THE BARGE: Constructed in 1906 as a Klipper Aak of Belgian origin Converted into a hotel barge in 2001 Measures 94 ft. long by 16 ft. wide Three (3) onboard cabin accommodations Six (6) passenger capacity Onboard climate control PERSONNEL: Four (4) crew members consisting of Tour Guide, Chef, Hostess, and Captain. A mixture of Irish and French origin, this crew speaks both English and French (some may speak other languages, as well). PUBLIC ROOMS: Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck ONBOARD LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT: Stereo system with CD player TV with DVD player Six (6) touring bikes Small library of books MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS: Emma has no wheelchair access. There are narrow steps leading down from the deck to the salon area which may be difficult to navigate for people with very limited mobility. DECK PLAN: The well-planned accommodation of Emma offers a choice of three air-conditioned twin/double staterooms with full en-suite facilities.

CABINS: There are three (3) cabins on board Emma, named Mimosa, Muguet, and Lavande. Handmade Irish patchwork quilts by Oonagh Morisson add that extra touch of luxury. The cabins are further color-coded in the following way based on accompanying room decorations: Mimosa - Gold cabin Muguet - Green cabin Lavande - Lavender cabin CABIN SIZE: All cabins are very similar in size and are equally comfortable measuring approximately 100 sq. ft. each. BEDDING CONFIGURATION & SIZE: Miguet and Lavande come with the choice of two (2) single beds, or one (1) double bed, while Mimosa has a fixed double bed. When the cabins are in twin bed configuration, the beds are parallel with a gap between them. BATHROOMS: Each cabin has its own bathroom with wash hand basin, toilet, and a normal-sized shower with sliding doors. The bathrooms are beautifully tiled, each one being a different color to complement the color of the cabin. Towels, bathrobes, hairdryers, and French toiletries by L'Occitane are also rovided. AMENITIES: Climate Control Hairdryer Electricity (220V, French two pin plugs)

Mimosa Muguet Lavande

SALON/DINING ROOM: The interior is bright and spacious with beautiful arched double glazed windows which provide a good view of the exterior countryside while cruising. The French oak furniture has been hand made by a master craftsman and the whole effect is warm and inviting. The boat is fully air-conditioned and centrally heated to meet all climatic conditions. Some furniture items include: Dining table with seating for six (6) people Armchairs Coffee table Well-stocked bar Guests are welcome to peruse the books in the library, listen to the varied selection of CD's, help themselves to the well-stocked bar, and generally make themselves thoroughly at home. ON DECK: The outer deck is where guests can relax and breathe in the wonderful smells of pine, broom, thyme, and rosemary as they watch the countryside glide past. There is ample space for lounging and a lovely area for cocktail hour and "al fresco" eating. Emma also has her own flower and herb garden which Liz rifles on a daily basis for use in the kitchen. OFF BOAT: Passengers are welcome to walk or cycle using the onboard bicycles as often as they like.  Most People choose to disembark the barge at a lock to visit local villages, then return to the canal and meet the barge further along (the barge travels slowly; therefore, this is not a problem). Additionally, an air-conditioned minibus is available for excursions by vehicle.

Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck Off Boat Experiences

A cruise on Emma is a step back from the pressure of the 21st century to a much slower pace, while enjoying all the creature comforts of modern day living. You can visit ancient villages where time appears to stand still, country chateaux where you can taste the wine grown in their own vineyards, shop at the local markets where you will be amazed by the colorful displays of fresh fruit and vegetables, you can cycle along the towpath if you are feeling energetic or you can just relax on board and watch the world glide by. Every day is a different picture. Emma will slowly wind her way during the course of the week for approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) along the canal which was built during the reign of Louis XIV. Click below for Sample Itineraries Carcassonne-Beziers

Highlights:   The vast medieval castle of Carcassonne. The roman town of Narbonne. The former Cathar stronghold at Minerve. The magnificent Fonserannes 7-lock staircase. The fortified hilltop city of Oppidum d'Enserune overlooking the Languedoc Valley.

Renè, your captain, was born in Sète, the Little Venice of the Midi, and knows the Canal and surrounding areas like the back of his hand. He comes from a line of boat enthusiasts, his grandfather having rounded the Cape Horn in the 1900's in a sailing boat and his uncle was a violinist aboard the " Normandy ", the luxury liner cruising between France and America. He is an engineer by trade with a passion for mechanics and will ensure the smooth running of Emma. Liz, originally from Ireland, has been living in France for the last 16 years and is a superb chef having spent many years in the hotel trade. More importantly are the tips and hints picked up from watching the great cooks in Renè's family. She will take great pleasure in preparing for you the specialities of this gastronomic region of France. There are two other members of the crew to ensure you have a comfortable, relaxing and interesting vacation. A competent hostess to look after all your needs on board and a tour guide to whisk you off in the mini van to visit the beautiful countryside so full of history. Together the team will offer their guests an insight into local traditions as well as a chance to discover some of the lesser known treasures of the Languedoc.

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST Fresh Fruit Breads Cereal Yogurt Coffee Croissants LUNCH Terrine of chicken and dried fruits Home-made pâtés and terrines Pissaladière Niçoise (savoury onion and anchovie tart) Mixed salad with tangy lime and garlic vinaigrette DINNER Tartar of smoked salmon & crab Glazed breast of duck with grapefruit & ginger Marmelade served on a mash of sweet potato with sugar snap peas CHEESES Brie de Meaux Crottin de Chavignol Bleu de Bresse WINES Chateau la Voulte-Gasparets Domaine Rimbert Chateau St Eualalie

2010 SCHEDULE

2010 PRICING

Full Board price includes:

A cabin on board Emma
Transfers from Beziers, Narbonne, or Carcassonne to the barge & return
All meals
All wines with lunch & dinner
Fully-stocked bar
All side excursions
Use of bicycles

Half Board price includes:

A cabin on board Emma
Transfers from Beziers, Narbonne, or Carcassonne to the barge & return
All breakfasts & dinners
All wines served with dinner
All side excursions (entrance fees not included)
Use of bicycles

Full Board Price does not include:

Flight to Paris & return
Transportation from Paris to Beziers, Narbonne, or Carcassonne & return
Gratuities

Half Board Price does not include:

Lunches
Entrance fees on excursions
Drinks from the bar (a tab of drinks consumed will be kept)
Flight to Paris & return
Transportation from Paris to Beziers, Narbonne, or Carcassonne & return
Gratuities
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JOINING AND LEAVING THE CRUISE

Cruise Passenger Meeting Point Hotel or Train Station - 4pm Beziers, Narbonne, or Carcassonne To begin the cruise, passengers will be picked up from hotel or railway station at 4pm. If you choose to stay in Beziers, Narbonne, or Carcassonne prior to your cruise, please contact our Reservation Team for more information. At the end of your cruise, you will be transferred back to hotel or railway station after breakfast. Alternative pre- and post-cruise transfer points can also be arranged.
Recommended TGV Trains Between Paris and Beziers Beginning Saturday:  TGV6209 Departing Paris Gare de Lyon at 11:20am and arriving Beziers at 3:30pm. Returning Friday:  TGV6210 Departing Beziers at 12:25pm and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 4:40pm Recommended TGV Trains Between Paris and Narbonne
Beginning Saturday: TGV6209 Departing Paris Gare de Lyon at 11:20am and arriving Narbonne at 3:45pm. Returning Friday: TGV6210 Departing Narbonne at 12:10pm and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 4:40pm. There are no direct trains between Paris and Carcassonne.  Please contact us for details on the most convenient transportation. TGV Trains between Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport And Beziers or Narbonne are also available. Please inquire for details.

	WINE This cruise is for those who love wine but also want to see the sites of the Languedoc and visit the bustling markets for which the south of France is famed. Find out more!
	FAMILY This Family Cruise along the famous Canal du Midi involves many activities that will keep children engaged and entertained. Find out more!
	FRENCH GARDENS Is nature your interest?  Flowers?  Beautiful gardens?  Then cruise along the canal and visit some of the most beautiful gardens in the South of France. Find out more!
	GOLF Have the best of both worlds and combine a few days of golf with your canal cruise.  Find out more!