The Alouette is the only luxury barge in the Afloat in France fleet that can navigate the narrow locks on the Canal du Midi. She accommodates six passengers in well-appointed cabins located well above the water line.  Her sun-deck provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy the passing scenery while cruising through Bordeaux, Canal du Midi and Provence.

I T I N E R A R Y
SUNDAY, Day 1
Paris to Toulouse Your Afloat in France tour guide meets you in the lounge of Hotel de la Cité, at 2.00 pm and escorts you on your transfer to the Alouette moored at Carcassonne. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Once unpacked, you visit one of the last working windmills in France, “Le Moulin de Benazeth”. Later that evening enjoy your first dining experience on board.

MONDAY, Day 2
Toulouse to Trebes Today, tour the wonderful medieval fortress of La Cité de Carcassonne. Explore the intricate fortifications of the two castellated walls, one inside the other, about a mile in circumference. The views from the battlements towards the Pyrenées are stunning. Visit the Cathedral remarkable for its stained glass rose windows, fine statues, elegant Romanesque nave and Gothic transepts. Back to the barge for lunch and an afternoon cruise to Trebes followed by winetasting at Peyriac-Minervois.

TUESDAY, Day 3
Trebes to Puicheric After breakfast, your tour guide takes you to Abbaye de Fontfroide, a Cistercian monastery founded in the 11th century. Now privately owned the abbey has been sympathetically restored with well-kept gardens and peaceful cloisters. Return to the barge for lunch. Relax on deck and watch the passing scenery as you slowly cruise along to your overnight mooring of Homps.

WEDNESDAY, Day 4
Puicheric to Le Somail Take in the grandeur and beauty of the Canal du Midi, with its impressively fine locks, buildings and aqueducts, scarcely changed from their completion over 300 years ago. After lunch, visit Minerve, an old village on a limestone cliff, which dominates the vineyards below. Its now ruined castle was once a Cathar stronghold besieged and captured by Simon de Montfort. There’s a chance to taste some awarding winning olive oil at a local olive press at l’Oulibo.

THURSDAY, Day 5
Le Somail to Capestang This morning experience the wonderful under-cover market in Narbonne; a lively Mediterranean city playing an important role as a wine producing centre. The municipal, military and religious architecture; the treasures in its museums; the river banks of the Robine and its shaded boulevards all contribute to its charm. Back to the barge for lunch and an afternoon cruise to Capestang followed by winetasting at Château Auris.

FRIDAY, Day 6
Capestang to Beziers A morning cruise to Beziers and after lunch a chance to visit the beautiful town of Pezenas where Louis 15th held court in the summer time. Pezenas is also famous for its antique shopping. Back on board the chef is preparing a memorable feast for your farewell dinner.

SATURDAY, Day 7
Carcassonne After breakfast disembark and transfer to Hotel de la Cite, Carcassonne. (If you wish to make alternative transfer arrangements, please discuss your requirements at the time of booking.)

On alternate weeks the itinerary is reversed and the meeting point changed.  This is a sample itinerary and may be changed without notice.

From $4,345* per person based on double occupancy

From $8,690* per person based on single occupancy

Whole boat charters are available, please inquire for prices.

Accommodation with private bath or shower All meals with selected regional wines Liqueurs and bar drinks on board All sightseeing tours and admittance fees as stipulated Use of vessels’ bicycles and other facilities Roundtrip transfers from specified meeting point

*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.  Seasonal supplements and blackout dates may apply.