ESPERANCE is a deluxe contemporary barge sparkling in warm Provencal colors with large suites and spacious wheelhouse where guests can gather. It has an open salon, dining room and kitchen where guests are welcome to watch the chef prepare meals. A large partially covered sundeck offers comfortable seating, dining table and a hot tub. The owner, Mathias Gilles, grew up in Provence and now cruises on the Canal du Midi as your trusted captain and entertaining host. This barge cruise combines countryside and village moorings to enjoy the peacefulness of the canal with an interesting array of locals sights to immerse you in the culture and scenery of the Languedoc wine region. This is an entirely personalized experience customized around your interests.

We are happy and proud to be one of Esperance's exclusive agents in the U.S. Having a friendship and agent relationship with Mathias has always been a pleasure.

Cruise Highlights

Cruising on ESPERANCE
Canal du Midi, South of France
Beziers to Carcassonne

Sunday - Transfer to Barge
A member of the crew will welcome you at Beziers railway station at 4 PM and transfer you to your beautiful barge Esperance moored in the enchanting countryside of the famous Canal du Midi. A champagne reception will be served on deck as a nice premise to your week cruise. You will then have plenty of time to discover the barge, its environment and to settle in your bedroom before dinner.

Monday - Near Beziers to Capestang
Today be prepared for a very relaxing day. You will be surprised by the peacefulness of the barge while gliding through this beautiful 16th century canal. We will stop in Colombiers where you will have time to go for a walk before lunch. The afternoon cruise will take us to the pretty village of Capestang; through the exciting tunnel de Malpas famous for its unique structure. Quite an experience! This is the perfect day to go for a bicycle ride or enjoy a walk while the barge is moving slowly.

Tuesday - Capestang to Countryside
This morning we will drive to Narbonne, a lively city full of art and history. The choice is yours, you can go shopping in the many walking streets around the old town center, visit the colorful covered market, the Archbishop's Palace, the archaeological museum, or spend your morning at the Mediterranean Sea. A beautiful cruise today with many turns and loops and a romantic night mooring in the middle of the wines and arched trees

Wednesday - Countryside to Le Somail
For the religious history fans, Fontfroide is quite a site! This abbey was founded as a Benedictine Abbey in 1093 and affiliated with the Cistercians in 1145. It is a beautiful collection of religious buildings and the gardens around it are stunning. Or, if you prefer, we can visit the olive factory at L’Oulibo, a prize winning olive oil mill and a great place for tasting and buying olive oil or tapenade. This afternoon let the world float by as your lunch will be served on deck while the barge is moving slowly on this peaceful tree lined canal all the way to a romantic night mooring in Le Somail with its fascinating antique bookshop and local potters and artists.

Thursday - Le Somail to Homps
Today a very scenic drive through the Minervois hills and les Gorges de la Cesse to visit Minerve. This amazing medieval village is perched on a spectacular rocky outcrop formed by the rivers Cesse and Brian. Famous for its Cathar history and its wine countryside, this village is full of charm and history. On the way back, how about a little wine tasting to discover more about the excellent wines this region has to offer? Time to relax on deck, as your floating hotel is on the move and the cruise will take you to a quiet mooring close to Homps.

Friday - Homps to Carcassonne
Going thru a couple of traditional locks, the barge will cruise to our last mooring for the week, close to Carcassonne. After lunch you will have plenty of time to discover the world famous walled medieval town, la Cité de Carcassonne. This extraordinary place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is said to be the most visited site in France. If you have already visited " la Cité," we will visit Lagrasse, an attractive village now home to numerous pottery workers and artists attracted by the place itself and the renowned natural light of the region. The two 'highlights' of the village are perhaps the Abbey and the bridges, although the narrow medieval streets of the village itself are also very attractive, and remains of the town walls can still be seen.

Saturday - Transfer to Railway Station
After a wonderful breakfast, your guide will take you to your hotel in Carcassonne or to the railway station to continue your travels.

This is a sample itinerary to be reversed on alternate weeks . The meeting location will depend on the direction of the cruise. It may be subject to changes depending on your personal preferences and/or local conditions.

Floor Plan

 

The master suite has a fixed queen bed. The two junior suites can have a queen or twin beds.

ESPERANCE is designed to provide you with the ultimate in space, light and peacefulness