South of France                             

◊ Alouettè
◊ Anjodi
◊ Athos
◊ Enchanté
◊ Napoléon

◊ Rosa

Alouettè

FULLY REFURBISHED IN 2008. With just two luxurious staterooms, a delightfully pretty and spacious open plan living room / dining salon flooded in natural light and a sundeck with high quality deck chairs and sheltering umbrellas, the Alouettè is very well equipped to make the most of the beautiful landscapes through which she cruises. Built in 1908 and converted into a luxury cruise barge in 1986 she offers an elegant, informal atmosphere coupled with exceedingly high standards of food, drink and accommodation.
Guests can expect to be pleasantly surprised by new wines, cheeses and other tabletop delights comparatively unknown outside of France. Sightseeing is wonderful on this cruise as you will explore the most scenic stretch of the Canal du Midi, and every section of this route has exceptional points of interest. Alouettè carries bicycles for her passengers to enjoy as they wish and an air-conditioned minibus accompanies the barge for sightseeing excursions.

Cruise highlights may include:

Tour of the lovely town of Beziers with its many squares, fountains and 13th Century cathedral
Vibrant undercover market in Narbonne
Stunning hilltop village of Minerve—home of the world famous Minervois wine
The superb 11th Century Cistercian Abbey of Fontfroide
The renowned medieval fortressed city of Carcassonne

* 98 FEET LONG
* 4 GUESTS
* 4 CREW
* 2 LUXURIOUS DOUBLE OR TWIN SUITES, EACH WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM
* 4 GOOD QUALITY BICYCLES
* AIR CONDITIONING
* AIR CONDITIONED PRIVATE MERCEDES MINIBUS FOR EXCURSIONS
* CD, STEREO, BOOK AND GAMES LIBRARY

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The Athos is the largest vessel able to pass through the beautiful and unique oval locks on the Canal du Midi. Recently refurbished internally (2007), she has been designed to offer every comfort. Her varnished woods and pretty floral fabrics lift the spirits and together with the warm, welcoming crew you will soon be feeling totally at home.
There are five cabins, all en suite, and each can be arranged with either two single beds (twin) or with one large double bed. Athos is fully air conditioned and each cabin has independent heating controls. Adjacent to the cabins is the large saloon dining room, bar and galley from where you can enjoy watching the world float by with a favorite tipple in hand—if you’re not lounging outside on the spacious sun deck already. With large chairs, loungers and umbrellas for those who prefer the shade it’s the perfect place to relax.

Cruise Highlights may include:

The ’must-see’ medieval citadel of Carcassonne
Minerve—the stunning hilltop village
Narbonne—on its buzzing market day
Domaine de Guéry— a winery using traditional C20th equipment
The Fonserannes staircase of 9 locks and canal bridge
Oyster beds of the salt water lagoon the Etang de Thau
Noilly Prat wine-tasting in the small fishing port of Marseillan

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The lovely Anjodi was specifically built for navigating the Canal du Midi and is arguably the prettiest barge on this waterway. Of classic Dutch design, she is being constantly maintained and improved by her dedicated crew to ensure that guests enjoy a wonderful, southern France atmosphere on board thanks to the beautiful Provence-style fabrics and furnishings. She is a very comfortable, pretty barge with a colorful interior that reflects the sunny climate and landscape you will cruise through whilst aboard. With central heating and full air conditioning, the classic decor of African hardwoods, handcrafted paneling and brass fittings throughout combine to offer a really relaxing, charming ambience. The spacious sun deck is perfect for soaking up the sun, savoring outdoor dining or refreshing yourself in the heated, sunken Jacuzzi.

Anjodi Canal du Midi Cruise highlights may include:
Tour the fortified city of Carcassonne—the most intact medieval fortified city in the world
Visit Béziers Cathedral and l’Oppidum d’Enserune (600 B.C.)
The ancient Roman city of Narbonne
Lezignans’ colorful market
Private Corbières wine tasting at the Domaine de Guéry
Hilltop town of Minerve and its 12th century perched fort, views of the majestic Pyreneen Mountain range and much much more...

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Enchanté was built to navigate the canals and rivers of Europe and has recently been completely refurbished to the highest standard. She provides luxurious accommodation for up to eight guests in four en-suite twin or double suites, (approx. 200sq ft including ensuite) each with superbly appointed bathrooms with showers and luxurious bath products. The barge is tastefully furnished in a contemporary style using exotic hardwoods to create a bright, art deco atmosphere. She has a large, spacious saloon where the attention to detail is exceptional. She also has a demonstration galley for guests to view the skilled chef at work, DVD/TV, CD/iPod sound system, internet connection and a guest computer available, plus reversible air conditioning throughout. With her spacious sun deck, plenty of room for al fresco dining, gorgeous hot tub (spa pool) and luxurious sun loungers she is the perfect luxury hotel-barge on which to enjoy a truly decadent cruise in 2010. Enchanté can also cruise in tandem with the Anjodi to provide charter cruises for up to 16 guests.

Cruise Highlights may include:
A visit to Pezenas town—the jewel of the Languedoc region
Noilly Prat distillery cellars and tasting
Cruising on the salt lake lagoon ‘Etang de Thau with its mussel and oyster beds
Medieval town of Aigues-Mortes
Wonderful nature and wildlife of the Camargue National Park
A tour of Roman Arles, including the Roman arena and theatre
A visit to Avignon and the ancient Pope’s Palace

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The Napoleon is probably Europe’s finest and most luxurious river cruiser combining all the amenities of a super-luxurious hotel with the friendly ambiance of a country house. Her glorious interior is beautifully appointed and has very large picture windows allowing fantastic views of the passing scenery even from inside the barge. She is fully air-conditioned with a huge saloon offering plenty of solid, comfortable chairs and sofas on which to relax, a large separate dining room where gourmet food and wine is served in gracious refinement to you each day, plus a book and video/DVD library and piano keyboard for the musicians among you. The upper deck features a superb canopied dining area, a spacious marble patio and sundeck with loungers, a 6 person jacuzzi and exercise equipment. The Napoléon cruises the wide River Rhône through the very heart of Provence between Arles and Tain L’Hermitage, Avignon to Lyon, and in 2010 also offers the charming route between Tain L’Hermitage and Chalon-sur-Saône, among several others.
Come and savour ’la bonne vie’ (the good life!) on the Napoleon as she cruises through the heart of the Côtes du Rhone wine-producing region. Perfect for private family charters or simply groups of friends who wish to cruise in exclusive style and privacy, although individual cabins can also be booked, availability permitting.

Cruise Highlights may include:
Typical charming Provençal villages—Les Baux and St. Rémy de Provence
Visit to Avignon street market, Palace of the Popes and Notre Dame Cathedral
Châteauneuf du Pape wine-tasting at the Château de la Nerthe
Tour of the Roman city of Orange, dating back 100 B.C.
The magnificent Roman Pont du Gard
Fabulous Côtes du Rhone wine-tasting

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Rosa - Canal Latéral à la Garonne, Gascony – FROM AUGUST 2010

Rosa is an old Dutch “Clipper” barge that is being completely refitted in 2010 to a high specification. Her saloon is particularly welcoming and features attractive wood panellng, comfortable seating and a cozy bar. There are four air-conditioned staterooms, each with full en-suite facilities and offering comfortable accommodation for 8 passengers. Outside there is a spacious sundeck with comfortable furniture. Rosa also featured in the hugely successful television series, Rick Stein’s French Odyssey.





Cruise Highlights

* Visits to historic Montauban & picturesque Auvillar
* Negotiate the amazing inclined Water Plane at Montauban
* Wine, armagnac and foie gras tastings
* Visit to Moissac and its ancient abbey
* Traverse a 1000 foot aqueduct
* Gastronomic dinner ashore

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