Hotel Barge Enchante Cruises on the Canal du Midi in Southern France | Barge Cruises
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Barge Cruise: Enchanté
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Cruise In The South Of France On The Canal du Midi Aboard The Ultra Deluxe Hotel-Barge ENCHANTÉ


BARGE CRUISES: SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS
Enchanté was originally built to navigate the canals and rivers of Europe and has now been completely refurbished to the highest standard. Her new life began with an inaugural cruise in August 2009, on the Canal du Midi. Enchanté provides luxurious accommodation for up to 8 guests in 4 cabins that can be configured with either a queen bed or two twin sized beds. Each cabin is approximately 165 sq ft and has a superbly appointed ensuite bathroom with shower.

The barge is tastefully furnished in a contemporary style, creating a bright, art deco atmosphere. She has a spacious salon with large picture windows for viewing the scenery. There is a demonstration kitchen for guests to view the Chef, and internet connection on board with a computer available for guests to use. For those who might be interested in its new Culinary Cruise see the sample itinerary below.

The spacious sundeck was designed for pure enjoyment. Guests can relax on one of our luxurious loungers, take a dip in the gorgeous hot tub and even enjoy al fresco dining for lunch or dinner (weather permitting).

Enchanté is managed by its owners Roger and Louisa Gronow, who also own the ultra-deluxe barge Finesse in Burgundy. Its highly professional crew of four includes a master Chef, tour guide and hostess, led by a knowledgeable and experienced Captain who will ensure that your cruise is more than memorable. We have been on board the Enchanté many times, and thoroughly enjoyed cruising on it. We know its owners well and are confident that they will always provide a top quality cruise. We most recently visited Enchanté in May 2019, met with the owners and were impressed with their new sun canopy and upgrades to the cabins and bathrooms.

Cruise Highlights:

Features




Enchanté Deck Plan




ENCHANTE
2021 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
TYPE VALUE
Mar 21 thru Apr 24
Jul 18 thru Aug 28
Oct 3 thru Oct 30
REGULAR
Apr 25 thru Jul 17
Aug 29 thru Oct 2
Cabin (per person, double occupancy)
$6,250
$7,150
Single Occupancy Supplement
$2,300
$2,600
Charter for up to 6
$43,400
$49,800
Charter for 7
$45,300
$52,000
Charter for 8
$47,200
$54,200

ENCHANTE
2022 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
TYPE VALUE
Mar 27 thru Apr 30
Jul 17 thru Aug 27
Oct 9 thru Oct 29
REGULAR
May 1 thru Jul 16
Aug 28 thru Oct 8
Cabin (per person, double occupancy)
$6,590
$7,550
Single Occupancy Supplement
$2,450
$2,750
Charter for 6
$45,800
$52,900
Charter for 7
$47,800
$55,100
Charter for 8
$49,800
$57,300

What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Narbonne to the barge and return for cabin bookings; for charters one location in Narbonne, Beziers, Carcassonne, Montpellier, Nimes, Perpignan or Toulouse is possible.
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday, including one lunch at a local restaurant
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (golf, etc. at additional cost)
- Use of bicycles

What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transportation from Paris to to the pickup location and return
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Suggested 5-7% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent Euros to the captain



Enchante
2021 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week Route (Or Reverse) Season
Mar 21 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Value
Mar 28 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Value
Apr 4 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Value
Apr 11 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Value
Apr 18 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Value
Apr 25 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Regular
May 2 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Regular
May 9 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Regular
May 16 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Regular
May 23 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Regular
May 30 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Regular
Jun 6 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Regular
Jun 13 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Regular
Jun 20 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Regular
Jun 27 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Regular
Jul 4 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Regular
Jul 11 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Regular
Jul 18 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Value
Jul 25 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Value
Aug 1 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Value
Aug 8 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Value
Aug 15 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Value
Aug 22 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Value
Aug 29 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Regular
Sep 5 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Regular
Sep 12 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Regular
Sep 19 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Regular
Sep 26 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Regular
Oct 3 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Value
Oct 10 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Value
Oct 17 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Value
Oct 24 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Value

Enchante
2022 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week Route (Or Reverse) Season
Mar 27 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Value
Apr 3 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Value
Apr 10 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Value
Apr 17 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Value
Apr 24 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Value
May 1 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Regular
May 8 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Regular
May 15 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Regular
May 22 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Regular
May 29 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Regular
Jun 5 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Regular
Jun 12 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Regular
Jun 19 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Regular
Jun 26 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Regular
Jul 3 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Regular
Jul 10 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Regular
Jul 17 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Value
Jul 24 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Value
Jul 31 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Value
Aug 7 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Value
Aug 14 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Value
Aug 21 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Value
Aug 28 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Regular
Sep 4 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Regular
Sep 11 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Regular
Sep 18 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Regular
Sep 25 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Regular
Oct 2 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Value
Oct 9 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude Value
Oct 16 Salleles d'Aude-Trebes Value
Oct 23 Trebes-Salleles d'Aude 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.



SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Canal du Midi
Trèbes to Salleles d'Aude 2023

Carcassonne
Carcassonne

Minervois Vineyard
Minervois Vineyard

Abbaye Sainte-Marie de Lagrasse
Abbaye Sainte-Marie de Lagrasse

Minerve Hilltop Village
Minerve Hilltop Village

Archbishop's Palace, Narbonne
Archbishop's Palace, Narbonne

Sunday - Trèbes
Guests are met in Narbonne (other locations available for charters) and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Enchanté. A champagne welcome and an introduction to the Captain and crew, followed by dinner on board.

Monday - Trèbes to Puichéric

A 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 defences, which resisted the many armies that tried to storm this glorious Camelot setting. This afternoon, we cruise along the 330-year-old canal and gently circle the contours of the land, passing charming hamlets and ancient vineyards, to Puichéric lock. Dinner on board..

Tuesday - Puichéric to Homps
This morning, our cruise descends the trademark locks of the Canal du Midi as the steep relief requires them to be more numerous and deeper. This is a great opportunity to walk or cycle from one lock to the next as Enchanté cruises on, navigating the triple locking system. The afternoon excursion is a wine tour and tasting at Château Saint Jacques d'Albas in Minervois, one of the few regions to receive the much envied French mark of approval for wines known as A.O.C. (Appellation d'Origine Controlée). This informative tour offers an opportunity to sample wine in situ and find out more about the Languedoc's long-standing and continuing wine trade. Dinner on board.

Wednesday - Homps to Roubia

This morning, we visit a Benedictine Abbey founded in the 8th century. Nestled in Lagrasse, a village awarded the title of "Plus beaux villages de France" and 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. Then we sample some local cuisine with lunch ashore in a spectacular setting overlooking the Corbières, before returning to Enchanté for our cruise to Roubia. This afternoon, while cruising under the shade of the plane trees which line the canal, we pass the canal bridge "l'Epanchoir", one of the many feats of engineering invented by Pierre Paul Riquet for the Canal du Midi. Dinner on board.

Thursday - Roubia to Le Somail

A morning cruise through vineyards and pine trees to the charming historical village of Le Somail, purposebuilt for the Canal du Midi. This bustling little village is situated on the "grand bief", another engineering prowess unique to the Canal du Midi. Take some time to explore the old bookstore of Le Somail. An afternoon excursion to "L'Oulibo", a local co-operative olive oil press where we will sample the famous Lucques olives. We continue on 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 1210, its hilltop location affords spectacular views. Dinner on board.

Friday - Le Somail to Sallèles d'Aude

This morning's excursion is to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy a visit to a subterranean Roman market, the Archbishop's Palace and the indoor market at the hub of this bustling canalside town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the vibrant atmosphere. Afternoon cruise along the delightful Canal de la Robine, built after the Canal du Midi to link Narbonne to the Mediterranean. Perhaps cycle ahead and explore the village of Sallèles d'Aude, our final mooring. Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday - Sallèles d'Aude

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Narbonne (other locations available for charters).

Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise will operate in the reverse direction.


Dining Aboard Enchanté:
SAMPLE MENU



A taste of the gourmet cuisine served aboard the Enchanté. BREAKFAST
LUNCH
DINNER
SAMPLE WINE LIST
Domaine de Nalys; Châteauneuf du Pape; Château Haut Gléo; Corbières; Domaine Corsin; Pouilly Fuissé; Domaine Vacheron, Sancerre; Château Les Ollieux Romanis; Domaine Alquier; Faugères; Château de Gourgazau; Minervois La Livinière

Passenger Comments:


Everything about this trip was outstanding. The barge was comfortable, well appointed, and immaculate. The food was equal to anything one would get at a top restaurant--fresh, creative, and paired perfectly with local wines. The staff was friendly, informative, extremely helpful, and seemed to anticipate every need. The itinerary was interesting and varied. Even though it seemed we were busy every minute, it was a restful and relaxing trip.
M.S. AZ, USA

The barge was absolutely amazing. We loved the staff, the accommodations, the food, the side trips, the scenery. There was nothing they didn't think of. The road bikes they got for us were really nice. We went on some great rides up in the hills and through the little villages. The fields of blooming red poppies were exquisite.
A.L. AZ, USA

Fantastic. Start to finish. Staff superb. Relaxed company and professional. The boat is superb. Some of the excursion distances seemed a bit far away but worth it when we go there. Food top drawer. Roger the Captain great. Everyone loved it. The band you helped us with were brilliant and good company.
P.W., England

The meals and wines were fantastic. Both my husband and I are interested in food and wine, and were thrilled with the food - taste, preparation and presentation, and the wines. We especially loved Chef's descriptions of each course and Sheryl's descriptions of each wine and cheese at lunch and dinner. Loved being able to watch Chef prepare. The excursions were excellent. Claire was a great guide! Extremely knowledgeable, and her enthusiastic and warm presentation made the excursions informative and FUN! Loved that Claire would present the following day's agenda at dinner so that we could anticipate the next day. I would inquire about times to get on and off the barge, and plan accordingly.
L&J M, MA, USA

We have never had finer dining in our lives. Each meal was a work of art, aesthetically pleasing as well as unique and surprising. Sylvain is truly an artist in the kitchen. His meals rivaled the most highly ranked restaurants we have experienced. Each meal was an experience to remember. We even took photos of each presentation. The barge trip far exceeded our wildest expectations. Each day was an adventure we will never forget. The crew was an integral part of this experience; they each contributed to a fun, relaxed, adventurous environment in their own special way. They anticipated our needs before we did and ensured that everything we wanted was available at a moment's notice. EVERYTHING about the barge trip was more than perfect.
R.P. CA USA



LINKS to Enchanté Information


Barges In France, bargesinfrance.com



This page last updated December 25, 2023