Please bear in mind that Alegria – as all the barges on the Canal - will cruise at between 4 and 6 kms/hour depending on the meanders of the Canal and the traffic. Our objective is that you spend between 3 and 4 hours a day cruising. The day is split nicely between navigating the canal and visiting some of the exceptional sites in the region. You can also run or cycle along the Canal: you will go faster than the barge!! While cruising ... just relax, enjoy the scenery, enjoy the locks, refresh yourself in the pool and enjoy the drinks offered by your hostess!!

When you look at the itinerary below you might be surprised that no Wine Tasting or Cellar Tour is planned … Do not worry!!!! Our Languedoc region offers many treasures of the local great wine makers. Depending on your taste and your willingness to discover some of them, we will personalize each cruise including visits which will appeal to you. The day is always long enough to allow time for this. Our schedule, as you can read below, is not very heavy. Some wine makers have also committed to coming on board Alegria to give you a personalized wine tasting.

The itinerary will be similar to the one below, but it can be changed according to your taste or due to unforeseeable circumstances. (This itinerary is therefore not to be considered as binding.) The same itinerary can also be done the other way round, Carcassonne to Béziers (with some slight differences that will be explained on request): please have a look at the schedule of the 2010 cruises below.

SATURDAY/ BEZIERS-POILHES
From 4pm we have the pleasure of welcoming you at the airport or at the railway station and driving you to Alegria. On the way we may pop into the City of Beziers to see the famous locks of Fonséranes. After you settle down on the barge, you'll a welcome drink of a glass of Champagne and the crew will be introduced to you. Alegria might even take you for a short introductory cruise, depending on the navigation conditions. We'll also explain you how the week will work and we'll give you the necessary instructions for your stay on board. We'll serve your first dinner and spend the night in Poilhes, our "home mooring".

SUNDAY/ CAPESTANG AND LA CROISADE
Should you be interested in archeology, you can visit an exceptional site today: the Oppidum of Ensérune, one of the largest around the Mediterranean. This takes you back to pre-Roman times in the South of France, from the 6th century BC. In the afternoon you cruise to La Croisadeand pass underneath the lowest bridge on the Canal: the famous bridge of Capestang. Mind you head!

We spend the night in a restful place a stone's throw away from ... an old 17th century stone bridge.

MONDAY/ LE SOMAIL AND ROUBIA
In the morning you cruise to Le Sommail, one of the most charming villages along the Canal. Should you need a book for the week you can buy one from a unique book shop that has approximately 50 000 second-hand books in stock ... in many different languages! In the afternoon you will be proposed to visit a wine farm, an olive mill, or any other site that might suit your wishes. When you come back from this tour Alegria takes you for another short cruise to Roubia, the stop for the night.

TUESDAY/ HOMPS
In the morning you go to Olonzac and its famous market, one of the best in the region. Then you visit Minerve, a fascinating site and a previously fortified village in a very special rocky environment. Minerve was attacked in 1210 by the terrible army led by Simon de Montfort: the right time for us to tell you about the Crusade of the Albigeois in the 13th Century, one of the harshest stories of our past …

After the afternoon cruise you'll be offered a dinner "à terre", off the barge. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of a French restaurant!

You spend the night in the beautiful area of Homps, a significant harbor on the Canal.

WEDNESDAY/ PUICHERIC
In the morning you visit a beautiful town, Narbonne. Narbonne is full of Roman history and includes the "Palace of the Archbishop". You will love its Mediterranean and Gothic style. And ... you will be offered lunch there.

After lunch you are driven back to the barge for the afternoon cruise up to Puicheric, where you will stay for the night.

THURSDAY/ TREBES
In the morning you visit the great City of Carcassonne, the biggest medieval City in Europe. You will be fascinated by the size of the walls and the narrow streets inside. You will be right there in the middle of French history! There also many shops where you can buy typical souvenirs to bring back to friends or children.

After lunch you embark on the last leg of the cruise for the week, from Puicheric to the area of Trebes. You spend the last night there after the "Captain’s Farewell Dinner".

FRIDAY/ DEPARTURE
After your breakfast, it is unfortunately time to conclude this unforgettable cruise. We will transfer you back to the airport or railway station … so that you can continue your adventure in Europe or wherever!!!