US$29,000 Per Charter
Luxe Class
Discover the beautiful south of France on board the charming barge of Esperance. Cruise from Beziers to Carcassonne along the historic Canal du Midi.
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Description
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- Cruise Highlights
Accommodation Cabin accommodation (twin or double bed) with en-suite bathroom
Activity Excursions and admittance fees as per the itinerary 
Drinks Open bar with alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks
Inclusion Sun deck
Transportation Vehicle for transfers and excursions 
Activity Use of bicycles
Itinerary Cruise between Beziers and Carcassonne. 
Meals Gourmet meals paired with wine and cheese
Inclusion WiFi on board
Activity Wine tasting sessions
Summary
Esperance is a beautiful, 6-passenger luxury hotel barge that cruises long the scenic Canal du Midi. She offers three spacious suites with private bathroom, salon and dining room, relaxing sun deck with spa pool.
Cruise Highlights
- All-inclusive 6-night/7-day cruise
- Daily excursions and entry fees to
- Carcassonne, Europe’s largest fortified medieval town
- Minerve, an ancient village on the edge of a limestone cliff, classed as one of the ‘most beautiful villages of France’
- Minervois for local wine tasting
- Abbey de Fontfroide, an 11th century Cistercian monastery with one of the largest rose gardens in France
- Narbonne, Roman city including its Archbishop’s Palace and indoor market
- Cruise through the Malpas tunnel, excavated in 1679 to allow the passage of the Canal du Midi
- All meals and open-bar 24/7
- Attentive service from 5 crew members
- Transfers between Narbonne or Beziers and Esperance
- Cruise year-round/Sunday departures
- Short cruises and half-board cruises available
- This barge is only available to be fully chartered for the exclusive use of your group (minimum 2 passengers).
Pick-up & Drop-off Points- Pick-up: In Beziers train station at 4:00 pm
- Drop-off: Train station or your hotel in Carcassonne
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Itinerary
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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. -
Barge Details
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Esperance Deck Plan
- 5 crew
- 31 metres long
- 3 queen/twin junior suites with TV (15 sqm)
- Air-conditioned
- Centrally heated
- Sundeck with spa pool
- Bicycles and buggie available on board
- DVD Player, HiFi system with iPod, library and games
- Wi-Fi (subject to local reception)
- Air-conditioned Mercedes SUV
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Dates & Prices
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Rates for 2018
Departure Dates Charter 2 ppl Charter 4 ppl Charter 6 ppl July 15, 22, 29 $17,500 $23,000 $29,000 August 5, 12, 19, 26 $17,500 $23,000 $29,000 September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 $17,500 $23,000 $29,000 October 7, 14, 21, 28 $17,500 $23,000 $29,000 Half Board
Charter 4 persons $21,000 Charter 6 persons $26,000 Rates for 2019
Departure Dates Charter 2 ppl Charter 4 ppl Charter 6 ppl May 26 $17,500 $23,000 $29,000 August 18, 25 $17,500 $23,000 $29,000 September 8, 15, 22 $17,500 $23,000 $29,000 Half Board
Charter 4 persons $21,000 Charter 6 persons $26,000 Terms & Conditions
Prices shown in Euros or US Dollar and will be converted in Australian Dollar (AUD) at time of payment using a daily ROE. An initial deposit of 35% of the total cruise fare for cabin or charter is payable at the time of booking. The balance must be paid within 70 days as per our terms and conditions and as specified in our confirmation invoice, which will be despatched when the booking form has been processed. Cancellation policy applies to all bookings.
Enquire about this Cruise
Call us
Prefer speaking to us over the phone? Our Barge Specialists would love to help you out!
Opening Hours:
9am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday
Call us
Prefer speaking to us over the phone? Our Barge Specialists would love to help you out!
Opening Hours:
9am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday
