tiled, each one being a different color to complement the color of the cabin.

Towels and bathrobes are provided and there are also hairdryers.

---

Features

• Size of barge: 94 ft. by 16 ft.
• Number of Passengers: 6
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 3
• Crew: 4
• Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
• Salon: Salon/dining area with large windows, comfortable sofa and armchairs and TV.
• Bar: Open bar with full board
• Deck: Large teak table and chairs, and lounge chairs, canopy for shade.
• Spa Tub: Not available.
• Cabin Features: Three cabins 100 sq. ft. each, one with double bed, two with twins or queen bed, all with ensuite bathroom with shower
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned minibus
• Accessibility: Steps to salon, one step to cabins
• Bicycles: 6 available - VTT and ladies road bike
• 5 Night Charter: Available on request

Emma's Deck Plan

---

---

Passenger Comments:

Liz and Rene are amazing hosts, so gracious and giving. Their local knowledge was such a treat and it made the journey more alive. In retrospect, I don't see how we did everything with only 24 hours in each day. I didn't think I would be able to slow down enough to enjoy going 5 km a hour, but it was easy aboard Emma. The housekeeping was amazing, the meals were to die for, and the topside area was so comfortable.
Susan V., Canada May 2011

Our overall impression of the barge trip was outstanding in all regards. The Emma has a good floor plan and she is a well-maintained, beautiful barge. Every passerby photographed the Emma! She's a beauty! While the accommodations were not large, the cabin was clean, comfortable, had storage, daily clean towels and worked fine for us. Service was as good, if not better, than any five-star hotel we have stayed in, including the turn-down service in the evenings. We cannot say enough about the food and wine. It was simply delicious -- every meal. We enjoyed the regional wines and appreciated the explanation of every meal (food and wine) from Chef Liz. Each table setting was unique and beautiful. We photographed every dish because each was so beautifully presented (in addition to being scrumptious!). We fell in love with the barge and the entire experience.
Frank & Jerri P., California Sept 2011

Emma is magnificent. Service could not have been better. Meals and wines were EXCELLENT. Emma was an extremely peaceful journey on a finely maintained canal. This ranks at the top of any of our 61 ship experiences, no hassles and plenty of "frills". The warmth of our hosts was a high point! Emma spoiled us for the next two weeks which we spent in a car travelling in Italy. The cruise is peaceful, and yet invigorating, complete enjoyment of God's creation, warm fellowship.
LaVerne and Blaine B., California September 2011

Absolutely the best vacation we've ever had. The food and wines were spectacular. There was just enough touring time and resting and cruising time. Cabins were homey. Small, of course, but very nicely decorated with plenty of storage room for our bags. It was a beautiful canal with all the trees and little villages along the way.
-- CJ, PA, USA, September 2010

The trip was perfect! Liz can really cook! (If you can speak of an excellent chef in that manner) The meals and local wines were always well matched and we loved all of the food! Every meal was a delightful surprise. Cabins were clean and comfortable. From our research, some other barges may have more space in the sleeping quarters, but we were very comfortable and would rather have the barge use the space (as Emma does) for something other than sleeping. We were only in the cabins to sleep anyway and we slept well! The substance of the excursions was terrific and we enjoyed every day. We loved the barge route. From the quiet anchorages to the constantly changing scenery, it was wonderful. My wife described it as like being in a beautiful painting. We hadn't realized how important having just the right hosts would be, but Rene and Liz made it more special than it could have been without them. All of the other things; the food, the tours, the barge itself, the scenery, etc. were over the top!
-- Ron and Liz W., Georgia, May 2010

The food was excellent, beyond description. Liz is a great chef and the presentation of each meal was always a surprise. Now that we are home we are each trying to recreate some of her meals. She should write a cookbook of her recipes. So enjoyable to eat meals on deck. The wines of the region were excellent, never an empty bottle. Cabins met our expectations, glad there was air-conditioning since it was so hot. I would only go on "Emma" if we take another barge cruise.
-- Dr. J & C Y., Florida, July 2010

Emma was perfect in every way! The crew warmth and gracious attitude made us feel as though we had known them for years. The food was absolutely spectacular - each meal even better than the last. The barge is so lovely and we could not imagine having been on any other. The outside area offers the best on the canal and we were proud to be on Emma. Rene arranged for a special trip for us that was a highlight!! We feel that having the owners on board added a personal touch to the whole experience that other barges do not offer. One of the best things for us was the fact that we had a bilingual staff. We have traveled all over France and loved having French staff on board - made us feel as though we were in France which is the way it should be. We were not ready for our trip to end but we brought home some very special memories and will look forward to another trip on the Emma.
-- M and L c., Tennessee, USA, July 2010

It was our trip of a lifetime, an experience I'm sure that we will never duplicate! The barge was wonderful, loved coming "home" after our excursions to caring hospitality, Liz's exceptional meals, and Rene's excellent navigation of the Canal. We loved sharing the experience with our friends.
-- D and B H., Georgia, USA, May 2010

Obviously I am very enthusiastic about our experience, but truthfully I cannot say enough about how much fun the whole crew was. My travel companions love to have a good time---especially enjoying good food and wine. We were amazed that every bottle of wine that we were served and every meal presented was sooo very good. The crew really seems to enjoy what they are doing and that makes for a comfortable and fun environment.
-- D.T., CA, USA

Passengers with the good fortune of travelling aboard 'Emma' will find themselves in the company of Liz and Rene, two of the finest, most experienced and friendly hosts that Southern France has to offer. Your barge experience will remain unmatched and you will fall in love with this boat and its hosts. Liz and Rene have perfected the pampering that is commmonly associated with France and the luxury barge experience. Their knowledge of the region is well connected with their ability to provide their guests with exceptional cuisine, tours, ambience and, most of all, friendship. We look forward to returning to 'Emma' and telling our friends about our wonderful experiences.
-- L.B., CO, USA

Saturday
Your guide will meet you at your chosen rendezvous point and bring you where "Emma” is moored in the port of Trébes. Once you are settled on board we shall cruise off with champagne cocktails out into the vineyards, through two locks to Leveque.

Sunday
We go off to explore the biggest and best fortified city in Europe, Carcassonne. Although dating from the time of Charlemagne, it has been extensively restored. You can walk along the ramparts, visit the Chateau Comtal, shop in the boutiques along the cobbled streets, visit galleries and museums and get the feel of life in the middle ages. Later, put your feet up and relax during our afternoon cruise, which takes us through four locks to Herminis. Have a stroll through the vineyards, cycle the towpath or just sit and have a glass of local wine, read your book whilst your gourmet dinner is being prepared.

Monday
This morning your guide will take you to Limoux, home of the famous sparkling wine. Can we tempt you to a little dégustation? You will then carry on to Rennes le Chateau, which, if you have read Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code, you will remember from the story of the Curé Saunier who all of a sudden had great riches. Did he find the treasure? This is a very interesting visit, through beautiful scenery, but keep your eye out for the lost treasure.  After lunch we shall cruise to the typical Languedocian village of Brams. It is known as a circulade due to its resemblance to the spiral of a snail's shell.

Tuesday
From Brams this morning your visit will take you through the rolling plains of the Lauraguais, fields of sunflowers in summer and views of the snow capped mountains on a clear day, to the town of Mirepoix. We shall stop off at Fanjeaux, home of St Dominic and the Dominican Convent; the views are spectacular. Mirepoix itself is renowned for its wooden columns surrounding the main market square, its colombaged houses and its cathedral. After lunch you captain will gently guide you along the canal, going through a selection of lovely locks to moor up in the lovely Lauraguais countryside.

Wednesday
This morning we shall cruise to the town of Castelnaudary. In the afternoon your guide will take you to visit Castelnaudary, one of the contenders for "the original and best Cassoulet," the others being Carcassonne and Toulouse. The Grand Bassin, the Gothic Collegiale with its 56 meter bell tower, the 17th Century windmill the vestiges of the Presidial, partly destroyed by Louis X11, and the Chapelle Notre Dame de la Pitié with its gold covered wood sculptures depicting 10 episodes in the life of Christ are all on the visit.

Thursday
We leave Castelnaudary this morning and continue our cruise to The Seuil de Narouze. This is the highest point on the Canal du Midi after which it descends the other side towards the Atlantic. Here the plane trees are the same age as the canal - amazing!!. This afternoon's visit is to the the reason why the Canal du Midi was possible, the Lac St Ferreol. It was the only land which had slopes both to the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. You will see the intricate irrigation system, which allows us to have the canal we love today. To think this was all discovered in the 1600's on horseback by Paul Riquet!  Return to Emma for your final gala dinner lovingly prepared by your personal chef.

Friday
Sadly you must leave us this morning, and after breakfast, your guide will be ready to escort you to your onward departure point.

Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. It runs in reverse on alternate weeks.

---

Emma 2012 Season Cruise Schedule* Week Route Season Mar 31 Beziers-Carcassonne Six Night Cruise Apr 7 Carcassonne-Beziers Six Night Cruise Apr 14 Beziers-Carcassonne Six Night Cruise Apr 21 Carcassonne-Toulouse Six Night Cruise Apr 28 Toulouse-Carcassonne Six Night Cruise May 5 Carcassonne-Beziers Six Night Cruise May 12 Beziers-Carcassonne Six Night Cruise May 19 Carcassonne-Beziers Six Night Cruise May 26 Beziers-Carcassonne Six Night Cruise Jun 2 Carcassonne-Beziers Six Night Cruise Jun 9 Beziers-Carcassonne Six Night Cruise Jun 16 Carcassonne-Beziers Six Night Cruise Jun 23 Beziers-Carcassonne Six Night Cruise Jun 30 Carcassonne-Beziers Six Night Cruise Jul 7 Beziers-Aigues-Mortes Six Night Cruise

Cruise Schedule* ... continued Week Route Season Jul 14 Aigues-Mortes-Beziers Six Night Cruise Jul 21 Beziers-Carcassonne Six Night Cruise Jul 28 Carcassonne-Beziers Six Night Cruise Aug 4 Beziers-Carcassonne Six Night Cruise Aug 11 Carcassonne-Beziers Six Night Cruise Aug 18 Beziers-Carcassonne Six Night Cruise Aug 25 Carcassonne-Beziers Six Night Cruise Sep 1 Beziers-Carcassonne Six Night Cruise Sep 8 Carcassonne-Beziers Six Night Cruise Sep 15 Beziers-Carcassonne Six Night Cruise Sep 22 Carcassonne-Beziers Six Night Cruise Sep 29 Beziers-Carcassonne Six Night Cruise Oct 6 Carcassonne-Beziers Six Night Cruise Oct 13 Beziers-Carcassonne Six Night Cruise Oct 20 Carcassonne-Beziers Six Night Cruise

For 2012 the Emma will be offering passengers their choice of 3 available cruise routes. Giving passengers the widest possible choice of options.
Some weeks have already been reserved, so contact us for details and reserve your preference early.
Beziers to Carcassonne
Carcassonne to Beziers
Beziers to Aigues Mortes
Aigues Mortes to Beziers
Carcassonne to Toulouse
Toulouse to Carcassonne

The Emma's route through the south of France, from Toulouse to Carcassonne and 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.

---

EMMA 2012 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
ACCOMMODATION	FIVE NIGHT CRUISES Mar 31 thru Nov 2	SIX NIGHT CRUISES Mar 31 thru Nov 2
Cabin (per person, double occupancy)	$5,500	$5,500
Single Occupancy Supplement	$1,500	$1,500
Charter for 4	$22,000	$25,000
Charter for 5	$23,000	$27,000
Charter for 6	$25,000	$30,000

What's Included

- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath (or 6 days and 5 nights for 5-night charter cruise if selected, for 2012)
- Transfers from Toulouse, Montpellier, Carcassonne or Beziers to the barge and return, depending on cruise  route
- All meals beginning with dinner on Saturday through breakfast on Friday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (golf, etc at extra cost)
- Use of bicycles

What's Not Included

- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent Euros
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transfers from Paris to the barge pickup point and return

Special Places Travel, LLC "Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™ For booking information, Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743) Outside of the U.S.: 001.443.321.3614 or E-mail: info@specialplacestravel.com

Return to TOP of PAGE

---

Text and images Copyright © 2010, 2011, 2012 by Special Places Travel, LLC, Edgewater, MD, and by other copyright holders used by permission. Web design by Special Places Travel, LLC. All rights reserved. No further use without express written permission from copyright holders. Contact Special Places Travel LLC, +1-443-321-3614 for further information.
Last Update: January 12, 2012

Barges in France, A Division of Special Places Travel, LLC.
Barges in Europe, A Division of Special Places Travel, LLC.
Member: American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN). Bonded. Founded 1997. American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover accepted.
Accredited, Better Business Bureau