Wine Tasting & Appreciation Barge Cruise Itinerary

The French Hotel Barge Enchante offers a wine tasting barge cruise for charter groups on the Canal du Midi in the south of France.

The wine tasting & appreciation barge cruise includes 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.

Map – Canal du Midi

Sunday, Day 1: Trèbes

Guests are met in Narbonne and escorted by minibus to Hotel Barge Enchanté, moored in Trèbes. A champagne welcome followed by time to walk around the charming and historical village.

Prior to dinner your wine guide will give you a brief introduction to the vineyards of the region before presenting your first wines. Dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2: Trèbes to Puichéric

Today, enjoy a fascinating morning tour of Carcassonne. Dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, this is the most complete medieval fortified city in existence today. See its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defenses, that withstood armies attacking this glorious Camelot-like setting. We sample Jean-François Orosquette’s renowned wines at Badens’ 12th-century Château La Grave before returning to the barge.

In the afternoon, we cruise to Puichéric lock along the 330-year old canal shaded by plane trees. You might want to admire the lock-keeper’s artistic creations which surround the lock-house. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3: Puichéric to Homps

This morning, our cruise descends the trademark locks of the Canal du Midi as the steep relief requires them to be more numerous and deeper. This is a great opportunity to walk or cycle from one lock to the next as Enchanté cruises on, navigating the triple locking system.

The afternoon features a wine tour and tasting at a Minervois château, a prestigious, A.O.C.-certified French wine region. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4: Homps to Roubia

This morning, we visit a Benedictine Abbey founded in the 8th century and nestled in Lagrasse, a village awarded the title of “Plus beaux villages de France”. It was home to many artisans who set up workshops in the medieval center. Its restored Abbey flourished thanks to Charlemagne’s charter.

Lunch ashore in a spectacular setting overlooking the Corbières. We will then visit the Château Lalis to taste the wonderfully complex velvety wines produced from the Corbières A.O.P. Later this afternoon, we will pass l’Epanchoir, an engineering feat by Pierre Riquet along the Canal du Midi. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5: Roubia to Le Somail

A morning cruise through vineyards and pine trees to the charming and historical village of Le Somail, purpose-built for the Canal du Midi. This bustling little village is situated on the “grand bief”, another engineering prowess unique to the Canal du Midi. Take some time to explore the old bookstore of Le Somail.

An afternoon excursion to Château de Combebelle, owned by Master of wine Catherine Wallace. She fulfilled her life-long dream by becoming one of the most acclaimed wine producers of the Saint Chinian A.O.P. We continue by minibus 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. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6: Le Somail to Sallèles d’Aude

This morning’s excursion is to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy a visit to the Archbishop’s Palace and the indoor market at the hub of this bustling canal side town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the vibrant atmosphere.

During this afternoon’s cruise to Sallèles d’Aude, our wine guide presents a comparative tasting of the wines currently being produced in the Languedoc region. Finally, we enjoy a wine-tasting of the full-bodied and diverse wines at the vineyard Domaine de l’Herbe Sainte where the fiercely passionate Greuzard family apply their Burgundy know-how. Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7: Sallèles d’Aude

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

NOTE:

• This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
• The itinerary is in reverse direction on alternate weeks.

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