Go (Luxury) Barging On Canal Du Midi

There are many reasons and several ways to visit the historic 330-year-old Canal du Midi in Southern France, and European Waterways have some of the best options this Spring with their 6-night, all-inclusive cruises during March and April aboard a choice of three luxury hotel barges.

Life in this region of France is slow-paced and calm, as is the relaxing atmosphere aboard these barges as they glide the Canal du Midi, which is one of Europe’s longest and widest canal systems and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.The tree-lined Canal, with its attractive towpaths for walkers, joggers and bikers, runs along the sun-drenched Mediterranean shore of South-Western France before meandering inland with magnificent views of the snow-capped Pyrenees and the rolling Minervois vineyards.

Among the highlights of these Spring voyages, travellers can visit the medieval hilltop village of Minerve with spectacular views from its 12^th century Cathar fort; enjoy tours of Narbonne, with its colourful indoor market and the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne. Each itinerary will also include private tours and tastings at renowned Minervois vineyards.

Leisurely life afloat for guests - served by a professional crew of 4 - ranges from enjoying traditional French and international cuisine prepared by the talented onboard chef, accompanied by quality regional wines, alfresco lunches and soaking in on-deck spa pools, to taking some exercise on the bicyles provided, all while enjoying the mild, sunny Spring climate in this region of France.

Prices for Canal du Midi, 6-night, all-inclusive cruises aboard Anjodi in March and April start from £2,385pp (based on double occupancy), including a 10% discount, accommodation in air-conditioned, en- suite cabins, all gourmet meals on board, fine wines, open bar, daily escorted shore excursions, local transfers and the use of all barge facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.

For bookings, see www.gobarging.com, or follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury river-cruising specialists.

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Clair de Lune Joins European Waterways Fleet

The 6-passenger Clair de Lune joins the European Waterways fleet next year, cruising on six-night voyages from April to November along the Canal du Midi in the South of France, between the charming village of Le Somail and the fortified city of Carcassonne.

A deluxe hotel barge, Clair de Lune is tastefully furnished with cherrywood and African hardwoods, providing a sophisticated, modern interior. She offers superior accommodation for up to 6 guests in three contemporary double or twin en suite staterooms. There is a comfortable, stylish dining area and saloon, with picture windows, and a large sundeck with a spa pool from which to admire the passing countryside, together with bicycles for exploring the famous towpath. She is an ideal vessel for cabin bookings or family/friends charters.

The Canal du Midi is one of the oldest canals in Europe. Linking the Atlantic with the Mediterranean, this remarkable 17th century feat of engineering was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The famous waterway meanders past sleepy canal-side villages, sun-drenched vineyards and offers views of the snow-capped Pyrenees.

Cruise Highlights 

• Tour of the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne. 
• Visit Narbonne, with its 13th century Gothic Cathedral and lively covered market. 
• Private Minervois wine tasting at the Domaine Massamier Mignarde. 
• Tour of medieval Lagrasse and its Benedictine abbey. 
• Private wine tasting at the Château Villemagne. 
• Visit Montolieu, also known as the “Village of Books.”

Prices start from £3,390pp in a twin/double cabin, or from £17,200 for a full six-passenger charter.

The just-published European Waterways’ 2013 Brochure features cruises along the magical canals, rivers and lakes of Europe, aboard a fleet of hotel barges, ranging in size from 6-20 guests. New highlights introduced in the 2013 programme are: 

• Cruises along the picturesque Canal de la Marne au Rhin in Alsace-Lorraine aboard the 12-passenger ‘Panache.’ 
• A new feature on the evocative French region of Champagne, offering cruises aboard three hotel barges at various times of the year.
• Longer Waterway Journeys, or ‘voyages of exploration’ of varying duration through several countries.

Since 1974, European Waterways has been providing high-quality barging cruises on its fully-crewed ‘floating hotels’ to a discerning clientele wishing to enjoy wonderful scenery, stimulating history and local culture and, of course, fine cuisine and wines.

For bookings, be sure to check with The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's luxury cruise specialists, on 0800 008 6677. For more information on European Waterways, visit www.gobarging.com.

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