Are you dreaming of pleasant days on the canals of the South of France filled with sunshine, incredible wines, and cultural immersion into the surrounding area? Well, it sounds like Enchanté might have everything you’re looking for.
To experience the very best of barging on the historic Canal du Midi, then read on to discover the delights of hotel barge Enchanté, and what a holiday aboard can offer travellers.
Enchanté was built in the Belgian shipyard of A. Vander Cruise in Oostkamp. First constructed in 1958 as a Spitz-style barge, she was given the name ‘Maria’. Constructed from steel with a high carbon content, the anti-corrosive properties of the metal have meant her hull has lasted the decades, like it has for many other barges of that vintage
Initially made for shipping freight, such as fertiliser, grain, and other dry-bulk cargo, Maria navigated the waterways of northern Europe. Throughout her commercial service working the rivers and canals of France and Belgium, she underwent a series of ownerships and a host of different names including ‘Luco’ and ‘Theo-Tiens’.
After 50 years of service, she was purchased by husband and wife team, Roger and Louisa Gronow, to turn her into a luxury hotel barge for the Canal du Midi. After she was renamed Enchanté, this ageing barge was repaired and refurbished at the Chantier Naval de Meuse et Sambre in Belgium. The biggest difference was that her original length was reduced from 38 metres (128 feet), to 30 metres (100 feet), to better suit the Canal du Midi’s shorter locks and low, curved bridges.
Marketed by European Waterways since her first passenger season in 2009, Enchanté and her sister barge, Finesse, were later purchased by the group in 2021 to become permanent additions to the European Waterways fleet.
Enchanté is the largest barge cruising Southern France’s Canal Du Midi. With her spacious interior providing ample luxury for just eight passengers, guests will be charmed by her relaxed contemporary interior and ultra deluxe amenities.
Repose into the luscious blue sofa in the saloon and experience five-star service when you’re served your choice of drink by one of the barge’s hosts. Stretch your legs along the length of the dining area to watch the chef cook in the open galley kitchen. Watch as they prepare a gourmet meal, and revel in the passing picturesque views of the foothills of the Pyrenees.
Accommodations can be found below the main deck, and can each be arranged as either a twin or double suite. Each light, airy cabin features half-panelled walls, porthole windows, and its own air-conditioning unit. Equipped with an en suite shower room, guests can be assured they’ll be spending a week in complete comfort. With all the luxury toiletries you could possibly need throughout your stay, your own shower and a well-lit LED mirror, you’ll be well-groomed every day!
Back up on deck, you’ll find the outside space creates a pleasant atmosphere for you to kick back and relax. Sit at the outdoor table on a sunny morning canal cruise with a book in hand or take a dip in the heated spa pool with an iced drink. There’s no better way to see the waterways of France than taking in the views from the sun deck of hotel barge Enchanté!
The Canal du Midi, a historic waterway and UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern France, was conceived and realised by Pierre-Paul Riquet in the 17th century. Riquet, an engineer and tax collector with a keen interest in hydraulics, envisioned a navigable waterway connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. Recognising the hazards of the existing sea route, which would see boats pass Gibraltar, he proposed the construction of a canal that would significantly reduce transportation risks and costs.
Construction of the canal commenced in 1666 with the backing of Louis XIV, and despite Riquet’s death in 1680, work continued to its completion in 1681. The Canal du Midi, stretching approximately 240 kilometres, featured ground-breaking engineering solutions, including the world’s first navigable tunnel at Malpas, first navigable aqueduct at La Répudre and the Neuf Écluses staircase lock flight near Béziers. Its completion marked a transformative moment in regional trade, facilitating the transport of goods and fostering economic and cultural exchange among the towns and cities along its route.
While the canal initially served as a vital trade route, the rise of the railway and industrialisation of the 19th century diminished its commercial significance. Despite its decline, the Canal du Midi continued to be used for local transport and irrigation.
In the 20th century, growing recognition of the Canal du Midi’s historical and cultural value led to preservation efforts. In 1996, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the Canal du Midi is not only a testament to the engineering prowess of its creator, but it is also a popular destination for tourists seeking a glimpse into France’s rich heritage through its scenic landscapes and historic waterway.
A luxury barge cruise aboard Enchanté has a little something for everyone, whether your interests lie in history, food and wine, relaxation, or sightseeing. Glide along the Canal du Midi on our ultra deluxe hotel barge for a holiday packed full of itinerary highlights that you’ll never forget!
Foodies will enjoy what Enchanté has to offer in the way of carefully curated food and wines – served both onboard, and ashore. One excursion during the week will deliver guests to the stunning estate of Château de Paraza for a private tour, tasting and gourmet lunch in the winery’s private salon. Learn about the 70-acre vineyard and savour the taste of the terroirs in wines served with your meal.
If you have an affinity for indulgence, then perhaps you’ll enjoy the truffle hunt demonstration at Mas d’Antonin. Watch the truffle dog go about its work as it leads you through the woods in search of the elusive ‘black gold’. During your visit, you’ll have an opportunity to taste some of their produce, including olive oils.
Revel in the history of the South of France on excursions to some of the most iconic towns and villages in the region. See Narbonne’s Archbishop’s Palace, which is a stone structure full of incredible architecture. After, a visit to the nearby covered market will reveal lively bartering by food vendors and the chance to buy local produce to give to your onboard chef to include in your next meal.
Another history highlight of a cruise aboard Enchanté is the medieval city of Carcassonne. This walled fortress was built to protect residents from varying invasions and is silhouetted against the mountainous backdrop of the Pyrenees. Explore the ramparts, shop for souvenirs in the craft market inside and take in the historic location, that was used for filming ‘Robin Hood Prince of Thieves’ and other movies.
If sightseeing is your favourite thing to do on holiday, then the ancient village of Minerve won’t disappoint. Graciously listed as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’, Minerve is perched at the top of a gorge on the River Cesse. Its many stone buildings, beautiful bridge and exquisite views provide scenic panoramas worthy of a dozen photographs.
In addition, a cruise aboard Enchanté provides excellent opportunities for walking and biking. With the inclusion of a “Biking Plus” option available on your trip, you can borrow one of the barge bikes and follow a carefully researched route through the vineyards , or just cycle alongside Enchanté as she drifts elegantly along the canal. Spot dragonflies, waterfowl and fish living in perfect harmony along the waterway.
Don’t just take our word for it, see what the media have to say about barging on Enchanté!
In 2023, travel writer Kerri McConnel visited Enchanté and wrote about her experience for ‘Beer and Croissants’. She said of the cruise that the best thing was that the “beautiful French landscapes become an omnipresent backdrop, and you’ll be delighted with delicious gourmet meals and fine wines.”
First things first, Kerri was welcomed into her cabin which was near the front of the barge. She said, “the cabins are spacious, measuring 165 square feet (or about 15 square metres)”.
Each cabin enjoys porthole windows and observed that all cabins have en suites with excellent water pressure, luxury French skincare products and a small hairdryer. There’s even storage in the vanity unit!
There were plenty of home comforts to settle in with and fresh towels every day. In addition, the “Fluffy bathrobes and slippers are on hand if you want to lounge around your cabin or to use to get in and out of the hot tub.” There’s also caps and a canvas bag for you to take home with the European Waterways branding, to remember your trip. Kerri asserts that “There is no night time cruising, so the barge is moored at a quiet spot along the canal each evening” for a peaceful sleep.
With plenty of space available on the barge, Kerri says: “That’s one of the great things about barges such as Enchanté; it might not be the size of an ocean liner, but there are enough spaces around the barge to spread out and have some time on your own.”
That said, there are plenty of social opportunities too! At mealtimes “conversations were light, congenial and bursting with travel stories from all over the world”. The saloon was the hub of the barge and “For the most part, the guests ebb and flow from here, enjoying French champagne as lunch approaches, sipping on a cheeky cocktail in the afternoon or enjoying an aperitif as the day blends slowly into the evening.”
Guests enjoyed lunch on the upper deck when it was bright enough and could watch the world go by as the barge moved down the Canal do Midi to its next location. It’s also the location of the hot tub, which was kept at an indulgent 38° Celsius!
Kerri doesn’t neglect to mention the hard-working staff, of which Enchanté has five crew members. The staff look after the guests before they get up in the morning and after they go to bed at night. Kerri says, “The hosts are attentive and very quickly learn the guests’ individual preferences.” She enjoyed a quirky cocktail in the afternoon and champagne at other times!
The open galley kitchen gives guests an exciting opportunity to learn about gourmet food. “The chef had the skills, personality, and ability to relate to guests of all ages, from all parts of the world to create a five-star dining and food experience.” She spoke extremely highly of Mateo, mentioning “His eagerness to interact and engage with the guests made Mateo a standout, and it is one of the key value-adds to this particular barge. We were all welcomed by Mateo to join him whenever we liked.”
Breakfasts were pastries, fruit, eggs and muesli options, also served with breads and continental meats. Lunch was four courses, including a cheese course to finish and wines paired with each course. Dinners are another four courses, slightly larger than the offering at lunch. Some dinners are “richly decadent” like a cassoulet with pork belly, and others are lighter like the fish cooked whole in rock salt.
She rates the food she experienced on hotel barge Enchanté as a 10/10, saying “Food is not a side act to everything else during the week. It is front and centre, and rightly so.”
The week aboard Enchanté was full of amazing experiences, too. Kerri said of the activities that:
“Guests get private access to the producers and the owners in a way that adds personalisation and exclusivity to the experience. You know and feel that the events have been specially curated for guests, ensuring they are fun, interactive and physically accessible.”
A visit to Carcassonne for its historical background was an obvious highlight, with a particular mention for the cathedral which “was staggering, both in its size and wealth”. A tour and wander through the souvenir market of Carcassonne was fascinating, allowing guests to see unusual crafts being practiced, like “the man making statues out of local marble for 40-plus years.”
On another occasion, a visit to Minerve left a lasting impression. “Surrounded by limestone hills and deep valleys, this medieval town is just as beautiful looking at it from afar as it is when you are ensconced in the narrow, cobbled streets that wind their way through old stone buildings.”
There was also the Narbonne market with its bustling atmosphere and incredible array of foods. This trip is “pure fun” as guests get to tour the market with the barge chef to source fresh ingredients for the day’s meals. Kerri wrote that Chef Mateo “exceeded expectations by really engaging with the guests and encouraging everyone to choose something to take back to the barge for him to prepare”.
The visit to Le Mas d’Antonin for a truffle hunting demonstration was also very eventful, where the team hid the truffles for a live truffle hunting experience with Söike the truffle dog. Can you believe that truffles sell for anywhere between €1000-€1200 per kilogram?
The week ended with some special entertainment from entertainers Dorine Portmann and Eric Payan, who performed some beautiful French music aboard Enchanté for guests to enjoy. There were even some hits from The Police and Elton John thrown in, to give the attendees a chance to sing along.
All in all, Kerri gives a full and in-depth account of what it’s like to cruise on a barge like Enchanté. Her article promises a “true and accurate source of what it’s genuinely like to be on a barge cruise”.
For more information on what to pack, what to wear and some general information about barge cruising, check out Kerri’s blog in full here.
Culinary Experiences
If you enjoy eating well on your vacation, then perhaps a Culinary Cruise is the trip for you. With a truffle hunt at Mas d’Antonin, on olive oil tasting at L’Oulibo and a tour of a local boulangerie in the village of Homps , guests will be treated to the very best provincial delicacies in the region. However, the highlight of this incredible cruise has to be the French cooking class you’ll participate in that is held alongside the calming waters of the Canal du Midi. Naturally, you’ll be able to savour the fruits of your labour over lunch, whilst you watch the barges go by.
Oenophiles
With our expertise in French vineyards and wines, European Waterways is the obvious choice for a Wine Appreciation Cruise in the South of France. On a voyage with Enchanté, you’ll have a chance to visit the vineyards of the twelfth century Château La Grave, experience a wine tour of the Appellation d’Origine Controlée of a Château in Minervois, and a tasting of full-bodied wines at Domaine de l’Herbe Sainte. Last but not least, learn about Catherine Wallace who fulfilled a life-long dream of becoming one of the most acclaimed wine makers in the Saint Chinian A.O.P at her Château de Combebelle vineyard.
Families
If you’re cruising with family, then Enchanté has an abundance of child-friendly activities to choose from, whether you have a younger or older audience to please. When you charter a Family Cruise, choose from a selection of nearby activities to match your children’s ages and interests, like visiting the Prehistoric Caves at Limoussis, the Goat’s Cheese Farm at Combebelle and the living museum of Richard de Bas Paper Mill. If you’re looking for a more adventurous holiday, then perhaps swimming in the sea at Saint-Pierre La Mer is more to your liking, or some water sports on the River Aude.
If you’d like to find out more about a barge cruise on hotel barge Enchanté, then contact one of our team today and discuss availability. Alternatively, order a brochure to consider all of our cruise options!
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