Johanna – Canal du Midi
Carcassonne to Le Somail
Maximum Capacity: 4 Guests
Available April through October
Not only is the Canal du Midi a scenic waterway, but it also holds an amazing story about French History and the construction of the Canal du Midi. The construction of the Canal du Midi has certainly influenced the flavours of the Languedoc these past 300 years.
Less well known than neighbouring Provence, but equally charming, Languedoc is a renowned winemaking region that produces more than a third of the grapes in France. Wine production was traditionally rooted in producing volume, but saw dramatic changes in quality in the early 1990’s. Winemakers from Bordeaux, Burgundy and even Australia came to the Languedoc seeking more affordable vineyards for experimenting with their trade. To some extent, this movement influenced long-established Languedoc growers and producers to make changes. Many amongst them are now recognised for producing top quality vintages.
But Languedoc is not all AOC wines, open air markets and foie gras. It’s home to some of Europe’s oldest and most breathtaking castles. The Medieval fortified Cité of Carcassonne is a must-see for travellers in the region. The hilltop town of Minerve is beautifully scenic and historically fascinating. Whether you’re inspired by good wine, sunflower fields, charming villages or Medieval fortresses, Languedoc will not disappoint.
Day 1: SUNDAY
CARCASSONNE
Guests are met in Narbonne train station around 4 PM and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to barge Johanna. The crew welcomes you on board with a glass of chilled champagne or traditional Sparkling Limoux wine and canapés, we then do a short evening cruise to turn Johanna and moor back in the port. Time for a walk or bicycle ride round the port of Carcassonne and André Chénier Gardens before a cocktail on deck. Your Chef is in the kitchen creating the first of many gourmet dinners featuring the best local produces and wines.
DAY 2 MONDAY
CARCASSONNE TO VILLEDUBERT
This morning we cruise through a serie of locks to our mooring close to the village of Villedubert, After lunch on board, your guide will accompany you to the restored and most complete medieval fortified city in existence today. These Gallo-Roman and medieval masterpieces of architecture have been UNESCO Word heritage sites since 1997, you can walk the Remparts, visit the Château and step back in time, then shop for souvenirs in the cobblestoned pedestrian streets. Time to relax with a cocktail or a traditional Crémant de Limoux in the Jacuzzi before a delicious three course dinner on board.
DAY 3, TUESDAY
VILLEDUBERT TO MARSEILLETTE
After breakfast we leave Villedubert and cruise along the beautiful Canal du Midi, with the perfect opportunity for walking or cycling, or just lying back in the spa pool and enjoying the day, to moor at Marseillette, 15 km from the city of Carcassonne, in the dry Marseillette pond apple orchards and rice fields are cultivated. Lunch is prepared by your chef, before you leave the barge and visit the medieval village of Lagrasse. It is one of the most beautiful villages in France, with an 8th century Benedictine abbey and many skilled artisans workshops located amongst the narrow, winding streets. Then enjoy a wine tasting at Château Villemagne, an established family-run domaine producing distinctive Corbières and other wines. Dinner on board.
DAY 4, WEDNESDAY
MARSEILLETTE TO LA REDORTE
This morning we cruise through another serie of double and triple locks and the little port of Homps to moor at La Redorte, this town has a remarkable natural heritage with ecological, fauna and flora interest. Time to cycle on the towpath or simply relax with an aperitif in the shade of the plain trees. After lunch on board, depart for a visit to Caunes-Minervois, renowned for its red marble used at the Palace of Versailles, the Louvre and the Paris Opera, but also its 13th century Benedictine Abbey.
Aperitif and three course dinner on board.
DAY 5, THURSDAY
LA REDORTE TO ARGENS-MONERVOIS
After breakfast we drive you to the beautiful city of Narbonne, with it’s imposing Cathedral and famous remains of the Via Domitia, the first Roman road built in France (or Gaul, as the 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. After lunch on board Johanna, we cruise through a series of locks and the little port of Homps to our mooring, time to relax with an aperitif admiring the sunset over Argens Minervois Castle.
DAY 6, FRIDAY
ARGENS-MINDERVOIS TO LE SOMAIL
This morning we cruise to our final mooring at Le Somail, through stunning countryside, Stroll around one of the most popular villages on the canal with it’s famous bridge, small boutiques and galleries and huge antique book shop. After lunch, we take you to the impressive village of 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 river 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. A final gourmet three course dinner and celebration on board for your last evening, enjoying the lively atmosphere of Le Somail.
DAY 7, SATURDAY
LE SOMAIL
After a last delicious breakfast on board and farewell from the captain and crew, guests will be transferred to Narbonne train station for their onward travel arrangements.
| Johanna - 2025 | |
| US Standard Pricing | |
| Regular | |
| Charter for 2 passengers | $ 24,000 |
| Charter for 3 passengers | $ 26,000 |
| Charter for 4 passengers | $ 32,000 |
Price includes:
- Collection from, and return to nearest train station in Narbonne
- Accommodation in a double or twin cabin with private facilities
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks all cooked by our gourmet chef w/ local seasonal delicacies
- Restaurant meals where required
- Wine pairings at lunch and dinner
- Open bar 24/7 stocked with local wines and spirits
- All ground transport in air-conditioned mini-bus for local sightseeing visits
- Entry costs for sightseeing
- Use of on-board bicycles
- Use of on-board jacuzzi
