THE BARGE: Constructed in 1937 as a freight barge Converted into a hotel barge in 1999 Measures 100 ft. long by 16.5 ft. wide Two (2) onboard cabin accommodations Four (4) passenger capacity Onboard climate control PERSONNEL: Five (5) crew members consisting of Tour Guide, Chef, Hostess, Matelot, and Captain. This crew speaks both English and French. PUBLIC ROOMS: Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck (2) ONBOARD LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT: Sunken plunge pool Satellite TV DVD Player CD Player Books & parlor games Laptop internet access Four (4) mountain bikes MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS: Please note that Alegria has no wheelchair access. There is a boarding ramp from the bank of the river to the deck, then approximately eleven (11) steps down to the Main Deck. The cabins are on the Main Deck with three (3) steps that lead down to them. DECK PLAN: The well-planned accommodation of the Alegria offers a choice of two air-conditioned twin/king staterooms with full en-suite facilities.

CABINS: There are two (2) cabins on board Alegria, named Rive Gauche and Rive Droite. Located on the sides of the vessel's stern, each cabin has two access points: one leading directly outside to the front of the barge near the pool, and the other opening inside to the lounge. This allows for both intimacy and independence. Daily housekeeping is provided, as well as laundry service, free of charge, but guests are required to pay additional fees for iron pressing or dry cleaning. The rooms also have large portholes which offer panoramic views of the Canal du Midi. CABIN SIZE: Both cabins are equally comfortable and luxurious, and measure between 190 sq. ft. and 210 sq. ft. BEDDING CONFIGURATION & SIZE: Each cabin comes fitted with a king size bed which can be separated into two (2) single beds upon request. BATHROOMS: Both cabins have private bath facilities, complete with shower, toilet, and basin. They are stocked with towels, bath robes, and "L'Occitane en Provence" bath products. The bathrooms are also fitted with heated towel rails for the cooler months. AMENITIES: Climate Control Hairdryer Bathrobes Storage Space Open Minibar Bottle of Champagne Upon Arrival Laundry Service Coffee & Tea Tray Electricity (220V)

Rive Gauche Rive Droite En Suite Bathroom

SALON/DINING ROOM: The large Salon/Dining Room has two big portholes offering direct views of the Canal and its inhabitants: ducks and geese. A home theatre with a selection of CDs provides added pleasure, as well as a selection of books and parlor games. There is also laptop internet access through the connection of a 3G+ USB key. The Salon/Dining Room provides a comfortable 255 sq. ft. and features: 2 sofas Coffee table Fully-stocked bar and refrigerator Coffee/tea maker Dining table with seating for up to four (4) people Safe deposit box The kitchen is either open onto the lounge or closed, depending on whether the chef will allow viewers to watch him prepare his secret dishes. Don't despair, he sometimes does share his secrets with guests. ON DECK: The Sun Deck is a modest 91 sq. ft. open-air gathering area that boasts a sunken pool.  There is an "al fresco" dining table which allows passengers to take advantage of gorgeous weather and enjoy food and drinks outside. The beautiful teak deck furniture consists of: Table with seating for four (4) people There is also a second Sun Deck which measures at 320 sq. ft. and features several reclining lounge chairs available for guests who wish to lay out in the warm French sunlight. 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). An air-conditioned Peugeot 807 Pullman is also available for excursions by vehicle.

Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck Off Boat Experiences

As you drift along the magnificent Canal du Midi you will step back into the time of Louis XIV- the "Sun King" or "Roi Soleil" - who commissioned this prodigious engineering feat; thus finally achieving the dream of linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean.  Click below for Sample Itinerary: Beziers-Carcassonne	HIGHLIGHTS: Visit the Oppidum of Enserune Explore the charming village of Le Sommail Tour the fortified village of Minerve See the Palace of the Archbishop in the largely Roman influenced city of Narbonne Travel the narrow streets of the great medieval city, Carcassonne

The Alegria has a crew of 5 including the Captain, Olivier Baudry. Half are French natives and half are British nationals: the perfect balance for your cruise!! Olivier Baudry, the owner of the barge, is a French native. He has been passionate about rivers, canals and river boats for thirty years. In the 1980’s he had two house-boats moored in Paris and he had a great time cruising with friends across the French capital for several years. In 1989, with his passion in mind, Olivier left his secure job as a corporate banker and launched two luxurious river-boats in Paris. These were focused on the corporate market for day and evening cruises.

Olivier has just come back from South Africa, where he lived for fifteen years, managing his own tour-operating company. In order to reconnect with his passion for canals and barges, Olivier has settled down along the Canal du Midi and he now runs Alegria for your pleasure ... As a French native, Olivier will lead you across a typical "marché du village" and share with you all the secrets of buying the right cheeses, the perfect saucissons and whatever else you are tempted by ... Olivier is the Pilot of the barge and he will lead some excursions as well. Gladys Say, Olivier's partner, is the new chef on board.  She worked for many years as a TV presenter and a journalist for a French television channel.  As her passion for gastronomy rose throughout the years, she was led to organize private up-market events in Paris between two successful TV shows.  Your hostess is English- and French-speaking. She is an important part of your daily life on board for serving the meals, preparing your rooms and being available to help you to find your way on the barge... and around the Canal. The Tour Guide is also French- and English-speaking; His/ her knowledge of the region and its history will ensure you some great visits around the region, and will allow you to deepen your knowledge of the French culture. A Matelot, or deck assistant, is also present on board to assist the captain in any means necessary.

You will taste some typical French local dishes as well as the best French gastronomy. Every meal will be accompanied by different wines and we mainly serve the excellent local ones from Languedoc and Rousillon (the St-Chinian, Minerve, Corbières are becoming more and more renowned) straight from our Wine Fridge on board. You will never be offered the same wine twice during the week (unless you insist on drinking one that you particularly loved again!) For your added pleasure, we set your table with different services for breakfast, lunch and dinner: from the festive through the ethnic to the classic. When weather permits you can have your meal outside on the deck. Our Chef will cater specifically to you and might even share some cooking tips as dishes are prepared.  We will also offer you two (2) meals - a lunch and a dinner with drinks - off the barge in excellent restaurants! During the week you can count on at least two meals on land; however, we will discuss all these possibilities while you are holding a glass of Champagne on board. For breakfast, you will be served a selection of pastries and breads, cereals, yogurts, fruits, fresh fruit juice, cheeses, cold meats, smoked salmon, eggs cooked to order, a selection of teas, coffee, and much more. Lunch is an ever-changing buffet with a choice of salads and starters, a main course (quiches or local dishes), a selection of cheese and a dessert.

2010 SCHEDULE

2010 PRICING

Price includes:

A cruise in a cabin on board Alegria
Transfers from Beziers, Narbonne or Carcassonne to the barge & return
All meals on board
Two meals on shore (a lunch and a dinner with drinks)
All wines with meals
Open bar
All escorted side excursions
Use of internet connection
Use of onboard bicycles
Mini bar
Laundry

Price does not include:

Roundtrip 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 Alegria owner and captain, Olivier Baudry, partners with Juliet Bruce Jones, a Master of Wine, to bring you this exclusive high-caliber wine cruise through the Languedoc region. Find out more!