Sherborne
New Sale Prices below for selected departures.
Cruising the Canal Du Midi
Welcome to the South of France and the barge "Sherborne", a lovely intimate hotel barge which cruises the famed Canal du Midi. The locks on the Midi are significantly smaller than the those on the other canals of France. Thus a smaller craft is required. The Sherborne is the perfect size for 4 to 6 persons.
More special than the boat is the crew. Susan and Peter Scott are an English couple in love with the South of France. They are delighted that their guests give them a week to show them why.
Peter was a designer craftsman and Susan has a flair for interior design. These qualities show through as soon as you step on board. The entire conversion from a cargo barge to a beautiful, intimate hotel barge was done carefully in an effort to retain a nautical atmosphere. Between the the two designers they blended a beautiful combination of timber, papers, and fabrics. The saloon has feather cushioned sofas, a well stocked drinks cabinet, a library which includes books on the cruising area and its history, and a CD/cassette music system. Air conditioning of course is a must in this warm, sunny climate.
The cabins each have twin beds with space under for storage of luggage. Their decor is light and delicate with wardrobes, shelving and cooling fans. Each cabin has its own bathroom with shower. The voltage is 220. Hair dryers are available on board. All the windows open to the outside and are positioned for easy viewing of the canal scenery.
From the saloon there are steps up to the side deck, then on to the large sun deck. The carpeted deck has plenty of space for sunbathing and is equipped with a range of comfortable deck furniture, ideal for relaxing and appreciating the sights, sounds, and aromas of the South of France.
Your cruise on the Sherborne follows the most attractive stretches of the Canal du Midi between Beziers and Carcassonne. The Midi is one of the oldest man made waterways and for its day was a masterpiece of engineering. The designer was Pierre-Paul Riquet who built this beautiful waterway in only 15 years between 1666 and 1681. The canal has hardly changed since then with its tiny arched bridges, elliptical locks and tree lined bands. It offers you a unique escape from the hustle of modern day living.
Each day you will cruise gently past vineyards and villages, each one producing its own distinctive wine. The area north of the canal is known as the Minervois and to the south is the Corbieres. The canal is build along the south side of a hill and overlooks a valley that leads to the spectacular Pyrennes Mountains which divide France from Spain.
If you feel energetic there are bicycles on board so you can ride alongside the canal and meet up with us again at the nest lock. The pace of the barge is a gentle 3 miles per hour so you can even walk from lock to lock and not get left behind.
Each day will include a half day of gentle cruising and a half day of exploring in our air conditioned mini-van. There are more than a dozen side trips we can arrange. You captain will take you to towns and villages via some of the smallest roads crossing the vineyards and through the sleepiest villages you could ever imagine. In warm weather, swimming trips in the lake or Mediterranean Sea, a short distance away. We will be happy to arrange an itinerary that suits your own particular interests.
There is Carcassonne, the most complete fortified medieval city in Europe. It has 3 kilometers of ramparts and 52 towers. You have seen it before in dozens of movies as it is often used for filming.
Lagrasse: This beautiful setting has an 8thcentury abbey and 12th century bridge ofer the River Orbieu.
Minerve: The ancient capital of the Minervois. There are the remains of a 12th century Cathar Castle.
Narbonne: This attractive town with a Roman history. It has interesting museums and the 4th tallest cathedral in France. The canal du Robine runs through the town center. There is a market on Thursday.
Lezignan-Corbieres: Thriving
Wednesday morning market town.
Oppidum D'Enserune: Hilltop excavations of a 6th century BC settlement. You can walk through the oldest canal tunnel with over 300 years of history.
Beziers: Site of the first Cathar massacre where 20,000 died on the site of the Cathedral St. Nazaire. There is a beautiful Friday flower market.
Mirepoix: This beautifully preserved medieval town has timber framed shops and houses around the market square. There is much woodcarving on overhanging buildings.
Lastours: Cathar stronghold with the remains of 4 castles on rocky peaks. This visit is for strong walkers.
Wine Tasting: Visit local wineries, walk among the vines and taste their range of wines.
Cuisine: A cruise on the Sherbourne is not complete without the pleasure of experiencing its own cuisine. This menus are French and use local produce. You only need to see the selection of the freshest fruit and vegetables in the markets to make your mouth water. If you like cheese, there is a wonderful range to choose from. We might even tempt you to try some new ones.
All wines served on board are from local wineries.
Breakfast stars with village baked bread and croissants. Some guests like to
select their favorite from the boulangerie and that early morning walk or cycle ride with
your hosts works wonders for the appetite. Juices, cheese, seasonal fruit and
freshly brewed coffee or tea all help the day to get under way.
Lunches can be taken inside or on the sundeck. In the summertime a pop;popular choice is to sit in the shade of the old plane trees alongside the mooring.
Four course dinners are served in a relaxed and informal atmosphere accompanied by local wines, followed by coffee and liquors, the perfect finale to each day.
A popular option for a whole boat charter is a half board cruise. The week begins with the welcome dinner on Sunday evening and from Monday onwards breakfast and lunches are included but dinners are taken on shore at the guest's expense. Groups of family or friends often prefer this flexibility which offers the full facilities of the barge and cruise programs.
Departures: Each Sunday May through October. Join Sunday afternoon and depart after breakfast on Saturday. You will then be driven to your departure point for your onward journey.
Testimonials:
Sue and Peter could not have been better hosts. The food was outstanding, side trips enjoyable and unhurried. We would all take the Sherborne again.---The Lerer Family, Santa Barbara, CA
It is so far exceeded our expectations that we had to keep pinching our
selves to make sure
we were not dreaming. Denis and Pat Neumann---Redwood Shores CA
A gastronomic extravaganza and an overdose of TLC. Merci Beaucoup.---Richard and Barbara Atkins ---Ackland, New Zealand.
The Price: Per person Sharing Twin Cabin US $2400 Minimum four persons for a departure and maximum of six on the individual basis.---Whole Boat Charter w/all meals, $12,600---Whole Boat Charter w/breakfast and lunch, $11,100.
Open dates 2002: You may book a charter for 4-6 persons or book individually.
June 30
July 7
Sept 1 Special Promotion $9900 for full boat Charter with 6 persons--$7500 for 4 persons
Sept 22
Sept 29
Oct 6
Oct 13 Special Promotion $9900 for full boat Charter with 6 persons--$7500 for 4 persons
Oct 20 Special Promotion $9900 for full boat Charter with 6 persons--$7500 for 4 persons
Oct 27 Special Promotion $9900 for full boat Charter with 6 persons--$7500 for 4 persons
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American Dream Vacations, 412 East Shore Trail, Sparta NJ 07871
Phone 201 401 0780
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