Alouette

Canal du Midi Cruises

Passengers: 4
Size: 98 feet long
Last Visited: 2011
Rating: Ultra Deluxe, A/C

2012 Rates

Whole Boat Charter for 2: $22,600
Whole Boat Charter for 3: $24,900
Whole Boat Charter for 4: $27,200
*This rate includes transfers from Paris to the barge and return via first class TGV train.
**Train tickets are purchased in advance by the barge owner and  are non-changeable and non-refundable.

2012 dates

April 1 - 7	May 27 - June 2	July 22 - 28	September 16 - 22
April 8 - 14	June 3 - 9	July 29 - Aug 4	September 23 - 29
April 15 - 21	June 10 - 16	August 5 - 11	September 30 - October 6
April 22 - 28	June 17 - 23	August 12 - 18	October 7 - 13
April 29 - May 5	June 24 - 30	August 19 - 25	October 14 - 20
May 6 - 12	July 1 - 7	August 26 - Sept 1	October 21 - 27
May 13 - 19	July 8 - 14	September 2 - 8
May 20 - 26	July 15 - 21	September 9 - 15

The Barge Lady's daughter, Caroline Sack Klein visited the Alouette in April, 2011 -

Caroline says, "On my visit to the barges of Orient Express in Burgundy, I was delightfully surprised to board Alouette, a vessel that we have not seen in many years. Never have I experienced such love at first sight! I had found my ‘barge soul mate'! Alouette exudes comfort and airy charm, with a soft color scheme of blue, yellow and cream uniting all of the interior areas. The light-filled salon invited you to relax, while the cabins beckoned with elegant bedding and perfectly matched pillows. Cooking demonstrations are offered in the unusually large kitchen. This pretty barge feels different from anything else offered on the canals. I hope to return soon to my beloved Alouette!”

Ellen, The Barge Lady says, "Alouette was gutted and rebuilt in 2008. We upgraded the rating to Ultra-Deluxe at this time. The barge now carries just four guests in ultimate comfort and style. Orient Express kept the classic lines of the exterior with its large deck but refitted the interior in a modern French country style and added many amenities. The big and beautiful staterooms are connected to the crew by an in-house phone system. Hand cut local tiles line the beautiful baths.

The itinerary on the Canal du Midi takes in the major sights and adds the reassurance of the top Orient Express operation. There are many opportunities to walk or bicycle on the towpaths on this canal - which many consider to be the most beautiful in France. I want to visit Alouette – WITH Caroline, of course!"

Alouette

Canal du Midi Barge Cruise Itinerary

Beziers to Carcassonne on the Canal du Midi

Sunday: Paris to Beziers
A transfer agent from the barge Alouette will meet you just before 10:00 am in the lobby of your Paris hotel, chauffeur you to the Gare de Lyon Station and provide First Class tickets to TGV # 6209, departing Paris 11:20 am, arriving in Beziers at 3:31 pm. (Train tickets are purchased in advance by the barge owner and  are non-changeable and non-refundable.) As you alight, a member of Alouette crew will be on the platform. After gathering the luggage, you’ll be driven to Alouette moored in our near Beziers . You are welcomed at a champagne reception and later by the first of many gourmet dinners on board.

Monday: Beziers 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: Capestang 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: Le Somail 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: Homps 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: Trebes 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: Carcassonne to Paris
Disembark the Alouette
Alouette will be moored near to Carcassonne in a small and peaceful village.  You will be chauffeured to the Carcassonne Train Station and provided with First Class Tickets to Corail #3630, departing Carcassonne 10:10am, arriving back to the Paris Austerlitz Station at 5:40pm.  As you alight in Paris, a representative of Alouette will be on the platform and will help you and your luggage to the taxi line or to a pre-arranged and private transfer to your next Paris destination.  The services of Alouette end at the Paris Austerlitz Station.  We hope to see you on one of the other fine Orient-Express barges!  What about a cruise through Provence on the Napoleon next time?


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

The interior was entirely re-built in 2008.
Suite 1 - 270 square feet
Suite 2 - 205 square feet
Satellite TV, DVD and intercom in the cabins
Open "Demonstration Kitchen"