Max. number of guests: 4
Number of crew: 3
Air conditioned: Yes
Centrally heated: Yes
Bedrooms en-suit: Yes
Cruising area: CANAL DU MIDI

Barge colibri takes only four guests, cruising the beautiful Canal du Midi. Offering luxurious accomodation and service, with tailor-made excursions.

Barge description

Luxury hotel barge Colibri 4 passengers
Colibri is a classic Dutch Luxemotor canal barge, built in Friesland Holland in 1931, and lovingly converted from her cargo carrying days into a luxury hotel barge. Colibri has been completely refitted in 2004 and a upon the splendid foundations we have added a touch of luxury and an air of relaxed elegance.
Barge dimensions
Colibri is 26.5 meters in length and 5 meters in width. Despite her generous size Colibri takes only four guests, thus affording space and maximum comfort to all parties. The interior is air conditioned to ensure your well-being.
barge colibri floorplan
Accommodation
Sleeping accommodation is in two staterooms with generous en-suite bathrooms. The beds are European king-size, or you may choose two twin beds to afford flexibility to guest's arrangements. The cabins are furnished with French oak furniture with ample hanging space and draws to unpack into and feel at home. The bathrooms have hairdryers and bathrobes.
Facilities
The dining area and salon are light and spacious, the perfect place to relax and feel at home, read a book, or chat over dinner and a glass of wine. There is a music system and collection of music, a small library of books and games. barge colibri bedroom Guidebooks for the area are available for you to browse and help us to customise the cruise to your wishes.
On deck there is the canopied wheelhouse, where you may be shaded and chat with the Captain and be involved in all aspects of cruising the canals.
The large shaded deck space allows for comfortable al fresco dining, and the chance to relax and find yourselves in awe of the scenery as we pass ancient villages and vineyards. There are lounge chairs for those who wish to take some sun whilst cooled by the gentle breeze as we cruise along.
Four bicycles are at your disposal for riding the towpaths or exploring the villages and surrounding areas. Plus our chauffeured air-conditioned minibus to take you on excursions so that you can take in the sites in the area surrounding the canal.
Come be enveloped in the romance of France and her waterways.

A typical menu

Sample Menu
* Fresh Herb Salad, with Parmesan and Honey Glazed Roast Pumpkin
* Poussins with Crunchy Country Ham & Sage Butter, Rosemary Potatoes Sauté Mediterranean vegetables
* Lemon Ricotta Flan With Red Berries
* Selection of Local Cheeses and Figs

 

Passenger comments

 

Cruise itinerary

Barge cruise itinerary details Canal du Midi France
Beziers to Carcassonne [ Carcassonne to Castelnaudary ]

Day 1: Guests are meet by the Captain, Earl. Between 4 and 5 PM at the arrange meeting point. Warm welcome on board with aperitifs, and cruise slowly through the vineyards near Colombiers, to whet your appetites for dinner and the days to come.
Oppidum d'Ensérune
Oppidum d'Enserune

Day 2: Morning visit to the Oppidum d'Ensérune, a site inhabited by man since 800BC. We then pass through one of the oldest tunnels on the French canals at Malpas and on to Capestang. A small town dominated by a huge church and a good place to stretch the legs. From here we cruise on towards Argeliers. Dinner tonight is taken ashore at a delightful Chateau.

Day 3: The bustling markets or the historic sites of Narbonne are on offer for today's excursion, in the afternoon we cruise to Le Somail and on to Ventenac. Tunnel de Malpas
Tunnel de Malpas Le Somail was a staging post for the 18th century passenger boats, the village is pretty and one must visit the antique bookshop. Ventenac offers wine tasting at the quayside chateau. There is the chance for a game of Boule, and should you desire Earl would be thrilled at the chance to show his Australian flair with the BBQ.

Day 4: The Abbey de Fontfroide is a beautiful tranquil setting and with its garden of 3000 rosebushes a wonderful place to visit. We cruise to Homps, another forgotten town, steeped in history, and with a fine winery to visit. We may cruise on to La Redorte, Abbey de Fontfroide
Abbey de Fontfroide
Beziers for a sensational dinner aboard.

Day 5: Visit to the Cathar fort and hill top village of Minerve, a stunning location with a museum that tells of its history. We cruise just beyond Puicheric this afternoon, a great place to sit under the trees and relax. Tonight you dine ashore, at a beautiful Chateau, offering surroundings that will take you back to the days of old. A chance to view the Cité de Carcassonne by night to fire your imaginations of fairy tale castles.

Day 6: Tour of the Cité de Carcassonne, to take in the fascinating medieval city, a wonderful journey into history. In the afternoon we cruise through Trebes to a quiet location for the farewell dinner aboard.

Day 7: Leisurely breakfast, and transfer between 10 and 11am to nominated drop of point.
This is a very much a guide-line, and we can do as much or as little as you would like, it is your holiday and our pleasure to tailor the cruise to your needs.

 

Rates

Full board: 12500 Euro
Half board: 11500 Euro

Full board
The cruise aboard Colibri comprises of accommodation for four people, including breakfast, lunch and four-course dinner. Selected wines will be served with the meals, with an open bar and other beverages available for your pleasure. For added variety and a feel for France, two of the meals will be at carefully selected local restaurants.

Half Board
The cruise aboard Colibri comprises of accommodation for four people, including breakfast, and lunch, with a four-course dinner served on the first evening. Selected wines will be served with the meals, with an open bar and other beverages available for your pleasure. The remaining evening meals are to be taken ashore at the client's expense. We will help in the choice of restaurants and should it be possible within the cruising schedule, lunch could be taken ashore instead.
Colibri affords you all the comfort of a small luxury hotel, with the bonus of privacy and daily changing views. Due to being a privately operated canal barge, aboard Colibri the cruise and excursions are flexible to your tastes and the seasons. This is your holiday and it is our privilege to tailor the cruise to your ideals, so that your dreams and aspirations of a French canal cruise are realised.
Cruises commence on a Sunday, however variations are possible; to take into account your travelling itinerary, subject to other cruise bookings.