Compare 3-6 Nights between Carcassonne and Beziers by France Cruises vs Mont Blanc Highlights by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 7 days | 8 days |
| Price From | Check price | $ 2,464 |
| Price Per Day | Check price | $ 308 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Standard |
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| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
3-6 Nights between Carcassonne and Beziers 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. Visit the Oppidum of Enserune, an ancient hill-town near the village of Nissan-lez-Enserune, France. Perched on a naturally defended rocky peninsula high above a canyon in the barren Languedoc landscape you will tour the fortified village of Minerve which is classed as one of the most beautiful villages of France. Also you will see the Palace of the Archbishop in the largely Roman influenced city of Narbonne, France. When you get to Carcassonne you will travel the narrow streets of the great medieval city. |
If you’re looking for unforgettable alpine views, rewarding hikes and a fantastic place to rest your head each night, you’ve come to the right place. Set out on an eight-day hiking adventure through the Alps, walking through inspiring scenes each day before returning to your base in Chamonix. With cable car rides included on several days, you’ll spend more time exploring and less time tackling tiring climbs, and with an International Mountain Leader guiding the way, you can trust that you’re in safe hands. From shimmering glaciers to mirror-like lakes, the best of the Alps is revealed on foot. |
Day 1: An Artistic Departure From Puicheric
After the crew is introduced to you and after settling down, you are served a welcome Champagne drink while we start cruising slowly along the Canal. You pass the first double lock of L’Aiguille and you can admire the wooden and iron sculptures made by the most famous lock-keeper on the Canal. This first cruise finishes near the old bridge of Puicheric where your exclusive Chef serves the dinner and where you spend the first night.
Day 2: A “Busy” Harbor From The Old Times Of The Canal: Homps
In the morning you visit the great City of Carcassonne, the biggest medieval City in Europe. You are just fascinated by the size of the walls and the narrow streets inside. You are right there in the heart of French history! There are also many shops where you can buy typical souvenirs to bring back to friends or children.
After the lunch served onboard we cruise to the port of Homps, one of the busiest harbors in the old times of the Canal commercial era. The highlight of this cruise is the impressive old bridge of La Redorte, followed by the Outpoor of the “Argent-Double”, and then the eponymous Canal-Bridge. All these examples of the constructions engineered along the Canal are located over three hundred meters only! Dinner is served onboard and the barge is moored along the quays of Homps for the night.
Day 3: Two Typical Minervois Villages: Argens And Roubia
In the morning we cruise slowly to the first village of Argens-Minervois, dominated by the remains of a 10th century castle. Once moored in Argens we have lunch onboard and we continue cruising in the afternoon to the second village of Roubia. You pass the last lock of the cruise as we are now steering along a stretch of 54 kms down to Beziers. You will have passed a total of seven locks over two days, most of them having two basins.
We propose you to visit a wine cellar and enjoy a wine-tasting, either in Argens or in Roubia (or maybe both!).
In the afternoon once we arrive in Roubia you may chose to relax on the barge, roam around this typical village, cycle, etc. At the end of the day your Captain has the pleasure of inviting you for a dinner in a local restaurant. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of a French auberge!
Day 4: The Unbeatable Charm Of The Village Of “Le Somail”
In the morning you go to one of the best markets in the region, in the town of Olonzac. Then the guide takes you to Minerve, a fascinating site and a previously fortified village in a very special rocky environment.
During lunch served onboard we cruise slowly to Le Somail, one of the most charming villages along the Canal. You may chose to relax on the barge, roam around, cycle, etc and we also propose you to visit a wine farm or an olive mill nearby. The dinner is served onboard and you spend the night in this lovely place.
Day 5: The Landscapes Of La Croisade
In the morning you visit a beautiful town, Narbonne. Narbonne is full of Roman history and includes the "Palace of the Archbishop". You will love its Mediterranean and Gothic style. And you will be offered lunch there in a typical restaurant that serves some fish specialties.
After lunch you are driven back to the barge for the afternoon cruise. We slowly steer to the bridge of La Croisade and we moor Alegria in front of a beautiful country landscape made of hills and vineyards. The highlights of this cruise are the impressive canal-bridge (65 meters long and 20 meters high) over the river Cesse followed by the T-Junction leading to Narbonne and the Mediterranean Sea. We moor Alegria in front of a beautiful country landscape made of hills and vineyards.
Day 6: The “Meanders Day” Of Capestang
For the last day of cruising you enjoy a morning trip: a 18km (11 miles) leg that is typical with its numerous meanders. Yes the Canal actually looks like a River, but a river that flows above the level of the plains! You pass underneath the lowest bridge on the Canal: the famous bridge of Capestang.
After this four-hour cruise Alegria is moored along its “home quay” in the village of Poilhes (15kms from Beziers).
After the lunch, our guide proposes you a “multi-site” excursion: the City of Beziers, the famous “stair case” of the Nine Locks of Fonserane, the archeological (6th century BC) site of the Oppidum of Enserune, and the Malpas Tunnel, the first tunnel built in the world for a canal. And, should you still be eager with visits, more sites or museums!
You spend your last night onboard Alegria after the Farewell Dinner prepared by our Chef.
Day 7: Departure
After your breakfast, it is unfortunately time to conclude this unforgettable cruise. You are transfered back to the airport or railway station so that you can continue your adventure in Europe or wherever!!!
Day 1 Chamonix
Bienvenue! Welcome to the Alps. We recommend flying into Geneva airport, where bus transfers are readily available to Chamonix, the French town where you will be based for your adventure. On arrival, settle into your splendid accommodation, a historic and scenic hotel which has been run by the same family since its opening in 1914. Placed on Chamonix’s main street and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the location is a perfect base for your explorations. A welcome meeting will take place this evening where you will meet your local leader and the other travellers joining you on your adventure. Your leader will fill you in on what to expect over the coming days and provide recommendations on equipment. After the meeting, you may like to get to know each other over dinner in one of Chamonix’s fantastic restaurants. Pair alpine cuisine with an incredible atmosphere and you’re in for a real treat – bon appetit!
Day 2 Hike to Bionnassay glacier
It’s time to get those legs moving! First, let a cable car do the climbing for you and enjoy a ride up to Bellevue. Not only does this cable car journey make the day’s walking a whole lot more pleasant, you’ll also be treated to spectacular sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, including the Chamonix Needles, the Mont Blanc massif and the Aravis Range. Hike along the path of famous Tour du Mont Blanc, in the forests below the Bionnassay glacier, before hiking up a relatively little summit of Tête de la Charme (1882m). Descend to the village of Bionnassay for a taste of typical life in the mountains, and perhaps pay a visit to the local museum for further insight. Transfer back to your accommodation in Chamonix and put your feet up.
Day 3 Hike to the Swiss border
Wake up and breathe in the fresh mountain air before heading out for another day of hiking. Catch a train to the village of Le Tour, then begin a hike through the Balme mountain pastures, first crossing through the untamed Posettes pass. Take some time to admire the iconic needles of the Mont Blanc massif, stretching from the Aiguille du Tour through the Drus and the famous Aiguille du Midi. You’ll also be able to see across to Switzerland and the magnificent Emosson Dam. Return to Chamonix by train and enjoy and evening at leisure.
Day 4 Free day in Chamonix
The day is yours for your own discoveries – be sure to speak to your local leader for tips on how to make the most of your downtime, as there’s no shortage of incredible things to do in this beautiful part of the world! You may like to spend some time exploring the numerous bars, cafes and restaurants that line the streets of Chamonix. Or perhaps you’d rather set out in search of breathtaking views – there are several cable car excursions available from Chamonix, one of the most spectacular being the ascent to Aiguille du Midi (3842m/12600ft), offering fantastic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. If you fancy getting really active, there are loads of mountain biking, white water rafting, paragliding and hiking options in the area.
Day 5 Hike to " Lac Blanc"
Today’s hike will lead you to a truly stunning sight, Lac Blanc, also known as the mirror of Mont Blanc. First, climb into the mountains on the Flegere cable car, offering up unforgettable alpine views that can only be seen by those travelling this way. After your ride, begin your hike towards the lake – one of the most beloved and celebrated walking routes in the region. Follow a high balcony path while keeping an eye out for wildlife – marmots, ibex and eagles are all frequently spotted along this trail! On arrival at Lac Blanc, take some time to admire the image of snowy peaks in the reflective water – this is one scene you won’t forget. Give your legs a well-earned rest and return via the Flegere cable car, descending into the beautiful valley below.
Day 6 Chamonix
Your hike today will lead you from Chamonix to Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier. Lying above the Chamonix valley, this sprawling stretch of ice is one of the region’s most impressive sights. Walk uphill through dense patches of forest, taking in fantastic views of the valley and the surrounding peaks. After reaching the glacier, you have the option to continue on a downhill loop back to Chamonix, or you may prefer to take the Montenvers train for a shorter scenic trip back.
Day 7 Planpraz and Brevent pass
Prepare to feast your eyes on something really special today. Take the cable car up to Brevent station, and be rewarded with perhaps the best view of Mont Blanc possible, plus sweeping views over the Chamonix valley. Take a peek over the Brevent pass, then continue hiking to the Bel Lachat refuge and up to Brevent Lake, the perfect spot to pause and admire the magnificent landscape. Soak in views of the Mont Blanc massif and a land of ice and rock below. In the afternoon take a scenic cable car ride, dropping from 2500 all the way to Chamonix, sitting at 1000m above sea level. Tonight you may like to gather with your group for a final dinner to look back on everything you’ve seen and achieved over the past week.
Day 8 Montets pass
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today, but for those keen to keep the fun going, there’s time for one last walk. Speak to your leader about the option of an unaccompanied bus ride and 1-hour signposted walk through flower-covered meadows to the Col des Montets.
