La Tortue (The Tortoise)

Built in Holland in 1895 this traditional Dutch barge has been converted to an extremely high standard to provide comfortable and spacious accommodation. The three cabins offer twin or double bed combinations with ensuite shower rooms. The elegant salon is panelled in hand finished Teak and has comfortable sofas, dining area, library, stereo and, of course, a well stocked bar. On the large sundeck, boarded by flower boxes of geraniums, there are lounges, umbrellas, table and chairs for alfresco dining. La Tortue is carpeted throughout, has central heating and air-conditioning, and complies with European safety standards.

Your cruise

You will be met by La Tortue' s air-conditioned minibus at a prearranged location close to your cruise embarkation point. You will be welcomed on board by your captain and crew and then it's 'shoes off' and time to relax and enjoy this unique experience.

Gliding along the canal, La Tortue will take you through some of the most beautiful countryside in France. Lazing on the sundeck you will take in the dappled shade of the towpath lined with 300 year old Plane trees, the mediaeval villages that have barely changed over the centuries and the unusual elliptical locks. Each bend in the canal captures a different scene from an Impressionist painting; a garden bursting with Oleander, Bougainvillaea and Citrus trees; a lockkeeper's cottage; a family fishing on the canal bank; an aqueduct....

Should you feel the need for exercise, or just to build up an appetite, walk or take a bicycle through the vineyards to explore a village or ancient ruin.

Your guide is always on hand to take you further afield whenever you want without a rigid organised schedule. You can visit local markets, have a wine-tasting at a Château or delve back into the dramatic, and often cruel, history of the Languedoc Region... to Carcassonne, the fairytale fortress town with its 30 towers and crenellated battlements... to Minerve, where in 1210 one hundred and forty Cathar "Heretics" perished at the stake... to Narbonne, the former capital of Roman Gaul with its Gothic Cathedral and Archbishop's Palace... to the Oppidum of Enserune, the ancient hilltop settlement first occupied in the 6th Century BC.

Each successive day finds you cruising a fresh section of the canal with a different mooring for lunch and evening. La Tortue takes you along the prettiest section of the canal between Beziers and Carcassonne, and at the end of your cruise you will be taken to a convenient transfer point for your onward journey.

Your crew

Peter and Sally Shaw, are the experienced British owners of La Tortue. Together with your pilot and hostess they will ensure that your every need is catered for. With discreet service and attention to detail your crew will make your cruise as relaxing and carefree a vacation as you could imagine.

Peter, your captain, is also the chef with many years of experience cooking in France and Switzerland. He will guide you through this gastronomic experience with his wide knowledge of food and wine and 'infamous' cheese stories. Your menus will include the finest local and regional produce and feature many dishes from Peter's cookery book 'Below the Waterline'.

For further information please Email us at: Contact@hotel-barge.com