Brand New in August 2009! Cruise in the South of France on the Canal du Midi or Provence and the Camargue aboard the Ultra-Deluxe Hotel-Barge ENCHANTE

SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS

Enchante was originally built to navigate the canals and rivers of Europe and has now been completely refurbished to the highest standard, with its inaugural cruise in August 2009 on the Canal du Midi. Enchante provides luxurious accommodation for up to 8 guests in 4 equal suites with twin beds or oversized queen bed, each approximately 200 sq ft, with a superbly appointed ensuite bathroom with shower and luxurious bath products.

Enchante is tastefully furnished in exotic hardwoods creating a bright and airy atmosphere. She has a large, spacious salon where the attention to detail is exceptional. She has a demonstration kitchen for guests to view the chef, internet connection on board and a guest computer available, DVD/TV and air conditioning throughout.

Guests relax on the spacious sun deck, with al fresco dining, gorgeous hot tub and luxurious sun loungers.

Enchanté's highly professional crew of four includes a master chef, tour guide and hostess, led by a knowledgeable and experienced captain who will ensure your cruise is memorable and more!

Cruise Highlights:

• All-inclusive:
  open bar, high quality local and regional wines paired with gourmet cuisine, entry fees to excursions
  
  
• Canal du Midi Cruises:
  Tour Carcassonne, the most complete medieval fortified city in existence
  Visit the ancient Roman city of Narbonne
  Explore the 12th century hill-top fort of Minerve
  Private tastings of Corbières wine at Domaine de Guery
  See the Pyrenees mountains across the vineyards and discover Cathar history
  Experience Narbonne's colorful indoor market
  Visit Béziers and 600 B.C. L'Oppium D'Enserune
  
  
• Provence & Camarque Cruises:
  Visit the famous Palais des Papes -- go back in time to the era of the 'Other Rome', when the Popes moved to France
  Enjoy a superb wine tasting at Chateauneuf du Pape
  Explore Arles with its 2000-year-old Roman Arena, and visit some of Vincent Van Gogh's haunts on foot.
  See the medieval fortified walls of Aigues Mortes
  Cruise to the fascinating Camargue National Park with its wild white horses, abundant sea bird life, pink flamingos, bulls, and cowboys
  Cruise across the Etang de Thau, an inland salt-water lagoon with acres of mussel and oyster beds
  
  
• Regional Gastronomy Specialties:
  Cuisine samples: Noisette d'Agneau en Croûte de Sel avec Sauce Romarin, Ragout de Calamars 'Provençàle'
  Wine cellar samples: Domain de Guéry, Château de Nouvelles, La Clape, Château la Condamine Bertrand
  Cheese board samples: Le Saint-Remois, Fromage de Chévre au Poivre at au Thyme, Tomme de Valdeblore
  

Features

• Size of barge: 100 by 16.5 feet
• Number of Passengers: 8
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 4
• Crew: 4
• Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
• Salon: Large spacious salon, demonstration kitchen, guest computer, and DVD/TV.
• Bar: Open bar
• Deck: Sun deck with hot tub, dining table, sun loungers
• Spa Tub: Yes
• Cabin Features: 4 equal twin/queen cabins (approx 200 sq ft), each with ensuite bathroom with shower.
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned 9-seater (including driver) mini-van
• Accessibility: Steps to salon and cabins
• Bicycles: 8 18-speed touring bikes: typically 4 Dawes AT Bikes, 2 ladies AT bikes and 2 larger AT bikes

Enchante Deck Plan

Passenger Comments:

Fabulous. Beautiful, relaxing, fun. The cabins were really nice size and nicely decorated. Exceeded our expectations. The service was outstanding. Everyone was so accomodating and warm and helpful. We felt right at home and yet, very pampered. Every meal was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented.

The excursions were fun and very informative. I think there was a good balance between the excursions and the cruising. Loved the canal -- it's so peaceful and you see parts of the country that you probably would never visit.

Louisa and Roger were the nicest, most wonderful couple and made everything about the cruise so enjoyable. The barge is beautiful and very comfortable and the canal was such a lovely setting in which to relax. Although I suggest including more salads and vegetables, the food was all really delicious including the fabulous wines.

We looked into many other barges and I feel we absolutely chose the most beautiful and special barge. After our experience, we would highly recommend the Enchante without reservation. It is a very special experience.
-- A.K., R.K., NY, USA

Sunday
You will be met at 4pm at the designated hotel in Montpellier or Montpellier TGV station and escorted by minibus to the Enchante for a Champagne Welcome. Spend the night on board in Avignon.  Dinner aboard.

Monday - Avignon to Arles
This morning we visit the Palais des Papes, a massive monument to the era of the 'Other Rome,' when the popes moved to France. After a stroll though the vibrant shopping district of Avignon, return to the barge for lunch. In the afternoon we cruise down the mighty Rhone River to Arles, passing the immense citadel of King René at Tarascon, and the foothills of the Alpilles.  Dinner aboard.

Tuesday - Arles to Aigues Mortes
This morning we explore Arles, the Roman Arena, St. Trophime's Basilica and the Museum of Provencal life.  We visit some of Vincent Van Gogh's haunts on foot through the pedestrianized heart of this old capital of the Camargue.  Then cruise down the Petit Rhone and on to the Canal de Rhone a Sete, passing several herds of wild Black bulls.  We moor at Aigues Mortes.  Dinner aboard.

Wednesday - Aigues Mortes to Frontignan
Stroll from our mooring outside the town walls to visit the Tour de Constance, built in 1248 as a lighthouse and since used as a prison.  Then in the afternoon we cruise the Canal du Rhone à Sete through the Camargue  National Park with its wild horses, black bulls and pink flamingoes, to the hamlet of Les Aresquiers where we are 200 yards from the Mediterranean.  Dinner aboard.

Thursday - Frontignan to Marseillan
An early start to pass under the lifting Bridge at Frontignan, then we sail out onto the Etang de Thau, a large, inland, salt water lake.  Mid-morning we stop briefly at Bouzigues to visit the Museum of the lake with its exhibition on oyster culture, which is the main activity of the many local fishermen. After lunch on board, we have a short minibus ride to the 12C Abbaye de Valmagne with its vast Cistercian church and beautiful cloister.  Our tour ends with a chance to taste its award winning range of wines.  Returning to the barge, we have an afternoon cruise on the lake to the port of Marseillan.  Dinner aboard.

Friday - Marseillan to Agde
Before the ship sails we have an opportunity to tour the cellars and distillery of the world famous aperitif, Noilly Prat, followed by a tasting. Then an afternoon cruise on the Canal du Midi,   through the renowned round lock and finishing our voyage on the River Herault.  We will be moored in the shadow of the Cathedral of the fishing town of Agde, built of lava blocks from the nearby volcano. Captain's Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday
Return transfer by minibus Montpellier Centre or TGV station by 10am.

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

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Enchante 2010 Season Cruise Schedule* Week Route Season Mar 7 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Mar 14 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular Mar 21 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Mar 28 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular Apr 4 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Apr 11 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular Apr 18 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Apr 25 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular May 2 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular May 9 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular May 16 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular May 23 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular May 30 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Jun 6 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular Jun 13 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Jun 20 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular Jun 27 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Jul 4 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular

Cruise Schedule* ... continued Week Route Season Jul 11 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Jul 18 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular Jul 25 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Aug 1 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular Aug 8 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Aug 15 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular Aug 22 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Aug 29 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular Sep 5 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Sep 12 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular Sep 19 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Sep 26 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular Oct 3 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Oct 10 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular Oct 17 Beziers-Carcassonne Regular Oct 24 Carcassonne-Beziers Regular Oct 31 Agde-Avignon Regular Nov 7 Avignon-Agde 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.

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ENCHANTE 2010 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS Same as 2009!
ACCOMMODATION	REGULAR Mar 7 thru Nov 13
Suite (per person, double occupancy)	$5,890
Suite Single Supplement	$2,200
Charter for up to 6	$41,000
Charter for 7	$43,000
Charter for 8	$45,000

What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Montpellier to the barge and return for Canal du Midi cruises
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (hot air ballooning, golf, etc. at additional cost)
- Use of bicycles

What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transportation from Paris to Montpellier and return for Canal du Midi cruises
- Suggested 5-7% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent Euros to the captain

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

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Last Update: January 19, 2010

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