Deluxe

Alouette

France, Canal Du Midi
Cruise Along the Canal du Midi

Check-in Time / Location 1:00 PM in Paris

Capacity
4 Guests
Crew Members
4
Booking Type
Charter Only

Exuding classy comfort and airy charm, the Alouette functions as a floating French country inn for its four lucky guests.

A soft and soothing color scheme of sepia and butterscotch unites all of the interior areas, including the lovely light-filled salon with its signature picture windows. The spacious cabins beckon with elegant bedding, and also boast an intercom system to directly contact the crew. Handmade tiles line the bathrooms, adding a luxurious artisan touch.

Expansive and comfortable, the deck encourages hours of relaxation while enjoying a glass of wine and just watching the gorgeous southern scenery drift by; more active guests can take a bicycle out for a leisurely ride along the tree-lined canal. Foodies and gastronomes are encouraged to join the informal cooking demonstrations by the gourmet Chef in the unusually large galley.

A further highlight of the Alouette’s epicurean experiences, the candlelit dinners are a particularly special treat, with menus focusing on the region’s many seafood specialties and abundant seasonal produce. Carefully selected fine wines are paired with lunches and dinners, typically sourced from a local Languedoc vineyard.

Guided excursions reveal the Canal du Midi’s fascinating attractions, including many artifacts and antiquities from the Roman era. Winetastings are another capstone experience, as guests enjoy premium samplings of the region’s emerging and established vintages.

Accommodations & Amenities

Accommodations
  • 100 ft long with 6’ 7” – 7’4” ceiling height throughout
  • Cabin 1 – 270 sq ft, 7’4” ceiling height
  • Cabin 2 – 205 sq ft, 6’7” ceiling height
  • Choice of one King or two twin beds
  • Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Ample storage in cabins
  • Combined salon and dining area
  • Demonstration kitchen
  • Deck with canopy
  • Outdoor dining space and seating
Amenities
Chauffeured Guided Sightseeing
Chauffeured Guided Sightseeing
Daily Housekeeping
Daily Housekeeping
WiFi (service fluctuates)
WiFi (service fluctuates)
Private Chef
Private Chef
Open Bar
Open Bar
Air Conditioning/Heating
Air Conditioning/Heating
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Bathrobe
Bathrobe
Safe
Safe
Iron and Ironing Board (on request)
Iron and Ironing Board (on request)
Sound System
Sound System
220 volt outlets
220 volt outlets
Bicycles and helmets
Bicycles and helmets

Itineraries

Travel from Beziers to Carcassonne on the Canal du Midi

Bicycling Opportunities:
Adequate 
 (Bicycling is completely optional.)
Sunday
Welcome Aboardsunday image
Welcome Aboard
Travel: Paris to Beziers
Meals: Dinner onboard

A transfer agent will meet your party at late morning in the lobby of your Paris hotel, chauffeur you to the Paris Gare de Lyon Train Station, and provide First Class tickets on a midday TGV train to the Canal du Midi. As you alight, Alouette crew will be waiting on the platform. From here, you will be driven to the Alouette moored nearby. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the rest of the crew awaits you, before your first gourmet dinner onboard.

Monday
Gorgeous Grounds at an Ancient Abbayemonday image
Gorgeous Grounds at an Ancient Abbaye
Travel: Beziers to Capestang
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

The adventure begins with a leisurely morning cruise. Take a brisk bicycle ride on the towpath, or relax on deck while admiring the rustic scenery slipping by. This afternoon, a guided visit to the l'Abbaye de Fontfroide reveals a Cistercian monastery founded in the 11th century. Now privately owned, the abbey has been meticulously restored with a colorful garden and peaceful cloister. Then, sip and sample the Languedoc's bounty at a winetasting at a local domaine. Drinks and dinner onboard culminate the day.

Tuesday
The Epicurean Experience Continuestuesday image
The Epicurean Experience Continues
Travel: Capestang to Le Somail
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

A morning cruise reveals more of the Canal du Midi's flora and fauna. Gourmands and gastronomes are invited to join Chef in the galley for an informal cooking demonstration, while active guests can explore the towpath by bicycle or on foot. This afternoon, the epicurean experience continues at a local olive pressoir. Enjoy a private tasting of small batch olive oils before browsing the onsite gourmet boutique. Your Tour Guide returns you to the barge where cocktails and canapes precede tonight's delicious dinner.

Wednesday
Market Morning With Chefwednesday image
Market Morning With Chef
Travel: Le Somail to Homps
Meals: Breakfast & dinner onboard, lunch ashore

The morning begins with a visit to the town of Narbonne, a regional capital established in 118 BCE as a Roman colony. Here you will visit the market to help Chef select the ingredients for this evening's dinner. Mingle with the locals as you explore vendors of seasonal produce, handmade cheese, and artisanal breads. After lunch ashore at a local bistro, your Tour Guide chauffeurs you back to the barge for an unhurried afternoon cruise. Socialize in the salon or on deck before Chef presents tonight’s dinner.

Thursday
Magnificent Minervethursday image
Magnificent Minerve
Travel: Homps to Trebes
Meals: Breakfast & lunch onboard, dinner ashore

In the morning your Tour Guide escorts you to Minerve, a preserved Medieval city with fascinating social, historical, and military import. Explore the evocative remnants of what was once a Cathar stronghold. Back onboard, a lazy afternoon cruise provides the perfect opportunity to lounge on deck and admire the countryside, or explore the towpath with a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll. Tonight's dinner is taken ashore at a local bistro. Bon Appetit!

Friday
Captivating Carcassonnefriday image
Captivating Carcassonne
Travel: Trebes to Carcassonne
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

A morning cruise is the perfect time to laze on deck with a cup of coffee, or explore the tree-shaded towpath by bicycle or on foot. This afternoon, visit Carcassonne, a fortified Medieval fortress with a walled city. Your Tour Guide will escort you through the ancient castle and preserved ramparts to admire the mighty 53 Roman towers. Stroll the cobblestone boulevards into local cafes and specialty boutiques. Back onboard, freshen up for tonight's Captain's Dinner, culminating your Canal du Midi cruise in style.

Saturday
A Sad Farewellsaturday image
A Sad Farewell
Travel: Carcassonne to Paris
Meals: Breakfast onboard

Checking out no later than 9:00 am, you will be chauffeured to the closest train station for your return trip to Paris. You will be provided with First Class tickets for a morning train, arriving midday at the Gare de Lyon Train Station. Upon arrival, an Alouette representative will meet you on the platform at the Gare de Lyon Train Station and transfer your entire party to a single location of your party’s choice in central Paris. The services of the Alouette end at this single location.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.

Gourmet Dining

Lunch
  • Roasted New Potatoes with Garlic and Rosemary
  • Smoked Chicken Salad with Kiwi, Blueberries, Grapefruit, Chives, Celery, and Cucumber
  • Stuffed Gougeres with Sundried Tomatoes and Mozzarella
  • A Selection of Coffees, Teas, and Biscuits
  • 1 Lunch Ashore Inclusive of the Cruise Rate
Dinner
  • Amuse-Bouche
  • Foie Gras Torchon with Fig Chutney
  • Filet of Beef with White Onion and Spinach Veloute
  • Cheeses: Ossau Iraty, Roquefort, St Nectaire
  • Warm Chocolate Fondant
  • A Selection of After Dinner Drinks
Wine
  • Corton Grand Cru Domaine Pernaud
  • Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Chateau de Chassagne
  • Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Domaine Perroneau
  • Morey St Denis Domaine Perroneau
  • Pouilly Fumé 2004 Guy Saget
  • St Aubin Chassagne 1er Cru Chateau de Chassagne

Rates & Dates

Dates

2025 Regular Season Departures

April 6-12, 13-19, 20-26, 27-3
May 4-10, 11-17, 18-24, 25-31
June 1-7, 8-14, 15-21, 22-28, 29-5

Barge Alouette offers additional cruise weeks in Bordeaux and Southwest France.
Click here to view Alouette Bordeaux itinerary.

Additional Details

Included in the rate
  • 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
  • Round trip train transfers to and from Paris
  • A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
  • All meals onboard and ashore from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
  • All wines served with lunches and dinners both onboard and ashore
  • Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
  • Unlimited use of onboard amenities such as bicycles
Not included in the rate
  • International airfare
  • Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
  • Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

 

Dates

2026 Regular Season Departures

April 5-11, 12-18, 19-25, 26-2
May 3-9, 10-16, 17-23, 24-30, 31-6
June 7-13, 14-20, 21-27, 28-4

Barge Alouette offers additional cruise weeks in Bordeaux and Southwest France.
Click here to view Alouette Bordeaux itinerary.

Additional Details

Included in the rate
  • 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
  • Round trip train transfers to and from Paris
  • A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
  • All meals onboard and ashore from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
  • All wines served with lunches and dinners both onboard and ashore
  • Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
  • Unlimited use of onboard amenities such as bicycles
Not included in the rate
  • International airfare
  • Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
  • Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

 

Alouette Route

Are you ready to discover the cultural treasures
of the Canal du Midi?

Plan Your Cruise