South of France & the Canal du MidiCruise aboard ‘Clair de Lune’

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The Canal du Midi is one of the oldest canals in Europe. Linking the Atlantic with the Mediterranean, this remarkable 17th century feat of engineering was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. This famous waterway meanders past sleepy canalside villages, sun-drenched vineyards and offers views of the snow-capped Pyrenees.We cruise the canal between the charming village of Le Somail and the fortified city of Carcassonne, discovering some of the most beautiful scenery in the south of France along the way. During our voyage along the tree-lined Canal du Midi we visit historical sites such as the spectacular Cathar town of Minerve, the elegant city of Narbonne and enjoy wine tastings at renowned local domaines.

Clair de Lune is a deluxe hotel barge tastefully furnished with cherrywood and African hardwoods that provide a sophisticated, modern interior. She provides superior accommodation for up to 6 guests in three contemporary double or twin junior suites with en suite facilities. There is a comfortable, stylish dining area and saloon with picture windows and a large sundeck with a spa pool from which to admire the passing countryside, together with bicycles for exploring the famous towpath.

Canal du Midi South of France

A Stylish Way to Cruise a Famous Canal

Aboard the 6 passenger Clair de Lune

Cruise the Canal du Midi TYPICAL CUISINE ABOARD

Regional SpecialitiesFoie Gras sur Pain d’Épices Tièdes et son Confit de Figues; Cuisse de Canard Confites Sauce au Merlot et Fruits Rouges; Carré d’Agneau aux Herbes, Ratatouille et Riz de Marseillette; Grenadin de Veau des Corbières, Poélée de Girolles et son Gratin Dauphinois; Cassoulet de Castelnaudary

Cheese BoardRoquefort; Pélardon; Gaperons; Brebis; Tomme de Lozère; Causses Bleu

Sunday, Day 1LE SOMAILGuests are met at the designated meeting point in Narbonne and transferred to Clair de Lune moored at the port of Le Somail. The crew welcomes you on board with a glass of chilled champagne and canapés on the sun deck. Time for a walk or bicycle ride around this pretty canal side village before your first dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2LE SOMAIL TO ARGENS-MINERVOISAfter breakfast, we cruise to Argens-Minervois through beautiful, far reaching scenery as far as the foothills of the Pyrenees, which you can admire from the sundeck. After lunch, your guide takes you to the impressive village of Minerve, boasting a 12th century Cathar fort surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Besieged by Simon de Montfort in 1215, its hilltop location affords spectacular views. A fascinating recreation in miniature of the bloodthirsty Cathar rebellion and small museum complete this intriguing visit. On the way back to the hotel barge we visit a producer of fine Minervois wines, Domaine Massamier La Mignarde, for a private tasting. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3ARGENS-MINERVOIS TO PUICHERICAfter breakfast, we drive you to the beautiful city of Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy the Archbishop’s Palace and Roman Horreum. Explore the indoor market at the hub of this bustling town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the relaxed atmosphere. On your return to the hotel barge, we serve an aperitif and al fresco lunch under the trees, before a relaxing afternoon cruise through five locks to Puichéric. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4PUICHERIC TO MILLEGRANDMorning cruise to Millegrand, a perfect opportunity for towpath walking or cycling, or just lying back in the spa pool and enjoying the day. Lunch is prepared by your chef, before you leave with your guide to visit the medieval village of Lagrasse. It is one of the most beautiful villages in France, with its 8th century Benedictine abbey and many skilled artisans’ workshops located amongst the narrow, winding streets. Then enjoy a wine tasting at Château Villemagne, an established family-run domaine producing distinctive Corbières and other wines. Dinner ashore at an excellent local auberge.

Thursday, Day 5MILLEGRAND TO VILLEDUBERTMorning cruise to our mooring at the lock near the village of Villedubert. After lunch we leave the barge and drive to the picturesque hilltop village of Montolieu, known as the ‘Village of Books’, with its many antiquarian bookshops and art exhibitions. You can visit the museum and be charmed by this medieval town, then return to the barge, visiting the 12th century Cistercian Abbaye de Villelongue on the way. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6VILLEDUBERT TO CARCASSONNEThis morning we cruise to our final destination and one of the highlights of the week, Carcassonne. After lunch on board, your guide will accompany you to the restored and most complete medieval fortified city in existence today, dating back to the Gallo Roman era. With its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defences, it resisted the many armies that tried to storm this Camelot setting. You can walk the ramparts, visit the Château Comptal and step back in time. Captain’s Dinner aboard.

Saturday, Day 7CARCASSONNEAfter breakfast, depart the barge by minibus and transfer to the designated drop off point in Narbonne.

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

DAILY ITINERARY ABOARD*Six Nights

Canal du Midi

Clair de Lune

CrewGalley

Jasmin Orchidée Lotus

Dining Room

Double or Twin

Double or Twin

Double or Twin

SpaPool

Saloon

A Small Selection of the Wines Served Aboardl Pic Saint Loup

l Borrie de Maurel

l Château la Voulte Gasparet

l Domaine la Colombette

l Picpoul de Pinet

l Beauvignac

l Domaine Gourganzaud

l 100 Feet Longl 6 Passengersl 4 Crewl Air-Conditioned

l 3 Twin/Double Junior Suitesl Wifi (Subject to Local Reception)

l Centrally Heatedl Sun Deckl Spa Pooll 6 Touring Bikes

l CD Player / iPod Dockl Air-Conditioned Minibus

Deck Plan

Cruise Highlightsl Tour the fortified City of Carcassonne

l Visit Narbonne with its Archbishop’s Palace and lively covered market

l Private Minervois wine tasting at the Domaine Massamier La Mignarde

l Tour of medieval Lagrasse and its Benedictine abbey

l Private wine tasting at the Château Villemagne

l Visit Montolieu, also known as the “Village of Books”

l Tour of the hilltop village of Minerve

l Excellent walking and bicycling

Minerve

Narbonne Indoor Market

Minervois Vineyard

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©Atout France/Catherine Bibollet