Both Fandango and Tango have been luxuriously converted to accommodate passengers in a real ship's atmosphere of polished mahogany and brass. Provencal fabrics, ceramics and French antiques combine to create the intimate, cozy atmosphere of a floating provincial French home.

Our friendly, English-speaking crew will immediately make you feel at home on your private charter barge. Each barge has an experienced captain to pilot your ship, a qualified chef to introduce you to the healthy, delicious cuisine of the Mediterranean and South-West of France, and a charming hostess to answer your every need.

Cruise Itinerary

The barges cruise the entire length of the Canal du Midi from the ancient Phoenician seaport town of Agde on the Mediterranean to the beautiful 'Ville Rose' of Toulouse.  Each week's cruise explores a different section of the Canal; no two weeks are the same, each week's cruse beginning where the previous week's trip ended.  The meeting point for all Canal du Midi cruises is the medieval walled city of Carcassonne.

Carcassonne to Toulouse Route: During July and August cruising in the utmost shaded and tourist free portion of the Canal du Midi, featuring sunflower fields, quiet backroad visits, festive village markets and the fabulous 'pink city' of Toulouse.

Beziers to Carcassonne Route route combines cruising on the most beautiful portion of the Canal, including the seven staircase locks and aqueduct in Beziers, major visits of interest such as Narbonne and Carcassonne.

Adge to Avignon Route (upon request*) during April, May, June, September and October, cruising the Camargue, excellent tours to ancient medieval cities, such as Aigues Mortes, and the antiques town of Pezenas, vistas of Mediterranean seacoast, seafood in Sete.  This cruise is an excellent proposition for second time passengers. *not recommended for summer months, due to heat, tourists and mosquitos.

Deck Plan

  Fandango

Tango

(Larger View)

Meeting Point

The meeting point for all Canal du Midi cruises is the medieval walled city of Carcassonne.

Rendez-vous time is Sunday at 4:00 pm (1600 heures).

Carcassonne to Beziers*: Pick up at Carcassonne hotel or Carcassonne train station.  Drop off Saturday 10 AM at Beziers trainstation for TGV trains or car rental agency.

Beziers to Carcassonne*: Pick up at Beziers train station.  Drop off Saturday 10 AM at Beziers trainstation for TGV trains or car rental agency.

Toulouse to Carcassonne: Pick up at Toulouse hotel, airport, train station or car rental agency.  Drop off Saturday 10 AM at Carcassonne train station or car rental agency.

Carcassonne to Toulouse: Pick up at Carcassonne hotel, train station or car rental agency.   Drop off Saturday 10 AM at Toulouse airport, train station or car rental agency.

Provence (Avignon-Agde/reverse): Pick up at Montpellier hotel, airport, train station or car rental agency. Drop off Saturday 10 AM at Montpellier hotel, airport, train station or car rental agency.

*There is an additional cost of $350.00 for transfers to the Montpellier or Toulouse airport for Carcassonne-Beziers (reverse) cruises.

Included in Price

• Six nights accommodation, double occupancy
• All meals included in price with 3 meals taken on shore at quality local restaurants* of the captain's choice.
  (*before and after meal alcoholic beverages - aperitifs, brandy, cognac, marc, etc not included for on shore meals)
• Transfers to and from the barge from either Carcassonne meeting point, most convenient train stations or Montpellier airport upon arrival and departure (see Meeting Point above)

• Excursions and visits to historical sites, vineyards for winetastings, markets, and restaurants, in our air conditioned minivans
• All wines, bar and refreshment drinks consumed aboard
• Use of on-board bicycles

Not Included in Price

Cost of air transportation to Paris, items of a personal nature, a suggested 5-7% gratuity for the crew, and trip cancellation insurance (highly recommended).

2004 rates in US Dollars:

Tango

Premium Season $24,000

Value Season $21,000

Fandango (based on 4 Guests)

Premium Season US$17,000

Tandem

up to 8 guests $34,000

9 - 12 guests   $39,000

OnBoard@connoisseurstravel.com