Endless BeginningsITALY & FRANCE PERSONALIZED JOURNEYS

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  • Anjodi in reflection

    Classic Cruise - Canal du Midi

Hotel Barge Anjodi

Anjodi is very much a hotel barge of the classic Dutch design and also the founding member of our fleet, embarking on her first cruises along the historic Canal du Midi 35 years ago.

Her beautiful interior makes the most of traditional materials such as African hardwoods and shining brass to create a warm onboard feel, reminiscent of a classic yacht.

The charming saloon is particularly welcoming, with its combination of richly coloured wooden flooring, elegant French dining furniture and comfortable banquette seating, as well as a fully stocked bar.

The four compact, cleverly-designed cabins, featuring hardwood panelling and brass Portholes, offer a choice of twin or double bedded accommodation, each with en suite facilities.

The spacious sundeck is shaded by an adjustable canopy and there are comfortable sun loungers and a spa pool to soak in with a glass of chilled white wine.

Anjodi is a very well-known hotel barge having achieved “film star” status some years ago following her many appearances in the television series Rick Stein’s French Odyssey, when she carried the eponymous chef on a voyage of culinary discovery through Southern France. Why not follow in his footsteps with a cruise along the Canal du Midi, a 330-year-old canal with UNESCO World Heritage status.

Anjodi Deck Plan

  •  Anjodi Deck Plan

    Anjodi Deck Plan

Click image to enlarge

Cruise Highlights

  • Private wine tasting at the 14th century Château de Perdiguier
  • Cruise through the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas
  • See the spectacular hilltop village of Minerve
  • View the Pyrenees mountains across the vineyards and discover Cathar history
  • Tour Carcassonne – the most complete medieval fortified city in existence
  • Excellent towpath for walking and cycling. “Biking Plus” option available

  •  Cruise Route

    Cruise Route

Itinerary* & Cruise Route

Sunday, Day 1: Le Somail

Guests are met in Narbonne** and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Anjodi. Enjoy a chilled Champagne welcome with canapés and the opportunity to meet your crew, followed by time to walk around the charming village and perhaps explore its beautiful bookshop. We then enjoy a short evening cruise before dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2: Le Somail to Sallèles d’Aude

This morning, there is a fascinating tour of Carcassonne. Dating back to the Gallo Roman era, this is the most complete medieval fortified city in existence today. With its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defences, it resisted the many armies that tried to storm this Camelot setting. In the afternoon, we cruise along the 330-year-old Canal du Midi and through a series of locks on the Canal de la Robine, with excellent walking and biking opportunities en route, to our mooring at Sallèles d’Aude. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3: Sallèles d’Aude to Capestang

This morning, we cruise to Capestang, passing vineyards and pine trees, with magnificent views of the Pyrenées along the way. There is time to explore the village, once the summer retreat of the Bishops of Narbonne, with its magnificent 14th century collegiate church. After lunch on board, our excursion is to Minerve, the ancient capital of the Minervois, which boasts a 12th century Cathar fort surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Besieged by Simon de Montfort in 1210, its hilltop location affords spectacular views and the museum’s fascinating miniature recreation of the bloodthirsty Cathar rebellion completes the intriguing picture. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4: Capestang to Colombiers

This morning we visit Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. We tour the Archbishop’s Palace, Cathedral and Via Domitia and explore the indoor market at the hub of this bustling town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the vibrant atmosphere. this bustling town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the vibrant atmosphere. We return to the hotel barge for a cruise via the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas, perhaps pausing en route at the Poilhes brewery for a tour and tasting, to our mooring in the pretty village of Colombiers which lies on an old Roman road, the Via Domitia. There may also be time to view the star-shaped fields and the 13th century irrigation channels of Montady from L’Oppidum d’Enserune. Dinner ashore tonight at a gastronomic restaurant in Beziers.

Thursday, Day 5: Colombiers to Portiragnes

After breakfast, we cruise to Fonserannes and descend through the unique flight of 7 oval locks, before crossing the aqueduct over the River Orb to moor in Portiragnes where the Canal du Midi is at its closest to the Mediterranean. For those who are feeling active, the beach is only 20 minutes away by bicycle. This afternoon, we enjoy an informative winery tour and tasting at the 14th century Château de Perdiguier, named after King Charles V’s finance minister and famed for its frescoes and Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6: Portiragnes to Marseillan

This morning, Anjodi sets off through the famous round lock and then the nature reserve of Bagnas, with potential sightings of flamingos, white egrets and other migrating birds before heading out onto the inland saltwater lake of Thau, past the oyster beds. After mooring in the fishing village of Marseillan, home of Noilly Prat vermouth, we take an excursion to Pezenas, the delightful 16th century capital of the Languedoc mostly known for its associations with the French playwright Molière. On the way back to the barge, there is the option to visit a local oyster farm to sample its delicious produce with a glass of white wine while enjoying a view of the oyster beds. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7: Marseillan

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Narbonne**.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.

**other locations available for Private Charter bookings

Anjodi Gallery

  •  Dinning Saloon

    Dinning Saloon

  •  En-Suite

    En-Suite

  •  Moored

    Moored

  •  Moored

    Moored

  •  On the Pont Canal de la Cesse

    On the Pont Canal de la Cesse

  •  Through Bridge

    Through Bridge

  •  The Captain of Anjodi

    The Captain of Anjodi

  •  Alfresco dining

    Alfresco dining

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