All About The French Hotel Barge Anjodi
Discover the beauty of the Canal du Midi in style with a barge cruise aboard the French Hotel Barge Anjodi and understand why she's been delighting guests for over 40 years.
With her rich history and elegant Dutch design, Anjodi is the perfect vessel for a relaxing cruise along the picturesque Canal du Midi in the south of France. From fine dining and wine tastings to exploring historic towns and local villages, Anjodi offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Come and enjoy the charm of the Canal du Midi with either a private barge charter or a cabin cruise aboard Hotel Barge Anjodi.
A Short History of Anjodi
Over the past four decades, Anjodi has made a name for herself on the Canal du Midi in France. She is a Dutch-designed Luxemotor barge which is a special class of cargo carrier that included accommodation for her crew, rather than only a cargo hold and a tiller for steering.
Built in the Netherlands in 1927 and christened as "Marie" shortly thereafter, she worked the waterways of Northern Europe as a trading barge. Renamed in 1954 to "Twee Gebroeders" (Dutch for "Two Brothers") she followed in the Dutch maritime tradition of barges being named after family members.
In 1963, she was renamed for the final time as "Anjodi" – a combination of Anna, Johanna and Diana – after the three daughters of the then-owner.
In 1982, the founder and Managing Director of European Waterways, Derek Banks, purchased Anjodi from her last skipper, Foppe de Jong. With the intention of giving her a new life cruising on the Canal du Midi in France, Banks was looking for a 30-meter (100 ft) barge that could be transformed into a luxury floating hotel.
Taken from the Netherlands to southern France via the Rhine, Anjodi went through a refit to become one of the first hotel barges based in the town of Agde. In 1984, Anjodi received her first passengers for her maiden voyage as a luxury hotel barge.
A Film Star Barge
Anjodi reached new heights in 2005, achieving film star status in Rick Stein's French Odyssey. The six-part television series which aired on the BBC received global acclaim and took Stein from Bordeaux to Sète on a voyage of culinary discovery, along with Hotel Barge Rosa.
Hotel Barge Anjodi Today
With more than 40 years' experience as a luxury hotel barge, Anjodi is a classic Dutch boat built with the refinement and elegance of a yacht, plus modern comforts. Anjodi's African hardwood and buffed brass portholes are evocative of a bygone era that hails glamor and tradition.
As a first-class vessel with a full crew that includes the Captain, Chef, Hosts, Tour Guide and Deckhand, you will be well taken care of on your stay. With Anjodi's service rivalling top hotels, your glass will never be empty, and your stomach will always be full.
The spacious saloon and dining area are perfect for relaxing and mingling with fellow passengers. The rich, wood flooring feels luxurious and warm. Combined with elegant French dining furniture and plush banquette seating, the room feels welcoming and inviting. Kick back and relax with a brandy or a cocktail, served from the fully stocked bar.
Anjodi's four cabins accommodate eight passengers. Each individual cabin feels cosy and comfortable with half-panelled wooden walls and feature porthole windows. With the option to have beds made up into a double or twin configuration, you can travel with a partner or a close friend, knowing you'll have a space that's prepared especially for you. Each cabin comes equipped with a modern ensuite bathroom with shower, plus luxury toiletries for your convenience.
A large upper deck is ideal for taking in the afternoon sun, reading a book, or relaxing in the hot tub with a refreshing cold drink. If you prefer a bit more shade, then simply enjoy an iced coffee under the large extendable canopy.
Barge Anjodi Cruises on the Canal du Midi
The French Hotel Barge Anjodi traverses the historic Canal du Midi, a major inland waterway linking the Bay of Biscay in the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
Built in the 17th century at a time when France was the center of civil engineering excellence, the Canal du Midi is over 240 kilometers (149 miles) long. Running through southern France, the canal connects Toulouse with the Mediterranean at Sète via the Etang de Thau.
Fed by water from an artificial reservoir in the Black Mountains, the Canal du Midi rises 63 meters (206 feet) during its route. Boats traveling the canal, experience as many as 26 locks on its 51.5-kilometer journey from Toulouse to its 5-kilometer-long peak point. The waterway then descends another 189 meters (620 feet) through 74 locks to the Étang de Thau. Truly an amazing feat of engineering.
Anjodi's Itinerary Highlights
Anjodi's itinerary is a mixture of culture, history, nature, and gastronomy. Spend a morning at Maison Noilly Prat for a flavor of the famous French Vermouth which went into production in 1813. In addition, a stop at Château de Paraza will reveal the secrets of winemaking at an extraordinary 17th-century vineyard. With a tour that's complete with an interesting wine tasting experience, you'll have a chance to savor the flavors of southern France.
Food connoisseurs will enjoy the huge variety of dishes prepared by Anjodi's onboard master chef. They can cater to your dietary needs too, so mealtimes will be equally as spectacular as your fellow guests'. During the week, we head to Le Mas d'Antonin for a culinary experience like no other. There's a chance to go truffle hunting with a resident truffle dog, sample varieties of olive oil, and served a gourmet lunch paired with local wines. It's a complete afternoon of the very best of Mediterranean gastronomy.
Also of interest is the itinerary's historic highlights. As you cruise this ancient region of Southern France, you view scores of vineyards on rolling hills, all with a backdrop of silhouetted peaks from the Pyrenees mountains. Once home to the Christian denomination of Cathars, the area has a dark past and many people were burned at the stake and cast out from their homes.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Carcassonne is an undeniable pinnacle of Anjodi's itinerary. Built in the 5th century, the fortress of Carcassonne underwent painstaking restoration in the 19th-century, making it the world's most complete fortified medieval city. Visitors can see 52 watchtowers, 3 kilometers of ramparts and a drawbridge.
Guests aboard Anjodi will cruise through the world's oldest canal tunnel at Malpas. Excavated in 1679, it extends for 165 metres before returning to the surface. Barge lovers will revel in crossing the aqueduct over the River Orb and passing to the top of the Fonserannes locks, which consist of a unique stair of seven locks in a row.
For a special view of the French countryside, familiarize yourself with its beauty by walking along the towpath on a sunny day. If you prefer a faster mode of transport, take advantage of the onboard bikes to cycle along the towpath as the barge gently cruises along to the next lock.
Anjodi Has Special Cruises Tailored For:
- Oenophiles
It wouldn't be right to offer specialist cruises of South of France and not include a wine tour. This vast area produces some exciting wines and is known for its huge variety of red wines on offer, from cabernet sauvignon to merlot. With wines paired with every meal, you will have every opportunity to taste regional varieties. Some of the highlights of the wine tour include a stop at the Pomerol wine co-operative in Languedoc, a tour and tasting of cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir and chardonnay wines at Century Château de Perdiguier. A tasting of internationally renowned Corbières wine made by Patrick Reverdy at the Château LaVoulte Gasparets, completes the specialized wine itinerary aboard Anjodi.
- Golfers
If a round of golf is more your bag, then grab your kit and head onboard Anjodi to visit some of the best greens in the South of France. Visit the 18-hole course at Le Cap d'Agde Golf International, designed by the famous architect, Ronald Fream. Watch out for the bunkers though, they can be troublesome! For a more classic 18-hole golf course, get into the swing of things at Golf St Thomas and see stunning scenery at Golf de Carcassonne. With a stop at the 9-hole Golf de Lamalou-les-Bains to practice technical shots, Anjodi's golf itinerary has something for all levels of golfer.
- Families
If you're looking for a multi-generational family holiday with a twist, then why not book a whole barge for your extended family? With space for up to eight passengers, you can switch out up to four activities from Anjodi's classic cruise itinerary, swapping them for more family-friendly options. View Anjodi's family itinerary for great examples such as the prehistoric caves at Limoussis, the Dinosaur Museum Park at Meze, and Pirateland Water Park. With scuba diving, canoeing, and zip-lining all options too, you'll find it hard to decide on your favorites.
Ready for a Barge Cruise with Anjodi?
Feeling inspired and interested in a Canal du Midi cruise aboard French Hotel Barge Anjodi? Contact Paradise Connections – we are happy to assist with your barging vacation.
Learn More About the Canal du Midi:
- View links to our many articles about the Canal du Midi
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