SFO777

LOL. That's where the van comes in. The barge moves so slowly that we can backtrack in the van and get home for happy hour.

Dieuwer

But why would you go to Pézenas by van on the other side of Beziers? Why not get on the boat ASAP and go from Beziers straight to Colombiers and Ensérune?

SFO777

Good question to which I have no answer. We mostly ate and drank and just asked how long is the drive?
Didn't really care about the direction since everything is so close anyway.

LH4116

The barge cruise looks fantastic, and quite luxurious with a private chef and all. Did you hang out with the crew as well or did they just stay in their own quarters? I'm guessing a cruise like that won't come cheap.

Gardyloo

Years ago we rented a house next to the Midi not far from Narbonne for a week in early spring. As it was really before the season, there were only a couple of hotel/barges that went past, but it looked great then and even better now.

offerendum

Hope so, otherwise I will be part of the crew

nemme99

That crab, steak frites, fromage, rhubarb/ginger souffle might be my dream meal! Wow. Looks like a lovely, relaxing way to travel. I may not have considered it before. Thanks for sharing!

SFO777

Day 4 on the Canal du Midi was another beautiful sunny day with perfect +22/72 temps.





Another boat that has seen better days.





As we dock and get ready for this morning's tour.



Another sad one.



But an owner with a sense of humour.









Spending quality time together, 2015 style.



This morning, we're off to the fascinating medieval town of Minerve, set on a plateau atop the gorge of the River Cesse, which has pretty much dried up, or at least in summer.







































Potty time.



Uh, maybe not.





Now here's a café with a view.







After a glass of wine, we're on the road back home.



And the wonderful Ang with the now familiar welcome back beverage.



Another wonderful lunch from Chef Joe.







As we head up the canal and more locks.



And shops along the way.





Whoa Nellie!



Many of the locks have their own lock dogs that greet the barges.





Yikes, this is getting weird.













Happy hour and dinner after an afternoon of cruising the canal.





The foie gras was simply the best I have ever tasted.



The sensational John Dory.

SFO777

Thank you LH4116. We really didn't hang out with the crew much as they were pretty busy the entire day, especially since the barge was provisioned daily with fresh pastries and later food for the kitchen.

Thanks Gardyloo. It was a wonderful experience in a beautiful part of France.

LOL. Indeed. Years ago, it might have been a lot of fun to be a crew member for a season on something like this.

Thanks very much nemm99. The meals were simply out of this world. But OMG, one can only take so much eating and drinking!!

offerendum

Compared to Vietnam the toilet looks superb

Dieuwer

I assume the food was sourced locally (fresh) every day?

MarkCron

Brings back memories of a two week trip (driving, not barging) I took in the mid 90's that included stops in Carcassonne and Minerve. I barely recognize Carcassonne, but Minerve looks exactly the same.

Kagehitokiri

indeed the 'problem' with luxury all-inclusive rates including multi-course meals (3+ courses for both lunch and dinner) and alcohol

i had pretty good experience with this at The Lodge in Verbier Switzerland a few years ago

i cant imagine doing a Relais & Chateaux with 2/3 michelin star ~10 course for dinner where they also include breakfast and lunch, would have to skip some

Purim

Thanks for the excellent TP with great photos. What is the degree of freedom you experienced? Food choices seem set (no problem, it all looks fabulous) but food allergies or basic dislikes? Drinks? BYOB - photos show an alarming absence of champagne (ok, that is what LH F is for).The barge seems perfect for a Campari Soda. There is a well stocked bar with plenty of digestifs and whatnot? Breakfast in bed or you have to surface for food? Itineraries well oiled, or you can stop off at interesting villages/points of interest you see on the way? It all looks jolly enjoyable....

1P

Have so enjoyed this TR. Have always wanted to do a barge on the Canal du Midi and now will simply have to! Know this part of the world reasonably well, but have not encountered Minerve. A delightful place to look out for the next time we are down there.

Thanks again, SFO777