“Enchante is a state of the art, double-decker hotel barge that has been built to the highest standard.”
As an owner-operated barge, the Enchante team is sure to provide you with the best of their service thanks to the discreet management of its owners. Roger and Louisa Gronow, owners of Enchante, combined their 25 years of experience as employees working on a variety of barges, to not only design and build Enchante to reflect the best features of Deluxe barging, but also to provide the service and atmosphere that makes a barge cruise really special.
Enchante is a state of the art, double-decker hotel barge that has been built to the highest standard. She provides luxurious accommodation for up to 8 guests in four equally spacious twin or double-bedded suites, the largest of any hotel barge on the Canal du Midi and with superbly appointed bathrooms. The hotel barge is tastefully furnished in a contemporary style, creating a bright, art deco atmosphere. She has a large, spacious saloon where the attention to detail is exceptional.
Enchante’s highly professional crew of four is comprised of an experienced Captain, Master Chef, Tour guide and Housekeeper. The crew are hand-picked for their personalities and then trained to provide service to the exacting standards of the owners; between them they deliver gourmet meals, fascinating excursions and first class service.
Cabin
- Each of the 4 staterooms covers a similar size of 16 sq meters
- All with an ensuite shower-room
- Hairdryer and complimentary amenities
- Available in twin split or queen size bed option
- Individually air-conditioned/heated
- Writing desks
- Bedside tables and wardrobes
Public area
- Wifi
- Guest computer
- Library/board games
- Open bar
- Coffee machine
Deck
- 30 meters
- Sundeck with Spa pool
- Dining table with or without shade
- Eight adult bicycles with five gears
Classic Cruise – Canal du Midi
ITINERARY*
Sunday, Day 1 Sallèles d’Aude
Guests are met in Narbonne** and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to 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
Morning cruise along the Grand Bief, a technological achievement unique to the Canal du Midi to link Narbonne to the Mediterranean, to the charming historical village of Roubia. Afternoon excursion to “L’Oulibo”, a local co-operative olive oil press where we will sample the famous Lucques olives. We continue on to Minerve, the ancient capital of the Minervois, which boasts a 12th century Cathar fort surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Besieged by Simon de Montfort in 1210, its hilltop location affords spectacular views. 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 330-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 at Château Saint Jacques d’Albas 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). This informative tour offers an opportunity to sample wine in situ and find out more about the Languedoc’s long-standing and continuing wine trade. 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 are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Narbonne**.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
**other locations available for Private Charter bookings
Rates 2021
- Private charter – Full board: from €5,125 per person based on 8 passengers
- Single-Occupancy Supplement: from €2,000 per person
Departure dates 2021
What is included?
- Six nights accommodation
- All gourmet meals prepared by your private chef
- All wines, bar, and refreshment drinks aboard
- Transfers to and from the barge from the designated meeting point
- Daily excursions with your tour guide in private vehicle
- Use of on-board spa pool, bicycles, library and sound system
