Facilities 

• Air Conditioning
• Games
• Hairdryer
• Hifi/Stereo (in salon)
• Shaver Socket 110-220V (Converter available)
• Writing Desk

History

Alouette was built in 1908 at Ouderkeek in the Netherlands. Whilst used as a cargo barge, she was first named ‘Cura' and, later, ‘Mars'.  In 1986 - 1987, she was converted into a luxurious passenger-carrying barge and was re-named Alouette.

Alouette is a Luxemotor type of barge and is 30,48 metres in length and 4,85 metres beam, the only boat in the Afloat in France fleet that can navigate the Canal du Midi.  This is a well-appointed boat with all cabins well above the water line.

Itineraries

Canal du Midi - Provence - Camargue (South of France)

The Alouette cruises the beautiful tree-lined Canal du Midi between Carcassonne and Béziers and is the ideal barge for a family holiday.

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.

Quoted prices are from and may vary depending on the season.
Private charter for up to 6 passengers or individual booking based on 2 persons sharing.

The Alouette also offers the option of 3-night cruise.

What's Included

• 6 nights accommodation on board your péniche-hôtel
• Breakfast, lunch and candlelit dinner each day
• Refreshments on board after excursions
• Wine with meals, liqueurs and bar drinks on board
• Sightseeing excursions, including entrance fees
• Use of bicycles
• Air-conditioned mini-van with driver for sightseeing
• All transfers for your visits and excursions

TGV rail connections are available for supplement on request. Gratuities and Insurance are not included.

Sample a Journey
Béziers to Carcassonne aboard The Alouette

Sunday- Meet in Béziers with your Afloat in France guide who will escort you to The Alouette barge, where a welcoming champagne reception awaits.

Monday - Enjoy a morning visit to Pézenas, a beautiful town where Louis XV held court in the summer time. Pézenas is famous for its antique shopping. In the afternoon, visit Oppidum d'Ensérune, one of the most important archaeological sites in the region. Return to the barge to begin the cruise to Capestang where you will stay overnight.

Tuesday- Take in the grandeur and beauty of the Canal du Midi, with its fine locks, impressive buildings and aqueducts, scarcely changed since their completion over 300 years ago. After lunch, go on a guided visit to l'Abbaye de Fontfroide, a Cistercian monastery founded in the 11th century. On returning to the boat, stop at Château Auris for a wine tasting.

Wednesday- Experience the wonderful covered market in Narbonne, which is a lively Mediterranean city playing an important role as a wine-producing centre.The municipal, military and religious architecture, the treasures in its museums, the riverbanks of the Robine and its shaded boulevards, all contribute to its charm. After lunch on board, taste some award winning olive oil at the local olive press at l'Oulibo.

Thursday- After breakfast, visit Minerve, an old village on a limestone cliff, which dominates the vineyards below. Discover the Château de Violet while stopping off at Peyriac Minervois for wine tasting. Return to the barge for lunch and enjoy an afternoon cruise to Trebes.

Friday- Finish the week with a tour of Europe's largest medieval fortress – La Cité de Carcassonne. Explore the intricate fortifications of the two castellated walls, one inside the other, which are about a mile in circumference.

Saturday- After breakfast, disembark the Alouette