Esperance

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Esperance at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored in Capestang. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first of many gourmet dinners aboard. After dinner, feel free to take a dip in the hot tub with a nightcap.

This morning, your Tour Guide presents Pezenas, a lively town full of art and history, and a place most dear to French playwright Molière. The city's historic center has become a bohemian haven of lively cafes and specialty boutiques. Sip, shop, and stroll your way through this adorable town brimming with authentic French life. Cruise this afternoon; laze on deck and admire the countryside gliding by, or explore the towpath by bicycle or on foot. Enjoy tonight’s dinner onboard.

This morning, laze on deck while Esperance glides along the canal. Upon mooring in Le Somail, bookworms are invited to browse a unique secondhand book shop with approximately 50,000 titles. After lunch, we pop out to visit an olive pressoir for a tasting of small batch olive oils followed by a scenic drive up the river gorge to the hilltop village of Minerve. Discover Minerve’s medieval alleys and narrow cobbled streets, with a storied web of Cathar and Crusade history. Back onboard, Chef has another wonderful dinner waiting for us!

The morning begins with a visit to Narbonne, a regional capital established in 118 B.C.E. as a Roman colony. A study of European history and local modernity thriving side by side, preserved Roman ruins are reverentially presented in public spaces, while the lively Narbonne market reflects the region’s gastronomic bounty. Enjoy a winetasting, then it’s back to Esperance to cruise through typical villages and under tiny bridges. Enjoy dinner onboard, moored deep in the countryside.

Begin the day with a scenic cruise through rustic countryside. Enjoy relaxing on deck, or explore the towpath by bicycle or on foot. This afternoon, experience a cruise high point: your Tour Guide introduces Carcassonne, a fortified Medieval fortress with a walled city, ancient castle, and preserved ramparts. If you have already discovered Carcassonne, visit Lagrasse, an attractive market town full of art galleries and craft shops. Return to the Esperance for appetizers and aperitifs followed by another gourmet dinner.

It’s a full day of cruising, gliding past typical villages and under tiny bridges as you fully savor the magic of one of France’s most iconic canals. Now is the time to explore by bicycle, laze in the hot tub, or join Chef in the open kitchen. At the L’Aiguille lock, disembark to view the collection of unusual sculptures created by the artistic lockkeeper, then celebrate your luxurious journey on the Canal du Midi with a festive Farewell Feast onboard.

After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.