Barge Cruise: Alouette
Cruise In The South Of France On The Canal du Midi Aboard The Ultra Deluxe Hotel-Barge ALOUETTE
BARGE CRUISES: SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS
The 4-Passenger Alouette offers private charters aboard one of the most luxurious barges currently cruising the historic Canal du Midi between Béziers and Carcassonne. The beautiful tree-lined canal was built in the 17th century and was an engineering marvel for its time. Highlights of this area include Carcassonne, the most complete medieval, fortified city in existence. Excursions to fortified villages, castles and market towns plus a sophisticated gourmet and service tradition on board the Alouette create the ingredients for an exceptionally memorable barge cruise.
The barge itself offers elegant Provencal decor throughout and has two large and very comfortable cabins, each with its own private ensuite bathroom with shower. There are large windows that open well above the waterline for you to enjoy the sights as the barge floats by. The spacious living/dining salon with large picture windows has a library area, writing desk, stereo, games, satellite TV and internet access. The sundeck with lounge chairs and sheltering umbrellas is perfect for soaking up the sun while enjoying the scenery during the day.
One day you may decide to bicycle through the countryside to visit Roman ruins, travel in your own air-conditioned mini-bus to an out of the way vineyard, or visit a local market or the historic towns and villages of the region. Then, at the end of a glorious day, you return to your floating "country home" where your crew has been preparing an evening feast ... an elegant five course gourmet dinner graced by fine wines and cheeses unknown outside France. A sense of comradery seems to prevail as you share the day's adventures with old and new friends ... reliving memories that will carry your conversations for years to come.
We have visited the Alouette several times and think that its latest renovation makes it one of the most beautiful barges afloat, now with very large cabins and bathrooms.
Features
- Size of barge: 100 ft by 15.6 ft
- Number of Passengers: 4
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 2
- Crew: 4
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: Comfortable sofas and dining area with picture windows
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Sundeck with dining table and 4 chairs, 4 lounge chairs and canopy
- Spa Tub: No
- Cabin Features: Two twin or queen bed cabins, 189 sq ft and 158 sq ft, including ensuite bathroom with shower.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned minibus (4-seater plus driver)
- Accessibility: Steps to salon/cabins
- Bicycles: Yes - 21 gears
- Wi-Fi: Yes - limited in some areas
Alouette's Deck Plan
| ALOUETTE 2022 SEASON PRICES in EUROS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| TYPE | LOW Apr 3 thru Apr 30 |
VALUE Jul 3 thru Sep 3 |
HIGH May 1 thru Jul 2 Sep 4 thru Oct 22 |
| Charter for 2 |
€17,903 |
€21,344 |
€27,290 |
| Charter for 3 |
€19,903 |
€23,344 |
€29,290 |
| Charter for 4 |
€21,903 |
€25,344 |
€31,290 |
| ALOUETTE 2023 SEASON PRICES in EUROS | ||
|---|---|---|
| TYPE | VALUE Apr 2 thru May 6 Jul 2 thru Sep 2 |
HIGH May 7 thru Jul 1 Sep 3 thru Oct 21 |
| Charter for up to 4 |
€28,161 |
€34,420 |
NOTE: Rates subject to change at any time. Please contact us for current prices.
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return via TGV train and chauffeur service from Paris hotel to train station
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday, including two meals on shore
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursions (hot air balloon not available in Canal du Midi area)
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid to the captain in equivalent euros
|
Alouette 2022 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 3 | Carcassonne-Beziers | Low |
| Apr 10 | Beziers-Carcassonne | Low |
| Apr 17 | Carcassonne-Beziers | Low |
| Apr 24 | Beziers-Carcassonne | Low |
| May 1 | Carcassonne-Beziers | High |
| May 8 | Beziers-Carcassonne | High |
| May 15 | Carcassonne-Beziers | High |
| May 22 | Beziers-Carcassonne | High |
| May 29 | Carcassonne-Beziers | High |
| Jun 5 | Beziers-Avignon | High |
| Jun 12 | Avignon-Beziers | High |
| Jun 19 | Beziers-Carcassonne | High |
| Jun 26 | Carcassonne-Beziers | High |
| Jul 3 | Beziers-Carcassonne | Value |
| Jul 10 | Carcassonne-Beziers | Value |
| Jul 17 | Beziers-Carcassonne | Value |
| Jul 24 | Carcassonne-Beziers | Value |
| Jul 31 | Beziers-Carcassonne | Value |
| Aug 7 | Carcassonne-Beziers | Value |
| Aug 14 | Beziers-Carcassonne | Value |
| Aug 21 | Carcassonne-Beziers | Value |
| Aug 28 | Beziers-Carcassonne | Value |
| Sep 4 | Carcassonne-Beziers | High |
| Sep 11 | Beziers-Carcassonne | High |
| Sep 18 | Carcassonne-Beziers | High |
| Sep 25 | Beziers-Carcassonne | High |
| Oct 2 | Carcassonne-Beziers | High |
| Oct 9 | Beziers-Carcassonne | High |
| Oct 16 | Carcassonne-Beziers | High |
|
Alouette 2023 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 2 | Carcassonne-Beziers | Value |
| Apr 9 | Beziers-Carcassonne | Value |
| Apr 16 | Carcassonne-Beziers | Value |
| Apr 23 | Beziers-Carcassonne | Value |
| Apr 30 | Carcassonne-Beziers | Value |
| May 7 | Beziers-Carcassonne | High |
| May 14 | Carcassonne-Beziers | High |
| May 21 | Beziers-Carcassonne | High |
| May 28 | Carcassonne-Beziers | High |
| Jun 4 | Beziers-Carcassonne | High |
| Jun 11 | Carcassonne-Beziers | High |
| Jun 18 | Beziers-Carcassonne | High |
| Jun 25 | Carcassonne-Beziers | High |
| Jul 2 | Beziers-Carcassonne | Value |
| Jul 9 | Carcassonne-Beziers | Value |
| Jul 16 | Beziers-Carcassonne | Value |
| Jul 23 | Carcassonne-Beziers | Value |
| Jul 30 | Beziers-Carcassonne | Value |
| Aug 6 | Carcassonne-Beziers | Value |
| Aug 13 | Beziers-Carcassonne | Value |
| Aug 20 | Carcassonne-Beziers | Value |
| Aug 27 | Beziers-Carcassonne | Value |
| Sep 3 | Carcassonne-Beziers | High |
| Sep 10 | Beziers-Carcassonne | High |
| Sep 17 | Carcassonne-Beziers | High |
| Sep 24 | Beziers-Carcassonne | High |
| Oct 1 | Carcassonne-Beziers | High |
| Oct 8 | Beziers-Carcassonne | High |
| Oct 15 | Carcassonne-Beziers | High |
*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.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Canal du Midi
Carcassonne to Beziers 2023
Canal du Midi
Carcassonne to Beziers 2023
Highlights:
--Abbaye de Frontfroide: Set in a magnificent rural location,
the abbey was attached to the order of Citeaux from 1145 and rapidly became one
of the richest in Europe. After a period of decline, just a handful of monks
were left by the time of the French revolution. The abbey was eventually sold in
1908 to the Fayet family, who have passionately restored it to reflect its
former glory.
--Narbonne: Originally located on the Via Domitia, the first
Roman Road in Gaul that connected Italy to Spain, Narbonne's rich history dates
back 2000 years. Its Canal de Robine traverses the town, overlooked by the
imposing 14th-century cathedral, one of the tallest in France. Today tourists
can enjoy mingling with the locals on market day, soak up the vibrant atmosphere
of this charming town.
--Minerve: Local inhabitants, along with their renowned wine,
are called 'Minervois'. This small village overlooks the Cesse-Brian Gorges, a
site of incredible beauty. Our guide will help you unravel the compelling story
of Minerve, steeped in local folklore, before leading you to a local domaine and
winetasting.
--Cité de Carcasonne: A UNESCO World Heritage site since
1997, the majestic medieval walled city has been built up and fortified by its
many successive rulers. It now dominates the lower 'modern' town through which
the Canal du Midi gracefully meanders. Alouette moors right in the town's port,
within walking distance of the centre.
l'Abbaye de Fontfroide
Canal du Midi
Minerve Hilltop Village
Carcassonne
Step aboard and enjoy a welcoming champagne reception, meeting your crew and guide for your cruise along the waterways of France. Later this evening, enjoy your first gourmet dining experience on the barge. Your private chef will showcase the region's tastiest seasonal ingredients, paired with fine wines.
Monday - Cruise to Marseillette. Visit Carcassonne
Spend your first morning relaxing as you cruise along the beautiful Canal du Midi, one of the most stunning waterways in France. After lunch on board, alight with your guide for a tour of the spectacular medieval fortress of Carcassonne. Explore the intricate fortifications of the two vast castellated walls, one inside the other, and enjoy the breathtaking views from the battlements towards the Pyrenees. Visit the cathedral, remarkable for its stained-glass rose windows, elegant Romanesque nave and Gothic transepts. Return to the barge in time for cocktails on deck and a sumptuous dinner.
Tuesday - Cruise to Homps. Visit Minerve
Enjoy a leisurely morning cruise from the comfort of the sun deck, or perhaps walk or cycle along the towpath. Disembark mid-morning to discover Minerve, an ancient village perched on a limestone cliff, which overlooks the vineyards below. Its now-ruined castle was once a Cathar stronghold, besieged and captured by Simon de Montfort. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon cruise to our mooring at Homps. Tonight, enjoy dinner on shore at a charming local restaurant.
Wednesday - Cruise to Le Somail. Visit an olive mill
This morning’s cruise brings you to Le Somail, one of the prettiest moorings along the canal, which attracts a host of local artists displaying their works. After lunch, accompany your guide on a short drive to a local olive mill, where you can uncover the farmer’s secrets with a private demonstration and tasting. On the way back to the boat, stop to sample wine from a local domaine before returning to the boat for aperitifs and a delicious dinner on board.
Thursday - Visit Narbonne. Cruise to Capestang
In the company of your chef, experience the wonderful covered market in Narbonne and help choose the ingredients for tonight's dinner. Narbonne is a lively Mediterranean town and important wine-producing centre. The historic architecture, shady boulevards and location on the banks of the Canal de la Robine all contribute to its charm. Enjoy lunch at a local bistro situated in the heart of the lively market, then return to the barge for an afternoon cruise to the port of Capestang. Dinner is served on board.
Friday - Visit Fontfroide Abbey. Cruise to Béziers
Relax on board as the barge navigates the final stretch to our mooring in Béziers. Admire the picturesque scenery along the Canal du Midi from the deck. After lunch on board, your guide escorts you to Fontfroide Abbey, a Cistercian monastery founded in the 11th century. Now privately owned, the abbey has been lovingly restored with a well-kept garden and peaceful cloister. On the way back to the barge, stop to marvel at the engineering wonder that is the Fonserannes Locks. This iconic flight of staircase locks comprises eight chambers and nine gates. Return to the barge where Chef has been busy preparing your farewell gala dinner.
Saturday - Béziers
Please check out this morning by 7:45am for transfer to Beziers rail station in time for your 8:29am train to Paris. After breakfast, your crew bids you farewell as you disembark for your onward travel arrangements. We look forward to welcoming you back on board soon.
Note: In exceptional circumstances it may be necessary to alter the route without prior notice. The cruise is in the reverse direction on alternate weeks.
Dining Aboard The Alouette:
SAMPLE MENU
Dining on board the Alouette is among the highlights of the cruise. Our
five-course candlelit dinners are a particularly special treat. The table
d'hôte menus onboard the Amaryllis are of the very highest quality and
include many regional specialties and fine wines. Each week's menu includes some
of the Chef's original recipes as well as regional specialties and seasonal
delicacies unique to the particular area of the country you are cruising.You will enjoy a buffet style continental breakfast, large lunch including pâtés, cheeses, cold meats, tarts, terrines and salad. Dinners are always plated with at least four courses and complementary wines.
Meal times may vary to fit in with excursions but are generally:
Breakfast between 8:00 am to 10:00 am
Lunch between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm
Dinner at 7:30 - 8:00 pm
LUNCH
- Moules marinieres shrimp and celeriac remoulade with watercress, frisse, fennel and orange salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Artichoke and ricotta tart with fruit chutney
- Insalata Caprese with mozzarella, basil, tomato, spanish onion & vinaigrette
DINNER
- Amuse-bouches of foie gras on pain d'epices
- Entree: Roast sweetcorn soup with lobster and spiced butter
- Main: Crispy skinned sea bass fillet on pea and mint puree with a truffle beurre blanc and watercress salad
- Dessert: Sticky date pudding with whisky toffee sauce and creme fraiche
WINES
Carefully selected wines, including 1er Cru and Grand Cru vintages, are served with lunch and dinner. We will of course try and accommodate any specific requests from clients for particular wines and spirits where possible.
Passenger Comments:
It was perfect. The staff was exceptional. We took a barge trip 2 years ago and I didn't think it could get any better but it did!
C.A, MA, USA
Our crew were just outstanding. From the moment we arrived at the train station to the moment we left, we felt like royalty. A barge cruise is slow food for the mind and body. My husband describes it as floating through an Impressionist painting while dining at a Michelin quality restaurant. The barge was gorgeous, the staff and service were outstanding, and the Canal du Midi mesmerizing. The emphasis on local food, local wine and visiting quirky local museums and vineyards made this holiday a highlight of our trip to Europe. It was a family trip and thoroughly enjoyed by all, irrespective of age.
C.S., Australia
LINKS to Alouette Information
This page last updated December 25, 2023