Enchante

Canal du Midi Cruises

Passengers: 8
Size: 100 feet long
Last Visited: 2010
Rating: Deluxe, A/C, wonderful for four couples private charter

2011 Value Season Rates

Whole Boat Charter of 6: $37,000
Whole Boat Charter of 7: $38,750
Whole Boat Charter of 8: $40,500
Individuals: $5,300 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $2,000

2011 Value Season dates

March 6 - 12	April 3 - 9	October 23 - 29
March 13 - 19	April 10 - 16	October 30 - Nov 5
March 20 - 26	April 17 - 23	November 6 - 12
March 27 - April 2	October 16 - 22

2011 Regular Season Rates

Whole Boat Charter of 6: $42,500
Whole Boat Charter of 7: $44,500
Whole Boat Charter of 8: $46,500
Individuals: $6,100 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $2,280

2011 Regular Season dates

April 24 - 30	June 12 - 18	July 31 - August 6	September 18 - 24
May 1 - 7	June 19 - 25	August 7 - 13	September 25 - Oct 1
May 8 - 14	June 26 - July 2	August 14 - 20	October 2 - 8
May 15 - 21	July 3 - 9	August 21 - 27	October 9 - 15
May 22 - 28	July 10 - 16	August 28 - Sept 3
May 29 - June 4	July 17 - 23	September 4 - 10
June 5 - 11	July 24 - 30	September 11 - 17

Ellen and Caroline visited Enchante in June, 2010. Here is a recap of their visit:

Ellen says, "We boarded Enchante moored in Aigues-Mortes and were thrilled to find the barge more spacious, light and comfortable than its photographs show! Enchante is the dream barge of its attractive young owners, Roger and Louisa Gronow. This multi-national couple - he is British, she is French- first met in 1999 on a barge in Burgundy and have worked in the industry since then. They have designed and built ENCHANTE to reflect the best features of Deluxe barging, but also to add their innovative ideas on what makes a barge cruise really special.

As a two-story vessel, ENCHANTE is the most spacious barge on the Canal du Midi! On the first floor is a demonstration kitchen, a separate salon and dining room (both lined with picture windows and providing a comfortable perch to watch the scenery float by) and large deck with hot tub. Down below are four equivalent cabins. At 200 square feet, they provide space and luxury.

Innovations such as the demonstration kitchen (from which the chef shares techniques and recipes) and cell phone in each cabin update the entire barge experience. However, the classic charm and beauty of the Canal du Midi is still there to be enjoyed! Roger and Louisa live near to the canal in the ancient town of Pezenas, so both know the area well and can suggest "off-the-beaten path" experiences.

The Grownows have hired top crew in 2010, especially in the Chef Peter Shaw, an old friend of ours. We've enjoyed many a delicious dinner around Peter's table as well as his excellent pairing of cuisine with intriguing regional wines. Peter makes learning about wine so much fun! Enchante guests are in for a real treat.

Enchante is poised to become one of the top barging experiences in France. We hope to return soon!"

Caroline says, "Enchante is a modern and contemporary barge with lots of character and energy. Owners Roger and Louisa each have 10 years experience working as crew members on various barges, and as a result, they have built a functional, spacious, and gorgeous vessel. Despite their relative youth, Roger and Louisa certainly know how to welcome and spoil each guest.

Innovations include the open kitchen and cell phones in each cabin. If/when guests want to wander on the tow path, they can bring the phone and then call when they are ready to board again. There is also a computer with internet access for guest use. The cabins are quite spacious and offer ample storage.

Roger and Louisa are both a breath of fresh air and create an undeniable appeal and charm. Enchante certainly lives up to its name !"

Enchante Itinerary

Canal du Midi Barge Cruise

Beziers to Homps on the Canal du Midi
Sunday: Montpellier to Beziers
Spectacular Flight of Locks!
You will be met at Hotel Metropole, Montpellier, at 4pm and escorted by minibus to Enchante moored in the port of Beziers. Champagne welcome followed by a cruise to the top of the flight of 7 locks of Fonseranes, pictured below. Dinner aboard.

Monday: Beziers to Capestang
Beautiful Cruising... Then Winetasting!
This morning we cruise to Colombiers via the world's oldest canal tunnel at Malpas, an engineering feat made possible by the draining of the Etang de Montady nearby. Afternoon excursion to l'Oppidum D'Enserune, a pre-Roman hilltop settlement with Greek and Iberian excavations dating from 600 BC. Upon return to the boat we will continue along the 330-year-old tree-lined Canal du Midi to Capestang. Late afternoon excursion to a wine tasting in Saint Chinian, the first village of the region to receive the much envied French mark of approval for wines known as A.O.C. (Appellation d'Origine Controlee). Dinner aboard.

Tuesday: Capestang to La Croisade
Ancient Village with Cobblestoned Streets
This morning we visit Pezenas, a delightful village, mostly known for its associations with the French playwright Moliere, who is said to have written many plays while staying there. Afternoon cruise gently circling Capestang as the canal winds its way following the contours of the land to La Croisade, a picturesque mooring under the plane trees which line the canal and a perfect opportunity for an alfresco dinner aboard.

Wednesday: La Croisade to Le Somail
Lunch Ashore in a Spectacular Setting
Morning cruise to Argeliers followed by a late morning excursion to Minerve, the ancient capital of the Minervois, which boasts a 12th century Cathar fort surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Besieged by Simon de Montfort in 1215, its hilltop location affords spectacular views. A chance to sample some local cuisine with lunch ashore in a spectacular setting overlooking the scene of the Cathar siege. Afternoon cruise through vineyards and pine trees to the charming and historical village of the Le Somail, purpose built for the Canal du Midi, pictured below. Dinner aboard.

Thursday: Le Somail to Paraza
Narbonne, Capital of Roman Gaul
A morning visit to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy the Archbishop's Palace and Horreum. Explore the indoor market at the hub of this bustling town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the relaxed atmosphere. Return to the barge for a cruise along the shaded canal to reach Paraza, where we will moor at Repudre, the oldest canal bridge of France. Dinner aboard.

Friday: Paraza to Homps
Medieval Walled City of Carcassonne
Morning visit to Carcassonne, pictured at right. Dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, this is the most complete mediaeval fortified city in existence today. With its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defenses, it resisted the many armies that tried to storm this Camelot setting. In the afternoon we cruise along the historic Midi Canal through its trademark locks to the delightful village of Homps. Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday: Homps to Montpellier
A Sad Farewell
After breakfast, depart from Homps by minibus to Montpellier. Expected arrival time 11am.

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 Sherborne and barging on the Canal du Midi Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Enchante

Guest Book

Wonderful Feedback
From
The 2009 Guestbook


“From the moment we stepped foot on Enchanté till the end of the voyage we were in heaven. This trip has far exceeded our expectations and we are grateful for the superb hospitality! Damian’s cuisine was spectacular and the presentation was a work of art! The wine selection, well I’m sure you can see how we enjoyed the wine by all the empty bottles! Charlottes table settings, her smile, her graciousness, her service, made us feel completely special. Louisa and Roger we enjoyed your excursions, your experience with barging , your wine knowledge, we thank you for sharing your barge with us. This by far has been the best vacation we have ever had, Thank you!”


“It is rare to be able to do something different and exciting for the first time , every day, for even days! That is how we will remember our visit to the Canal du Midi on board the lovely Péniche Enchanté. From Homps to Béziers was very special and will be especially remembered because of how Roer, Louisa, Damian and Charlotte have looked afterus and always with a smile. Thank you all. With every good wish.”


“We have had the most delightful week aboard the Enchanté which exceeded all our expectations. The four of you worked so hard to give us a memorable time and we will never forget the experience. Very good luck for the future.”


“This week has been fantastic, the crew have worked so hard to make it a memorable trip, noyhing was too much trouble. Damian’s cuisine was just superb. To Louisa, Roger, Charlotte and Damian we wish you every success in your new venture.”


“Everything was absolutely wonderful! We have never been so relaxed. The service, food, tours and accommodation were perfect. Thank you all for a memorable week & we wish you all the very best.”