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Peregrine Travel Centre

Canal du Midi Cruise (Anjodi)

Canal du Midi Cruise (Anjodi)

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Description

This 330-year-old waterway skirts the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean before meandering inland through ancient villages, Roman fortifications and famed vineyards. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this canal is defined by its beauty, lined with shady plane trees which often touch to form an arc of green above the water from bank to bank, and crossed by pretty arched bridges. The warm Mediterranean weather and relaxed pace of life is sure to lull you into unwinding as your luxury Canal du Midi barge meanders gently downstream.

This is the perfect place for cycling or walking along scenic tow paths, or simply watching the scenery pass by as you relax on the deck of your Canal du Midi barge with a cool drink. In the distance you can see the Pyrenees, whereas closer to hand are the vineyards that stretch for thousands of square miles. Enjoy private wine tastings at one of the various chateaux en route.

You will discover a marvellous blend of ancient Gallo-Roman and traditional influences reflected throughout this very historic region. Explore this further with your tour guide when you visit the medieval walled city of Carcassonne, the cathar stronghold of Minerve or the underground Roman market in Narbonne.

Our classic Canal du Midi cruise takes place aboard our pretty 8 passenger vessel Anjodi, which has been cruising in the region for more than 25 years. Anjodi has never been more popular since Rick Stein brought her to the attention of the world in his very successful BBC TV series ‘French Odyssey’.

Midi cuisine is a delicious combination of Provençale and Mediterranean flavours. Fresh seafood and regional specialities, paired with the excellent local Corbières and Minervois wines, produce an unforgettable repertoire of gastronomic experiences.

Please Note: Family, Golf & Wine Appreciation Theme Departures Available. Please contact us for more details.

On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.

Trip Name
Canal du Midi Cruise (Anjodi)
Days
7
Overview
Vessel Type: Hotel Barge / River Boat Length: 100 feet / 30.48 meters Passenger Capacity: 8 Anjodi is very much a hotel barge of the classic Dutch design and she has the honour of being the founding member of our fleet, embarking on her first cruises along the historic Canal du Midi 35 years ago. Her well-planned interior makes the most of traditional materials such as African hardwoods and shining brass to create a warm onboard feel, reminiscent of a classic yacht. The charming saloon is particularly welcoming, with its combination of richly-coloured wooden flooring, elegant French dining furniture and comfortable banquette seating, as well as a fully-stocked bar. The four compact, cleverly-designed cabins, featuring hardwood panelling and brass portholes, have names evocative of the south of France such as Lavande and Basilic and offer a choice of twin or double-bedded accommodation, each with en suite facilities. The spacious sundeck is shaded by an adjustable canopy and there are comfortable sun loungers and a spa pool to soak in with a glass of chilled white wine. Anjodi is a very well-known hotel barge having achieved “film star” status some years ago following her many appearances in the television series Rick Stein’s French Odyssey, when she carried the renowned chef Rick Stein on a voyage of culinary discovery through Southern France. You too can follow in his footsteps with a cruise along the Canal du Midi, a 330-year-old canal with UNESCO World Heritage status.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Le Somail
Guests are met in Narbonne** and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Anjodi. Enjoy a chilled Champagne welcome with canapés and the opportunity to meet your crew, followed by time to walk around the charming village and perhaps explore its beautiful bookshop. We then enjoy a short evening cruise before dinner on board.
Day 2 - Day 2 Le Somail to Sallèles d’Aude
This morning, there is a fascinating 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, it resisted the many armies that tried to storm this Camelot setting. In the afternoon, we cruise along the 330-year-old Canal du Midi and through a series of locks on the Canal de la Robine, with excellent walking and biking opportunities en route, to our mooring at Sallèles d’Aude. Dinner on board.
Day 3 - Day 3 Sallèles d’Aude to Capestang
This morning, we cruise to Capestang, passing vineyards and pine trees, with magnificent views of the Pyrenées along the way. There is time to explore the village, once the summer retreat of the Bishops of Narbonne, with its magnificent 14th century collegiate church. After lunch on board, our excursion is 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 and the museum’s fascinating miniature recreation of the bloodthirsty Cathar rebellion completes the intriguing picture. Dinner on board.
Day 4 - Day 4 Capestang to Fonserannes
This morning we visit Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. We tour the Archbishop’s Palace, Cathedral and Via Domitia and explore the indoor market at the hub of this bustling town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the vibrant atmosphere. this bustling town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the vibrant atmosphere. We return to the hotel barge for a cruise via the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas, perhaps pausing en route at the Poilhes brewery for a tour and tasting, then on to our mooring at Fonserannes. There may also be time to view the star-shaped fields and the 13th century irrigation channels of Montady from L’Oppidum d’Enserune. Dinner ashore tonight at a gastronomic restaurant in Beziers.
Day 5 - Day 5 Fonserannes to Portiragnes
After breakfast, we descend through the unique flight of 7 oval locks, before crossing the aqueduct over the River Orb to moor in Portiragnes where the Canal du Midi is at its closest to the Mediterranean. For those who are feeling active, the beach is only 20 minutes away by bicycle. This afternoon, we enjoy an informative winery tour and tasting at the Château Pech-Celeyran, their diverse 145 hectare plot includes 38 hectares of scrubland and pine forests and has been owned by the Saint-Exupéry family for five generations. producing an exceptional array of diverse wines. Dinner on board.
Day 6 - Day 6 Portiragnes to Marseillan
This morning, Anjodi sets off through the famous round lock and then the nature reserve of Bagnas, with potential sightings of flamingos, white egrets and other migrating birds before heading out onto the inland saltwater lake of Thau, past the oyster beds. After mooring in the fishing village of Marseillan, home of Noilly Prat vermouth, we take an excursion to Pezenas, the delightful 16th century capital of the Languedoc mostly known for its associations with the French playwright Molière. On the way back to the barge, there is the option to visit a local oyster farm to sample its delicious produce with a glass of white wine while enjoying a view of the oyster beds. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Day 7 - Day 7 Marseillan
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Narbonne.
Day 8 - Please Note:
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Visit to Pezenas, a village associated with the playwright Molière
    • Private wine tasting at the 14th century Château de Perdiguier
    • Cruise through the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas
    • See the spectacular hilltop village of Minerve
    • Narbonne’s Archbishop’s Palace and colourful market
    • View the Pyrenees mountains across the vineyards and discover Cathar history
    • Tour Carcassonne – the most complete medieval fortified city in existence
    • Excellent towpath for walking and cycling
    • “Biking Plus” option available

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