Alouette

Just four privileged passengers travel in Belmond style aboard the most intimate barge of the collection. The vessel is yours as you float along the tree-shaded Canal du Midi between Carcassonne and Béziers.

On deck, stretch out on a sun lounger, beneath a sheltering parasol, to view the passing villages and fields. Or step inside in the spacious lounge/dining area, where there is a library, writing desk, stereo and games, and large picture windows framing the views.

Delicious meals are created by your private Chef, using ingredients brought on-board from the markets that you pass.  Come the end of the day, your two delightful and well-appointed cabins provide a wonderful retreat, each with an en-suite bathroom (stone tiles & large rain fall shower heads) and double or twin beds.

Cabin

• Bed size: Double (5’4” x 6’3”) or Twin (2’7” x 6’3”)
  

Public area

• Lounge and dining area with TV, DVD player and selection of DVDs and CDs
• HiFi system
• Bose iPod docking station
• Selection of books and board games
• WiFi & Computer with
• internet access
• Sun deck with a 360° view and hydraulic canopy for shade, reclining seats, table and chairs

• Size: 30.48m x 4.75m

Cruise route: Avignon to Beziers

Region: Provence / Camargue / Languedoc -Roussillon

Barges: Alouette

Arrival mooring: Avignon

Nearest train station: Avignon   Nearest Airport: Avignon Provence

Departure mooring: Beziers

Nearest train station: Beziers   Nearest Airport: Beziers-Agde

Highlights 

Marseillan is set on the edge of L’Etang de Thau, the largest lake in Languedoc and where oyster farming has been a way of life for centuries. The town has a maze of narrow streets and the rustic two and three storey houses are typical of the local architecture. Of course known principally for the production of Noilly-Prat wine and obligatory tasting.

Avignon: The historic centre of Avignon is just a small walk through the old stone walls & ramparts of the city, including of course the Popes Palace, square and Cathedral Notre Dame. There are an abundant array of shops for the souvenir hunter and an ideal opportunity to walk and admire the beauty of one of the best preserved cities in France.

Sète: Considered to be the ‘Venice’ of Languedoc due to its privileged site, Grand Canal and coastline of fine sand stretching some 20km. Nestled between the Etang de Thau and the Mediterranean, the old fishing port of Sète has been a hive of activity for centuries and allowed the town to prosper despite competition from neighboring ports.

The Camargue: Europe’s largest nature reserve & renowned for its natural beauty, the region is a haven of wildlife and flora. Animals including the famous Camargue bulls, horses, pink flamingos and fresh water tortoises share what has become one of Europe’s most exceptional natural environments. In summer some 30 000 Pink Flamingos can be counted with no less than 150 000 birds migrating annually. An unforgettable excursion offering some memorable photographic opportunities!

Day One: Avignon

A champagne reception welcomes you aboard and gives you a chance to meet the crew for your journey. Late afternoon you will begin your cruise to Vallebrègues, passing by the famous Pont Saint-Bénezet. A delicious dinner, expertly crafted by our chef, is served on board this evening.

Day Two: Tour Avignon. Cruise to Aigues-Mortes

Shortly after breakfast your guide will take you on a walking tour of Avignon, including a guided visit to the Palace of the Popes and the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Return to the barge, where lunch awaits on deck. The Alouette continues cruising on the River Rhône, 

past the 15th-century castles of Tarascon and Beaucaire, entering the Petit Rhône as you head towards Aigues-Mortes, this evening’s mooring. Enjoy a wonderful dinner on board.

Day Three: Visit Aigues-Mortes. Cruise to Frontignan

Today’s visit is to the impressive town of Aigues-Mortes for a leisurely explore. The walled, fortified town looks today much as it would have done when completed around 1300. Continue your cruise into the famous Camargue, a region of salt marshes and sand dunes populated by flamingos, wild horses and black bulls. Tonight we moor in Frontignan, known for its production of Muscat de Frontignan, a delicious dessert wine. Dinner is served on board.

Day Four: Visit Sète & Lunch. Cruise to Marseillan

This morning we visit the bustling market at Sète, set on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, where fishermen spread their nets to dry on the quays and a wide array of al fresco restaurants tempt you with their fresh seafood. Return to the barge for lunch and continue your journey to Marseillan, a beautiful seaside port. A visit the Noilly Prat museum might give you the Mediterranean taste for fine vermouth.

Day Five: Cruise to Etang de Thau. Visit an Oyster farm

The barge cruises through the Étang de Thau lagoon, a vast inland lake. In the afternoon, guests are treated to the delicious oysters and mussels that are a coveted delicacy of the area. Leaving the lagoon we take the entrance to the Canal du Midi, at a crossroads between the Hérault River and the sea, for a wonderful countryside mooring, after which dinner is served on board.

Day Six: Cruise to Béziers. Visit Abbaye de Fontfroide

Today we spend the morning cruising on the fabulous Canal du Midi towards our final destination of Béziers. This afternoon visit l’Abbaye de Fontfroide, a Cistercian monastery founded in the 11th century. Now privately owned, the abbey has been lovingly restored with a well-kept garden and peaceful cloister. Back on board, the chef prepares your farewell gala dinner.

Day Seven: Beziers

After breakfast the crew bids you farewell before you disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.

Please note route may be subject to change without prior warning as a result of unforeseen circumstances.