All About the French Hotel Barge Enchanté
Experience elegance and luxury in the foothills of the Pyrenées
Do you envision sunny days spent cruising the canals of the South of France, indulging in fantastic wines & cuisine, plus exploring the local culture? If you're seeking the ultimate canal barge experience on the historic Canal du Midi, you'll want to discover the delights of the French Hotel Barge Enchanté that has everything you're looking for.
To enjoy the very best of barging on the historic Canal du Midi, read on to discover the delights of hotel barge Enchanté , and what a cruise aboard can offer discerning world travelers.
A Short History of Barge Enchanté
Enchanté was built in the Belgian shipyard of A. Vander Cruise in Oostkamp. Constructed in 1958 as a Spitz-style barge, she was given the name "Maria". Built from steel with a high carbon content, the anti-corrosive properties of the metal have meant her hull has lasted the decades, like it has for many other barges of that vintage.
Initially made for shipping freight, such as fertilizer, grain, and other dry-bulk cargo, Maria navigated the waterways of northern Europe. Throughout her commercial service working the rivers and canals of France and Belgium, she underwent a series of ownerships and a host of different names including "Luco" and "Theo-Tiens".
After 50 years of service, she was purchased by husband and wife team, Roger and Louisa Gronow, to turn her into a luxury hotel barge for the Canal du Midi. Renamed Enchanté, she was drawn up by French architect Techni-carene and rebuilt at the Chantier Naval de Meuse et Sambre in Belgium. Her original length was reduced from 38 meters (128 feet) to 30 meters (100 feet), to better suit the Canal du Midi's shorter locks and low, curved bridges.
The Gronow's wished to break away from the traditional interior fitting out of wood and brass so they asked the architect and interior designer for a contemporary look with a hint of Art Deco with clean lines and curves. They desired to keep the inside decor simple and uncluttered to give an over-all effect of lightness. Enchanté joined the French hotel barge fleet in 2009.
Hotel Barge Enchanté Today
Enchanté is the largest barge cruising the Canal Du Midi in the south of France. With her spacious interior providing ample luxury for just eight passengers, guests will be charmed by her contemporary interior and ultra deluxe amenities.
Relax on the comfortable saloon sofa and enjoy five-star service as a barge host serves your chosen drink. Watch the chef prepare a gourmet meal in the open demonstration galley and take in the beautiful views of the picturesque Pyrenees foothills.
Guest accommodations can be found below the main deck, and each can be arranged as either a twin or double suite. Each light, airy cabin features half-panelled walls, porthole windows, and its own air-conditioning unit. Equipped with a private, ensuite shower room, guests can be assured they'll be spending a week in complete comfort.
On the sundeck, the outside space creates a pleasant atmosphere to kick back and relax. Sit at the outdoor table on a sunny morning canal cruise with a book in hand or take a dip in the heated spa pool with an iced drink. There's no better way to see the waterways of France than taking in the views from the sundeck of hotel barge Enchanté.
Cruise the Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi, a historic waterway and UNESCO World Heritage Site, was conceived and realized by Pierre-Paul Riquet in the 17th century. Riquet was an engineer and tax collector with a keen interest in hydraulics. He envisioned creating a waterway that would allow transport of passengers and cargo from the Mediterranean to the Bay of Biscay. This route would avoid the long and dangerous (Barbary pirates) sea voyage around Spain and through the Strait of Gibraltar. Learn more about the Canal du Midi.
Themed Charters – Perfect for:
Culinary Experiences
Culinary Themed Charters will appeal to lovers of fine food interested in understanding how and where locally-grown ingredients are sourced. During your cruise, you will learn more about some of the region's wonderful products and meet the people behind them. This cruise features a truffle hunt at Mas d'Antonin, on olive oil tasting at L'Oulibo, and a tour of a local boulangerie in the village of Homps. Guests will be treated to the very best provincial delicacies in the region. The highlight of this incredible cruise has to be the French cooking class that is held alongside the calming waters of the Canal du Midi. Savour the fruits of your labor over lunch, while watching life on the canal.
Oenophiles
Wine Appreciation Themed Charters include a comprehensive wine itinerary with additional winery visits, private tastings, an upgrade of the wine list, and the services of a professional wine guide. On this cruise aboard Enchanté: visit the vineyards of the 12th century Château La Grave, experience a wine tour of the Appellation d'Origine Controlée of a Château in Minervois, and a tasting of full-bodied wines at Domaine de l'Herbe Sainte. Last but not least, learn about Catherine Wallace who fulfilled a life-long dream of becoming one of the most acclaimed wine makers in the Saint Chinian A.O.P at her Château de Combebelle vineyard.
Families
If you are cruising with family, a Family Themed Charter may be of interest. Enchanté has an abundance of child-friendly activities to choose from, whether you have a younger or older audience to please. Choose from a selection of nearby activities to match your children's ages and interests, perhaps visiting the Prehistoric Caves at Limoussis, the Goat's Cheese Farm at Combebelle, and the living museum of Richard de Bas Paper Mill. Looking for a more adventurous holiday, then perhaps swimming in the sea at Saint-Pierre La Mer is more to your liking, or some water sports on the River Aude.
Golfing
With a Golf Themed Charter, tee times can be arranged so that you have time to play a memorable round and still enjoy a relaxing cruise aboard your floating hotel with gourmet cuisine and fine wines. Included are four pre-booked and paid tee times and transfers to and from the golf courses. A minimum of four golfers are required and only those golfing pay the additional supplement. Hire of clubs, caddy or buggy not included.
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