Hotel Barge ANJODI - Barging in France - www.BargeCharters.com

Barge Cruises on the Canal du Midi
Between Marseillan and Le Somail, France

Wine Tasting and Appreciation Barge Cruise

Languedoc Wine Lovers Cruise

Wine cruises for charter groups include a comprehensive wine itinerary with additional winery visits, private tastings and the services of a professional wine guide. There is also an upgrade of the wine list to include additional premier and grand cru wines.

Hotel Barge ANJODI canal du midi map

Sunday, Day 1 - Le Somail

Guests are met in Narbonne and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Anjodi moored in the Port of Le Somail. 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. Enjoy a short evening cruise while your wine guide gives a brief introduction to the vineyards of the region before presenting your first wines. Dinner on board.

Monday, 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. On the way back to the barge, in the nearby village of Boutenac, we sample Patrick Reverdy's internationally renowned Corbieres wine at the 17th century Château La Voulte Gasparets. An afternoon 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 Salleles d'Aude. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 - Sallèles d'Aude to Capestang

This morning, 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. Return to the barge for lunch followed by an afternoon's cruise to Capestang, while our wine guide presents a comparative tasting of the white wines currently being produced in the Languedoc region. Enjoy a pre-dinner wine tasting of the full-bodied Corbières at the 500-year old vineyard Château de Guery. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday, Day 4 - Capestang to Fonserannes

This morning we cruise through the world's oldest canal tunnel at Malpas to our mooring in Fonserannes. Today, a visit to the state of the art winery at Mas de Chevalière, created by the Burgundian winemaker Michel Laroche, where we taste a selection of their delicious wines. Dinner ashore tonight at L'Ambassade, a gastronomic restaurant in Beziers.

Thursday, Day 5 - Fonserannes to Portiragnes

This morning we visit Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy a visit to the Archbishop's Palace and Horreum. Explore the indoor market at the hub of this bustling canal side town, shop or simply absorb the relaxed atmosphere. Before returning to the hotel barge, we pay a visit to the Château de Pech Redon to taste the wonderfully complex velvety wines produced from the nearby Montagne de la Clape. Cruise to Portiragnes where the Canal du Midi is at its closest to the Mediterranean. For those who are feeling active a short cycle ride takes you to the beach for an evening swim in the Med! Dinner on board.

Friday, 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 étang de 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. Later we visit the acclaimed Pomerol wine co-operative, Gold Medal winners and leading lights in the Languedoc. Captain's Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday, Day 7 - Marseillan

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Narbonne.

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