Alegria


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Overview
Highlights
- Tour Carcassonne, the most complete medieval fortified city in existence
- Narbonne's Archbishop's Palace and colorful market
- Explore the hilltop village of Minerve
- Discover the City of Béziers
- Experience the famous “stair case” of the Nine Locks of Fonsérane
- The archeological site of the Oppidum of Ensérune
- Cruise through the world's oldest canal tunnels at Malpas
- Excellent towpath for walking and cycling
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Trip includes
- Local transfers between local meeting point and the hotel barge
- A luxury 6 night cruise (accommodation in a cabin fitted with a king size bed or two single beds)
- Service in the cabin, the use of a bar-fridge and the complimentary drinks inside, a kettle and tray with teas and coffee
- All meals served both on board Alegria and ashore (two meals at local restaurants) with drinks
- Open bar: all drinks offered on board Alegria
- Excursions as per the itinerary, including the guide and the entrance fees
- The services of 4 crew
- Use of barge facilities which include 4 bicycles, a stand-up paddle, a heated plunge pool on deck, and free WiFi.
Itinerary

We have the pleasure of welcoming you at the airport or at the railway station (from 4pm) and transferring you to Alegria, moored in Poilhes, 10 miles from Béziers. After the crew is introduced to you and after you settle down, you are served a welcome Champagne drink...
On this Sunday morning our guide proposes you a “multi-site” excursion: the City of Béziers, the famous “stair case” of the Nine Locks of Fonsérane, the archeological (6th century BC) site of the Oppidum of Ensérune, and the Malpas Tunnel, the first tunnel built in th...
In the morning we cruise slowly to Le Somail, one of the most charming villages along the Canal. Should you need a book for the week you can buy one from a unique book shop that has approximately 50 000 second-hand books in stock ... in many different languages! In th...
In the morning you go to one of the best market in the region, in Olonzac. You can look and buy anything you wish, from a provençal table cloth to special olives locally grown (well… we have some on board too!). Then the guide takes you to Minerve, a fascinating site ...
In the morning you visit a beautiful town, Narbonne. Narbonne is full of Roman history and includes the "Palace of the Archbishop". You will love its Mediterranean and Gothic style. And ... you will be offered lunch there in a typical restaurant that has some fish spe...
In the morning you visit the great City of Carcassonne, the biggest medieval City in Europe. You are just fascinated by the size of the walls and the narrow streets inside. You are right there in the middle of French history! There also many shops where you can buy ty...
After your breakfast, it is unfortunately time to conclude this unforgettable cruise. We transfer you back to the airport or railway station.
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Dates & Availability
Charter Rate For 4 Guests Value:- $20,300
Departures on every " Saturdays"
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with France Cruises.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Fabulous time!
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Logistics
What's excluded
- International Flights
- Passport and Visa Charges
- Personal Expenses
Accommodation
The 4-passenger Alegria is a Freyssinet type barge, which started cruising on the Canal du Midi in mid-2008. The barge cruise offers a week of relaxation, gastronomy, excellent wines, fascinating culture, great landscapes and friendship in a beautiful country. Days are split between cruising and visiting some spectacular sites in the region. Alegria boasts two large cabins with en-suite bathrooms, totaling 190 to 210 sq. ft. each. Each one is fitted with king-sized beds that can be separated into twin beds upon request, and wide portholes to never miss a glimpse of the pretty landscapes drifting by. You will be supplied with bath robes, a hair dryer and amenities from L’ Occitane en Provence. A mini-fridge, coffee and tea tray is also part of the pleasurable experience of the cabins. With two big portholes, the lounge/dining room offers picturesque views of the canal. It includes a home theatre with a library of CDs, as well as a selection of books and parlour games. Internet access is available through the connection of a 3G+ USB key to your laptop. For your important documents or anything else of value, a safe is located near the lounge. On deck, one can enjoy the heated pool during a warm afternoon or just relax while enjoying some pre-dinner drinks. Not to mention, the vessel includes a welcoming wheelhouse with an authentic 1937 wheel and teak woodwork. The cuisine varies from traditional to gastronomical French. Each meal will be accompanied by different wines, both local (i.e Minerve, and Corbières) and from other regions of France (Bordeaux & Burgundy, etc.) Weather permitting, you're more than welcome to eat the dishes outside on the deck. A dedicated crew of five led by the Captain-owner welcomes all to the Alegria in 2012.
The Barge: Constructed in 1937 as a freight barge Converted into a hotel barge in 1999 Measures 100 ft. long by 16.5 ft. wide Two (2) onboard cabin accommodations Four (4) passenger capacity Central Heat & Air Conditioning Personnel: Five (5) crew members consisting of Tour Guide, Chef, Hostess, Matelot, and Captain. This crew speaks both English and French. Public Rooms: Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck (2)
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