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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 the designated meeting point and transfer you to your beautiful barge ‘Esperance’ moored in Homps, 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 suite before the first of your gourmet dinners on board!

Monday

Begin the day with an excursion to Carcassonne, the most complete Medieval fortified city in existence. Explore the ancient castle and preserved ramparts to admire the 53 Roman towers; then stroll the cobblestone boulevards lined with local cafes and specialty boutiques. If you have already visited "the Cité," then discover Fontfroide, an extraordinary Cistercian Abbey founded in 1093! A leisurely afternoon cruise precedes an evening of drinks and dinner onboard.

Tuesday

This morning, laze on deck while Esperance glides along the canal. Upon mooring in Le Somail, bookworms are invited to browse a unique secondhand book shop with approximately 50,000 titles! In the afternoon, your Tour Guide accompanies you to an olive pressoir for a tasting of small batch olive oils followed by a scenic drive up the river gorge to the hilltop village of Minerve. Discover Minerve’s medieval alleys and narrow cobbled streets, with a storied web of Cathar and Crusade history. Back onboard, Chef presents tonight’s delicious dinner.

Wednesday

The adventure continues this morning with a visit to Narbonne, a regional capital established in 118 B.C.E. as a Roman colony. A study of European history and local modernity thriving side by side, Roman ruins are reverentially presented in public spaces, while the lively Narbonne market reflects the region’s gastronomic bounty. After a private tasting at a local winery, return to the barge for an afternoon cruise. Join Chef in the open kitchen, lounge in the hot tub, or visit your Captain in his gorgeous wheelhouse. Cocktails and canapes precede tonight's gourmet dinner onboard.

Thursday

This is a special day, as the Esperance is going to "fit" under the smallest bridge of the entire canal system in France! Capestang, our home harbor for the day, is an adorable village with lots of laidback charm. This afternoon, relish an itinerary highlight with a stop in Pezenas, a delightful town of art and history -- and a longtime Barge Lady favorite. Sip, shop, and stroll your way through this town brimming with authentic French life. Back on the barge, ask your Hostess for a napkin folding lesson before tonight’s dinner party onboard.

Friday

It’s a full day of cruising, gliding past typical villages and under tiny bridges as you fully savor the magic of one of France’s most iconic canals. Now is the time to explore trails by bicycle, stroll the towpath, or join Chef in the open kitchen for a casual cooking demonstration. Glide through the iconic tunnel de Malpas, famous for its unique stone structure and astonishing acoustics. Quite an experience! This evening, celebrate your luxurious journey on the Canal du Midi with a farewell Captain's dinner on board.

Saturday

After your last breakfast it will sadly be time to say ‘au revoir’ and you will be transferred to the designated drop-off point.

2027 Prices

Value Season
Regular Season

Full Board Private Cruise 6 Guests

Value Season: N/A
High Season: $42,000

Full Board Private Cruise 5 Guests

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

Full Board Private Cruise 4 Guests

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

Esperance departs every Sunday throughout the season which starts April 4th, 2027 and the final cruise begins October 24th, 2027. 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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