Emma

Canal du Midi Cruises

Passengers: 6
Size: 92 feet long
Last Visited: 2010
Rating: First Class, A/C, Families

2011 rates

Full Board Charter
4 passengers - $22,000
5 passengers - $23,000
6 passengers - $24,000

Individuals: $4,500 - All Season per person double occupancy
$1,500- Single Supplement

2011 Beziers to Carcassonne dates

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

2011 Carcassonne to Toulouse dates

July 2 - 8	July 30 - August 5	August 27 - Sept 2
July 9 - 15	August 6 - 12	September 3 - 9
July 16 - 22	August 13 - 19	September 10 - 16
July 23 - 29	August 20 - 26	September 17 - 23

EMMA is debuting a new route in 2011 - between Carcassonne and Toulouse. Liz McCaughtery, Emma's owner/chef describes it, "The canal is very pretty, the lock houses charming, and the variety of trees and vegetation stunning. The route still takes in the high point of Carcassonne but includes other fascinating visits. Pickup and drop off will be in Toulouse, a worthwhile destination for a day or two. A peaceful and different route!"

Ellen and Caroline visited Emma in June, 2010.

Emma

Canal du Midi

Barge Cruise Itinerary

Trebes (Carcassonne) to Beziers

On the Canal du Midi

Saturday: Trebes
Meet Your Fabulous Crew!
After your pickup in Carcassonne on Saturday at 5pm, you will be chauffeured to Emma moored about 45 minutes away in the village of Trebes. 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 is moored in or near Beziers. All too soon your week is over, but we will still manage a short cruise before we say our good- byes and after your breakfast you will be taken to your next destination to continue your onward journey, taking with you lasting memories of this most beautiful countryside.

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.

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Carcassonne to Toulouse

On the Canal du Midi

Saturday: Meet your fabulous crew!
You will be met by your guide who will bring you to where Emma is moored in the port of Trébes.  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 renouned 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 must say our farewells and you shall be taken to your departure point for your onward journey.

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

"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

"Liz and Rene were terrific. The supporting cast of Anita and Chris were outstanding. The food was out of this world - never have we eaten so well for such an extended period. (Major diets are the order of the day as a result!) The Canal du Midi was beautiful, too."
-Emma Guests, 2007

"Liz, Rene, and their crew could not have been more gracious or accommodating. Since we had 3 college age students they wanted to make sure the kids had fun and plenty to do. We love the beach so we went twice and also took a dip in one Mediterranean bay. They provided fishing poles and live bait and we even learned to play the French ball game "Petangue". We also enjoyed the excursions to ancient medieval cities, an artist colony, and Roman ruins. The Canal Du Midi was beautiful and fascinating as we cruised down the countryside and navigated the locks.We had plenty of time to relax on the deck, read, and take in the scenery. Liz is an incredible chef and we all enjoyed her delicious meals, special wines, and cheeses. This was a week we will always remember and the highlight of our European trip. "
-Daine Holditch Barber, 2007

"Our barge trip was exceptional. Rene and Liz were capable, friendly and made us feel very comfortable. Liz's food was excellent and we looked forward to each meal. Our family had lots of fun and truly enjoyed cruising on the canal. They made a special effort to do the things we were interested in. We would recommend the Emma to everyone! It was a great experience!"
-David Rolston Family, 2007

"Our experience exceeded our expecatations. Liz, Rene, Chris and Anita bent over backwards to make us all happy. It has to be the ultimate in relaxing vacations...the only decision one has to make each day is white, red, or rose wine -- or maybe all three! Thank you so much for making the arrangements painless."
-Debby Ross, 2007

"We loves the Emma - Liz and Rene are so gracious and friendly. The food was wonderful and with such charming presentation; the side trips were great, a real bonus. Very relaxing and I'd recommend them highly."
-Emma Guest, 2007

Emma Floor Plan

92 Feet long
-3 identical cabins at 100 square feet.
-One with queen bed only, two with choice of twin beds or queen bed
-Gorgeous tiled baths with en-suite shower
-Large deck with special canopy for lounging or dining
-Salon with handcrafted furniture