Emma is a lovingly restored barge of 28 meters in length and 4.6 meters wide – a Klipper Aak of Belgian origin.
She
lived in the Paris region for her first 95 years until
she was lured south with the promise of sun and a luxury
fit out in 2001. Today barge Emma
is welcoming her guests with great accommodation and
service, and a warm atmosphere that will make your trip
unforgettable.
Salon : Salon/dining area with large windows, comfortable sofa and armchairs and TV, DVD + Stereo.
Deck : Large teak table and chairs, and lounge chairs, canopy for shade.
A welcoming atmosphere on-board Emma, modern elegance with special attention to her guests needs, excursions into the history and outstanding local cuisine prepared with love by the Chef – make your vacation a dream come true.
Emma' s accommodations offer good sized beds and ample wardrobe and shelf space.
There are 3 cabins:
Cabin 1 - " Mimosa" - the gold cabin, with fixed double bed.
Cabin 2 - "Muguet" - the green cabin, can be either double or twin bedded.
Cabin 3 - "Lavande" - the lavender cabin, can be either double or twin bedded.
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 and bathrobes are provided and there are
also hairdryers.
Salon & Dining Room:
The interior is bright and spacious with beautiful arched double glazed windows which give you a good view of the outside countryside whilst cruising.
The French oak furniture has been hand made by a master craftsman and the whole effect is warm and inviting.
You are welcome to peruse the books in the library, listen to the varied selection of CD's, help yourself to the well stocked bar and generally make yourself thoroughly at home.
Emma'
s elegant dining room is the perfect place to
enjoy the gourmet dinners prepared for guests
by the chef.
On Deck:
The outer deck is where you can relax and breathe in the wonderful smells of pine, broom, thyme and rosemary as you watch the countryside glide by.
There
is ample space for lounging and a lovely area
for cocktail hour and "al fresco" eating.
The canal is lined with 100-year-old plane trees
giving shade during the heat of the day.
Emma has her own flower and herb garden, which Liz rifles on a daily basis for use in the kitchen.
Off Boat:
Emma
provides an air-conditioned minibus for her guests
during shore excursions and transfers. Also 6
bicycles (VTT and ladies road bike) are available
for the guests who love to explore the beauty
of the new areas.
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.
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.
Your Full Board Cruise includes : 6 night's accommodation aboard; 4 crew members: captain, personal chef, hostess and matelot/driver; liaison between the railway/airport of Carcassonne or Beziers and the barge both before and after your cruise; all meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) with their accompanying wines from the region; fully stocked bar with a selection of cocktails, digestives and soft drinks; guided tours each day in the mini bus and all entrance fees.
Your Half Board Cruise Includes: 6 night's aboard; breakfast & 4 course evening meal & wines; liaisons between barge airport/railway of Carcassonne or Beziers; guided tours in the mini bus.
