Skip to main content
Back

Elegance

Class: Deluxe
Location: Canal Du Midi
Guests: 6
Elegance is perfect for Couples, Families, Groups of friends, Excellent Cycling/Walking, Wine, Historic interest, Beautiful scenery.

Elegance is a brand new luxury barge, with a sophisticated interior inspired by the Orient-Express. Matthia Gilles, the owner of the beautiful “Esperance“, has used his long-time passion for the glamourous train travel of the past as his inspiration for the stunning decoration; French craftsman René Lalique’s famous 1928 glass panels, rich woods and marquetry, beautiful Art deco wallpapers and many more handpicked items. With its huge picture windows, Elegance is a gem of coziness and brightness. The ceiling height is an exceptional at 218 cm!

Elegance is available for charter only for a maximum of 6 people in 3 spacious suites. The three magnificently decorates suites – London, Paris and Venice – all have their own chic decor and atmosphere.

Lots of comfortable outdoor seating on the specious and sun-filled deck (which also boasts a large jacuzzi) lends itself to al fresco dining and relaxing hours watching the stunning countryside of the Languedoc float by. Matthias’s barges are known for their wonderful cuisine which highlights the flavours of southern France; delectable seafood and meats, locally-grown crisp fresh vegetables and salads, accompanied by delicious local wines – along with stunning table settings that further delight the senses!

Excellent service provided by your attentive and warm crew, and fascinating excursions that include charming local villages, ancient abbeys, truffle and wine tastings and fabulous local artisan shops complete the picture of an unforgettable week on board one of the most exclusive barges in France!

Features At-A-Glance

6 GUESTS

EXQUISITELY DECORATED LARGE CABINS WITH EN-SUITE BATHROOMS

BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED SALON AND DINING AREA WITH LUXURY APPOINTMENTS

SPACIOUS SUNDECK WITH JACUZZI AND SHADE AWNING

3 CREW

30.5 METRES LONG

6 TOURING BIKES

AIR CONDITIONED AND HEATED THROUGHOUT

SATELLITE TV WITH DVD PLAYER

HI-FI SYSTEM WITH CD PLAYER

WIFI

BOARD GAMES

LIBRARY

AIR CONDITIONED MINIBUS FOR EXCURSIONS

Sunday

A very special journey is about to begin! A member of the crew will welcome you at Narbonne or Carcassonne station around 4 PM and transfer you to your beautiful passenger boat ‘Elegance’moored in the port of Homps along the famous Canal du Midi! After a first tour of the boat, a champagne reception will be served on deck and you will then have plenty of time to settle into your suite, before your first gourmet dinner. And what about a little stroll along the canal to Jouarres lake at sunset to conclude your first day?

Monday

As the morning cruise begins, you will have a delicious breakfast aboard. The canal has many twists and turns but few locks on this first section. After lunch you will visit Lagrasse, listed among the country’s prettiest villages. Known for its remarkable buildings and arts and crafts, Lagrasse also produces AOC Corbières wine and you will enjoy a tasting at a nearby winery.

Tuesday

This morning your captain will sail to Marseillette. In the afternoon we can take you to the Maison de la Truffe for a truffle tasting or visit the St. Hilaire Benedictine abbey, which was founded more than a thousand years ago. The well and the fountain displayed in the very picturesque cloister
were built in the 16th century! Being very close to Carcassonne, the largest fortified city in Europe you could use this opportunity to run some errands while wandering in the shopping district or simply stroll in the medieval historic center if you haven’t seen the ‘Cité’ yet. A delicious dinner will then await you on board.

Wednesday

Today is all about relaxing and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of your surroundings. After breakfast, you could go for a bicycle ride or hike along the canal with your camera. Don’t miss the aqueducts! Our crew will then find the perfect spot for a bucolic picnic. In the afternoon you
could either grab a sun lounger and chill on the deck with a book or chat in the jacuzzi. Whatever you choose, the slow pace of the canal will bring a sense of peace and harmony that you will never forget. Slowly but surely, the boat will reach Carcassonne’s port.

Thursday

In the morning your guide will drive you up into the hills of the ‘Montagne Noire’ to visit an impressive abyss 200 meters underground. It’s listed as one of the most beautiful caves in Europe and hosts the world’s biggest geode! On your way back to the boat we will stop for a fabulous wine tasting in the hilly Minervois region. After a well-deserved lunch, you will cruise to the very quiet town of Villesèquelande. Wouldn’t it be the perfect time to take advantage of the jacuzzi while you watch the lush landscape unfold, before your al fresco dinner?

Friday

After a relaxing morning cruise and a delicious lunch you will head north to a family-owned paper mill located in a very green and charming setting. You will learn more about French arts and crafts by visiting the workshop and you will even be able to make your own paper. Afterwards you will stop at the Cistercian Villelongue abbey. Built in the 12th century, the abbey has a beautiful garden, and its cloister is covered with fragrant wisteria in springtime. If you prefer a tour of the cute Southern villages of Fanjeaux and Mirepoix your guide will be happy to take you there. Meanwhile, your chef will be busy preparing a very special gastronomic dinner and the entire crew will do everything to make your last evening onboard
unforgettable!

Saturday

After your last breakfast it will sadly be time to say ‘au revoir’. The crew will return you to the station or hotel ready for your onward travels.

2025 Prices

Value Season
Regular Season

Private Cruise Charter 6 Guests

Value Season: N/A
High Season: $39,000

Private Cruise Charter 5 guests

Value Season: N/A
High Season: $36,000

Private Cruise Charter 4 Guests

Value Season: N/A
High Season: $32,500

Elegance departs every Sunday throughout the season which starts March 16th, 2025 and the final cruise begins October 19th, 2025. Cruises are 6 nights/7 days. 

Prices are in US dollars and we convert to Australian dollars at current exchange rates on the day of payment of deposit/full payment.

Please send me information about ‘Elegance’

Your French Barging
Adventure Starts Here