Emma

Canal du Midi Cruises

Passengers: 4-6
Size: 92 feet long
Last Visited: 2008
Rating: First Class, A/C, Families

2009 rates

Full Board Charter
$22,000 - 4 passengers
$23,000 - 5 passengers
$24,000 - 6 passengers
Half - Board Charter
$20,000 - 4 passengers
$21,000 - 5 passengers
$22,000 - 6 passengers
Individuals
$4,500 - All Season
(Half board is not available for individual bookings)
$1,500- Single Supplement

We visited EMMA in both 2007 and 2008.  In May, 2008, Kelly Weiss had a marvelous lunch on board with Barge Lady guests, followed by a cruise on the gorgeous Canal du Midi. Kelly took many new photos. For details of this delightful lunch on our blog, Click here.

This recent experience, coupled with our April, 2007 visit, confirms the excellence of EMMA, an enchanting cross-cultural creation. EMMA is owned by chef Liz, who is Irish, and pilot Rene, who is French. The resulting fusion has provided a vessel brimming with personality and charm. One only has to hear Liz's lilting voice or experience Rene's ready smile to feel welcomed not so much by crew - as by good friends!

The vessel itself reflects well-thought-out function and charm. Gorgeous, handmade Irish quilts and local artwork enhance the cozy cabins (each with a different pastel color scheme). Rich-looking tiled baths complete these lovely accommodations. Both the salon and deck are smart, but comfortable. Speaking of the deck, Liz uses it to great advantage: Not only for her herb garden, but to serve as many meals as possible al fresco under the uniquely designed green-striped shade awning.

Liz believes in constant improvement. She interns in restaurant kitchens in the off season. She also personalizes each cruise. Consider EMMA your "home away from home" on the Canal du Midi!

Emma

Canal du Midi

Barge Cruise Itinerary

Trebes (Carcassonne) to Beziers

On the Canal du Midi

Saturday
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 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
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
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
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. 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 is our tour for today. The ancient capital of Roman Gaul still retains a lot of its history. You will see t he 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
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! Your final Gala dinner awaits you tonight.

Friday
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.

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 lifetiime.  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