Provence, the Camargue, Languedoc & Canal du Midi by Barge
'Roi Soleil' offers some of the best style, cuisine, wines and service on the canals of France. This luxurious barge is the largest (and only twostory) vessel on the Canal du Midi. Her French captain has the local knowledge to reveal the heart and soul of this intriguing Mediterranean region. The area's rich history, picturesque scenery and outstanding gastronomy offer a pleasing mélange for the palates of even the most discriminating travellers.
PROVENCE, THE CAMARGUE, LANGUEDOC
Cruise on the magnificent Canal du Midi, the "marvel of Europe" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A prodigious engineering feat, it was commissioned by Louis XIV to link France's Mediterranean and Atlantic Coasts. With its spectacular locks, aqueducts, bridges and tunnels, its tree-lined route is one of the most beautiful in France.
Graceful 'Roi Soleil' glides through the remarkably diverse landscape of the Canal - from the rugged, rural Languedoc to the sun-drenched blue of the Mediterranean - on a thoroughly captivating journey.
From Beziers, the center of the wine trade in southern France, visit the Roman colony of Narbonne with its unfinished 13th-century Cathédrale St-Just and the fortified medieval villages of the Minervois. Look out over the Languedoc plain from the ancient hilltop settlement of l'Oppidum d'Ensérune and experience the quiet spirituality of l'Abbaye de Fontfroide, lovingly restored in the early 20th century. The imposing walled city of Carcassonne, a highlight of any Canal du Midi cruise, is one of Europe's most evocative medieval cities.
All along the way, step off the barge to cycle or walk along tree-lined towpaths and into romantic canal-side villages.
PROVENCE, THE CAMARGUE & LANGUEDOC
Avignon, home to the spectacular 14th-century Palace of the Popes, is the starting point for this glorious exploration of the culture, history and "good life" for which Provence is famous. Weaving your way into the Luberon Valley and the Gard, there are wonderful treasures waiting to be found in the shops of St. Quentin de la Potterie, Uzés and St-Rémy. Visit les Baux-de-Provence, spectacularly set on a rocky outcrop, and marvel at the Roman aqueduct known as the Pont du Gard - or simply relax in the tranquil landscapes.
'Roi Soleil' then calls at Arles with its Roman ruins and Van Gogh landscapes, before entering the Camargue, a region populated by flamingo, wild, white horse and black bull. Not to be missed are Aigues-Mortes, a walled medieval town, and Sète, where traditional fishermen spread their nets. Continue to Agde, hailed by Marco Polo as "the black pearl of the Mediterranean."
CANAL DU MIDI:
Béziers to Carcassonne
May 31 - Sep 27
Avignon to Béziers
May 03 - 24 and Oct 04 - 25
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| Departure Date Departing Sundays |
Full Barge Charter 6 nights |
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| March 29 - May 9 July 12 - August 29 |
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| May 10 - July 11 August 30 - October 31 |
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Note: Family, wine and other theme charters are available. Excursions are tailor-made to suit the chartering party's interests. Routes run in reverse on alternate weeks. Contact us for details.
Sunday departures. Charter sailings only.
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For more information on any of the fabulous A&K Barge Tours drop us a note or call Rex Travel at 800-777-7739 |
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