Alouette

Canal du Midi Cruises

Passengers: 4
Size: 98 feet long
Last Visited: 2003
Rating: Ultra Deluxe, A/C

2009 Rates

Whole Boat Charter:
$22,900 - 2 passengers
$26,100 - 3 passengers
$29,300 - 4 passengers

Train transfers to and from the pickup points are additional to the cruise price.
We will guide the purchase of train tickets

Alouette is now wholly owned by Orient Express, operator of luxury travel experiences worldwide.

In an extremely exciting re-launch, Alouette was gutted and rebuilt in 2008. It's
new rating is Ultra-Deluxe.


The big and beautiful staterooms are outfitted with satellite TV, DVD, a phone itercom
system - while the decor reeks of luxury - Italian Linens dress the beds. Hand-cut tiles
line the bath.

In the Salon is Grange furniture and solid oak floors. Like in the cabins, the "look" is
light, colorful, airy. A computer with unlimited internet access connects this lovely
cocoon to the outside world!

The 2008 crew of four includes Pilot Luke who has driven all five vessels in the
Orient Express fleet and "Aussie" Chef Angus who has lived, trained and cooked in
France for many years. He will be happy to share tips as he cooks in Alouette's
open "Demonstration Kitchen!"

Included in the itinerary are the top sights of the Midi - as well as many opportunities
to walk or hike on the towpaths lining this tree-lined canal.

We hope to visit Alouette in 2009 and we are thrilled with this brand new barge!

Alouette

Barge Cruise Itinerary

Beziers to Carcassonne on the Canal du Midi

Sunday
Paris to Montpellier
Your departure from Paris from the Gare de Lyon via the TGV train will arrive at approximately 16:53 at the Montpellier train station where you will be met by the Alouette guide. After gathering your baggage you will be driven by mini-van to Béziers where you will board the barge for your cruise through the Canal du Midi.

A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to greet the crew while your luggage is brought aboard.

Dinner will be served at 20:00. (The time for meals on board can be altered to suit the passenger's wishes).

Monday
Cruise to Capestang.
Visit Béziers
After breakfast, you'll tour the lovely town of Béziers, the birth place of Pierre Paul Riquet who built the canal du Midi over 300 years ago. You will spend the morning discovering the many squares, pavement cafés, shopping and galleries Béziers has to offer. Not to be missed is the magnificent 13th century Cathedral. Tonight's mooring is the little port of Capestang.

Tuesday
Cruise to Le Somail.
Visit Narbonne
Up bright and early to experience the wonderful under cover market in Narbonne, a lively Mediterranean city playing an important role as a wine producing centre. It's municipal, military and religious architecture, the treasures in its museums, the charm of the river banks of the Robine and its shaded boulevards all contribute to its charm. Back to the barge for another scrumptious lunch and a cruise to tonight's mooring in Le Somail.

Wednesday
Cruise to Homps.
Visit Minerve
After breakfast, relax on deck and watch the passing scenery. After lunch, you will visit the superb 11th century Cistercian Abbey de Fontfroide, with its noble cloister and a peaceful garden lined with cypress trees, followed by a wine tasting in the wild limestone hills of the Corbières.

Thursday
Cruise to Trebes.
Visit Abbey de Fontfroide.
Cycle or walk along the towpaths, take in the grandeur and beauty of the Canal du Midi, with its impressively fine locks, buildings and aqueducts, scarcely changed from their completion over 300 years ago. After a scrumptious lunch, visit Minerve, an old village on a limestone cliff, which dominates the vineyards below. Its now ruined castle was once a Cathar stronghold, besieged and captured by Simon de Montfort. On our descent back to the barge, we will stop and taste some wine in the Minervois.

Friday
Cruise to Carcassone.
Visit Carcassonne.
Finish the week with a tour of Europe's largest medieval fortress - La Cité of Carcassonne. Admire the intricate fortifications of the two castellated walls, one inside the other, about a mile in circumference. The views from the battlements towards the Pyrenées are stunning. Visit the Cathedral, over-restored in places, but remarkable for its stained glass rose windows, fine statues, elegant Romanesque nave and Gothic transepts. Back on board the chef is preparing a memorable feast for your farewell dinner. Bon appetit.

Saturday
Disembark the Alouette.
Transfer to Paris.
After breakfast you will disembark the Alouette, board the van for the last time for the drive to Toulouse train station and return to Paris on the TGV, arriving at the Gare de Monparnasse at approximately 14:20 where you will be met by our Afloat in France representative who will assist you with your baggage.

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 Alouette and barging the Canal du Midi Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Alouette

Guest Book

"Very hard working team, charming experience"

"It was perfect!"

Alouette Floor Plan

98 Feet long
Suite 1 - 270 square feet
Suite 2 - 205 square feet
Satellite TV, DVD and intercom in the cabins
Open "Demonstration Kitchen"