Southern France Barge Cruise
 
June 14-21, 2008 

 

Barge Cruise-In-Company in Southern France
A barge Cruise-in-Company is scheduled from Saturday, June 14 to Saturday, June 21 on the Canal du Midi in Southern France. The fleet of two hotel barges and seven self-driven cruisers will start at Castelnaudary near Toulouse and cruise east toward Port Cassafieres. Three rendezvous events are planned for the week: a kick-off gathering, a mid-week fleet get-together on the canal, and a wrap up dinner celebration at the finish.
 
Jan. 16 update
Glenn Fuller of the Cruising Committee reports that member response to the Barge Cruise along the Canal du Midi in Southern France was enthusiastic, and both hotel barges are now fully booked. However, a limited number of self-drive cruisers, see right photo, are available and offer members a very economical way to participate in this unique cruising adventure.
 
Self-drive cruises can nicely accommodate an adventurous family, or two couples that enjoy traveling together and are open to the hands-on experience of operating the boat (similar to driving a car with a very small engine). There are two models of self-drive cruisers, one that can accommodate up to six guests with three cabins and three heads; and a similar model with three double cabins and two heads. This Canal is one of the most picturesque and diverse in France, with small villages, rolling countryside, history and the canal-side wineries of the well known Languedoc region. Along the way, visitors will have ample opportunity to coordinate shopping trips, bike treks along the Canal’s trails and enjoy many of the tasty treasures the French countryside has to offer. Participants may avail themselves of club events that are planned throughout the week. 
 
Self-drive cruisers can be reserved from $3,849-$4,514 per boat, based on four to six guests per boat, plus all expenses of food, fuel, beverages, transfers and bikes.
 
To make a reservation
Reservations on a first-come first-served basis are available through Jody Lexow, (800) 662-2628 or jl@lexowcharters.com. Members can contact Glenn Fuller at  (800) 239-7428 or glenn_fuller@ml.com..