ALEGRIA is a barge of the Freyssinet type, built in 1937 at a shipyard in Thuin, Belgium.

She was originally 38,5 meters long and 5,07 meters wide, designed for loads of 400 tons, but in 1999 the ship was converted to a houseboat and shortened to 29.37 meters (100 feet). Her present length now allows passage through the smaller locks of the famous Canal du Midi.

She is docked near Poilhes, a charming village on the Canal du Midi, 12 km from Beziers, 20 km from the Mediterranean Sea and close to Narbonne. You will either embark or disembark from this charming village that contains many remains from the Roman times.

Do not hesitate to enjoy the (heated!) pool after a warm afternoon … or just relax while enjoying some pre-dinner drinks …

Deck layout (click image to enlarge)

Interior layout (click image to enlarge)

The large lounge / dining room has two big portholes offering direct views of the Canal … and its inhabitants: our friends the ducks and geese.

A home theatre with a selection of CDs will give you some added pleasure, as well as a selection of books and parlour games. We offer you internet access through the connection of a 3G+ USB key to your laptop ...

The bar is well stocked with many of your favorite drinks, all of them offered to you. There is also a specific bar fridge and a coffee/tea making machine for your own use.

The kitchen is either open onto the lounge or closed, depending on whether our chef will allow you to watch him prepare his secret dishes … but, don't despair, he sometimes does share his secrets with you!!!

For your important documents or anything of value, we have a safe.

We hope it will never need to be used: we do have a CARDIAC DEFRIBILLATOR on board...

Two large guest rooms with en-suite bathrooms, totaling between 18 and 20 sq m ( 190 to 210 sq ft) each, are located on the sides of the boat. These cabins each have two entrances: one leading directly outside to the front of the barge near the pool and another one opening inside to the lounge. This allows both intimacy and independence.

The rooms have large portholes which offer panoramic views of the Canal du Midi.

The cabins are fitted with king size beds that can be separated into single beds upon request. You will be supplied with bath robes, bath amenities (from the famous product line "L’Occitane en Provence") and a hair drier.

In your room, you'll also find a mini-fridge full of cool drinks and a tea & coffee tray with biscuits.

Both cabins have air conditioning. In the event of a cool night at the end of the season, the cabins are equipped with central heating, as are the bathrooms which are also fitted with heated towel rails.

Daily housekeeping is provided and we can propose a laundry service upon request.

ALEGRIA
a few useful facts ...

Length: 100 feet (30 meters)
Width: 16 feet (5 meters)
Cabins: 2
Total guests: 4

Size of cabins: 190 and 220 sq m. ( 18 and 20 sq m approx) incl. bathroom
In each cabin:
  - king size bed (180 cm wide) or 2 twins on request
  - mini fridge filled with complimentary drinks
  - tea and coffee tray
  - air conditioning
  - central heating
  - heated towel rails
  - hair drier
  - bath robes

Lounge & dining area:
17 ft X 15 ft (5,2 X 4,6 m)
Available in the lounge:
  - DVD player
  - CD player
  - books
  - games
  - Internet access with a Hotspot Wifi and/ or a USB 3G+ modem (depending on local network) available for use at no charge. "Barge laptop" also free for use.

2 decks: 15 ft X 13 ft & 36 ft X 13 ft (4,6 X 4 m & 11 X 4m)
Heated pool on deck:
13 ft X 7 ft (4 X 2 m)
Ceilings: 7 ft (2,1 m) in lounge and cabins; 6,6 ft (2 m) in bathrooms

Also available:
  - 4 Mountain bikes (free use)

Vehicle:
  - Peugeot 807 Pullmann
  - Air conditioning
  - 4 individual armchairs

Please note:
  - No wheelchair access
  - Smoking prohibited inside
  - Electricity: 220 Volts