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Canal Du Midi, France
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Emma
Canal du Midi Cruises
| Passengers: 6 | Your Hosts: Liz and Rene |
| Size: 92 feet long | English Speaking Crew of: 4 |
| Last Visited: 2011 | Bicycles: 6 |
| Rating: First Class | Air Conditioned: Yes |
Cruise Rate Includes: 6 nights/7 days (or 5 nights/6 days) in a cabin with a private bath, transfers to and from Narbonne/Beziers to the barge, all meals, from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner, open bar, daily escorted excursions and use of onboard bicycles.
Cruise Rate Does NOT Include: Airfare to and from France, transportation to and from Narbonne/Beziers (we will assist you with this), cancellation insurance and crew gratuity (suggested minimum amount is 5% of the cruise price)
2013 rates
| 4 passengers - $22,500 | 4 passengers - $19,800 |
| 5 passengers - $24,300 | 5 passengers - $20,700 |
| 6 passengers - $27,000 | 6 passengers - $22,500 |
Individuals: $4,950 - All Season per person double occupancy
$1,500- Single Supplement
2013 available dates
| June 29 - July 5 | July 27 - Aug 2 | August 17 - 23 | September 14 - 20 |
| July 13 - 19 | August 3 - 9 | August 24 - 30 | September 21 - 27 |
| July 20 - 26 | August 10 - 16 | August 31 - Sept 6 | October 5 - 11 |
2014 rates
| 4 passengers - $25,000 | 4 passengers - $22,000 |
| 5 passengers - $27,000 | 5 passengers - $23,000 |
| 6 passengers - $30,000 | 6 passengers - $25,000 |
Individuals: $5,500 - All Season per person double occupancy
$1,500- Single Supplement
2014 dates
| April 5- 11 | May 31 - June 6 | July 26 - Aug 1 | September 13 - 19 |
| April 12 - 18 | June 7 - 13 | August 2 - 8 | September 20 - 26 |
| April 19 - 25 | June 14 - 20 | August 9 - 15 | Sept 27 - October 3 |
| April 26 - May 2 | June 21 - 27 | August 16 - 22 | October 4 - 10 |
| May 3 - 9 | June 28 - July 4 | August 23 - 29 | October 11 - 17 |
| May 10 - 16 | July 5 - 11 | August 30 - Sept 5 | October 18 - 24 |
| May 17 - 23 | July 12 - 18 | September 6 - 12 | October 25 - 31 |
| May 24 - 30 | July 19 - 25 |
Barge Lady Ellen Sack and Caroline Sack Klein (Director of Sales & Marketing) visited Emma in June, 2010.
Caroline and I had arrived yesterday. In just 24 hours, we have traded our hectic existence for the serenity of the canal and the embrace of the Emma. How wonderful we felt! Emma is a floating country house barge. The snug cabins are colorful with handmade quilts and gorgeous tiled baths. Public areas are comfortable and accented with local artwork. The deck is always in use: as many meals as possible are served under the uniquely designed striped canopy awning.
Liz is a fantastic chef. Her cuisine is recognizable and not in the least bit "fussed over". We love Emma - and hope to return soon!"
Caroline says, "Emma packs a lot of punch in this country home inspired barge. Liz is the perfect hostess - warm, welcoming, and always laying out delicious meals. The Emma crew - pilot Rene, hostess Anita, and guide Christophe - all exude the same charm and friendliness. They instantly make you feel like old friends and love to informally socialize with guests."
The meals are delightful. Liz believes in a light lunch, which leaves more room for a substantial dinner. Anita's table settings contribute to the creative vibe, especially butter sculptures, which we highly anticipated at each meal."
Emma
Canal du Midi
Barge Cruise Itinerary
Carcassone (Trebes) to Beziers
On the Canal du Midi
Saturday: TrebesMeet Your Fabulous Crew!
We will assign you a train that arrives into Beziers at approximately 4:30 pm. (Transfers to/from the cruise route are in addition to the cruise fare and must be booked separately.) As you alight, a member of Emma crew will be on the platform and will chauffeur you to the barge moored in Trebes. Other pickup points may include a rental car office at the Narbonne Station or various points in Carcassonne. There will be time to meet your crew, pictured below, and enjoy a champagne reception.
We shall let you get settled in and unpacked which is the most strenuous task of the week, and then sit back and relax while we take a short cruise so that you feel you really are on a boat. During this time the first of your gourmet dinners will be prepared.Sunday: Trebes to Carcassonne
Medieval Walled City - Plus Shopping
After a leisurely breakfast of fresh fruit, croissants, homemade jams, cereal and coffee you will be taken off in the minivan to explore the wonderful medieval city of Carcassonne. A stroll through the cobbled streets with the array of boutiques, a visit to the Feudal Castle, a foray into the Inquisition museum or a walk along the ramparts. Carcassonne has something for everyone to enjoy. Back to the boat for a lunch of tasty homemade pâtés, quiches and salads followed by a selection of the 365 cheeses which France has to offer and washed down with some of the finest wines of the Languedoc Rouissillon region. After lunch we shall cruise off to our next mooring spot along the canal, going down several locks as we start our descent towards the Mediterranean. Emma will stop at another lovely setting where your evening dinner will be served.
Monday
Many Excursion Choices
After breakfast today you will be whisked off again to discover another delight of the region. We could go to Lagrasse, a little village in the heart of the Corbières with a magnificent Benedictine Abbey perched on the banks of the river Orbiel and where the little cobbled streets house a multitude of potters, artists, wood carvers, etc. Or we could go and visit the giant underground cave at Cabrespine, or again visit the ruins of the old Cathar stronghold Chateau Lastours. Another delicious lunch will be ready for you when you get back and you will be able to relax while we cruise on to our next stop.
Tuesday
Mingle with the locals at an Open Air Market
France is famous for its open air markets and today you will have the chance to experience this for yourself when we visit the market at Olonzac, pictured at right. The smells of the olives and herbs and the roasting chickens will make your mouth water and the arrays of fresh fruit and vegetables are a picture. We will then go up into the heart of the Minervois region to Minerve a spectacular village set on a rocky outcrop in the gorges formed by the rivers Cesse and Brian. There are lovely walks here, just the thing to build up your appetite for lunch. If you have plenty of energy after lunch while Emma is cruising to her next stop maybe you would like to take a bicycle ride or a stroll. The towpath follows the canal all the way so any time you want to this option is available.Wednesday: Narbonne
Narbonne - Ancient Capital of Roman Gaul
Narbonne is our tour for today. The ancient capital of Roman Gaul still retains a lot of its history. You will see the Via Domitia, a road 2000 years old with its chariot ruts still visible, visit the old Roman storehouses, the Archbishop's palace, the Cathedral St Just with its cloister, high altar, and splendid organ.
For those of you who enjoy food and markets, the indoor market at Narbonne is one of the best. You will see the finest display of fish, shellfish, fruit, vegetables, meats, herbs, spices, olives, cheese, and the list goes on. Perhaps you would like to dip your feet in the blue water of the Mediterranean, or visit the little fishing port of Gruissan. Such wonderful choices.
Thursday: Narbonne to Beziers
Gala Dinner - then its music on Deck!Today we continue our lazy cruise which takes us under the smallest bridge in France, if you can get under this, you can go anywhere on the canal system! A choice of visits awaits you. A wine tasting at Guery or at St Chinian, a visit to the Abbey at Fontcaud, a trip up to the prehistoric site of Enserune with its panoramic views, there is so much to see, you will be spoiled for choices! End the cruise in style at our final Gala Dinner, followed by an informal concert under the stars.
Friday: Beziers
A Sad Farewell!
Emma will be moored in or near Beziers. Between 9-10 am, you will be chauffeured back to the Narbonne Train Station. Breakfast is your last on-board meal. We hope to see you again on Emma!
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 Emma and barging the Canal du Midi Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.
Beziers to Carcassone (Trebes)
On the Canal du Midi
Saturday: BeziersMeet in Beziers, Board in Colombiers
Sunday: Regismont-le-Haut to a Countryside Mooring
Join the Locals at a Sunday Market!
After breakfast we have a short cruise to Capestang where the Sunday market will give you an insight into how the French like to shop. The 12th century Collegiate is well worth a visit or just sit and have a coffee in the square and enjoy watching the world go by.Your al–fresco lunch on board will be followed by a visit to the Oppidum d’Enserune, a pre Christian settlement atop the hill with 360° views of the whole region. We shall cruise off into the vineyards and moor up in the heart of this beautiful countryside.
Olive Oil Tasting - and Shopping too!
This morning we shall cruise to the picturesque village of Le Somail crossing over the beautiful canal bridge of La Cesse. You can visit the olive factory of Oulibo and sample the different types of olive oil, olives and all the other by products such as soap and hand cream and not forgetting the beautiful bowls and implements made from the wood. Our cruise this afternoon takes us across the oldest canal bridge on the canal at La Repudre.We go through our first lock today before mooring up at Argens Minervois; There are beautiful walks or cycle rides through the pine woods up to the lake before dinner.
Open Air Market
Olonzac with its open air market full of local produce from the surrounding countryside, cheeses, olives, home made jams, pottery and colourful fabrics is our first stop. Then we head up into the hills to Minerve, a medieval village perched on a spectacular rocky outcrop formed by the rivers Cesse and Brian. Famous for its Cathar history and sweet wine. After lunch we cruise through a particularly beautiful section of canal, with a series of double and single locks, lined with plane trees and surrounded by vineyards.
Wednesday: Cruise to Pulcheric
Much to do in ancient and modern Narbonne!
Narbonne is our destination today. Once the capital of Roman Gaul, their influence is still visible in the old road dating back to 118 B.C. and the underground stores called the Horreum. It is now a bustling town with chic boutiques, street cafés and pride of place goes to the covered market which overflows with the smells and colours of all the local produce for which the Midi is renowned. Narbonne is dominated by the 12th century cathedral and Arch Bishop’s Palace. If you fancy a swim, the sea is not far. We cruise to the little village of Puicheric which overlooks the Alaric Mountains; Enjoy a walk around the lock-keepers garden filled with rather unusual wooden sculptures and back to “Emma” for another gastronomic treat.
Thursday: Pulcheric to Trebes
Carcassonne, Europe's Premier Walled Medieval City!
We go off to explore the biggest and best fortified city in Europe, Carcassonne. Although dating from the time of Charlemagne, it has been extensively restored. You can walk along the ramparts, visit the Chateau Comptal, shop in the boutiques along the cobbled streets, visit galleries and museums and get the feel of life in the middle ages. We shall cruise to Trebes this afternoon going under what is known as the Green Cathedral thanks to the plane trees meeting in the middle of the canal. Whist you are enjoying cocktails the last of your gourmet dinners will be being prepared.
Friday: Onward Transfer in Narbonne
A Sad Farewell!
Emma will be moored in or near Trebes. Between 9-10 am, you will be chauffeured back to the Narbonne Train Station. Breakfast is your last on-board meal. We hope to see you again on Emma!
Carcassonne to Toulouse
On the Canal du Midi
Saturday: Meet your fabulous crew!We will assign you a train that arrives into Narbonne between 3-4 pm. (Transfers to/from the cruise route are in addition to the cruise price and must be booked separately.) As you alight, a member of Emma crew will be on the platform and will chauffeur you to the barge moored in Trebes. Other pickup points may include a rental car office at the Narbonne Station or various points in Carcassonne. Once you are settled on board we shall cruise off with champagne cocktails out into the vineyards, through 2 locks to Leveque.
Sunday:
This mornings visit will take you either to the walled city of Carcassonne or over the Alaric Mountains to the medieval village of Lagrasse with its beautiful bridges over the River Orbeil, its 14th century Abbey, cloister, Monks dormitory, and for those who like a spot of retail therapy, fabulous pottery, wooden and leather craft shops and art galleries. Return to Emma for lunch.
Monday:
This morning your guide will take you to Limoux, home of the famous sparkling wine. Can we tempt you to a little degustation? You will then carry on to Rennes le Chateau, which if you have read Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code; you will remember the story of the Cure Saunier who all of a sudden had great riches. Did he find the treasure? This is a very interesting visit, through beautiful scenery, but keep your eye out for the lost treasure. After lunch we shall cruise to the typical languedocian village of Brams. It is known as a circulade due to its resemblance to the spiral of a snail's shell.
Tuesday:
From Brams this morning your visit will take you through the rolling plains of the Lauraigais, fields of sunflowers in summer and views of the snow capped mountains on a clear day, to the town of Mirepoix. We shall stop off at Fanjeaux, home of St. Dominic and the Dominican Convent; the views are spectacular. Mirepoix itself is renowned for its wooden columns surrounding the main market square, its colombaged houses and its cathedral. After lunch your Captain will gently guide you along the canal, going through a selection of lovely locks to moor up in the lovely Lauragais countryside.
Wednesday:
This morning we will shall cruise to the town of Castelnaudary. This afternoon your guide will take you to visit Castelnaudary. One of the contenders for "the original and best Cassoulet", the others being Carcassonne and Toulouse. The Grand Bassin, the Gothic Callegiale with its 56 meter bell tower, the 17th century windmill the vestiges of the Presidial, partly destroyed by Louis XII and the Chapelle Notre Dame de la Pitie with its gold covered wood sculptures depicting ten episodes in the life of Christ are all on the visit.
Thursday:
We leave Castelnaudary this morning and continue our cruise to The Seuil de Narouze. This is the highest point on the Canal de Midi after which it descends the other side towards the Atlantic. Here the plane trees are the same age as the canal - amazing! This afternoon's visit is to the reason why the Canal du Midi was possible, the Lac St. Ferrol. It was the only land which had slopes both to the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. You will see the intricate irrigation system, which allows us to have the canal we love today. To think this was all discovered int he 1600's on horseback by Paul Riquet. Return to Emma for your final gala dinner lovingly prepared by your personal chef.
Friday: A Sad Farewell!
After breakfast, we’ll say our farewells and then chauffeur you to the Toulouse Train Station. You will be on a departing train between 9-10 am. We hope to see you on Emma again!
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 Emma and barging the Canal du Midi Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.
Emma
Guest Book
"Emma was very relaxing, the crew was great and food was the best!!! Everyone was more than satisfied with the quality and variety of the menus. The crew was excellent - we considered them our friends by the time the cruise ended. The excursions were interesting and our guide was very knowledgeable. Our cabin was clean and the bathroom was very nice. The bed was quote comfortable, too! Overall it was a very enjoyable and relaxing vacation. The crew made it especially enjoyable.- Linda and Larry Okmin, cruised April, 2012
"This was a great trip because our 3 couples that began as friends ended as even better friends. It was the most relaxing vacation we have had in a long time. It was the perfect combination of a half day spent sightseeing and half a day cruising the canal.
Our cabins were quiet, well-lit, the bathroom towels were changed at least twice a day and the bed was very comfortable. The food was excellent! Liz even gave a cooking lesson one morning. The excursions were great and we enjoyed Rosie's enthusiasm for history. She made it easy to understand all the events that happened in that part of the world."
-George Browning, cruised October 2011
"Ellen Sack is absolutely the best. The pre-trip information was excellent and very complete. Ellen is very knowledgeable, capable, willing, conscientious, thorough and a very nice person.
The cruise met our expectations. The Canal du Midi is beautiful and there is no better way to see it than on a barge. Our cabin was perfect. A very comfortable bed, very good port holes and an excellent shower. The barge staff, particularly Netty, was over the top. They were very conscientious and hard working. Sightseeing excursions were just right. Not too many, so that there was time to relax, and very interesting. Churches, medieval villages, fresh markets were all great.
We had a very beautiful and relaxing time."
Bill Beacham, cruised October 2011
"Emma was perfect, and far more than we expected by way of interaction with the crew, and spectacular command of history and ability to share it. The guide Sally had vast knowledge of the the region. The cabin was lovely with plentiful hot water and a hair dryer."
- George and Catherine Jacobus, cruised April, 2011
"Back now from France, with huge withdrawal issues. We wanted to let you know that our holiday aboard the Emma was more than we could have wished. The Languedoc area, previously unknown to us, offered exciting new cultural, historic, and gastronomic experiences, and our floating home was the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful scenery. As you had previewed, Liz and Rene, aided by Sally and Harriet, were the most welcoming and attentive hosts imaginable, and we parted very sadly. With your guidance, supported by some online research, we seem to have ended up with the best of the best, and are already thinking of ways to have Emma in our future as well as our recent past. Thanks for all your help!!"
- Chris, cruised April, 2011
"I just wanted to thank you so much for steering my party to the Emma. We had such a wonderful time, and everything was simply perfect - the food, the tours, our cabins, the living/dining area, deck, etc. But the best parts were Liz, Rene, Sally and Harriet. They were so professional yet, I feel, became very dear friends to all of us. Thank you for all your efforts."
- Julie, cruised April, 2011
"The EMMA is a beautiful barge! Liz and Rene did a wonderful job on every aspect of the barge design. Liz is a fantastic chef - the food was outstanding. Anita our hostess took very good care of us - she made everything comfortable for us. We enjoyed ourselves and had a relaxing cruise, it would not have been half as enjoyable without the hospitality of Liz, Rene, Chris and Anita."
-Richard and Linda Goodenough, 2008
"It was an experience of a lifetime. Much better than we had ever dreamed it could be. Life at 4 mph is the most relaxing way to travel, especially when traveling thru such beautiful countryside. The option to walk or ride bikes between locks was greatly appreciated - especially after the lunches that Liz would put in front of us. Meal presentations were gorgeous works of art, service was not to be matched - and the wine pairing was well thought out and superb. We are already looking forward to our next barge cruise. Would love to do it on the Emma again!!!! We learned so much about the history of the region and were exposed to areas, foods, wines, and markets that we most likely would never have found on our own. We missed the Emma and her crew the minute we drove away."
-Dr. and Mrs. Mark Lewis, 2008
"It was a once in a lifetime experience! The crew of the EMMA made us feel that this was "our home" for six days, going out of their way to make sure that our cruise was a memorable one. Beyond our expectations for cuisine, wine and crew."
-Tony and Amy Ventura, 2008
Emma | |
 served on a Toast of Spice Bread with a Marmalade of Figs, Cranberries and Grelot Onions *** Grilled Duck Breast with Potataoes Sarladaises French Beans in Almonds and Garlic and a Fricassée of Wild Mushrooms *** Cheese Platter Camembert with Fresh Fruit **** Gratin of Red Berries with Champagne Sabayon * * * * * Fresh Scallops |
Emma Floor Plan
92 Feet long3 identical cabins - 100 sq feet
-Yellow cabin has a double bed
-Green and Blue cabins can be configured as two twin beds or a queen bed
-Gorgeous tiled baths with en-suite shower
In the Public Areas
-Large deck with special canopy for lounging or dining
-Salon with handcrafted furniture
-TV
6 Bicycles
Mixture of men’s and women’s; all have gears and are suitable for riding the towpath. New bicycles are purchased every other season. Helmets provided, too.
Barge Cruising is better with the Barge Lady
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Call us Toll Free: 1-800-880-0071
Email us: ellen@bargelady.com
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