Alouette accommodates four passengers in well-appointed cabins located above the water line. Her sun-deck provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy the passing scenery while cruising through the specially selected waterways. Facilities include air conditioning, internet access and bikes.
Alouette is unique in our fleet because it is our only four passenger, charter only barge. With four members of crew on board this is an exclusive and personal cruise where your every need is taken care of. The two large suites have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning and have a choice of twin or double bed configuration.
Below you can find some of the highlights of the cruises we are currently offering on Alouette, along with some examples of the cuisine and fine wines the master chef will present you with on board.
Cruise Highlights
Cuisine Aboard
Tour of Carcassonne, a fortified city dating back to the Gallo-Roman era
Eine tasting at Chateau d'Auris
Visit to Abbaye de Fontfroide, an 11th century Cistercian monastery
Experience the famous covered market in the charming city of Narbonne
Visit ancient Minerve and its Cathar fort
Excellent walking and cycling
Regional Specialities
Noisette d'Agneau en Croûte de Sel avec Sauce Romarin, Ragout de Calamars "Provençàle"
Wine Cellar
Domaine d'Auris, AOC Corbieres Chateau de la Peyrade, Muscat de Frontignan, Domaine Santorin, AOC Miervois
Cheese Board
Le Saint-Remois, Fromage de Chévre au Poivre at au Thyme, Tomme de Valdeblore
Sunday, Day 1 Béziers
You are met at your Paris hotel and transferred to the Paris Station for your 1st Class TGV rail travel to Beziers station where you are met by the crew. Transfer to the barge at Beziers Port. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening you experience your first dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 Beziers to Capestang
The first morning’s cruise is along the beautiful Canal du Midi to Capestang where we will moor for the night. In the afternoon, visit Oppidum d’Enserune, a pre-Roman hill-top settlement and one of the most important archaeological sites in the region. The top of the hill affords a panoramic view of the pond of Montady drained in 1247 and transformed into a curious pattern of cultivation. Dinner aboard.
Tuesda, Day 3 Capestang to Le Somail
This morning we visit l’Abbaye de Fontfroide, a Cistercian monastery founded in the 11th century. Now privately owned, the abbey has been lovingly restored with a well kept garden and peaceful cloister. Return to the barge for lunch and then an afternoon cruise along the beautiful Canal du Midi in Capestang. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday, Day 4 Le Somail to Homps
After breakfast enjoy a visit to Oppidum d’Enserune, a pre-Roman hill-top settlement and one of the most important archaeological sites in the region. The top of the hill affords a panoramic view of the pond of Montady drained in 1247 and transformed into a curious pattern of cultivation. On the way back to the boat we stop off at a local wine producer for a tasting. Return to the barge for lunch followed by a relaxing afternoon taking in grandeur and beauty of Canal du Midi, with its fine locks, buildings and aqueducts, scarcely changed from their completion over 300 years ago. Dinner on board
Thursday, Day 5 Homps to Trebes
After breakfast, visit Minerve, an old village on a limestone cliff, which dominates the vineyards below. Its now ruined castle was once a Cathar stronghold besieged and captured by Simon de Montfort. On the way back to the boat, stop at Peyriac-Minervois for wine tasting. Return to the barge for lunch and an afternoon cruise to Trebes. Dinner aboard.
Friday, Day 6 Trebes to Carcassonne
Finish the week with a tour of Europe’s largest medieval fortress – La Cité of Carcassonne. Explore the intricate fortifications of the two castellated walls, one inside the other, about a mile in circumference. The views from the battlements towards the Pyrenées are stunning. Visit the cathedral, remarkable for its stained glass rose windows, fine statues, elegant Romanesque nave and Gothic transepts. Back onboard the chef is preparing a memorable feast for your farewell dinner.
Saturday, Day 7 Carcassonne
Disembark the barge after breakfast and transfer to Carcassonne TGV station which is a 2 minutes walk from the barge for your return train to Paris Austerlitz.
On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
