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 just outside of Carcassonne at Homps. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first of many gourmet dinners aboard.

Begin the day with an excursion to Carcassonne, the most complete Medieval fortified city in existence. Explore the ancient castle and preserved ramparts to admire the 53 Roman towers; then stroll the cobblestone boulevards lined with local cafes and specialty boutiques. If you have already visited "the Cité," then discover Fontfroide, an extraordinary Cistercian Abbey founded in 1093! A leisurely afternoon cruise precedes an evening of drinks and 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! In the afternoon, your Tour Guide accompanies you to 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 presents tonight’s delicious dinner.

The adventure continues this morning 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, Roman ruins are reverentially presented in public spaces, while the lively Narbonne market reflects the region’s gastronomic bounty. After a private tasting at a local winery, return to the barge for an afternoon cruise. Join Chef in the open kitchen, lounge in the hot tub, or visit your Captain in his gorgeous wheelhouse. Cocktails and canapes precede tonight's gourmet dinner onboard.

This is a special day, as the Esperance is going to "fit" under the smallest bridge of the entire canal system in France! Capestang, our home harbor for the day, is an adorable village with lots of laidback charm. This afternoon, relish an itinerary highlight with a stop in Pezenas, a delightful town of art and history -- and a longtime Barge Lady favorite. Sip, shop, and stroll your way through this town brimming with authentic French life. Back on the barge, ask your Hostess for a napkin folding lesson before tonight’s dinner party onboard.

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 trails by bicycle, stroll the towpath, or join Chef in the open kitchen for a casual cooking demonstration. Glide through the iconic tunnel de Malpas, famous for its unique stone structure and astonishing acoustics. Quite an experience! This evening, 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.