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(4-6 Guests, Casual Class)
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Canal Du Midi, France
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Roi Soleil
Canal du Midi Cruises
Passengers: 6Size: 98 feet long
Last Visited: 2010
Rating: Ultra Deluxe, A/C
2011 Value Season Rate
Whole-Boat Charter of up to 6: $33,9002011 value season dates
| April 3 - 9 | July 10 - 16 | August 7 - 13 |
| April 10 - 16 | July 17 - 23 | August 14 - 20 |
| April 17 - 23 | July 24 - 30 | August 21 - 27 |
| April 24 - 30 | July 31 - Aug 6 |
2011 regular season Rate
Whole-Boat Charter of up to 6: $35,9002011 regular season dates
| May 29 - June 4 | June 26 - July 2 | September 11 - 17 |
| June 5 - 11 | July 3 - 9 | September 18 - 24 |
| June 12 - 18 | August 28 - Sept 3 | September 25 - Oct 1 |
| June 19 - 25 | September 4- 10 |
Ellen and Caroline visited Roi Soleil in 2010, and here are their recaps:
Ellen says,"It was a thrill to return to Roi Soleil and to be reminded how gorgeous, classy and service-oriented this operation is. We were pleased that owner Guillaume de Perthuis came from Paris to join us. Also on board were such Canal du Midi veteran crew such as Captain Finnegan and Guide Rex. Both have done a great job for our guests.
Everything is quality here – starting with the design itself which is based on classic American yacht design from the 1920s – and which needless to say is different from anything else found on the French canals! The cabins abound with many designer touches: Classic French fabrics covering the walls, use of elegant hardwoods, high ceilings, perfect soundproofing, and spacious tiled baths. The sleek upper level is entirely open from front to back – guests relaxing in the salon can watch the captain navigate at one end and the chef plate dinners at the other. "Our open kitchen is perfect for cooking demonstrations and is the favorite spot for our guests to congregate,” noted Guillaume.
The sophistication continues in the menus, the caliber of the wines, the fine French china and flatware, and even in the barge’s very own champagne! Please go to the Menu section to learn about the divine dinner we enjoyed and to see other menus enjoyed b our guests. The crew is accessible but also totally service oriented. Sightseeing is planned on a bespoke basis for each charter group and personalized shopping, wine tasting and antiquing expeditions can be arranged - JUST ASK!!! On the Canal du Midi, you’ll cruise on an idyllic waterway – under ancient stone bridges (And the Roi Soleil fits under – just!) – through vineyards and hills in the distance- and to markets and top area sightseeing. Even families looking for the ultimate summer vacation are welcome and cared for. We recommend Roi Soleil and hope to return soon.”
Caroline says, "Roi Soleil delivers class, luxury, and style. The salon, kitchen, and deck display a sleek and trendy look and feel, which also provide comfort and ample space. The numerous windows and skylights offer incredible panoramic views of the canal. An open air kitchen delights guests as they are encouraged to watch the chef and view the culinary magic that is happening. Perhaps the best part of Roi Soleil is the deck – the semi-circle white leather booth makes guests feel like a celebrity. After all, Roi Soleil is the known as a luxury motor yacht!
The cabins are incredibly spacious and elegantly decorated. Although the top floor is modern and sleek, the rooms take a different style and décor approach, with a bit of a classic French feel. There is also a large chest to store clothes and luggage, and additional storage underneath the bed. The bathrooms are equally as impressive as the rest of the barge.
The Roi Soleil crew have a topnotch reputation to live up to, and they do not disappoint. Sit back and relax on this upscale barge, and you will be the envy of every vessel that floats by!"
Roi Soleil Photos
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Roi Soleil
Canal du Midi Barge Cruise Itinerary
Between Beziers and Trebes
ROI SOLEIL does not publish a definitive sightseeing schedule. Instead, a charter on ROI SOLEIL is all about CHOICE. Here's the route - and suggestions on what is available each day to customize your cruise.
Sunday: Welcome Aboard in Beziers
-Transfer, welcome on-board, and cocktails
-Navigation along the canal and mooring by the impressive 9 locks of Fonseranne
Monday: Beziers to Colombiers
-Sailing through the great locks of Fonseranne and onto Colombiers
-Excursion to historical city of Pezenas (famed architecture, many artisans and antiques.)
-OR excursion to the impressive hill village of Roquebrun by the River Orb (possible to swim)
-and / or - visit to the preroman Oppidum of Enserune, a major archaeological site with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys
-and / or - visit Beziers historical centre and shops
-and / or - Wine tasting at a Cellar or a top French Sommelier and supplier to top Michelin Starred Chefs
Tuesday: Colombiers to Capestang-Sailing into the heart of the historic village of Capestang
-Private visit to the cistercian Abbey of Fontroide, one of the finest examples in France
-Private Winetasting at a Corbieres Chateau
-and / or a visit to a Camargue bull and horse ranch with the opportunity to round up the bulls on horseback.
Wednesday: Capestang to La Croisade or Somail
-Morning excursion to the charming city of Narbonne that was the Roman Capital of the early Gaulles - its vibrant food market - the famed art and roman archeology museums within the Bishop Palace and shops - a highlight of the week.
-Afternoon sailing to the peaceful country village of Somail with an impressive antique bookstore.
-Sailing beneath the smallest canal bridge in France, pictured above.
Thursday: Somail to Roubia
-Morning visit to the hill village of Minerve, pictured at right, which is a beautiful natural site that has a dramatic history dating back to the time of the Crusades.
-Visit to prized olive oil mill, Oulibo, and an historic Languedoc village.
-An afternoon sail to Roubia from where we have the option to take a short flight over the Cathar Castles in the Pyrenees - the famous fortress of Vertigo.
Friday: Roubia to Trebes
-Visit to the fortified city of Carcassonne - Europe's largest Medieval Fortress - a great place to be transported into medieval history and a shopping opportunity.
-Or visit medieval village of Lagrasse and its artisans.
-Afternoon sailing to Homps with many locks.
Saturday: A Sad Farewell
-A leisurely breakfast onboard, depart at 10am and transfer to your onward destination.
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 Barge cruises in Provence and hotel-barge Roi Soleil Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.
Roi Soleil
Guest Book
"One of the most delightful weeks we have ever spent on the water. Great meals; warm, friendly, professional crew made it a great experience. Attention to detail was amazing!"-Gale and Ted Lingle, 2008
"We were expecting a wonderful trip experience and got an exceptional trip that surpassed all expectations.
Thank you!"
-Valerie and Raymond Pike, 2008
"The food and wine, including the preparation, presentation, and service were simply outstanding. The best!"
-Nick and Theresa Temple, 2008
"The barge trip was wonderful, accomodations fabulous, but most of all the staff - Finnegan, Karen, Dean and Pijke - made the trip. Excellent service - and yet so down to earth. Could not have been better."
-Susan Achenbach, 2007
"The crew was tremendous. Every meal was a great experience."
-Mark Walchak, 2007
"Thank you for all the coordination for our ROI SOLEIL cruise. We had a wonderful time. The crew couldn't have been more accomodating and gracious. Dean's cuisine was totally amazing: Some of the best food in my life! I would go again in a heartbeat!"
-Maria Grant, 2007
"A truly extraordinary experience. We can't wait to take the Rhone cruise."
-Jim Tilton and Rob Rabine, 2007
"Absolutely first rate. We have never barged, but have been on Seabourne, Silversea and Sea Dream. This was different, but equally luxurious. The crew was outstanding. We felt they were our friends"
-Donald Quest 2006
"We are always hesitant to 'revisit' a perfect vacation, but this was wonderful! The food was outstanding - as usual. Great attention was paid to setting each table differently. Dean was especially kind to do a few cooking demos for us - we learned valuable tips to employ at home. Very attentive to any food requests we had. All in all a wonderful repeat experience. The first time out we didn't know what to expect, it was a ' Wow.' The repeat was ' Wow Wow!' "
-Craig and Colleen Ligibel 2006 Repeat Guests
Roi Soleil | |
 Cassoulet Roi Soleil served with Market Fresh Salad Leaves AOC Corbieres Haut Gleon Rose - 2007 * * * Chocolate Hazelnut Cake served with Hazelnut Praline and Freshly Whipped Cream * * * * *  French Onion Soup AOC Sancerre - LeVernede- 2007 * * * Roasted Rack of Lamb served with Tomates Provencales AOC Bordeaux- Chat Mazeris Canon Fronsac- 2007 * * * Cheese Platter Roquefort P'Tit Basque Reblochon * * * Crepes Suzettes served with Cointreau Sauce and Mascarpone Cream * * * * *
Dean's French Cesar
Soy and Ginger Marinated Atlantic Salmon served with a salad of Green Papaya, Cucumber, Crispy Fried Shallots and Garlic, finished with a Lime Juice and Sugar Dressing AOC - Sancerre - Francois Cotat 2006 * * * Grilled Charolais Beef Filet served with Pommes de Terre Gratinees, Red Wine Jus, New Season Vegetables and Hollandaise AOC Denis Durantou - Pommerol La Petite Eglise - Magnum - 2005 * * * Cheese Platter Rocamadours Fourme d' Ambert Ossau-Iraty-Brebis-Pyrenees * * * Raspberry Souffle served with Raspberry Ice Cream * * * * * |
Roi Soleil Floor Plan
98 Feet long
-Three twin or queen cabins at 160 square feet, decorated with elegant French fabrics
-Open kitchen
-Elegant salon with fireplce, skylights and panoramic windows
-Paqrtially covered deck with dining table and hot tub
-Second deck at rear
