European Waterways is offering cruises along the Canal Du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Aboard European Waterways’ recently refurbished eight-passenger hotel barge, Anjodi, the cruise offers a variety of excursions, such as a winery tour and wine tasting at the 14th century Chateau de Perdiguier, a visit to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived and an excursion to Minerve, the ancient 12th century Cathar capital of Minervois, the world’s largest wine-growing region.
Anjodi’s itinerary also includes a visit to Pezenas, a town known for its associations with the French actor and playwright Molière. Molière classics such as “The Misanthrope,” “The School for Wives” and “The Miser,” are still performed today all over the world.
An added bonus for passengers aboard the June cruises is the annual Molière Festival, a 10-day celebration that invites the public to walk in the footsteps of Molière and to (re)discover his works.
While cruising past canalside villages and vineyards, the Clair de Lune, a six-passenger vessel, offers passengers a dining area and saloon, a large sundeck with a spa pool and bicycles for exploring the towpath. Throughout its week-long itinerary, passengers participate in “mini-expeditions”, such as a private tasting of fine Minervois wines at a renowned local domaine and a visit to Carcassonne, Europe’s most complete fortified city with 52 turrets.
An itinerary highlight aboard Clair de Lune is a trip to Montolieu, known as the “Village of the Books.” A commune in the South of France, Montolieu is often referred to as a cultural meeting point, where people come together to educate, pass on, and share the art of the written word. With bookstores, secondhand booksellers, illustrators, graphic artists, printers, craftsmen, museums and galleries lining the streets, a visit to this village offers a glimpse into age-old traditions and celebrations.
A state-of-the-art, double-decker eight-passenger vessel, Enchanté provides passengers with cabins, a saloon, sun deck and spa pool. Enchanté has a tour of Lagrasse, a village with an 8th century Benedictine abbey and many artisan workshops. Its narrow streets and medieval bridges have earned it the title of “the most beautiful village in France.” Like Montolieu, Lagrasse also enjoys a strong literary tradition and is home to Le Banquet du Livre, ”Banquet of the Books,” a literary festival that boasts philosophical meetings with writers and thinkers, readings of texts and musical pieces by talented authors, as well as literary workshops and film screenings.
During July and August, European Waterways is offering $1,000 off cabins and up to $6,000 off full boat charters for Enchanté and Anjodi, and $5,000 off full boat charters of Clair de Lune.
For more information, visit www.gobarging.com.