ROI SOLEIL, the ultimate 6-passenger ultra deluxe barge, cruises on the Canal du Midi and in Provence in the south of France.

ROI SOLEIL is the most luxurious vessel on the Canal du Midi with its contemporary design, ultra deluxe accommodations, flexibility with charter itineraries and desire to make each week special for its guests. Captain Finnegan has been with Roi Soleil since its inauguration in 2000. Speaking four languages, he is much loved by guests and crew alike for his good humor and proficiency. You are indeed in good hands with Finnegan and his crew.

Cruise Highlights




Dinner is Special Every Night

Quail Egg Canapés
Aperitif :
Muscat de Baumes de Venise,
Domaine de Bernadin
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Roasted Scallop & Chicory Tartlet's,
Orange & Basil Fumet
Wine:
Domaine de La Jeanne, Cuvée Pistral, 1998
Sauvignon Chardonnay Viognier
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Braised, de-boned Lamb,
Stuffed with miniature vegetables from the Luberon Valley
Red Wine:
Chateauneuf-du-Pape,
Château Mont-Redon 1995
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A local Soft Cheese Roasted in the oven
served with Walnut Oil
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Hot Strawberry Soufflé with Roasted Almond Ice Cream
Dessert Wine:
Maury, 1998 Vintage Mas Amiel
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Coffee
Fine Chocolates from St Remy de Provence
Fine Liquers

 


Highlights of a
Week on ROI SOLEIL
Canal du Midi between Carcassonne and Beziers


 

  • Roi Soleil customizes each charter cruise based on your interests. Some of the highlights might include:
  • Cruise through Béziers and its famous cascade of nine locks of Fonserannes
  • The city of Narbonne, the first Roman colony of the Gaules.
  • The Greco-iberian Opidum of Ensérune dating back centuries BC.
  • The fortified medieval villages of Minervois and Carcassonne, historic sights of the Cathar crusades
  • Fontfroide, one of the best preserved Cistercian abbeys.
  • With a specially designed open galley, guests are invited to cooking demonstrations open to all the foodies. With a glass of Languedoc wine in hand, you can watch the chef who is happy to explain his techniques.

 

Itinerary


Cruising on ROI SOLEIL
THE CANAL DU MIDI, SOUTH OF FRANCE
Between Carcassonne and Beziers

The owners of Roi Soleil, Tracey & Guillaume de Perthuis, work closely with you and the crew to design a cruise that is suited just right for your interests. Whether your passion is for history, arts and crafts, adventure, village atmosphere, wine discovery or shopping ... your cruise onboard Roi Soleil will be personally tailored to your specific interests.

Your personal English/French speaking guide will take you in the spacious, air-conditioned VW Eurovan on the excursion of your choice – and his local connections can open doors to private visits for your group alone!

The Canal du Midi itself is an engineering feat commissioned by Louis XIV, the Sun King. How appropriate with the Languedoc region being one of the sunniest in France. The canal connects the Mediterranean with the Atlantic Ocean and traverses through a diverse countryside. Reputed to be the most beautiful section, the waterway between Carcassonne and Beziers meanders through quaint villages and vast vineyards along a canal lined with towering leafy plane trees. This much appreciated shade is the perfect mooring spot for the limited number of barges that can cruise this canal due to size restrictions.

Along the canal are towpaths and country lanes just perfect for walking and bike riding. While you're stretching your legs, the gifted chef is preparing a delicious lunch of local dishes, salads, extraordinary cheeses and, of course, wine, wine, wine.

After lunch, an excursion to one of the local sights may, or may not, pull you from the wonderful ambiance of Le Roi Soleil to explore an abbey, a medieval village, a private wine tasting or bustling market town. The highlights above are just some of the choices.

Floor Plan

 

Roi Soleil provides the ultimate in elegance and comfort for your private getaway!