Clair de Lune is a deluxe hotel barge tastefully furnished with cherrywood and African hardwoods that provide a sophisticated, modern interior. She provides superior accommodation for up to 6 guests in three contemporary double or twin en suite staterooms. There is a comfortable, stylish dining area and saloon with picture windows and a large sundeck with a spa pool from which to admire the passing countryside, together with bicycles for exploring the famous towpath.
Cruise Highlights
- Tour of the fortified City of Carcassonne
- Visit Narbonne with its 13thC Gothic Cathedral and lively market
- Private Minervois wine tasting at the Domaine Massamier La Mignarde
- Private wine tasting at the Château Villemagne
- Visit Montolieu, also known as the “Village of Books”
- Tour of medieval Lagrasse and its Benedictine abbey
- Excellent walking and cycling
Cuisine Aboard
Regional Specialities
Foie Gras sur Pain D’Épice Tiède et Confit de Figue; Cuisses de Canards Confites Sauce Forestière; Fondant D’Agneau au Riz de Marseillette; Magret de Canard Confit Sauce Griotte
Wine Cellar
Pic Saint Loup; Borrie de Maurel; Château la Voulte Gasparet; Domaine la Colombette; Picpoul de Pinet; Beauvignac; Domaine Gourganzaud
Cheese Board
Roquefort; Pélardon; Gaperons; Époisse; Brebis; Tomme de Lozère; Causses Bleu
Classic Canal du Midi Cruise Itinerary
Le Somail to Carcassonne
Sunday, Day 1 Le Somail
You are met at the designated meeting point and transferred to Clair de Lune peacefully moored at the port of Le Somail. The crew welcomes you on board with a glass of chilled champagne on the sun deck. Time for a walk or bicycle ride around this pretty canal side village before your first dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 Le Somail to Argens
After breakfast, we cruise to Argens, past beautiful, far reaching scenery across to the foothills of the Pyrenees, which you can absorb from the sundeck. After lunch your guide will take you to the beautiful hilltop village of Minerve where the Cathars held out from Simon de Montfort in the 13th century and on the way back to the barge we visit Domaine Massamier Mignarde for a Minervois wine tasting. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 Argens to Puicheric
After breakfast, we drive you to the beautiful city of Narbonne. There we visit the Horreum, an underground Roman grain warehouse and the 12th century Narbonne cathedra. Explore the Market Hall and you can browse in numerous chic boutiques. On your return to the hotel barge, we serve an aperitif and al fresco lunch under the trees. A relaxing afternoon, cruising through the five locks to Puichéric. Dinner on board.
Wednesday, Day 4 Puicheric to Millegrand
Morning cruise to Millegrand. This cruise is perfect for towpath walking or cycling or just lying back in the spa pool and enjoying the day. Lunch is prepared by your chef, before leaving with your guide to the medieval village of Lagrasse, one of the most beautiful villages in France, with a Benedictine abbey, friendly locals and narrow winding streets. Enjoy a tasting at Chateau Villemagne where wine is a passion as well as a pleasure. Meal out tonight at a local auberge.
Thursday, Day 5 Millegrand to Villedubert
Morning cruise to our mooring at Lock Villedubert. After lunch we leave the barge and drive to Montolieu, the village of books with its many antiquarian bookshops and exhibitions of graphic arts. You can visit the museum and charms of this little medieval town before returning to the barge via the ancient Villelongue Abbey. Dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6 Villedubert to Carcassonne
This morning we cruise to our final destination and highlight of the week, Carcassonne. After lunch your guide will accompany you to the largest and most beautiful walled ancient city of Europe. Carcassonne, dating from the time of Charlemagne, has been fully restored. You can walk the ramparts, visit the Château Comptal, and step back in time. Captain’s Dinner aboard.
Saturday, Day 7 Carcassonne
After breakfast, depart the barge by minibus and transfer to the designated drop off point.
On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
Dates and Prices
| 2013 | ||
| Accommodation | Prices (VALUE) | Prices (REGULAR) |
| Junior Suite | $5,200 | $5,200 |
| Single | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Charter Max. 4 pax | $22,000 | $25,000 |
| Charter Max. 5 pax | $24,200 | $27,500 |
| Charter Max. 6 pax | $26,400 | $30,000 |
| 2013 Departure Dates (Sunday) | |
| REGULAR | VALUE |
| May 19, 26 | April 07, 14, 21. 28 |
| June 02, 09, 16, 23, 30 | May 05, 12 |
| September 01, 08, 15, 22, 29 | July 07, 14, 21, 28 |
| August 04, 11, 18, 25 | |
| October 06, 13, 20, 27 | |
| November 03 | |
Please note all prices are subject to change. Please call us for details.
