Alegria

Canal du Midi Cruises

Passengers: 4
Size: 100 feet long
Last Visited: 2008
Rating: Deluxe, A/C

2009 Rates

Whole Boat Charter:
(As of 4/1/09)
Party of 4 - $22,000
Party of 3 - $20,000
Party of 2 - $18,000


Barge Lady's Kelly Weiss and her husband Tim visited Alegria in May, 2008

We boarded Alegria, moored in Poihles around noon on our May 27, 2008 visit, with the sounds of South African music lilting in the background. We were greeted by owner and Captain Oliver Baudry who informed us we were the first to see Alegria completely remodeled! Captain Olivier is originally from France and previously ran two luxury river boats in Paris offering day and evening excursions. He then ran a tour company in South Africa for fifteen years. However his passion was for the French rivers and canals and he told us running a barge has long been his dream. Upon seeing Alegria, he knew it was fate and jumped at the opportunity. In addition to piloting Alegria, Olivier will lead some excursions incorporating his expertise as a French native.

Captain Olivier is joined by veteran chef Peter Shaw, formerly of the barge La Tortue. Peter is highly acclaimed by Barge Lady guests and well known on the Canal du Midi as an excellent chef. Besides offering some of the most fabulous cuisine afloat, his extensive knowledge of Wine Spectator-quality wines of the area makes tasting and learning so much fun! Peter will open Alegria’s kitchen for cooking demonstrations. Guests will also be treated to two meals off the barge. Rounding out Alegria’s crew is hostess Monique La Puerta. She has been working in the "Industrie du Luxe" in Paris for the past thirty years. Monique speaks English and will play an important role in your daily life and comfort on board.

As soon as we walked through the round glass doors we knew this was different than any barge we had seen. Alegria is unique and modern with a “boutique” feel. Warm reds, oranges and browns add contrast to the new white hardwood floors. South African accents and artwork from Captain Olivier’s personal collection add an exotic charm. Our personal favorite feature was the large round windows found in the lounge and cabins offering panoramic views of Canal du Midi scenery whether dining or relaxing.

Alegria is perfect for four guests, boasting two spacious cabins each with ensuite bathroom and amenities such as mini-fridge, heated towel rails, bath robes, "L’Occitane en Provence" toiletries and hair dryer. A special feature is access to the cabins from both inside the barge and outside - via the private staircase that leads up to the heated pool on deck.Enjoy alfresco dining on Alegria’s main deck area or perhaps sip wine and chat with Captain Olivier in the outdoor wheelhouse nook as he pilots Alegria down the winding Canal du Midi. The lounge area features two plush red leather couches and a satellite tv with dvd player. Internet access is also available through the connection of a 3G+ USB key to your laptop.

We are very excited to offer Alegria in 2009 - the Canal du Midi's only "boutique barge!"

Alegria

Canal du Midi Barge Cruise Itinerary

Beziers to Carcassonne on the Canal du Midi

Saturday: Beziers to Poilhes
From 4pm we have the pleasure of welcoming you at the train station, airport, rental car office or local hotel, all in Beziers or immediate environs. On the way we may pop into the City of Beziers to see the famous locks of Fonséranes. After you settle down on the barge, you'll a welcome drink of a glass of Champagne and the crew will be introduced to you. Alegria might even take you for a short introductory cruise, depending on the navigation conditions. We'll also explain you how the week will work and we'll give you the necessary instructions for your stay on board. We'll serve your first dinner and spend the night in Poilhes, our "home mooring".

Sunday:
Capestang and La Croisade
Sunday is "Le Jour du marché" in Capestang: your French Captain, Olivier, will teach you all the secrets of a French Public Market ... We may even find something tasty to buy for lunch which will be served along the beautiful bank of the Canal. The afternoon takes you to La Croisade underneath the lowest bridge on the Canal: the famous bridge of Capestang. Mind you head! We spend the night in a restful place a stone's throw away from ... an old 17th century stone bridge.

Monday:
Le Somail and Roubia
Should you be interested in archeology, you can visit an exceptional site today: the Oppidum of Ensérune, one of the largest around the Mediterranean. This takes you back to pre-Roman times in the South of France, from the 6th century BC. Thereafter, we cruise along Le Sommail, one of the most charming villages along the Canal. Should you need a book for the week you can buy one from a unique book shop that has approximately 50 000 second-hand books in stock ... in many different languages!
The evening and the night are spent along the Canal near Roubia.

Tuesday:
Cruise to Homps.
In the morning we visit Minerve, a fascinating site and a previously fortified village in a very special rocky environment. Minerve was attacked in 1210 by the terrible army led by Simon de Montfort: the right time for us to tell you about the Crusade of the Albigeois in the 13th Century, one of the harshest stories of our past … After the afternoon cruise you'll be offered a dinner "à terre", off the barge. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of a French restaurant! We spend the night in the beautiful area of Homps, a significant harbor on the Canal.

Wednesday:
Pulcheric
In the morning we drive through the landscape and we visit a beautiful town, Narbonne. Narbonne is full of Roman history and includes the "Palace of the Archbishop". You will love its Mediterranean and Gothic style. And ... we'll offer you lunch there. After lunch we drive back to the barge for the afternoon leg, up to Pulcheric, where we'll stay for the night

Thursday:
Cruise to Trebes, visit Carcassonne
In the morning we visit the great City of Carcassonne, the biggest medieval City in Europe. You will be fascinated by the size of the walls and the narrow streets inside. You will be right there in the middle of French history! There also many shops where you can buy typical souvenirs to bring back to friends or children. After lunch we embark on the last leg of the cruise for the week, from Pulcheric to the area of Trebes. We spend the last night there after the "Captain’s Farewell Dinner".

Friday:
Disembark the Alegria.
After your breakfast, it is unfortunately time to conclude this unforgettable cruise. We will transfer you back to the  train station, airport, rental car office or local hotel, all in Carcassonne or immediate environs. … so that you can continue your adventure in Europe or wherever!!!

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. The route will run in reverse on alternate weeks. Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Cruises on the hotel-barge Alegria and barging the Canal du Midi Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Alegria

Guest Book

 Our first 2009 Comments:
"What a wonderful treat!!  The barge, the food, the wine, the information plus all the smiles were exceptional.  We lived in France for 6 years and have always wanted to do a canal cruise - now we finally have!  We are glad we did it with you!  What you are creating is a wonderful experience..keep it up!"

"Thank you so much for a wonderful week on the Midi Canal.  The weather was exceptional, the food was excellent (great pairing of wine and food), your service met all of our expectations and of course the scenery and tours were top notch!"

2008 Guests Said:

“We have traveled by barge before and our expectations were surpassed. Algeria gave us 5 star service the entire trip. The chef provided wonderful food for us lunch and dinner. Wine was skillfully paired with each course of food, and the meal was explained along with the wine selection. Peter's cooking skills and personality could easily support a television cooking show.  Eating his food was delightful. Olivier who is both the owner and captain made sure that any need/desire we had was met and quickly.  Monique our hostess on board studied to see the foods  and drinks we preferred and made them readily available to us.  I can't imagine anyone doing a better job in her position then she did. The cabin was larger than our hotel room in Paris. It was nicely decorated, had large port windows, good linens, heated towel racks nice French soaps.. we were very pleased.  The service was fabulous. Every day arrived with something which blew me away.  I said it all except you have Alegria listed as deluxe and I think it was definitely ultra deluxe.”

Alegria Floor Plan

100 Feet Long
- 2 cabins: 190 sq feet and 220 sq feet
- In each cabin: King size bed or 2 twins, mini fridge, heated towel rails, hair dryer and bath robes
- Satellite TV, DVD and CD player
- Internet access for your laptop with our USB 3G+ modem available for use at no charge.
- 2 Decks
- Heated Pool on deck