Anjodi
Catselnaudary to Homps
Sunday- Castelnaudary
You will be met at the designated meeting point and escorted by minibus to Anjodi moored in the very pretty canal side village of Castelnaudary. Champagne welcome followed by time for a relaxing stroll before dinner on board.
Monday- Castelnaudary to Bram
In the morning we visit the bastide (fortified town) of Revel which was founded in 1342 by Philip VI de Valois. We then cruise to the lake at St Ferreol which is the key element of an ingenious system created in the 17th century by Pierre Paul Riquet to supply water to the Canal du Midi (classified by UNESCO as a Worldwide Heritage Site), and we end our excursion with a look at Durfort, a community of 270 inhabitants nestled in the hollows of the Sor Valley in the foothills of the Black Mountains, famous for its copper works. The Pyrenees can be seen from the ancient windmills above the Grand Bassin. After lunch we leave the Grand Basin, with its one kilometre circumference, through one of the lowest bridges on the canal and then descend the triple and quadruple locks, which are a perfect destination for an after dinner walk.
Tuesday- Bram to Sauzens
Morning cruise to the circular village of Bram with ample opportunity for woodland cycling and walking. After lunch we visit Malpere for a wine tasting. This "appellation d'origine" is the most Western of the Languedoc, built on the plains and hills that are bordered by a large massif that forms a trapezium- La Malpère. The Grapes are the blends of the South West - Merlot and Cabernet - as well as the Grenache Noir and Cinsault. Dinner on board.
Wednesday- Sauzens to Carcassonne
This morning’s excursion is to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy a visit to 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. After lunch we descend the locks to the Port of Carcassonne. Dinner tonight at a local auberge.
Thursday- Carcassonne to Trebes
A fascinating morning tour of Carcassonne La Cité. 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 defences that resisted the many armies that tried to storm this Camelot setting. Afternoon cruise to the pretty village of Trebes. Dinner on board.
Friday- Trebes to Homps
This morning’s excursion is to Minerve, the ancient capital of the Minervois, which boasts a 12th century Cathar fort surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Besieged by Simon de Montfort in 1215, its hilltop location affords spectacular views. A fascinating recreation in miniature of the bloodthirsty Cathar rebellion and small museum complete this intriguing picture. Cruise to Poilhes with magnificent views of the Pyrenees and enjoy a wine-tasting of the full-bodied Corbieres at the 500 year old vineyard Domaine de Guery. Cruise to Homps. Captains Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday- Homps
After breakfast, transfer to the designated drop off point.
Note: On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.