Tours and Activities Included in a Luxury Canal Cruise in France

A luxury canal cruise in France elicits images of tree-lined waterways, sipping champagne, and generally sitting back, relaxing and having a good time. There were plenty of moments like this aboard the barge Savannah. For those who like a little more adventure, this barge cruise offers a suite of daily activities ranging from visits to medieval villages, fresh produce markets and wine tasting from some of the lesser known wine makers in the region. It’s the perfect blend for a memorable holiday.

Kerri McConnel

The Savannah luxury barge cruising the Canal du Midi, France. Image © Kerri McConnel

The cruise may take place on one of France’s most well-known canals, the Canal du Midi, however, this doesn’t equate to large numbers of tourists. In fact, many of the areas we explored were noticeably absent of large crowds. As a local to this region, Captain Adrien Bramoullé provided great insight into all the towns and villages we visited, using his strong connections with many local businesses to bring us a very personal experience. In a week of cruising it is almost hard to imagine that we accomplished so much and yet still felt so rested at its completion. These are the highlights of the daily activities aboard the Savannah.

The Archbishops Palace in Narbonne, France. Image © Kerri McConnel

A Morning in Narbonne, France

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Even though this was the pickup location for the cruise, Narbonne is a city worthy of a visit in its own right, having once been a strategic city to the Romans. As our first daily excursion off the barge, we met an English-speaking guide, who imparted her knowledge of the strategic importance of this city to the Romans. It was in the impressive Gothic Cathedral Saint-Just and Saint-Pasteur, with its imposing 42 metre vault, where we learned more about the political and religious struggles of this area. The adjacent Archbishop’s Palace is now used to house several art and history museums and the city hall. Both buildings create a formidable sight in the centre of Narbonne.

In Narbonne, we also accompanied Chef Valérie Jarlet to the 19th century covered Les Halles market. The market, usually a thriving hub of activity and organised chaos, was particularly quiet on the day we visited. This really didn’t matter too much to us as we were there to watch the chef go about her business. Buying only from those vendors who sell organic French produce, Adrien mentioned to us all “if you want something, let us know and we will get it for you”. “Do you all like fish?”, Chef Valérie asks. With a resounding “Yes”, the conversation quickly turned to the type, settling on the popular species of Daurade. This was to be our dinner. From the fishmonger to vegetables, fruit and olives, Valérie filled her basket with tasty fresh produce. Along the way, we stopped to sample various culinary delights.

Whilst in Narbonne, we enjoyed lunch at Restaurant L’Estagnol, a traditional restaurant serving up great quality French food. As this was only the second day of the cruise, it was a great opportunity for the guests to spend more time getting to know one another.

Inside Narbonne Cathedral during a day excursion on the Savannah barge. Image © Kerri McConnel

Beautiful scenery along the Canal du Midi aboard the Savannah luxury barge, France. Image © Kerri McConnel

Wine Tasting on the Savannah Barge

Prior to dinner on the second evening, we were treated to a wine tasting on board. We joined Vivien from Le Clos des Jarres in the salon, whilst he talked to us with great enthusiasm about his organic wines. It was another example of the diversity of the itinerary on the Savannah, with Adrien constantly mixing up the activities to keep things dynamic.

The arched bridge crossing one of the river gorges in Minerve, France. Image © Kerri McConnel

The Fairytale Town of Minerve, France

Towns built on hilltops conjure up thoughts of fairytales with palaces and turrets overlooking the world around them. In many cases throughout Europe, the reason is less romantic and more strategic. In some cases, like the town of Minerve, it has been the impact of natural processes, with two rivers carving out deep ravines and forming a mountain.

Walking the dry river bed in Minerve, France. Image © Kerri McConnel

Minerve is known as Les Plus Beaux Villages de France or one of the prettiest villages in France. It’s worthy of this title, with an impressive arched bridge leading into a tightly packed enclave of stone buildings. There are vantage points along the city walls that offer fantastic views across the surrounding land. Because it was the dry season, we were able to walk on the rocky river bed and into some amazing caves that have been forged in the rock. It’s not the easiest of walks, with large rounded stones and boulders under foot, but it’s a worthwhile one. Not only does it give you the chance to explore but it offers a terrific view back up to the village, giving an immediate sense of perspective.

Wine Tasting at Chateau Massamier La Mignarde

This was my favourite wine tasting session of them all. Owned by the same family for 400 years, we were treated to a wine tasting with the family matriarch, Madame Vènes. Adrien poured her wines for us to taste whilst she talked to us about her family business and its traditions. A perfect afternoon matched with some incredible wines.

Owned by the same family for 400 years, we were treated to a wine tasting with Madame Vènes at Chateau Massamier La Mignarde. Image © Kerri McConnel

Entertainment Onboard the Savannah Barge

As if a day couldn’t get any better, we arrived back to the barge one evening, following a day packed full of great experiences, to Virginie and Yannick welcoming us with their music. It wasn’t long before we were all settled into comfortable chairs on the upper deck of the Savannah, drink in hand, listening to the dulcet tones from this musical pair. As day gave way to the evening stars, their music drifted over the waterways, and I couldn’t have imagined a better end to the day. Following dinner, we retired to the salon on the lower deck of the barge, where the musicians continued playing their beautiful music, with Virginie singing in French, Greek, Polish and English on occasion. We all felt very spoilt at this stage.