Welcome aboard the beautiful Hotel Barge Johanna Somail for an exclusive cruise on the Canal du Midi!
Johanna Somail is a newly renovated barge on the Canal du Midi, but one with a long history! The owner and Captain, William Cowley, actually grew up on the barge and is therefore uniquely qualified to offer an exceptional cruise with superb highlights! He has a plethora of stories to tell and experiences to share about secret spots on the canal.
Johanna Somail is modern and comfortable with a bright light-filled salon-dining area. The two beautifully decorated cabins have a Queen bed and a King bed, or can be twin-bed configuration. The large spacious deck is a delightful place to sit while you cruise, or relax in the hot tub with a glass of bubbles or rosé!
Cuisine onboard is of an exceptionally high standard and William is an expert on local wines so you can expect some fabulous gems to be offered with your meals throughout the week!
The excursions on this barge are to some of our favourite places on the Canal du Midi… Narbonne’s fabulous covered food market, the fairytale walled city of Carcassonne, the beautiful hilltop village of Minerve, and a wine tasting at a family-owned domaine. AND the fun of ascending or descending the amazing 7-flight Fonserannes locks!
We highly recommend this wonderful cruise!
THIS EXCLUSIVE BOUTIQUE BARGE OFFERS A WEEK OF BARGING ON THE BEAUTIFUL CANAL DU MIDI THAT WILL REMAIN IN YOUR MEMORY FOREVER!
Features At-A-Glance
4 GUESTS – CHARTER ONLY
2 CABINS, ONE WITH QUEEN BED AND ONE WITH KING BED; BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED AND APPOINTED
LUXURIOUS SALON AND DINING AREA WITH LARGE SKYLIGHT
BEAUTIFUL SUN-FILLED DECK AREA WITH HOT TUB & COMFORTABLE OUTDOOR SETTING
3 DEDICATED CREW
BICYCLES FOR EACH GUEST
AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING
AIR CONDITIONED MINIBUS FOR EXCURSIONS
SUNDAY - LE SOMAIL
Pick up guests at Narbonne train station around 4 PM; private transfer in an air-
conditioned vehicle to Barge Johanna, around twenty minutes away
Champagne or traditional sparkling Limoux wine, and welcome aboard with the captain and crew
Stroll around the scenic village of Le Somail, with its famous bridge, small boutiques and galleries, and huge antique bookshop
Short evening cruise to Porte Minervoise, 1.8 km from Somail. Guests can admire the canal bridge of the river Cesse, the Epanchoir des Patiasses, and the little waterway of La Rigole, which is part of the original route of the canal
Stop for the night under the majestic Mediterranean pine trees: aperitifs and a delicious three course dinner on board Johanna, featuring the best local produces and wines, with views of the sunset over the Pyrenees.
conditioned vehicle to Barge Johanna, around twenty minutes away
Champagne or traditional sparkling Limoux wine, and welcome aboard with the captain and crew
Stroll around the scenic village of Le Somail, with its famous bridge, small boutiques and galleries, and huge antique bookshop
Short evening cruise to Porte Minervoise, 1.8 km from Somail. Guests can admire the canal bridge of the river Cesse, the Epanchoir des Patiasses, and the little waterway of La Rigole, which is part of the original route of the canal
Stop for the night under the majestic Mediterranean pine trees: aperitifs and a delicious three course dinner on board Johanna, featuring the best local produces and wines, with views of the sunset over the Pyrenees.
MONDAY - CARCASSONNE
Breakfast on board, then depart for a visit to the world-famous medieval city of Carcassonne. Discover the ramparts and the château of the Counts of Carcassonne, in the heart of the fortified city. These Gallo-Roman and medieval masterpieces of military architecture have been UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1997.
Return to Johanna by 1pm for by a two-course lunch with wine on board.
Afternoon cruise along a winding and picturesque stretch of the canal to the pretty town of Capestang, around 3.5 hours away. We will pass under one of the lowest bridges on the Canal du Midi, with only a few inches to spare!
Aperitifs and three course dinner on board Johanna, enjoying the lively atmosphere of this friendly canal town.
Return to Johanna by 1pm for by a two-course lunch with wine on board.
Afternoon cruise along a winding and picturesque stretch of the canal to the pretty town of Capestang, around 3.5 hours away. We will pass under one of the lowest bridges on the Canal du Midi, with only a few inches to spare!
Aperitifs and three course dinner on board Johanna, enjoying the lively atmosphere of this friendly canal town.
TUESDAY - MINERVE, MALPAS
Breakfast followed by a visit to Minerve, the beautiful historic capital of the Minervois. The city rises high in the middle of the valley, protected by the deep gorges of the rivers Cesse and Brian, where the water has shaped astonishing natural bridges. In the steep medieval streets of the town, the epic and turbulent history of the Cathars is evident.
Back on board Johanna for lunch, followed by an afternoon cruise to the Malpas tunnel, around 3 hours away. This canal tunnel was dug from the rock in 1679, to allow the Canal du Midi to pass under the hill of Ensérune. A symbol of the genius and obstinacy of Pierre-Paul Riquet, this was the first tunnel of its kind to be built, and was so difficult to engineer that it nearly brought the whole project to a halt!
Dinner on board, enjoying a spectacular sunset over the historical Ensérune site.
Back on board Johanna for lunch, followed by an afternoon cruise to the Malpas tunnel, around 3 hours away. This canal tunnel was dug from the rock in 1679, to allow the Canal du Midi to pass under the hill of Ensérune. A symbol of the genius and obstinacy of Pierre-Paul Riquet, this was the first tunnel of its kind to be built, and was so difficult to engineer that it nearly brought the whole project to a halt!
Dinner on board, enjoying a spectacular sunset over the historical Ensérune site.
WEDNESDAY - NARBONNE, BEZIERS
After breakfast, visit the ancient Roman city of Narbonne, with its imposing Cathedral and famous remains of the Via Domitia, the first Roman road built in France (or Gaul, as this region was called then)
Take in the enticing sights and smells of award-winning Les Halles, one of the most famous covered food markets in France
Lunch: either in one of the delightful counter restaurants and tapas bars of Les Halles, or on board Johanna
Afternoon cruise of around 3.5 hours to Beziers, down the famous Fonserannes flight of seven locks, and over the Orb river on the magnificent acqueduct
Enjoy a walk or cycle round this lovely UNESCO heritage spot
Visit the old city of Béziers, with its unique Allées Paul Riquet and lush Jardin des Poètes park. The city’s reputation is built on wine-growing, rugby, and the vibrant Spanish-influenced Féria, which takes place over two weeks every August.
Dinner on board Johanna
Take in the enticing sights and smells of award-winning Les Halles, one of the most famous covered food markets in France
Lunch: either in one of the delightful counter restaurants and tapas bars of Les Halles, or on board Johanna
Afternoon cruise of around 3.5 hours to Beziers, down the famous Fonserannes flight of seven locks, and over the Orb river on the magnificent acqueduct
Enjoy a walk or cycle round this lovely UNESCO heritage spot
Visit the old city of Béziers, with its unique Allées Paul Riquet and lush Jardin des Poètes park. The city’s reputation is built on wine-growing, rugby, and the vibrant Spanish-influenced Féria, which takes place over two weeks every August.
Dinner on board Johanna
THURSDAY - PEZENAS, PORTIRAGNES
Breakfast followed by a peaceful morning cruise of around 3 hours, to the Mediterranean village of Portiragnes.
See protected fauna and flora, and many varieties of migratory birds such as pink flamingos and grey herons amongst the reed beds and salt marshes.
After lunch on board, visit the nearby town of Pézenas. This is a place steeped in history: the historic centre has many late Middle Age residences and elegant mansions dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The name Pézenas dates even further back to the Roman occupation. Enjoy a stroll around the beautiful cobbled streets and a visit to the many antique shops.
Once back at the barge, you can cycle or walk just a kilometre or so to Portiragnes beach, and paddle or swim in the clear blue Mediterranean sea.
Dinner on board, enjoying the salty sea air and tranquil atmosphere.
See protected fauna and flora, and many varieties of migratory birds such as pink flamingos and grey herons amongst the reed beds and salt marshes.
After lunch on board, visit the nearby town of Pézenas. This is a place steeped in history: the historic centre has many late Middle Age residences and elegant mansions dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The name Pézenas dates even further back to the Roman occupation. Enjoy a stroll around the beautiful cobbled streets and a visit to the many antique shops.
Once back at the barge, you can cycle or walk just a kilometre or so to Portiragnes beach, and paddle or swim in the clear blue Mediterranean sea.
Dinner on board, enjoying the salty sea air and tranquil atmosphere.
FRIDAY - MARSEILLAN
After breakfast, cruise from Portiragnes through the famous round lock of Agde, and onward to the very end of the Canal du Midi, Les Onglous, with its photogenic old lighthouse. Here time seems to have stood still; you are now cruising through salt water on the stunning Étang du Thau, looking out over the oyster beds and working fishing boats as they have been for hundreds of years.
A true inland sea, Thau is the largest body of water in Occitanie. The colourful atmosphere of the fishing port of Marseillan and the paths around the estuary invite you to slow down and observe the surrounding landscapes; the amazing light reflected from the water, and views of the city of Séte and its hill of Mont St Clair.
Lunch on board, with optional oysters from Bouzigues just across the étang!
In the afternoon, a visit to Noilly Prat, a historic vermouth producer in the village, or an excursion to Séte with its typical Mediterranean working fishing port.
A final gourmet three course dinner and celebration on board for your last evening; an option to taste seafood and shellfish from producers just on the doorstep, and wonderful wine from the local vignerons.
A true inland sea, Thau is the largest body of water in Occitanie. The colourful atmosphere of the fishing port of Marseillan and the paths around the estuary invite you to slow down and observe the surrounding landscapes; the amazing light reflected from the water, and views of the city of Séte and its hill of Mont St Clair.
Lunch on board, with optional oysters from Bouzigues just across the étang!
In the afternoon, a visit to Noilly Prat, a historic vermouth producer in the village, or an excursion to Séte with its typical Mediterranean working fishing port.
A final gourmet three course dinner and celebration on board for your last evening; an option to taste seafood and shellfish from producers just on the doorstep, and wonderful wine from the local vignerons.
SATURDAY - FAREWELL
After a last delicious breakfast on board and a farewell from the captain and crew, guests will be transferred to Narbonne station for their onward travel arrangements.
2025 Prices
Value Season
Regular Season
Charter 2 guests whole boat
Value Season: N/A
High Season: $24,000 USD
Charter 3 guests whole boat
Value Season: N/A
High Season: $26,000 USD
Charter 4 guests whole boat
Value Season: N/A
High Season: $32,000 USD
Note all our prices are in US Dollars. We convert to Australian dollars at current exchange rates on the day of payment of deposit/full payment.
Departure Dates 2025
Regular Season
March 30th to October 19th; departs every Sunday
Price is all-inclusive - inclusions are:
- Transfer from the railway station or the nearest airport and return
- Accommodation in a cabin fitted with a king size bed or two single beds.
- All meals of an exceptionally high gastronomic standard
- Open bar : all wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
- Excursions as mentioned above, including the guide and the entrance fees.
- Use of bicycle for all guests
