” Esperance has received a great deal of attention with regard to space, light and peacefulness, which creates a beautiful contrast to the vibrant and engaging Canal du Midi.”
Esperance, meaning ‘expectation’ in French, is a rare find as she is one of the last traditional ‘Canal du Midi’ barges still cruising. Not only does Esperance live up to its name, and with so much cruising experience, she exceeds expectations every time. Ideal for 4 to 6 passengers, this lovely barge boasts 3 equal-size cabins each with sofa, TV with DVD player and ensuite bathroom.
Esperance has been refurbished with a new color scheme and is extremely bright and chic. The picture windows in the salon enable the guests to enjoy the landscape from inside and the upper deck is geared for entertainment and relaxation. The owner and captain, Mathias, has a rich knowledge of the region and his hosting and entertaining expertise are second to none. Mathias’ enthusiasm and charm is a bonus to any passengers’ barging experience.
Esperance is one of the youngest traditional barges operating on the Canal, built in 1967 as a cargo Vessel carrying wine between the Mediterranean and Bordeaux. Her career was to last only for 15 years as commercial traffic started to decline rapidly in the late 70’s when rail and road became the most popular mode of transport between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. After being sold, she was converted into a private luxury vessel designed to cruise the French waterways. Renovated with loving care and no expense spared by her present owner, Esperance is now one of the most unique and authentic barge in Southern France.
Take virtual tour of the Esperance barge!
Cabins
- Three Suites with ensuite bath
- Romaniu Suite – 18,5 m2 (2000 sq feet). Choice of one queen or two twin beds
- Farigola Suite – 18,5 m2 (2000 sq feet). Choice of one queen or two twin beds
- Sauvia Suite – 18,5 m2 (2000 sq feet). Queen bed configuration only
- TV for DVD player
- Small sofa
- Hair dryer
Public area
- 30,5 meter (100 Feet) long
- Salon and dining room
- Central air and heat
- HiFi system with iPod
- DVD player
- WiFi with limited availability
Deck
- Half covered deck for shade
- Lounge chairs & dining table on deck
- Spa tub on deck
- Large Wheelhouse
- Mercedes SUV for tours
- 6 touring bicycles
Route: Beziers to Carcassonne
Sunday – Day 1
A member of the crew will welcome you in the afternoon at Béziers railway station and transfer you to your beautiful barge. Esperance will be moored in the enchanting countryside of the famous Canal du Midi and a champagne reception awaits you. Join the crew on deck who will welcome you as a nice premise to your week cruise. You will then have plenty of time to discover the barge, its environment and to settle in your bedroom before dinner on-board with our gourmet chef.
Monday – Day 2
Today, be prepared for a very relaxing day cruising. You will be surprised by the peacefulness of the barge while gliding through this beautiful 16th century canal. We will stop inColombiers where you have time to meander through the village before lunch.
The afternoon cruise will take us to the pretty village of Capestang, as we pass through the exciting tunnel de Malpa, famous for its unique geometric structure. Quite an experience! This is the perfect day to venture onto the tow path at your own leisure and enjoy a bicycle ride or a hike while the barge continues to move gracefully along the canal. This provides a perfect opportunity to see the boat from another angle and capture it at its best, with the beautiful French country side as a back drop.
Tuesday – Day 3
This morning we drive to Narbonne in our Mercedes minivan, alively city full of art and history. The choice is yours, for those who love to shop, venture through the many walking streets around the old town center and discover the quaint boutique shops that offer the best of southern French souvenirs. Otherwise, visit the colorful 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 vines and arched trees.
Wednesday – Day 4
For the religious history fans, Fontfroide is quite a site! This Abbey was founded as a Benedictine abbey in 1093 and affiliated with the Cistercians 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. We cruise all the way to a romantic night mooring in Le Somail with its fascinating antique bookshops and local potters and artists.
Thursday – Day 5
Today, we have a very scenic drive into the Minervois hills and ‘les gorges de la Cesse’ on our way 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 quiet mooring close to Homps.
Friday – Day 6
Going through a couple of traditional 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 world famous walled medieval town, la Cité de Carcassonne. This extraordinary place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is said to be the most visited site in France. If you have already visited “La Cité,” we will visit Lagrasse, an attractive village now home to numerous pottery workers and artistsattracted by the place itself and the renowned natural light of the region. The two ‘highlights’ of the village are perhaps the Abbey and the bridges, although the narrow medieval streets of the village are also very attractive, and remains of the town walls can still be seen.
Saturday – Day 7
After a wonderful week on board, enjoy you final breakfast then your guide will transfer you to Carcassonne or to the railway station for your onward journey.
Rates 2019
Booking type | ||
· Private charter – Full board: from USD $4,834.00 per person based on 6 passengers · Private charter – Half board: from USD $4,334.00 per person based on 6 passengers · Single supplement – please contact us for details, Availability is subject to change. Please contact us for current availability. What is included? Full-board, included in the fare:
Half board, included in the fare:
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