Water & Wine on the Canal du Midi

Would you like to plan a holiday around your love of wine? But you’d also like to travel via boat? No problem. All over the world, wine enthusiasts are cottoning on to the idea of indulging in their wine tasting hobby whilst cruising the world’s most spectacular canals aboard a luxury vessel. France is an idyllic location for one of these wine inspired holidays, with many opportunities to visit world-renowned vineyards and partake in wine tastings.

Wine Inspired Cruises

In order to have a well-rounded experience, specialized wine cruises should include a professional wine guide and wine itinerary.

The 300-year-old sun-drenched Canal du Midi is the perfect backdrop for a wine holiday, with its tree lined banks and views of the pyrenees. Two of the best vessels cruising this historic canal include the Anjodi and the Enchanté, some of the finest examples of hotel barges in Europe. The beautiful interior decor of each barge, combined with the incredible exterior views make this section of France an ideal spot for a cruise.

Trees lining the waterways on your Canal du Midi Holiday

Anjodi

The Anjodi was specifically designed to navigate the waters of the Canal du Midi and was constructed following a classic Dutch design. The stunning vessel has been completely re-furbished and can fit up to eight passengers comfortably.

 Whilst aboard the Anjodi, typical cruises include travelling to the Château de Perdiguier, where you will have the privilege of enjoying a private tasting of Corbières and Minervois wine.  From there, you will also see the magnificent Pyrenees mountains across the vineyards and a guide will speak to you about Cathar history.

Other highlights of your cruise on the Anjodi will include touring Carcassone (the most complete medieval fortified city in existence), experiencing Lezignan’s colourful market, and visiting Béziers cathedral.  France is certainly the best place for a wine inspired tour and your cruise will include a great deal of wine tastings, however stopping off to enjoy the country’s breath-taking monuments and historical sites is an added bonus.

For the true afficionados, you will be impressed to know that aboard the vessel the inclusive wine cellar will be stocked with Domain de Guéry, Château de Nouvelles, La Clape and Château la Condamine Bertrand for your drinking pleasure. You can take a look at the full wine appreciation itinerary here .

Anjodi Cabin

Enchanté

The Enchanté is a double-decker hotel-barge that provides luxurious accommodation for up to eight guests. It has a welcoming contemporary interior, providing guests with a bright art deco atmosphere.

If you decide to take a cruise on the Enchanté along the Canal du Midi your itinerary will include travelling to the beautiful city of Corbières to visit the Minervois winery. Here, you will enjoy a winery tour and private tastings.

Enchanté’s wine cellar includes an impressive variety of wines such as Domaine de Nalys, Châteauneuf du Pape, Château Haut Gléon, Corbières, Domaine Corsin, Pouilly Fuissé, Domaine Vacheron, Sancerre, Château Les Ollieux Romanis, Corbières, Domaine Alquier, Faugères, Château de Gourgazaud and Minervois La Livinière. If that’s not enough to make your tastebuds tingle you don’t know your wines! Full details of Enchante’s Wine Appreciation Itinerary are available here.

With vineyards spread throughout the country, picturesque canals and waterways, and fabulous historical sites at every turn, France really is a wine and water lovers paradise.

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