Enchante, Classic Canal du Midi ex Salleles d’Aude to Trebes

6 Night Cruise sailing from Salleles d’Aude to Trebes aboard Enchante.

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

Sunday, Day 1 Sallèles d’Aude
Embark Enchanté. A champagne welcome and an introduction to the Captain and crew, followed by dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 Sallèles d’Aude to Roubia
This morning, we head to Mas d’Antonin for some truffle hunting. Follow the expert truffle dogs searching under the oak trees to find the “black gold” which we can help to dig up and then sample, having judged its appearance, colour and most important, its aroma. Also learn about the different olives of the region and taste the oils that they produce. After lunch on board, we cruise west along the Grand Bief, a stretch of canal without locks which follows the contours of the land for over 30 miles – a huge technological achievement for the 17th century- to the charming historical village of Roubia. On the way, we pass over France’s oldest aqueduct. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 Roubia to Homps
After breakfast, our excursion is to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy a visit to the Archbishop’s Palace, Roman Horreum 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 past vineyards and pine trees to Homps. This picturesque mooring in the heart of a French village presents a perfect opportunity to try your hand at a game of boules, followed by an alfresco dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 Homps to Puichéric
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 Corbieres vineyards, before returning to the barge to cruise to Puicheric, past “l’Epanchoir”, one of the bridges invented by Pierre Paul Riquet for the Canal du Midi. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 Puichéric to Marseillette
Today we cruise along the 340-year-old canal ascending its trademark locks as the relief becomes steeper. 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 in a Château 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). Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Marseillette to Trèbes
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 squeeze through tight bridges and glide past picturesque vineyards and hamlets to Trèbes. Once a major ally to Carcassonne, this medieval town still retains unique paintings within its 13th century church. Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 Trèbes
After breakfast, guests disembark.

Enchanté is a spacious, double-decker hotel barge that has been built to the highest standard to offer a stylish on board ambience that is perfect for enjoying a cruise through this sun-drenched region.

The hotel barge is tastefully furnished in a contemporary style, creating a bright, art deco atmosphere. She has a large saloon with outstanding attention to detail, including an open-plan demonstration galley where guests can see their skilled chef at work. On the lower deck, there is also a computer with internet connection for guests’ use, as well as the requisite Wi-Fi onboard.

The luxurious air-conditioned accommodation is in four equally spacious twin or double-bedded suites, the largest of any hotel barge on the Canal du Midi and all with superbly appointed en suite shower rooms.

Outside, the spacious sun deck boasts an alfresco dining area, a gorgeous spa pool and comfortable loungers to relax in while the countryside drifts slowly by.

Enchanté is a hotel barge that offers an alluring blend of luxury and modernity. She is a vessel that will charm any discerning traveller on her sedate journey through the Midi countryside.

We have been involved in all aspects of the hotel barge and travel industry for over 35 years including designing, building, owning and operating our fleet of luxury hotel barges. We have gradually refined our barge cruise holidays into unique travel experiences, which are just waiting to be discovered.

Our fully crewed, all inclusive luxury hotel barges cruise the inland waterways of nine European countries, along canals, rivers, lakes, lagoons and lochs, giving you the opportunity to experience life there from a truly unique perspective.

Our hotel barges are ideal for people looking for either an individual cruise with other like-minded people, or for those choosing a whole barge charter for a family or group of friends.

On your all-inclusive cruise, your ‘floating boutique hotel’ glides gently along while you relax and enjoy gourmet cuisine, fine wines and the company of fellow passengers. There will be guided tours to castles, chateaux, vineyards, markets and when you return to the barge, you can be sure our dedicated, professional crew will be there to look after you once more.

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Enchante - All Decks

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Cabins

Enchanté provides luxurious accommodation for up to eight guests in four large, en-suite, air conditioned suites. Each suite is approximately 200 sq ft, all with a choice of twin or double beds.

All cabins have shower cubicle, toilet and basin. All have tiled walls.
Supplied with: Towels, washing gel, hand soap, shampoo