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Travel from Portiragnes to Homps on the Canal du Midi
*Your cruise could operate in the opposite direction. Please consult with us before making any arrival or departure plans.
In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Saraphina at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored along the Canal du Midi. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first of many gourmet dinners onboard. Cruise this evening to a beautiful mooring in the countryside, close to the village of Portiragnes.
This morning, your Tour Guide escorts you to Pezenas, a town of art and history, and a place most dear to French playwright Molière. The city's historic center has become a charming bohemian haven of craft shops, lively cafes, and specialty boutiques. Sip, shop, and stroll your way through this adorable town brimming with authentic French life. After luncheon at a local bistro in Beziers, return to the Saraphina to cruise up the majestic flight of locks at Fonserannes. Drinks and dinner are served onboard.
This morning, options abound for a memorable excursion. Explore the Abbaye de Fontfroide, a restored Cistercian monastery founded in the 11th century; or, sip and savor the Canal du Midi's wines at the family-owned vineyards of Château Massamier La Mignarder. After luncheon ashore, your Tour Guide returns you to the barge for a lazy afternoon cruise. Take a leisurely bicycle ride on the towpath, join Chef Emily in the galley, or relax on the deck and admire the rustic scenery slip by. Cocktails and dinner culminate the day.
The morning begins with a visit to the town of Narbonne, a regional capital established in 118 B.C.E. as a Roman colony. Here you will visit the market to help Chef Emily select the ingredients for today’s lunch! Mingle with the locals as you explore vendors of seasonal produce, handmade cheese, and artisanal breads. Return to the barge for an unhurried afternoon cruise, feasting on your market fresh selections. Tonight, you can walk into the nearby village of Le Somail to wine and dine.
The begins with a escorted tour of Minerve, a preserved Medieval city with fascinating social, historical, and military import. After your visit, enjoy either a sampling of olive oil at the region's olive pressoir or an informal winetasting at a local vineyard. After luncheon ashore, a lazy afternoon cruise provides the perfect opportunity to or explore the towpath with a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll. Alternatively, Chef Emily would love some company in the galley where you can preview tonight’s gourmet dinner.
This morning’s excursion is a visit to 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 cafes and boutiques, and enjoy a luncheon ashore. Back onboard, this afternoon's cruise is the perfect time to laze on deck, or explore the tree-shaded towpath by bicycle or on foot. Tonight’s Captain's Dinner culminates your cruise in style.
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.
Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.
“A fabulous trip due to the talents and personalities of the extraordinary crew! Finn guides the craft through the canal with ease and skill. Emily is the perfect hostess and seems to be able to fill any part on the boat – at the wheel, cooking, and describing our cheese selections every night!”
– Guests, Saraphina
Are you ready to discover the cultural treasures
of the Canal du Midi?
