Enchante

Sunday, Day 1 - Beziers
You will be met at The Holiday Inn Hotel, Montpellier, at 4pm and escorted by minibus to Enchante moored in the port of Beziers. Champagne welcome followed by a cruise to the top of the flight of 7 locks of Fonseranes. Dinner aboard.

Monday, Day 2 - Beziers to Capestang
This morning we cruise to Colombiers via the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas, an engineering feat made possible by the draining of the Etang de Montady nearby. Afternoon excursion to l'Oppidum D'Enserune, a pre-Roman hilltop settlement with Greek and Iberian excavations dating from 600 BC. Upon return to the boat we will continue along the 300 year old tree lined Canal du Midi to Capestang. Late afternoon excursion to a wine tasting in Saint Chinian, the first village of the region to receive the much envied French mark of approval for wines known as A.O.C. (Appellation d’Origine Controlée). Dinner aboard.

Tuesday, Day 3 - Capestang to La Croisade
This morning we visit Pezenas, a delightful village, mostly known for its associations with the French playwright Moliere, who is said to have written many plays while staying there. Afternoon cruise gently circling Capestang as the canal winds its way following the contours of the land to La Croisade, a picturesque mooring under the plane trees which line the canal and a perfect opportunity for an alfresco dinner aboard.

Wednesday, Day 4 – La Croisade to Le Somail
Morning cruise to Argeliers followed by a late morning excursion 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 1215, its hilltop location affords spectacular views. A chance to sample some local cuisine with lunch ashore in a spectacular setting overlooking the scene of the Cathar siege. Afternoon cruise through vineyards and pine trees to the charming and historical village of the Le Somail, purpose built for the Canal du Midi. Dinner aboard.

Thursday, Day 5 – Le Somail to Paraza
A morning visit to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived.  Enjoy the Archbishop’s Palace and 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.  Return to the barge for a cruise along the shaded canal to reach Paraza, where we will moor at Répudre, the oldest canal bridge of.  Dinner aboard.

Friday, Day 6 - Paraza to Homps
Morning visit to Carcassonne.  Dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, this is the most complete mediaeval fortified city in existence today. With its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defenses, it resisted the many armies that tried to storm this Camelot setting.  In the afternoon we cruise along the historic Midi Canal through its trademark locks to the delightful village of Homps.  Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday, Day 7 - Le Somail to Montpellier
After breakfast, depart from Homps by minibus to Montpellier.  Expected arrival time 10am.