La Tortue~Cruising on

The Canal du Midi

Passengers: 6
Size: 95 feet long
Last Visited: 2006
Rating: First Class, A/C, Families

2009 rates

We have received the sad news that LA TORTUE will not be operating for the 2009 season. Please see our other 6 - passenger vessels for a comparable choice.

Known as the Canal du Midi's "gourmet and wine barge," La Tortue is the creation of barging veterans Peter and Sally Shaw, who bring a wealth of talents to this operation. Peter is a chef, wine connoisseur and architect/builder. Sally is a musician and handles "behind the scenes" operational tasks for La Tortue. The vessel reflects an ambiance both cozy and sophisticated: Just like Peter and Sally! The skylit salon is comfortable with its soft color scheme of apricot, green and yellow; sink into couches; and accents of tapestry pillows and gorgeous flower arrangements. The three compact cabins have been upgraded with premium linens and newly-refitted tile baths.

The major lure is personable chef Peter: Besides offering some of the most fabulous cuisine afloat, his extensive knowledge of Wine Spectator-quality wines of the area makes tasting and learning so much fun! His special "winetasting" weeks will delight connoisseurs. Assisted by a crew of three, Peter also offers a full program of cruising and sightseeing, but the printed itinerary does not do full justice to La Tortue program. Elaborate picnics, "starlight cruises" and even an occasional vocal performance by Sally enliven and entertain and are part of this very personalized welcome.

La Tortue

Barge Cruise Itinerary

Beziers to Trebes on the Canal du Midi

Saturday
At 5:00pm, Sally Shaw will be waiting to greet you at a pre-arranged pickup point which may be either the Béziers train station, car rental agency, or a hotel in Béziers or immediate environs. She will then transfer you directly to La Tortue in our air conditioned minibus. Dinner is your first on board meal.

We start our cruise at Colombiers, a pretty village just outside Béziers. After a champagne reception, we cruise off through the Malpas Tunnel, the oldest canal tunnel in the world, to the tranquil mooring of Regismont Haut with pretty bridge, historic buildings and an array of British warship cannons. Take a stroll before aperitifs and your first gastronomic delights.

Sunday
An early morning cruise to Capestang, the largest village on the canal, in time to visit the colorful street market, with stalls selling a wide variety of local produce, clothes and flowers. Then off in the minibus to visit the Oppidum d'Ensérune a pre-Roman hillside site occupied from 600 BC to 100 AD, only discovered by archaeologists at the beginning of this century. There is a fascinating museum containing many artifacts found on the site. Back to La Tortue for a colorful lunch of salads, tartes, wines and cheeses, then a cruise along the canal, which meanders through the vineyards to the village of Argeliers.

Monday
Our morning starts with a short cruise to the quaint village of Le Somail. Visit the fascinating antique bookshop and the local potters and artists. Before or after lunch we can visit the Amphoralis, the largest excavation of Roman pottery in Europe.

Another short cruise brings us to Ventenac where we moor outside the Chateau and have the opportunity to visit the wine cellar and sample some of the excellent Minervois wines.

And then on to Paraza, a picturesque hillside village overlooking the canal, commanded by a magnificent chateau.

Tuesday
Peter, your chef and Captain, takes you to Narbonne, the ancient capital of Roman Gaul and will guide you through the outstanding covered food market. Choose your lunch from a variety of homemade pâtés and charcuterie, and freshly caught fish for dinner. Afterwards, visit the amazing gothic Cathedral with one of the highest naves in France; walk along the Via Domitia (the recently uncovered Roman road), or just do some shopping in the chic boutiques on the charming pedestrianized streets.

Return to La Tortue for a short cruise to Roubia for lunch. Your afternoon cruise takes us through four locks, two doubles and two singles, to Homps where you can visit the church, a replica of the Basilica of Lourdes. Tonight you will be escorted to the wonderful 'Auberge de l'Arbousier' for your evening meal.

Wednesday
A morning visit to Minerve, an ancient village that stands on a rocky outcrop formed by the valleys of two rivers: the Cesse and the Brian. It was once a Cathar stronghold, overthrown by Simon de Montfort and the Crusaders. The local museums do a fine job of explaining the history of the region and its geological features. Also visit the church where the altar dates back to 456AD.

Back to the boat for lunch, and an afternoon cruise through 3 locks. The distance between locks is two to three miles - ideal for a bike ride or a walk if you feel so inclined. We moor for the night at the top of the third lock, Aguille, the home of an enthusiastic and friendly lock-keeper who makes amusing sculptures from tree branches and trunks. Watch out for the crocodile!

Thursday
A morning visit by minibus to Carcassonne, the finest example of a mediaeval walled city in the whole of Europe. For those who have already visited this magnificent city or who are staying there after the barge trip, we suggest instead, a visit to Lastours, spectacular site of four ruined Cathar Castles - with, for the energetic, a climb up a steep rocky path to the remains, to get a feel of what life was like in those ancient times. In the afternoon, a peaceful cruise through one of the most magnificent tree-lined stretches of the canal, where linked overhanging branches form a superb green canopy, known as the 'green cathedral'. Our last mooring is at the peaceful setting of Millepetit, where you can relax and enjoy your last evening of the cruise under the stars with La Tortue.

Friday
After breakfast we cruise to the triple lock at Trèbes with its beautiful views over the Alaric Mountains. From here we say our goodbyes between 9:00am and 10:00am and you will then be taken to Narbonne, Carcassonne or Béziers 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 La Tortue and barging on the Canal du Midi Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

La Tortue

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La Tortue Floor Plan

95 Feet long
-Three cabins at 65 square feet
-One with double bed only, the other two choice of twin beds or double beds
-Comfortable salon