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Alouette

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Recently converted from a six to a four passenger luxury hotel barge with her interior completely rebuilt to the highest standard, the Alouette navigates the narrow locks on the Canal du Midi.

Alouette is being offered on a charter basis only, from to 2 to 4 passengers.

Size: 98 x 16 feet

Capacity:

4
Crew: 4
Cabins: 2
Accommodations: 2 luxury staterooms with choice of twin or double beds
Air Conditioning: Yes – Natural flow ventilation system

Key Features:

Bedrooms : feature Satellite TV & DVD system, safe and phone intercom system so guests can communicate directly with Kitchen/Salon/Crew area.

Salon : Alouette's handsome salon includes comfortable seating, picture windows, Internet, DVD and satellite TV.

Enjoy your cruise on the elegant Alouette, with amenities ranging from satellite TV to a spacious sundeck designed for comfortable sight seeing as you slowly float down the Canal du Midi.

Accommodations

Cabins:

In 2008, the Alouette has expanded cabin size by reducing accommodations from three cabins to two larger cabins -- beautifully appointed staterooms each with its own private bathroom with shower, large windows that open well above the waterline.

The 2 luxury state rooms measure on average 226 square feet, including en-suite facilities, and feature:

  • En-suite facilities to consist of toilet, sink and a spacious walk in shower.
  • Choice of a twin or double bed
  • Spacious wardrobe/storage space
  • Air-conditioning – natural flow ventilation system.
  • Satellite TV & DVD system
  • Safe
  • Phone intercom system – now guests can communicate directly with Kitchen/Salon/Crew area

Salon & Dining Room:

Comfortable sofas, writing desk, and dining area with picture windows are some of the luxury additions to Alouette.

Other features include:

  • Internet
  • DVD
  • Satellite TV
  • Air-conditioning – natural flow ventilation system

The refurbishment of the kitchen also involved facilitating cooking classes.

On Deck:
The spacious sundeck with lounge chairs and umbrellas is the perfect place to sit down, relax and enjoy a drink and the scenery.
Off Boat:

An air-conditioned mini-bus (with driver) will be your transportation during excursions. Bicycles are available on board for your enjoyment.

The Alouette cruises the beautiful tree-lined Canal du Midi between Carcassonne and Béziers.

Languedoc-Roussillon is a region famous for its wines and gorgeous countryside and a rich historical texture.

Fortified villages, castles and market towns provide a varied itinerary. Highlights of this area include Carcassonne, the most complete medieval, fortified city existing.

Highlights:

  • Visit Pézenas , a beautiful town where Louis XV held court.
  • Go on a guided visit to l'Abbaye de Fontfroide.
  • Stop at Château Auris for a wine tasting.
  • Tour Europe 's largest midieval fortress La Cité de Carcassonne

Alouette is owned by Orient Express, providing an extremely high standard of service with a high crew-to-guest ratio: although domiciled in France the staff are mostly native English speakers.

The crew are dedicated to providing the highest levels of service to every guest and every member of staff plays their part in delivering the “ultimate barging experience”. The crew can be called upon at any time to assist you with any special requests you may have.

This specially trained crew pampers you from the time you arrive.Your personal guide introduces you to the district's most renowned vineyards, architectural landmarks, regional activities and local traditions.

Alouette 's highly professional crew includes:

  • Pilot
  • Chef
  • Hostess
  • Guide

Wining and dining is a highlight of any cruise and the five-course candlelit dinners are a special treat. The table d'hôte menus on board the Alouette are of the very highest quality and include many regional specialties and fine wine.

Each week's menu includes some of the chefs original recipes as well as regional specialties and seasonal delicacies unique to the particular are of the country in which you are cruising.

Sample Five Course Dinner

Bisque de tomates à la crème d'avocat

Cordon de truite
Farci d'épinard et d'aneth

Sauté de pintade
Mousse de carottes à l'estragon
Haricots verts aux amandes

Salade et fromages

Melon et sorbet au citron vert et framboise

Café, théet chocolats

Accompanied by wines representative of the main wine regions of France

Schedule
April 27 – May 03
June 29 – July 05
Aug 31 – Sept 06
May 04 – May 10
July 06 – July 12
Sept 07 – Sept 13
May 11 – May 17
July 13 – July 19
Sept 14 – Sept 20
May 18 – May 24
July 20 – July 26
Sept 21 – Sept 27
May 25 – May 31
July 27 – Aug 02
Sept 28 – Oct 04
June 01 – June 07
Aug 03 – Aug 09
Oct 05 – Oct 11
June 08 – June 14
Aug 10 – Aug 16
Oct 12 – Oct 18
June 15 – June 21
Aug 17 – Aug 23
Oct 19 – Oct 25
June 22 – June 28
Aug 24 – Aug 30
Oct 26 – Nov 01
* Highlighted dates are value dates
2008 Prices (6 Nights / 7 Days)
Individual Cabin Bookings
Value Weeks
Regular Weeks
For 4 guests
$23,100
$24,750
For 3 guests
$22,300
$23,950
For 2 guests
$21,500
$23,150
Your Cruise Includes:
7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath, transfers from Carcassonne or Beziers train station to the barge and return, all meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday, all wines with lunches and dinners, open bar, all escorted side-excursions and use of bicycles.

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