Alegria
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Overview
Highlights
- Tour Carcassonne, the most complete medieval fortified city in existence
- Narbonne's Archbishop's Palace and colorful market
- Explore the hilltop village of Minerve
- Discover the City of Béziers
- Experience the famous “stair case” of the Nine Locks of Fonsérane
- The archeological site of the Oppidum of Ensérune
- Cruise through the world's oldest canal tunnels at Malpas
- Excellent towpath for walking and cycling
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Destinations
Activities
Trip includes
- Local transfers between local meeting point and the hotel barge
- A luxury 6 night cruise (accommodation in a cabin fitted with a king size bed or two single beds)
- Service in the cabin, the use of a bar-fridge and the complimentary drinks inside, a kettle and tray with teas and coffee
- All meals served both on board Alegria and ashore (two meals at local restaurants) with drinks
- Open bar: all drinks offered on board Alegria
- Excursions as per the itinerary, including the guide and the entrance fees
- The services of 4 crew
- Use of barge facilities which include 4 bicycles, a stand-up paddle, a heated plunge pool on deck, and free WiFi.
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Itinerary
We have the pleasure of welcoming you at the airport or at the railway station (from 4pm) and transferring you to Alegria, moored in Poilhes, 10 miles from Béziers. After the crew is introduced to you and after you settle down, you are served a welcome Champagne drink...
On this Sunday morning our guide proposes you a “multi-site” excursion: the City of Béziers, the famous “stair case” of the Nine Locks of Fonsérane, the archeological (6th century BC) site of the Oppidum of Ensérune, and the Malpas Tunnel, the first tunnel built in th...
In the morning we cruise slowly to Le Somail, one of the most charming villages along the Canal. Should you need a book for the week you can buy one from a unique book shop that has approximately 50 000 second-hand books in stock ... in many different languages! In th...
In the morning you go to one of the best market in the region, in Olonzac. You can look and buy anything you wish, from a provençal table cloth to special olives locally grown (well… we have some on board too!). Then the guide takes you to Minerve, a fascinating site ...
In the morning you visit a beautiful town, Narbonne. Narbonne is full of Roman history and includes the "Palace of the Archbishop". You will love its Mediterranean and Gothic style. And ... you will be offered lunch there in a typical restaurant that has some fish spe...
In the morning you visit the great City of Carcassonne, the biggest medieval City in Europe. You are just fascinated by the size of the walls and the narrow streets inside. You are right there in the middle of French history! There also many shops where you can buy ty...
After your breakfast, it is unfortunately time to conclude this unforgettable cruise. We transfer you back to the airport or railway station.
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with France Cruises.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
France Cruises Reviews & Ratings
Other France Cruises Reviews
Everything was fantastic
Everything was fantastic and went off as planned. The Normandy trip was equally exceptional. Enjoyed the guide immensely you set up for us. Thanks for taking care of...
It all was much better than we have expected
We just finished our trip on board of the Enchante. It all was much better than we have expected, a great success due to the first class service we received throug...
Fabulous time!
Just arrived home. Loved the barge! Fabulous time! Cruise was superb. Food ou...
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Our knowledgeable travel experts offer a magnitude of experienced advice from the smallest more intimate cruising such as our canal hotel barges to our legendary larger scale river cruising. No detail overlooked and no dream unimaginable.
We invite you to take a look at our custom French travel vacation packages tailored according to your needs and budget. France Cruises is your most reliable travel services provider for luxurious wine and customized tours throughout France and beyond.
France Cruises sophisticated and skilled philosophy gives us a strong advantage, accommodating our customers with the finest travel options available. From our first-class hotel accommodations to our breathtaking excursions, extending into our transportation, airport transfers and more. France Cruises will accompany you every step of the way throughout your extraordinary journey of a lifetime.
The France Cruises Difference:
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- We offer true French natives, enthusiasts and specialists who are ready to share their knowledge and passion for the best of what France has to offer.
- We offer an experienced, independent and distinguished variety of top quality trips, oftentimes from our customers' own referrals – with which we are always happy to provide to you.
The Best Service:
- We offer a wide range of vacation packages and the dedication to personalize each program. From the food served during the trip to the excursions and activities that go along with your selected journey, we're here to make every aspect of your travels memorable and enjoyable.
- We offer an extraordinary service, as we guide you through every detail of your vacation which includes making pre-cruise and post-cruise arrangements.
Not only can we share with you one of the most relaxing and pleasant ways to see the beauty of rural France close-at-hand, but we are also able to provide you with personalized assistance for your travel needs, including accommodations, chauffeured tours and transfers, itinerary planning, and travel services (Car Rental, Rail Passes, Airport Transfers and much more).
We are familiar with many hotels, and we only recommend those that we have personally inspected, or that have been highly recommended by our own passengers. We provide you with a variety of top-notch accommodation options, from Parisian boutique hotels, to chateaus in the Loire Valley , Manors in Normandy and historic country inns in Provence .
Because of our strong relationships with many properties, France Cruises passengers are often offered special rates, inclusive of taxes, breakfast and even free tours.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- International Flights
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The 4-passenger Alegria is a Freyssinet type barge, which started cruising on the Canal du Midi in mid-2008. The barge cruise offers a week of relaxation, gastronomy, excellent wines, fascinating culture, great landscapes and friendship in a beautiful country. Days are split between cruising and visiting some spectacular sites in the region. Alegria boasts two large cabins with en-suite bathrooms, totaling 190 to 210 sq. ft. each. Each one is fitted with king-sized beds that can be separated into twin beds upon request, and wide portholes to never miss a glimpse of the pretty landscapes drifting by. You will be supplied with bath robes, a hair dryer and amenities from L’ Occitane en Provence. A mini-fridge, coffee and tea tray is also part of the pleasurable experience of the cabins. With two big portholes, the lounge/dining room offers picturesque views of the canal. It includes a home theatre with a library of CDs, as well as a selection of books and parlour games. Internet access is available through the connection of a 3G+ USB key to your laptop. For your important documents or anything else of value, a safe is located near the lounge. On deck, one can enjoy the heated pool during a warm afternoon or just relax while enjoying some pre-dinner drinks. Not to mention, the vessel includes a welcoming wheelhouse with an authentic 1937 wheel and teak woodwork. The cuisine varies from traditional to gastronomical French. Each meal will be accompanied by different wines, both local (i.e Minerve, and Corbières) and from other regions of France (Bordeaux & Burgundy, etc.) Weather permitting, you're more than welcome to eat the dishes outside on the deck. A dedicated crew of five led by the Captain-owner welcomes all to the Alegria in 2012.
The Barge: Constructed in 1937 as a freight barge Converted into a hotel barge in 1999 Measures 100 ft. long by 16.5 ft. wide Two (2) onboard cabin accommodations Four (4) passenger capacity Central Heat & Air Conditioning Personnel: Five (5) crew members consisting of Tour Guide, Chef, Hostess, Matelot, and Captain. This crew speaks both English and French. Public Rooms: Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck (2)
Pre & Post Cruise Options in Carcassonne
For a short break in Carcassonne, you will have the opportunity to spend the day with one of the brightest chefs of the moment. This package includes a tour of the medieval Cite and the ramparts of Carcassonne including the Basilica St. Nazairien. Or just book a stay in one of the beautiful hotels in this medieval walled city.
Pre & Post Cruise Options in Paris
Paris is one of the most popular options for visitors before or after their cruise. France Cruises hotel packages is the easiest way to arrange your short break to Paris.With a wide selection of hand picked hotel accommodations, airport transfers, sightseeing tours, attractions, cabaret & dinner packages and much more, you can be ensured that your stay in the City of Lights will be "Magnifique".
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