Enchante

Canal du Midi Cruises

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

2012 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

2012 Value Season dates

March 4- 10	March 25 - 31	April 15 - 21	October 21 - 27
March 11 - 17	April 1 - 7	April 22 - 28	October 28 - Nov 3
March 18 - 24	April 8 - 14	October 14 - 20	November 4 - 10

2012 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

2012 Regular Season dates

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

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

Puichéric to Sallèles d’Aude on the Canal du Midi
Sunday: Puichéric
Welcome Aboard!
Passengers are met at the designated meeting point in Narbonne by the Captain at 4pm and escorted by minibus to Enchante, moored at Aiguille lock near Puichéric. Champagne welcome followed by dinner on board.

Monday: Puichéric to La Redorte
Medieval Walled City of Carcassonne
Fascinating morning tour of Carcassonne. 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, which resisted the many armies that tried to storm this glorious Camelot setting. Afternoon cruise along the 330 year old Midi canal descending its trademark locks and past “l’Epanchoir”, one of the canal bridges invented by Pierre Riquet for the Canal du Midi. Upon arrival explore the village of La Redorte famous in the 11th century for its basket weaving. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday: La Redorte to Homps
Ancient Village with Cobblestoned Streets
Morning cruise under the shade of the plane trees which line the canal, we gently circle the contours of the land to reach the port of Homps once an important commandery for the Knights Hospitaller. Afternoon 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. We continue cruising to a picturesque mooring under the trees, a perfect opportunity to try your hand at pétanque the local sport of boules followed by an alfresco dinner aboard.

Wednesday: Homps to Roubia
Lunch Ashore in a Spectacular Setting
This morning we take the minibus to a Benedictine Abbey founded in the 8th century. Nestled in the village of Lagrasse, awarded the title of “Plus beaux villages de France” (most beautiful villages of France), now home to many artisan who have set up workshops in the medieval center, the restored Abbey was once one of the most prosperous thanks to Charlemagne’s chart. A chance to sample some local cuisine with lunch ashore in a spectacular setting overlooking the Corbières. Afternoon cruise reaching Roubia situated on the “grand bief” another engineering prowess unique to the Canal du Midi. Dinner aboard.

Thursday: Roubia to Le Somail
Winetasting in the Saint Chinian
Morning cruise through vineyards and pine trees to the charming and historical village of the Le Somail, purpose built for the Canal du Midi. Take some time to explore the old bookstore of Le Somail. Afternoon excursion to a wine tasting in the 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 Controlée), teamed with an excursion to “Oulibo”, Occitan for olive. This cooperative olive oil press is a great opportunity to sample the famous Lucques olive. Dinner aboard.

Friday: Le Somail to
Sallèles d’Aude
Narbonne, Capital of Roman Gaul
This morning’s excursion is to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy a visit to the Archbishop's Palace and the indoor market at the hub of this bustling canal side town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the relaxed atmosphere. Afternoon cruise through the series of locks and narrow bridges of the Robine Canal, built after the Canal du Midi to link Narbonne and the Mediterranean. Cycle ahead and explore the village of Sallèles d’Aude, our final mooring. Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday: Sallèles d’Aude to Narbonne
A Sad Farewell
After breakfast depart Sallèles d’Aude and transfer to Narbonne by about 11am.

---

Sallèles d’Aude to Puichéric on the Canal du Midi

Sunday: Sallèles d’Aude
Welcome Aboard!
Passengers are met at the designated meeting point in Narbonne, by the Captain at 4pm and escorted by minibus to Enchante, moored in Sallèles d’Aude. Champagne welcome followed by dinner on board.

Monday: Sallèles d’Aude to Le Somail
Winetasting in the Saint Chinian
Morning cruise through the series of locks and narrow bridges of the Robine Canal, built after the Canal du Midi to link Narbonne and the Mediterranean, to the charming and historical village of the Le Somail, purpose built for the Canal du Midi. Take some time to explore the old bookstore of Le Somail. 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 Controlée), teamed with an excursion to “Oulibo”, Occitan for olive. This cooperative olive oil press is a great opportunity to sample the famous Lucques olive. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday: Le Somail to Roubia
Narbonne, Capital of Roman Gaul
This morning’s excursion is to Narbonne, pictured at left, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy a visit to the Archbishop's Palace and the indoor market at the hub of this bustling canal side town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the relaxed atmosphere. Afternoon cruise, through vineyards and pine trees along the “grand bief,” another engineering prowess unique to the Canal du Midi, to Roubia, a picturesque mooring under the trees and a perfect opportunity to try your hand at pétanque the local sport of boules. Dinner aboard.


Wednesday: Roubia to Homps
Lunch Ashore in a Spectacular Setting
This morning we take the minibus to a Benedictine Abbey founded in the 8th century. Nestled in the village of Lagrasse, awarded the title of “Plus beaux villages de France” (most beautiful villages of France), now home to many artisans who have set up workshops in the medieval centre, the restored Abbey was once one of the most prosperous thanks to Charlemagne’s charter. A chance to sample some local cuisine with lunch ashore in a spectacular setting overlooking the Corbières. Afternoon cruise under the shade of the plane trees which line the canal, we gently circle the contours of the land to reach the port of Homps once an important commandery for the Knights Hospitalier. Dinner aboard.

Thursday: Homps to La Redorte
Ancient Village, Ascend the Midi's Trademark Locks
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. Afternoon cruise along the 330 year old Midi canal ascending its trademark locks, walking from one to the next or perhaps cycling ahead to explore the village of La Redorte famous in the 11th century for its basket weaving. Dinner aboard.

Friday: La Redorte to Puichéric
Medieval Walled City of Carcassonne
Fascinating morning tour of Carcassonne. Dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, this is the most complete medieval fortified city in existence today with its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defences, which resisted the many armies that tried to storm this glorious Camelot setting. We cruise in the afternoon to Puichéric, past “l’Epanchoir”, one of the canal bridges invented by Pierre Riquet for the Canal du Midi. Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday: Puichéric to Narbonne
A Sad Farewell
After breakfast depart Sallèles d’Aude and transfer to Narbonne by about 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

"The pre-trip information was more than adequate and the train tickets and hotel reservations worked out well.  We thoroughly enjoyed the cruise.  The cabin was lovely.  The cuisine was out of this world!  We've never eaten that way before and probably never will again, but it was great.  Chris was an outstanding chef who discussed the preparation with us before each meal.  Amanda did an excellent job of explaining the wines and would do whatever she could to please.  The other couple on the barge were congenial and we enjoyed them."
-Esther and Jack Brown, cruised October 2011 

"The food, the cabins and the crew were fabulous!  Chris is an excellent chef and our meals were superb.  Everything was perfect and the hot tub was great!  We had very enjoyable excursions to Carcassonne and a winery and an overall wonderful trip."
- Jay and Jane Reich, cruised September 2011


"We lived a week of gastronomical luxury with small, kind hearted community of guests.  The crew was attentive, intelligent and kind.  Our guide was accommodating and knowledgeable, which we appreciated.  The setting was relaxed, clean and comfortable and the cabins were spacious!
- Keith Walker and Sylvia Aschliman, cruised June, 2011


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.”