A soft and soothing color scheme of sepia and butterscotch unites all of the interior areas, including the lovely light-filled salon with its signature picture windows. The spacious cabins beckon with elegant bedding, and also boast an intercom system to directly contact the crew. Handmade tiles line the bathrooms, adding a luxurious artisan touch. Expansive and comfortable, the deck encourages hours of relaxation while enjoying a glass of wine and just watching the gorgeous southern scenery drift by; more active guests can take a bicycle out for a leisurely ride along the tree-lined canal.
Foodies and gastronomes are encouraged to join the informal cooking demonstrations by the gourmet Chef in the unusually large galley. Carefully selected fine wines are paired with lunches and dinners, typically sourced from a local Languedoc vineyard. Read more. As you alight, Alouette crew will be waiting on the platform. From here, you will be driven to the Alouette moored nearby. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the rest of the crew awaits you, before your first gourmet dinner onboard.
The adventure begins with a leisurely morning cruise. Take a brisk bicycle ride on the towpath, or relax on deck while admiring the rustic scenery slipping by. This afternoon, a guided visit to the l'Abbaye de Fontfroide reveals a Cistercian monastery founded in the 11th century. Now privately owned, the abbey has been meticulously restored with a colorful garden and peaceful cloister.
Then, sip and sample the Languedoc's bounty at a winetasting at a local domaine. Drinks and dinner onboard culminate the day. A morning cruise reveals more of the Canal du Midi's flora and fauna. Gourmands and gastronomes are invited to join Chef in the galley for an informal cooking demonstration, while active guests can explore the towpath by bicycle or on foot.
This afternoon, the epicurean experience continues at a local olive pressoir. Enjoy a private tasting of small batch olive oils before browsing the onsite gourmet boutique. Your Tour Guide returns you to the barge where cocktails and canapes precede tonight's delicious dinner.
