ROI SOLEIL, a 6-passenger ultra deluxe barge, cruises the Canal du Midi in the South of France

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ROI SOLEIL is the most luxurious vessel on the Canal du Midi with its contemporary design, ultra deluxe accommodations, flexibility with charter itineraries and desire to make each week special for its guests. With its expert and experienced crew, you are in good hands on board Roi Soleil.

Cruise Highlights

• Cruise through Béziers and its famous cascade of nine locks of Fonserannes
• The city of Narbonne, the first Roman colony of the Gaules
• The Greco-iberian Opidum of Ensérune dating back centuries BC
• The fortified medieval villages of Minervois and Carcassonne, historic sights of the Cathar crusades
• Fontfroide, one of the best preserved Cistercian abbeys
• With a specially designed open galley, guests are invited to cooking demonstrations open to all the foodies. With a glass of Languedoc wine in hand, you can watch the chef who is happy to explain his techniques.Cruise along one of the most beautiful sections of the historical Canal du Midi

Cruise Features

Owner Operated: No
Number of Passengers: 6
Category: Ultra Deluxe
Cabin Bookings: No
Charter Bookings: Yes
Cruising Region: Canal du Midi, South of France
Length of Cruise: 6 nights - Sunday to Saturday
Cruising Season: March - October
Theme Cruises: Wine and Family Charters available upon request
Meeting Location: Designated location in Beziers, Carcassonne or Narbonne depending on itinerary

 

Floorplan

Cruise Rates 2025 - Charter only

Sunday to Saturday (6 nights)
2025 Value Season Departures  March 16-22, 23-29, 30-April 5 April ​6-12 July ​13-19, 20-26, 27-Aug 2 August ​3-9, 10-16, 17-23 October 12-18, 19-25, 26- Nov 1
2025 Charter Value Season Rates
4 passengers	$3​5,100
5/6 passengers	$3​9,000
2025 Regular Season Departures April 13-19, 20-26, 27-May 3 May ​4-10, 11-17, 18-24, 25-31 June ​1-7, 8-14, 15-21, 22-28, 29-July 5 July ​6-12 August 24-30, 31-Sept 6 September 7-13, 14-20, 21-27, 28-Oct 4 October 5-11
2025 Charter Regular Season Rates
4 passengers	$40,300
5/6 passengers	$​44,800

Cruise Rates 2026 - Charter only

Sunday to Saturday (6 nights)
2026 Value Season Departures  March 15-21, 22-28, 29-April 4 April ​5-11 July ​12-18, 19-25, 26-Aug 1 August ​2-8, 9-15, 16-22 October 11-17, 18-24, 25-31
2026 Charter Value Season Rates
4 passengers	$3​5,100
5/6 passengers	$3​9,000
2026 Regular Season Departures April 12-18, 19-25, 26-May 2 May ​3-9, 10-16, 17-23, 24-30, 31-June 6 June 7-13, 14-20, 21-27, 28-July 4 July ​5-11 August 23-29, 30-Sept 5 September 6-12, 13-19, 20-26, 27-Oct 3 October 4-10
2026 Charter Regular Season Rates
4 passengers	$40,300
5/6 passengers	$​44,800

 

Included in Cruise Price

• Round trip transfers between local meeting place and the barge
• Six nights accommodation in private stateroom with ensuite bath
• All meals, wine and drinks on board
• Open bar
• Daily escorted excursions by air-conditioned van
• All barge amenities including bicycles, music system, library, etc.

Not Included in Cruise Price

• Air or other transportation to the meeting location
• Trip cancellation or medical insurance (available when booking)
• Personal expenses
• A discretionary gratuity for the crew (suggested 5-10% of the cruise price)

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ROI SOLEIL Features

Passengers: 6 Category: Ultra Deluxe Crew: 4 Barge Size: 98 ft long Cabins: 3 Cabin Size: 160 sq ft, including bathroom Accommodations: 3 staterooms with queen or twin beds Heat & Air: Central heat and air conditioning Amenities Hairdryers Bathrobes Heated towel racks Bathroom sundries by "Occitane" Library Fireplace Bicycles TV, DVD and bar in salon iPod dock Foreward sundeck Aft teak sundeck with spa pool and dining area with retractable awning Email Access: Email access (GSM), 3G WiFi TV/DVD/CD: DVD library, Bose sound system Electricity: 220V Theme Cruises Wine and Family Charters available upon request

 

Cruising on ROI SOLEIL

Canal du Midi
Between Beziers and Homps (near Carcassonne)

The crew of Roi Soleil work closely with you to design a cruise that is suited just right for your interests. Whether your passion is for history, arts and crafts, adventure, village atmosphere, wine discovery or shopping ... your cruise aboard Roi Soleil will be personally tailored to your specific interests.

Sunday - Transfer to the Barge near Béziers. Cruise to Portiragnes
A transfer to the barge from the designated meeting location with welcome aboard cocktails. A sailing along the canal ​through a rural area of wetlands and designated reserve for flamingos and horses. Mooring for the night in Portiragnes.

Monday - Portiragnes to Fonseranne
​​A morning cruise through the great locks of Fonseranne, followed by an excursion to historical city of Pézenas with its famed architecture and many artisan & antique shops. Or, an excursion to the impressive hill village of Roquebrun by the river Orb for a swim or kayak. Or, a visit to the pre-Roman Oppidum of Enserune, a major archaeological site with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Or, visit Béziers historical center and shops.

Tuesday - Fonseranne to Capestang
​A morning cruise takes us into the heart of the historic village of Capestang, followed by a private visit to the Cistercian Abbey of Fontroide, one of the finest examples in France. Other options are: 1) An excursion to the impressive hill village of Roquebrun by the river Orb for a swim or kayak; 2) A visit to a Camargue bull and horse ranch with the opportunity to round up the bulls on horseback or; 3) A wine tasting at the cellar of a top French Sommelier and supplier to Michelin starred chefs.

Wednesday - Capestang to Le Somail
A morning excursion to the charming City of Narbonne that was the Roman Capital of the early Gaulles with its vibrant food market and famed art and Roman archeology museums within the Bishop Palace - a highlight of the week. An afternoon sailing to the peaceful country village of Le Somail with an impressive antique bookstore and sailing beneath the smallest canal bridge in France.

Thursday - Le Somail to Paraza
A morning visit to the hill village of Minerve, which is a beautiful natural site that has a dramatic history dating back to the time of the Crusades, or a visit to prized olive oil mill, Oulibo, and a historic Languedoc village. An afternoon sail to Paraza from where we ​moor for the evening and have a private wine tasting in a renown Minervois domain with 15 varietals.

Friday - Paraza to Homps
Visit to the fortified city of Carcassonne​, Europe's largest medieval fortress. ​Absorb the medieval history of this great ​city ​while enjoy the opportunity for some shopping. Or, visit the medieval village of Lagrasse and its artisans. In the afternoon, we ​head to Homps​, cruising through several locks. This is a good chance to walk or bike the towpath along the canal.

Saturday - Transfer to Drop-Off Point
A leisurely breakfast onboard then transfer to departure point by 10AM.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. The itinerary is in reverse direction on alternate weeks. Other options of tours available depending on the interests of the guests.

Barge Cruise Reviews for ​Roi Soleil

"It is always refreshing to have a trip exceed expectations, and our time on the Roi Soleil was above and beyond!! The entire crew were terrific. Our every need was addressed and we felt right at home from the moment we stepped on the barge till our reluctant departure. The excursions were well coordinated and offered sufficient time for sightseeing, shopping and a great deal of history. The barge and cabin exceeded our expectations and looked like it was just built - very well designed and spacious. Beth did an outstanding job in making the process so easy. Very proactive communication and fantastic follow-up." John S.