Clair de Lune

Canal du Midi Cruises

Passengers: 6
Size:100 feet long
Last Visited: 2008
Rating: Deluxe, A/C, Families

2009 rates

Whole Boat Charter
$22,000 - for a charter of 4,5 or 6 guests

Per Person
$4,700 - All Season; price based on 2 guests sharing a cabin.
Single Supplement
$2,800

CLAIR de LUNE has always offered excellent value for price and is a Barge Lady "favorite".  Take advantage of these truly special rates for the rest of 2009.

We were fortunate to stay right on CLAIR de LUNE at the April, 2007 Canal du Midi Barge Show. And in May, 2008, owners Berend and Barbara Gozens welcomed Kelly and Tim Weiss to the Canal du Midi for a delightful dinner.

The innovative and modern CLAIR de LUNE was designed to incorporate superior space and light. It also reflects the genuine warmth of Berend and Barbara who have assumed a supervisory role. This has allowed outstanding crew to take leadership roles. The Gozens live in a charming canal-side home into which we've been welcomed many times. Their interests in boat-building, art and food-wine pairing animate CLAIR de LUNE.

CLAIR de LUNE's itinerary combines the best of serene cruising to enchanting small villages with visits to local markets, Roman sites, and of course the high point of the cruise, Medieval Carcassonne. Guests enjoy cruising on the comfortable deck - or soaking in the hot hub as glorious scenery passes by.  The three identical cabins are spacious and well-lit by picture windows.

Our 2008 Guests raved about the CLAIR de LUNE - Mr. and Mrs. Middlekauff said: "From the moment we were picked up by Sandrine in Montpellier until we were deposited in Carcassonne, the six of us knew that this adventure was going to be special.  We were warmly greeted by Jean Marie (debonair captain), Sandrine (gracious guide extraordinaire), Emily (our English rose who transformed our dining table into a daily delight) and Daniel (our chef who has created six groupies who will follow him everywhere).  I failed to mention that champagne flowed as we were led to our spacious (and spotless) cabins.  The pace of the journey was perfect - some sightseeing in the morning - a delicious lunch back on the barge (where else would we want to be?), a doze on the deck followed by a refreshing stroll through vineyards or along the canal path.  Sandrine always knew the location of the perfect foot path and we returned refreshed and ready for the sumptuous dinner to follow.  Wine flowed as the laughter level rose and six very happy friends finally tumbled into bed anxiously waiting the next morning.  Usually one can find at least one negative about a trip.  We found NONE and cannot wait to regale our friends with accolades for the Clair de Lune - and a photo album full of memories!  A VERY special journey!"

                           
A comfortable barge.....a solid experience: This is CLAIR de LUNE.

Clair De Lune

Canal du Midi Barge Cruise Itinerary

"A Voyage to Villages, Markets

and History on the Canal du Midi"

Beziers to Carcassonne on the Canal du Midi

Saturday: Beziers
Arrival at Clair de Lune around 4:30 pm. After settling in a 'Captain's Champagne Reception' will be served along with introducing the crew and outlining your cruise. A short cruise to the first evenings mooring in Villeneuve-les-Beziers will follow.

Sunday: Beziers to Capestang
This morning the barge descends the incredible seven locks of Foncerannes - a ladder of water composed of consecutive locks. Afterwards, enjoy lunch on deck as Clair de Lune begins cruising on the Canal du Midi. The afternoon cruise involves picturesque views of the tree-lined canal as well as traversing the canal's only tunnel at Malpas. You can enjoy the Jacuzzi and sundeck or perhaps cycle or walk at your leisure. Or, at any time, elect to go back to Beziers and tour this important town.  There might be time for a winetasting or a visit to Roman ruins at l'Oppidum D'Enserune - on Clair de Lune, the choice is always yours.  Our evening mooring is deep into the Canal du Midi at Capestang. Dinner on board completes this lovely day.

Monday: Capestang to Argeliers
Today will begin with either a visit to the Oppidum or wine-tasting - if no time was available the previous day - followed by cruising to the village of Capestang where you will stop for lunch on deck. Continue cruising to the village of Argeliers.  As the sun sets, take the bikes to the nearby village of Quarente to view its thousand year old Romanesque Church.  Dinner on board.

Tuesday: Argeliers to Homps
Today we are off to market!  Browse in Olonzac's open air street market with its profusion of fresh produce, cheeses, and shopping of all kinds.  Nearby is the Oulibo Olive Oil cooperative where you can have a quick tasting - or if history is your interest, elect to visit the hilltop village of Minerve where the Cathars made their last stand.  Return to the barge for lunch on deck as we cruise the tree-lined canal to the mooring at Homps.  On the way, stop in Le Somail, a picture-perfect hamlet with a atmospheric used bookstore and other artisan boutiques.  Dinner on board.

Wednesday: Homps to Puicheric
This morning's visit is to Narbonne, founded by the Romans in 118 BC as their Capital in Gaul.  A most amazing sight are actual stones from the Via Domita - the road which linked Narbonne to Rome!  This is a town with much to see, including the 100 year old covered food markets and an archeological museum - Or, what about a cappucino in the town square or a browse in the boutiques?  Return to the barge for lunch and an afternoon cruise to Puicheric, our mooring for the night.  You will enjoy dinner on-board.

Thursday: Puicheric to Trebes
1700 years of history await you at this morning's tour of Carcassonne, the oldest extant Medieval walled town in Europe.  Walk its winding cobblestoned streets lined with boutiques and explore the Gothic Cathedral.  Our guide will be there - as always - to educate and enlighten you!  Return for lunch on board and your final cruise.  Our destination tonight is Trebes.  A nostalgic farewell dinner ends your cruise in style.

Friday:  Return to Carcassonne
You will be driven to Carcassonne to depart by train, rental car or air.  You will arrive in Carcassonne by 10:00am.  Breakfast is your last on-board meal.

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 Hotel-barge cruises on Claire de Lune and barging the Canal du Midi Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Clair De Lune

Guest Book

"From the time of our welcome aboard until we bid farewell, the crew could not have been more attentive, helpful, knowledgable about the region, it's history, it's wine, and it's culture and totally enjoyable companions.  The accommodations were comfortable and the cuisine superb."
-Dr. and Mrs. George Callard, 2008

"Fabulous experience - A barge trip should be the benchmark for all cruises - The barge and the crew exceeded all our expectations."
-Bill and Valerie Schwartz, 2008

"My wife and I are seasoned world travellers and enjoyed seven years abroad.  Despite this background, the Canal du Midi barge trip knocked our socks off!  Incredible cuisine - incredible sights - incredible staff.  Way up there in our great adventures memory bank!"
-John and Paulette Savage, 2008

"By the end of the cruise we felt like we had been invited into Berend's  (and his crew's) friendly home.,  They made us welcome from the start to the finish and looked after our every need without being constantly in our face.  The food was superb.  The off-barge daily excursions were real highlights of the trip.  Our guide Sandrine explained local culture and history in a very personal way.  We especially enjoyed our lunch in the covered food market.  But it was always good to return to our home away from home on the French Canal."
-Jim and Carol Douglas, 2008

"We truly had a magical week.  It was a trip of a lifetime and we would certainly consider doing another one.  What made it particularly memorable was the staff.  They were wonderful at their jobs, pleasant, delightful and they seemed to enjoy the journey almost as much as we did.  Leaving paradise was very difficult."
-Phil and Linda Hardberger, 2008

"The cruise was just great:  staff was wonderful, food was wonderful and southern France was wonderful.  Sandrine, our guide, historian, and sommellier was particularly noteworthy; quite a gal."
-Very Satisfied Guest, 2008

"It was one of the most relaxing weeks we have ever spent. The food was beyond our expectations and it was very fun having and learning about all the local wines and cheeses. Even the locks were fun! "
-Harrison Keller and Toni Wurth, 2007

"The facilities, crew and cuisine were wonderful. It was the staff that made it great. A very personal experience."
-Les and Pam Fleischer , 2007

"A truly outstanding experience. The Clair de Lune is very comfortable, the crew friendly, attentive, and capable. Sandrine is an excellent guide and leader. She is well-versed on the region, its history, it's significance - even the wines we were drinking. Her enthusiasm spilled over to us! The Canal du Midi is an exceptional route to barge. To sum up: It was fun. It was rewarding. It gave us wonderful memories: We intend to Barge again!"
-Courtney and Bob Ward, 2006
(Wonderful Barge Lady repeat guests: Thank you, Courtney and Bob!)

"It was everything I had hoped it would be. The scenery was really lovely, the combination of exploring versus relaxing on deck was perfect, the food was "over the top", the staff so accommodating and gracious - they even complimented my French! In short, it was a wonderful week and a perfect way to celebrate my 50th birthday!
-James and Laure Miller, 2006

"Very relaxing - with stellar crew and service. The crew listened to our conversation - and then things we loved to eat and drink would 'show up' the next day!"
-The Mc Gowan - Miller Family, 2006

Clair de Lune Floor Plan

100 Feet long
-Three identical cabins at 120 sq feet
with two twin beds or one queen bed.
-En-suite shower baths
-Picture windows in the Salon and cabins.
-Spa pool on deck.