Private Charter - Classic Cruise – Canal du Midi

Guests are greeted in Narbonne and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Enchanté, where a champagne reception and leisurely cruise to Le Somail await. Dinner is served on board.

This morning, visit Mas d’Antonin for an immersive truffle hunting experience. Follow a trained truffle dog beneath the oak trees in search of the prized black truffle, often called “black gold.” Take part in a live demonstration where you assist in uncovering truffles, learning to recognize their shape, color, and distinctive aroma. You can also explore the region’s olive varieties and sample locally produced oils. After lunch on board, cruise west along the Grand Bief—a 30-mile lock-free stretch of canal that mirrors the land’s contours, a remarkable 17th-century engineering feat. En route to the historic village of Roubia, cross the Répudre Aqueduct, the oldest on the Canal du Midi. Dinner is served on board.

After breakfast, your excursion is to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy a visit to the Archbishop’s Palace, Roman Horreum and the indoor market at the hub of this bustling canalside town, where you can have time to shop or simply absorb the vibrant atmosphere. Afternoon cruise past vineyards and pine trees to Homps. This picturesque mooring in the heart of a French village presents a perfect opportunity to explore on foot, or perhaps try your hand at a game of boules, followed by an alfresco dinner on board.

This morning, enjoy a private winery tour at the family-owned 17th century Château de Paraza whose 70 hectares of vineyards border the canal. After tasting some of their fine wines, among the best in the Languedoc, you have a private lunch in the chateau’s salon. This afternoon, return to the barge for a cruise to Puichéric, past l’Epanchoir’ – one of the bridges invented by Pierre Paul Riquet for the Canal du Midi. Dinner on board. board.

Today, visit the fortified hilltop village of Minerve, named one of the ‘plus beaux villages de France’, and learn about its dramatic medieval history as center of the Cathar religious rebellions against the Catholic church. This afternoon, cruise along the 340-year-old canal ascending its trademark locks as the relief becomes steeper. This is a great opportunity to walk or cycle from one lock to the next as Enchanté cruises on, navigating the triple locking system. Dinner on board.

Fascinating morning tour of Carcassonne. Dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, this is the most complete medieval fortified city in existence today with its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defences, which resisted the many armies that tried to storm this glorious Camelot setting. This afternoon, squeeze through tight bridges and glide past picturesque vineyards and hamlets to Trèbes. Once a major ally to Carcassonne, this medieval town still retains unique paintings within its 13th century church. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Narbonne.