Anjodi

Classic Cruise - Canal du Midi

ITINERARY*

Sunday, Day 1 Le Somail

Guests are met in Narbonne** and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Anjodi. Enjoy a chilled champagne welcome with canapés and the opportunity to meet your crew, followed by time to walk around the charming village and perhaps explore its beautiful bookshop. We then enjoy a short evening cruise before dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 Le Somail to Sallèles d’Aude

This morning, there is a fascinating tour of Carcassonne. Dating back to the Gallo Roman era, this is the most complete medieval fortified city in existence today. With its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defences, it resisted the many armies that tried to storm this Camelot setting. In the afternoon, we cruise along the 330-year-old Canal du Midi and through a series of locks on the Canal de la Robine, with excellent walking and biking opportunities en route, to our mooring at Sallèles d’Aude. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 Sallèles d’Aude to Capestang

This morning, we head to Mas d’Antonin for some truffle hunting. Follow the expert truffle dogs searching under the oak trees to find the “black gold” which we can help to dig up and then sample, having judged its appearance, colour and most important, its aroma. Also learn about the different olives of the region and taste the oils that they produce. After lunch on board, we cruise to Capestang, passing vineyards and pine trees, with magnificent views of the Pyrenées along the way. There is time to explore the village, once the summer retreat of the Bishops of Narbonne, with its magnificent 14th century collegiate church before dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 Capestang to Fonserannes

This morning we visit Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. We tour the Archbishop’s Palace, Cathedral and Via Domitia and explore the indoor market at the hub of this bustling town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the vibrant atmosphere. We return to the hotel barge for a cruise via the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas, perhaps pausing en route at the Poilhes brewery for a tour and tasting, then on to our mooring at Fonserannes. There may also be time to view the star-shaped fields and the 13^th century irrigation channels of Montady from L’Oppidum d’Enserune. Dinner ashore tonight at a gastronomic restaurant in Beziers.

Thursday, Day 5 Fonserannes to Portiragnes

After breakfast, we descend through the unique flight of 7 oval locks, before crossing the aqueduct over the River Orb to moor in Portiragnes where the Canal du Midi is at its closest to the Mediterranean. For those who are feeling active, the beach is only 20 minutes away by bicycle. This afternoon, we enjoy an informative winery tour and tasting at the Château Pech-Celeyran, their diverse 145-hectare plot includes 38 hectares of scrubland and pine forests and has been owned by the Saint-Exupéry family for five generations, producing an exceptional array of diverse wines. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Portiragnes to Marseillan

This morning, Anjodi sets off through the famous round lock and then the nature reserve of Bagnas, with potential sightings of flamingos, white egrets and other migrating birds before heading out onto the inland saltwater lake of Étang de Thau, past the oyster beds. After mooring in the fishing village of Marseillan, home of Noilly Prat vermouth, we take an excursion to Pezenas, the delightful 16^th century capital of the Languedoc mostly known for its associations with the French playwright Molière. On the way back to the barge, there is the option to visit a local oyster farm to sample its delicious produce with a glass of white wine while enjoying a view of the oyster beds. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 Marseillan

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Narbonne**.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
On alternate weeks, the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
**other locations available for private Charter bookings.

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