Canal du Midi Cruise Itinerary Between Béziers and Carcassonne
A charter on Roi Soleil is all about choice. Below is their Canal du Midi barge cruise route with suggestions on what is available each day to customize your cruise. This sample includes wine tastings. If you do not wish for this activity, the excursions schedule may vary. Not mentioned are the cycling, running or walking opportunities.
Day 1, Sunday: Béziers - Cassafieres to Portiragnes
- Transfer to Roi Soleil, welcome on-board, and cocktails
- Navigate along the canal through a rural area with wetlands, a reserve for flamingoes and horses.
Day 2, Monday: Portiragnes to Fonserannes
- Cruising through the great locks of Fonseranne (9-lock staircase) and Béziers canal bridge.
- Excursion to the historical city of Pézenas (famed architecture, many artisans and antiques, plus an option to add a wine tasting at a prized property).
- OR or touring Etang du Thau and oyster beds in a local boat.
- OR visit a roman villa, a rich archeological site<./li>
- OR an excursion to the impressive hill village of Roquebrun by the River Orb (possible to swim or kayak).
- AND / OR a visit to the pre-Roman Oppidum of Enserune, a major archaeological site with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
- AND / OR visit Béziers historical center and shops.
Day 3, Tuesday: Fonserannes to Capestang
- Cruise into the heart of the historic village of Capestang.
- Private visit to the cistercian Abbey of Fontroide, one of the finest examples in France.
- AND / OR excursion to the impressive hill village of Roquebrun by the river Orb - possible to swim (or to canoe down river as an optional excursion at guests cost).
- AND / OR horse-riding close by the canal or visit a bull ranch with the opportunity to round up the bulls on horseback before sunset (Seasonal optional excursion at guests cost).
- OR visit of Pezenas with or without a wine tasting.
Day 4, Wednesday: Capestang to La Croisade
- Morning excursion to the charming City of Narbonne that was the Roman Capital of the early Gaulles - its vibrant food market - the famed art and roman archeology museums within the Bishop Palace - many shops and cafes on cobbled streets – a highlight of the week.
- Afternoon sailing to La Croisade
- Cruising beneath the smallest bridge in France.
Day 5, Thursday: La Croisade to Paraza
- Visit to the hill village of Minerve, a beautiful natural site that has a dramatic history dating back to the Crusades.
- Visit to prized olive oil mill, Oulibo, and a historic Languedoc village.
- AND / OR private wine tasting in a renown Minervois domain with 15 varietals.
- Cruise to Paraza, and mooring by an ancient canal bridge with views across the valley including a short stop in le Somail to explore an impressive antique bookstore.
- Dinner ashore included in a local restaurant by the Canal.
Day 6, Friday: Paraza to Homps
- Visit to the fortified city of Carcassonne,Europe's largest Medieval Fortress. A great place to be transported into medieval history and a shopping opportunity.
- OR visit medieval village of Lagrasse and its artisans.
- Afternoon cruise to Homps with many locks.
Day 7, Saturday: Homps
- After a leisurely breakfast onboard, transfer to departure point.
NOTES:
- On alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse direction.
- This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
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