Itinerary - 7 Night Luxury Holiday by Rail + Barge

Day 1

London to Montpellier

Board the Eurostar from London and speed under the Channel in Standard Premier Class before arriving in Lille and transferring onto the high-speed TGV to Montpellier in 1st class. Enjoy stunning French countryside and experience the beauty of the Rhône Valley and Provence whilst relaxing in your seat!

Check in at the New Hotel Du Midi Montpellier for your overnight stay.

Spend your evening in this elegant city in the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, only a stone’s throw from the French Riviera. Dine at one of the numerous restaurants on rue des Écoles Laiques and nearby rue du Pila Saint Gely which offers a variety of choices, including Italian, Moroccan, and of course French cuisine.

Day 2

Montpellier to Marseillan

You will be met at Montpellier TGV station at 4pm and transferred by minibus to the lakeside fishing village of Marseillan where Anjodi is moored. Enjoy a Champagne welcome and then take a leisurely stroll around this lovely little village before enjoying your first dinner onboard. Enjoy fresh seafood and regional specialities complimented with local Corbières and Minervois wines.

Day 3

Marseillan to Portiragnes

Wake to the aroma of fresh brewing coffee and after a continental breakfast, disembark for a visit to Pezenas, a delightful village, known for its associations with the French playwright Molière, who is said to have written many plays whilst staying here. This afternoon Anjodi cruises from Marseillan to Portiragnes through the nature reserve of Bagnas where you'll have the chance to see flamingos and other birds. Dinner onboard.

Day 4

Portiragnes to Beziers

This morning Anjodi cruises to the bottom of the Fonserannes seven lock flight at Beziers where she continues along the 300 year old tree lined Canal du Midi. After lunch, visit the Château de Perdiguier, famed for its 15th century frescoes as well as its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines. Enjoy an informative wine tasting before stopping for dinner at a local auberge in Beziers.

Day 5

Beziers to Poilhes

This morning you cross the aqueduct over the River Orb and then ascend the seven lock flight of Fonserannes before reaching the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas. On arrival at the picturesque village of Poilhes, take an excursion out to Minerve, the ancient capital of Minervois, which boasts a 12th Century Cathar fort surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Besieged by Simon de Montfort in 1215, its hill-top location affords spectacular views. Dinner back onboard.

Day 6

Poilhes to Argeliers

A morning visit to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy a visit to the Archbishop’s Palace and Horreum. Visit the indoor market in the centre of this bustling town, where you will have time to shop for local produce or just relax in a café and take in the relaxed atmosphere. Return to the barge for a cruise along the shaded canal to Argeliers, stopping off on the way at the Château de Guery, a 500 year old canalside vineyard, for a pre-dinner wine tasting of the full-bodied Corbières. Dinner onboard

Day 7

Argelier to Le Somail

Enjoy a morning visit to Carcassonne. This is the most complete medieval fortress still in existence and resisted many armies that tried to storm its walls with its impressive system of defences. In the afternoon Anjodi cruises her last stretch of the Canal du Midi to the idyllic village of Le Somail. Captain's farewell dinner onboard.

Day 8

Le Somail to London

After breakfast, depart from Le Somail by minibus to Montpellier TGV station. From here, catch a 1st Class TGV service back to Paris and then change onto the Eurostar back to London in Standard Premier Class.