Anjodi barge cruise itinerary

Beziers to Carcassonne, France

Sunday, Marseillan You will be met at the pick-up point at 4pm and escorted by minibus to Anjodi moored in the lake side fishing village of Marseillan, enjoying a view over the oyster beds and Noilly Pratt vermouth. Champagne welcome followed by time for a relax stroll around this lovely fishing village before dinner aboard. Monday, Marseillan to Portiragnes This morning we cruise from Marseillan to Portiragnes. On the way we visit the old Greco/Phoenician port of Agde and explore its narrow, mediaeval streets carved from the Languedocian hills’ black volcanic stone. After lunch an informative wine tasting in the 14th Century Chateau de Perdiguier, famed for its 15th century frescoes and Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines. Dinner aboard. Tuesday, Portiragnes to Beziers This morning we visit Pezenas, a delightful village, mostly known for its associations with the French playwrite Moliere, who is said to have written many plays while staying there. We then cruise to the bottom of the Fonseranes 7 lock flight at Beziers where we continue along the 300 year old tree lined Canal du Midi. Dinner in Beziers Wednesday, Beziers to Poilhes This morning we cross the aqueduct over the River Orb and then ascend the 7-lock flight of Fonseranes before reaching the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas. On arrival at the picturesque village of Poilhes we take an excursion out to Minerve, the ancient capital of Minervois, which boasts a 12th Century Cathar fort surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Besieged by Simon de Montfort in 1215, its hill-top location affords spectacular views. A fascinating recreation in miniature of the bloodthirsty Cathar rebellion and small museum complete the intriguing picture. Dinner on board On certain cruises, an alternative to the wine tasting may be offered to l'Oppidum D'Enserune, a pre-Roman hilltop settlement with Greek and Iberian excavations dating from 600 BC. Thursday, Poilhes to Argeliers A morning visit to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy the Archbishop’s Palace and Horreum. Explore the indoor market at the hub of this bustling canal side town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the relaxed atmosphere. Return to the barge for a cruise along the shaded winding canal to Argeliers, stopping off en route at Domaine de Guery, a 500 year old canalside vineyard, for a pre-dinner wine tasting of the full-bodied Corbieres. Dinner aboard Friday, Argelier to Le Somail Morning visit to Carcassonne. Dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, this is the most complete mediaeval fortified city in existence today. With its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defenses, it resisted the many armies that tried to storm this Camelot setting. In the afternoon we cruise along the historic Midi Canal to the delightful village of Le Somail. Captain's Farewell Dinner aboard. Saturday, Le Somail to Beziers After breakfast, depart from Le Somail by minibus to Beziers. Expected arrival time 11am
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse