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
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Canal du Midi:
Beziers (Salleles d'Aude) to Carcassonne (Puicheric) 2010/2011
Sunday - Sallèles d'Aude
Passengers are met at the designated meeting point in Montpellier by the Captain at 4pm and escorted by minibus to Enchante moored in Salleles d'Aude. Champagne welcome followed by dinner aboard.
Monday - Sallèles d'Aude to Le Somail
Morning cruise through the series of locks and narrow bridges of the Robine Canal, built after the Canal du Midi to link Narbonne and the Mediterranean, to the charming and historical village of the Le Somail, purpose built for the Canal du Midi. Take some time to explore the old bookstore of Le Somail. Afternoon excursion to a wine tasting in Saint Chinian, the first village of the region to receive the much envied French mark of approval for wines known as A.O.C. (Appellation d'Origine Controlée), teamed with an excursion to "Oulibo", Occitan for olive. This cooperative olive oil press is a great opportunity to sample the famous Lucques olive. Dinner aboard.
Tuesday - Le Somail to Roubia
This morning's excursion is to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy a visit to the Archbishop's Palace and the indoor market at the hub of this bustling canal side town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the relaxed atmosphere. Afternoon cruise, through vineyards and pine trees along the "grand bief," another engineering prowess unique to the Canal du Midi, to Roubia, a picturesque mooring under the trees and a perfect opportunity to try your hand at pétanque the local sport of boules. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday - Roubia to Homps
This morning we take the minibus to a Benedictine Abbey founded in the 8th century. Nestled in the village of Lagrasse, awarded the title of "Plus beaux villages de France" (most beautiful villages of France), now home to many artisans who have set up workshops in the medieval centre, the restored Abbey was once one of the most prosperous thanks to Charlemagne's charter. A chance to sample some local cuisine with lunch ashore in a spectacular setting overlooking the Corbières. Afternoon cruise under the shade of the plane trees which line the canal, we gently circle the contours of the land to reach the port of Homps once an important commandery for the Knights Hospitalier. Dinner aboard.
Thursday - Homps to La Redorte
Morning excursion to Minerve, the ancient capital of the Minervois, which boasts a 12th century Cathar fort surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Besieged by Simon de Montfort in 1215, its hilltop location affords spectacular views. Afternoon cruise along the 330 year old Midi canal ascending its trademark locks, walking from one to the next or perhaps cycling ahead to explore the village of La Redorte famous in the 11th century for its basket weaving. Dinner aboard.
Friday - La Redorte to Puichéric
Fascinating morning tour of Carcassonne. Dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, this is the most complete medieval fortified city in existence today with its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defenses, which resisted the many armies that tried to storm this glorious Camelot setting. We cruise in the afternoon to Puichéric, past "l'Epanchoir", one of the canal bridges invented by Pierre Riquet for the Canal du Midi. Farewell Dinner aboard.
Saturday - Puichéric to Montpellier
After breakfast depart Puichéric and return to Montpellier by 10am for 2010 cruises and by midday for 2011 cruises.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise operates in the reverse direction.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Provence:
Rhone River, Canal du Rhone a Sete:
Avignon to Agde
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.
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
|
|
Enchante
2011 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Mar 6 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Value
|
| Mar 13 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Value
|
| Mar 20 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Value
|
| Mar 27 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Value
|
| Apr 3 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Value
|
| Apr 10 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Value
|
| Apr 17 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Value
|
| Apr 24 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Regular
|
| May 1 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
| May 8 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Regular
|
| May 15 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
| May 22 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Regular
|
| May 29 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
| Jun 5 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Regular
|
| Jun 12 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
| Jun 19 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Regular
|
| Jun 26 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
| Jul 3 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 10 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
| Jul 17 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Regular
|
| Jul 24 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
| Jul 31 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Regular
|
| Aug 7 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
| Aug 14 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Regular
|
| Aug 21 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
| Aug 28 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Regular
|
| Sep 4 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
| Sep 11 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Regular
|
| Sep 18 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
| Sep 25 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Regular
|
| Oct 2 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
| Oct 9 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Regular
|
| Oct 16 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Value
|
| Oct 23 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Value
|
| Oct 30 |
Beziers-Carcassonne |
Value
|
| Nov 6 |
Carcassonne-Beziers |
Value
|
|
*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.
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 |
ENCHANTE
2011 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
VALUE Mar 6 thru Apr 23 Oct 16 thru Nov 12 |
REGULAR Apr 24 thru Oct 15 |
|
Suite (per person, double occupancy) |
$5,300 |
$6,100 |
|
Suite Single Supplement |
$2,000 |
$2,280 |
|
Charter for up to 6 |
$37,000 |
$42,500 |
|
Charter for 7 |
$38,750 |
$44,500 |
|
Charter for 8 |
$40,500 |
$46,500 |
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: August 6, 2010
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