Afloat on the Anjodi: An In-Depth Photographic Journey of a Canal du Midi Cruise

Perfect for travelers seeking a leisurely sun-soaked balance of sightseeing and relaxation, the Charming class, 8-guest Anjodi delivers a Canal du Midi cruise at its most languid and lovely.

Beneath blue skies and along vineyard-clad canals, the Anjodi glides through southern France at an unhurried pace, enhanced by the simple pleasures of scenic beauty, gentle birdsong, and watching the countryside glide by.

Indeed, her broad wooden deck is the barge’s social center, inviting guests to laze in the hot tub, relax on the loungers, and enjoy alfresco dining.

Inside, the salon offers a cool, club-like retreat with rich hardwood floors, polished brass, wraparound banquettes, and an inviting dining space, while four compact staterooms provide pleasant accommodations amongst thoughtful touches that feel genuinely pampering.

Here is what a recent Barge Lady guest had to say about his cruise on the Anjodi:

It was the most restful, stress-free experience ever. The cuisine was extraordinary and so delicious. The excursions were all wonderful and informative. Cabins were comfortable and cozy. It was sad to say goodbye at the end as we all became attached to the crew. There is nothing to improve. It was sublime. Another barge cruise is in our future. — David M.

In summer 2025, Steve Turnbull, one of our longtime Honorary Barge Lads, cruised on the Anjodi as a guest of Barge Lady Cruises. An accomplished photographer and writer, Steve has also snapped photos of Savannah, Esperance, La Vie en Rose, and, most recently, La Reine Pedauque.

Aligning his photojournalistic approach with a Francophiles’s flair for detail, his images vividly capture the unique appeal of French barge cruising.

Follow Steve as he floats through the South of France on the adorable Anjodi!

DAY 1 — SETTING SAIL ON SUNDAY

‘All aboard Anjodi!’, I screamed in excitement when I received the invitation to take a photographic trip on this beautiful vessel. Seriously, being British, I was rather more reserved than that. 

But with so much to look forward to about the cruise along the Canal du Midi — one of my favourite French waterways — I couldn’t wait to set sail.

My wife and I boarded the boat at the pretty port of Marseillan on the Étang de Thau (the Languedoc’s largest lagoon) and our immediate impressions were very favourable.

Following a warm welcome from Captain Laurent and his crew, we checked out our cabin. Comfy bed: check. Authentic decor: check. Decent shower and premium toiletries: check. Shortly after, we were joined by the other guests: mother and daughter, Sue and Stephanie, from the US. They’d just spent a week sightseeing in Provence and were looking forward to the more relaxed style of the cruise.

I’m not sure what they’d pictured in their minds, but tucking into fresh Bouzigues oysters and sipping on champagne as we took a gentle trip around the lagoon, must have been close.

In the evening, the sky was lit up by a fabulous Bastille Day firework display.

Altogether, it was a wonderful start to the cruise. Here’s a brief summary of the rest of it.

DAY 2 — MONDAY AT MAISON NOILLY PRAT

In the morning, the Mediterranean sun rose lazily over the lagoon as we enjoyed a delicious buffet breakfast (you really can’t beat fresh croissants from the local boulangerie).

Later, we went to Maison Noilly Prat just a short walk away and learnt all about the world’s oldest vermouth (dating from 1813) from our guide, before sampling some for ourselves.

Over dinner as the sun set in Portiragnes further down the canal, Stephanie told me about her latest book, and Sue about her life in politics—such interesting guests and such good company.

DAY 3 — ON TUESDAY WE BARGE THROUGH BEZIERS 

Our morning trip to picturesque Pézenas (made famous by playwright Molière) was an absolute delight.

Later, we crossed the majestic Orb Aqueduct at Béziers before ‘climbing’ the amazing Écluses de Fonseranes lock system.

The latter was built by local-born engineering genius Pierre-Paul Riquet in the late 17th-century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Again, the meals — courtesy of super-talented Chef Toby — were ‘au top’ as they say in France, my vegetarian dishes included.

DAY 4 — WEDNESDAY’S TUNNEL AND TRUFFLES

If you twisted my arm, I’d say the Mas d’Antonin estate overlooking Argeliers was my favourite excursion.

I mean, what’s not to like about a truffle hunt demonstration with an adorable Golden Retriever (bravo Soïka!), tasting olive oils, and a gourmet alfresco lunch with dish after dish to die for?

Gliding through the Tunnel de Malpas (another of Riquet’s astonishing achievements) later, as Luciano Pavarotti belted out Nessun Dorma over the sound system, was pure theatre. Our mooring for the night at Capestang, with its very attractive port and historical centre, struck the right chord too.

DAY 5 — A COCKTAIL CONCERT ON THURSDAY

Being a foodie as well as a Francophile, I was looking forward to our Narbonne visit and wasn’t disappointed. The award-winning covered market offered a feast for the eyes at every turn, and (looking through the lens) I could see that Valérie’s guided tour of the historical sights—the magnificent cathedral in particular—proved very enjoyable for the other guests.

Later, we cruised along one of my favourite stretches of the canal system—lined with ‘pins-parasols’ (umbrella-shaped pine trees) offering cooling shade—enroute to the hidden gem village of Salèlles d’Aude.

Here, we were treated to an onboard concert by jazz duo Timber as we lingered over cocktails.

Afterwards, I went flexitarian for the seafood buffet and especially enjoyed the mussels and crayfish, fresh from the morning’s market visit.

DAY 6 — FRIDAY AT A FAMILY-RUN WINE ESTATE 

At the marvellously restored Cité Médiévale de Carcassonne (no wonder it’s one of France’s most popular attractions) the guests were given a guided tour by Valérie again, while I did my best to capture the experience on camera.

Later, my wife and I managed a full circuit of the inner ramparts—only recently made possible for the public—and a brief stroll through the cobbled streets beyond the richly historical château. As you’d expect, this area is geared for tourists, but the site as a whole has retained much of its character and is well worth a visit.

In the afternoon we enjoyed one final excursion—this time to the Château de Paraza, a family-run 17th century Minervois wine estate.

Then, we returned to oh-so-scenic Le Somail for the cruise’s grand finale: the Captain’s Farewell Feast. Marks out of ten for that, including the table conversation? Eleven.

DAY 7 — A SAD FAREWELL ON SATURDAY 

I was really sad to leave in the morning but came away with so many wonderful memories—and plenty of publishable photos. I’ve also kept in touch with Sue and Stephanie. That’s the great thing about cruises, you not only have an incredible experience but you meet new friends.

Un grand merci to Barge Lady Cruises and the Anjodi, and likewise to captain and crew — you truly floated my boat.

For a video tour of a cabin on the Anjodi, click here.  For a video clip of Anjodi guests dining alfresco, click here. To book your own Canal du Midi cruise on the adorable Anjodi, clik here.