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Esperance

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

Esperance is a Deluxe category barge.

“Elegant”, “Exquisite” and “Perfect” are just a few superlatives that come to mind when trying to describe the Esperance! She is truly one of the most beautiful barges we have ever set foot on. You will not want to leave your cabin, but when you do it will be to relax in the superbly appointed salon or on the gorgeous sundeck with its jacuzzi and shade awning for al fresco dining.

Esperance epitomises “boutique” and the superb handmade ceramics and customised furniture personally chosen by owner and Captain Matthias, along with the unwavering attention to his guests’ comfort by he and his wonderful crew make this one of the most exceptional cruise experiences on the Canal du Midi. Cozy up to the chef for his wonderful recipes; he is also happy to share cooking tips and techniques!

Apart from his meticulous attention to detail and superb taste in interiors, Matthias has spent most of his life on the water, and the sharing of this passion and focus on warm, outstanding service will ensure the most discerning travellers will enjoy the perfect cruise in the sunny south, on board one of the most superb barges in France!

Features At-A-Glance

6 GUESTS

EXQUISITELY DECORATED LARGECABINS WITH EN-SUITE BATHROOMS & DVD PLAYERS

BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED SALON AND DINING AREA WITH LUXURY APPOINTMENTS

SPACIOUS SUNDECK WITH JACUZZI AND SHADE AWNING

3 CREW

30 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

FISHING EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE!

AIR CONDITIONED MINIBUS FOR EXCURSIONS

Sunday

A very special journey is about to begin! A member of the crew will welcome you at Narbonne’s railway station around 4 PM and transfer you to your beautiful barge ‘Esperance’ moored in Béziers along the famous Canal du Midi. After a first tour of the boat, a champagne reception will be served on deck. You will then have plenty of time to discover your new environment and to settle in your bedroom before your gourmet dinner. And feel free to take a little stroll along the canal at sunset to conclude your first day!

Monday

Today is all about relaxing and soaking up the quiet atmosphere of your surroundings while gliding along this beautiful 17th century canal - the perfect time for cycling or a walk along towpath beside the canal. We will stop in Colombiers where there is time for a walk before lunch. In the afternoon you can either grab a sun lounger and chill with a book or chat in the jacuzzi, but make sure you are on the deck as we cross the exciting Malpas tunnel, famous for its unique structure! Slowly but surely, the boat will reach the pretty village of Capestang.

Tuesday

After a morning cruise with many turns and loops we will find a romantic mooring in the middle of the vines and avenues of trees, a perfect spot to enjoy a delicious lunch. Your guide will then pick you up to go visit Pézenas, a magical city full of art and history. The entire old town is filled with period mansions with wonderful wrought iron balconies, stone sculptures, and ornate doorways. Molière is reputed to have created some of his famous characters right here in Pézenas.

Wednesday

The world floats by as the barge cruises slowly on this elegant tree lined canal. Today we will be cruising to Le Somail, a famous local village with a fascinating antique bookshop, local potters, and artists. We will then drive to Narbonne, a lively city dating back to Roman times. The choice is yours, you could either go shopping around the old town center, visit the Archbishop's Palace or the archaeological museum. You could also choose to spend your afternoon at the Mediterranean Sea and visit L’Oulibo’s olive factory, a prize-winning olive oil mill and a great place for tasting and buying olive-based products.

Thursday

A peaceful morning cruise will take us through a couple of villages where we may stop to get some wine for your lunch: it’s the best way to discover local wines! A very scenic drive into the Minervois hills and the Cesse Gorges will get us to Minerve. This amazing medieval village is perched on a spectacular rocky outcrop formed by the Cesse and Brian rivers. Famous for its Cathar history and its wine countryside, this village is full of charm and history. On the way back, how about a little wine tasting to discover more about the excellent wines this region has to offer? A perfect dinner will then await you on board.

Friday

After cruising through a couple of traditional locks, including some double locks, the barge will cruise to our last mooring for the week. A short drive will give you plenty of time to discover the world’s famous fortified town - Carcassonne. This extraordinary site was restored in the 19th century and later became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you have already seen the ‘Cité’ we can also visit Lagrasse, listed among the country’s prettiest villages. Known for its remarkable buildings and arts and crafts, Lagrasse is now home to numerous pottery workers and artists attracted by the renowned natural light of the region. 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’. Your guide will return you to Narbonne for your onward travels.

2025 Prices

Value Season
Regular Season

Full Board Private Cruise 6 Guests

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

Full Board Private Cruise 5 Guests

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

Full Board Private Cruise 4 Guests

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

Esperance departs every Sunday throughout the season which starts April 6th, 2025 and the final cruise begins September 28th, 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.

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