Esperance

Beziers to Carcassonne

Day 1, Sunday
A member of the crew will welcome you at Beziers railway station at 4:00 pm and transfer you to your beautiful barge Esperance moored in the enchanting countryside of the famous Canal du Midi. A champagne reception will be served on deck as a nice premise to your week cruise. You will then have plenty of time to discover the barge, its environment and settle in your bedroom before dinner.

Day 2, Monday
Today, be prepared for a very relaxing day. You will be surprised by the peacefulness of the barge while gliding through this beautiful 16th century canal. We will stop in Colombiers where you will have time to go for a walk before lunch. This afternoon cruise will take us to the pretty village of Capestang; through the exciting tunnel de Malpa famous for its unique structure. Quiet and experience. This is the perfect day to go for bicycle ride or enjoy a hike while the barge is moving slowly.

Day 3, Tuesday
This morning, we will drive to Narbonne, a lively city full of art and history. The choice is yours, you can go shopping in the many walking streets around the old town centre, visit the covered market, the Archbishop's Palace, the archaeological museum or spend your morning at the Mediterranean Sea. A beautiful cruise today with many turns and loops and a romantic night mooring in the middle of the wines and arched trees.

Day 4, Wednesday
For the religious and history fans, Fontfroide is quite a site. This abbey was founded as a Benedictine abbey in 1093 and affiliated with the Cisterians in 1145. It is a beautiful collection of religious buildings and the gardens around it are stunning. Or, if you prefer, we can visit the olive factory at L'Oulibo, a prize-winning olive oil mill and a great place for tasting and buying olive oil or tapenade. This afternoon, let the world float by as your lunch will be served on deck while the barge is moving slowly on this peaceful tree-lined canal all the way to a romantic night mooring in Le Somail with its fascinating antique bookshops and local potters and artists. 

Day 5, Thursday
Today, a very scenic drive into the Minervois hills and les gorges de la Cesse to get to Minerve. This amazing medieval village is perched on a spectacular rocky outcrop formed by the rivers Cesse and Brian. Famous for its Cathar history and its wine countryside, this village is full of charm and history. On the way back, how about a little wine tasting to discover more about the excellent wines this region has to offer? Time to relax on deck, as your floating hotel is on the move and the cruise will take you to a quite mooring close to Homps. 

Day 6, Friday
Going through a couple of locks, the barge will cruise to our last mooring for the week, close to Carcassonne. After lunch, you will have plenty of time to discover the famous walled medieval town la Cite de Carcassonne. This extraordinary place is UNESCO World Heritage Suite is said to be the most visited site in France. If you have already visited "the Cite", we will visit Lagrasse, an attractive village now home to numerous pottery works and artists attracted by the place itself and the renowned light of the region. 

Day 7, Saturday
After a wonderful breakfast, your guide will take you to your hotel in Carcassonne or the railway station to get to your next station.