Luxury barge Roi Soleil - Barging Canal du Midi

Canal du Midi route : Béziers - Carcassonne

As you drift along the magnificent Canal du Midi you will step back into the time of Louis XIV- the "Sun King" or "Roi Soleil" - who commissioned this prodigious engineering feet; thus finally achieving the dream of linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean.

Deservedly, the Canal du Midi is now classed on
the World Heritage List of Conservation.

The region of Languedoc, interlaced with the Canal du Midi, unravels a rich history from prehistoric time, through the Roman occupation, succeeded by the turbulent Middle Ages

The landscape and exceptional architecture captures the atmosphere of time revisited.

Cruising on the Canal Bridge
as it traverses over
the Orb River

Down to Béziers on the famous cascade of nine locks of Fonserannes

Whilst sailing the lazy waters, your personal onboard chef prepares a sumptuous luncheon (be it light or copious depending on your appetite) and the crew select a peaceful country mooring to serve you beneath the shade of the plane trees.

After lunch, a little exercise may take your fancy – a gentle walk along the towpaths by the Canal, a brisk jog, or a cycle on the onboard bicycles.

You may choose a hike along a nature trail, a swim in a river or a little horse riding ...

Golfing fanatics will be impressed with the picturesque golf courses.

Whether your passion is for history, arts and crafts, adventure, village atmosphere, wine discovery or shopping ... your cruise onboard “Roi Soleil" will be personally tailored to your specific interests

Your personal English/French speaking guide will take you in the spacious, air-conditioned VW Eurovan on the excursion of your choice – and his tie to the region can open doors to private visits for your group alone!

	The Canal du Midi meanders through the vast diversity of scenic landscapes that changes dramatically from the rugged, rural Languedoc regions to the sun-drenched, azure blues of the Mediterranean. And for a little adventure and stunning scenery, you can take a hot-air-balloon or a scenic flight over medieval castles for a birds-eye-view.

To experience this kaleidoscope of colour and history we will take you back into the time of the Romans in the city of Narbonne – the first Roman colony in the Gaules.

And you can even go back a few centuries BC by visiting the Greco-iberian Opidum of Ensérune.

History prevails with the Crusades of the Cathars in the fortified medieval villages of Minervois and Carcassonne – and the intricate architecture of Fontfroide, one of the best preserved Cistercian abbeys.

Within this vast region also lies a land of poetry, and of proud people devoted to the soil and of course the wine ... a passion they will share with you in private tastings of the local Minervois and Corbières wines

Be prepared for new sights, tastes and aromas that will take you on a voyage of aesthetic discovery.

River Yacht Cruises will adapt the routes and excursions according to the special interests of the charter party. The Cruise will follow the reverse direction on alternate weeks.