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Cruise In The South Of France On The Canal du Midi Aboard The First Class
Hotel-Barge Black Mountain (formerly "Emma")
BARGE CRUISES: SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS
The 6-passenger Emma is now operating as the "Black Mountain" -- named for
the region at the top of the Canal du Midi which links both Mediterranean and
the Atlantic Ocean. "Black Mountain" is a beautifully restored turn of the
century barge, cruising in the balmy Mediterranean climate, creating an
experience of a lifetime.
Black Mountain was built in Belgium in 1905 as a cargo barge and converted to a
hotel barge in 2002 by its former owners, Liz and Renè Jacquot, and has
now been renovated by its new owner, Arnaud Annani. There is a bright and
spacious salon and dining area with large arched double glazed windows offering
a good view of the countryside. The three cabins each have their own en-suite
bathroom with shower, sink and commode. All three cabins can be configured with
either a queen bed or two twin-sized beds. There is a large deck with dining
table and chairs for alfresco dining, lounge chairs and sofa for relaxing and a
canopy for shade.
Black Mountain cruises between Castelnaudary and Carcassonne on the beautiful
300-year-old Canal du Midi, where you can cycle along the canal towpath as the
barge cruises or just relax on board and watch the world glide by. You can visit
ancient villages where time appears to stand still, country chateaux where you
can taste the wine grown in their own vinyards, and shop at the local markets
where you will be amazed by the colorful displays of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Daily excursions include a visit to Carcassonne, the biggest and best fortified
city in Europe, which has been extensively restored, Narbonne, once the capital
of Roman Gaul and now also famous for its large covered market and the medieval
village of Minerve.
For details see the sample itineraries below.
Features
- Size of barge: 94 ft. by 16 ft.
- Number of Passengers: 6
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 3
- Crew: 4
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: Salon/dining area with large windows, comfortable
sofa and armchairs and TV.
- Bar: Open bar with full board
- Deck: Large teak table and chairs, and lounge chairs,
canopy for shade.
- Spa Tub: Not available.
- Cabin Features: Three cabins 100 sq. ft. each, one with
double bed, two with twins or queen bed, all with ensuite bathroom with
shower
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned
minibus
- Accessibility: Steps to salon, one step to
cabins
- Bicycles: 6 available - VTT and ladies road bike
- 5 Night Charter: Available on request
- Wi-Fi: Yes - for email only (limited in some areas)
Black Mountain's (formerly Emma) Deck Plan
LA PENICHE BLACK MOUNTAIN
2022 SEASON PRICES in
US DOLLARS |
TYPE |
REGULAR Apr 3 thru Oct 29 |
Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$5,200 |
Single Occupancy Supplement |
$2,300 |
Charter for 4 |
$23,800 |
Charter for 5 |
$26,200 |
Charter for 6 |
$28,600 |
Half Board Charter for 4 |
$22,500 |
Half Board Charter for 5 |
$24,300 |
Half Board Charter for 6 |
$26,700 |
Five Night Charter for 4 |
$21,900 |
Five Night Charter for 5 |
$23,100 |
Five Night Charter for 6 |
$25,000 |
LA PENICHE BLACK MOUNTAIN
2023 SEASON PRICES in
US DOLLARS |
TYPE |
Please visit our ...
Special Offers Page
... to see potential discounts for this barge or many others.
NOTE: Rates subject to change at any time. Please contact us for current
prices.
What's IncludedFull Board:
- 7 days
and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with ensuite bathroom
- Transfers from
Toulouse or Carcassonne to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with
dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday either on board or on shore
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted
side-excursions (golf, etc at extra cost)
- Use of bicycles
Half Board:
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin
with ensuite bathroom
- Transfers from Toulouse or Carcassonne to the
barge and return
- All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners on board,
beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines
with lunches and dinners on board
- Open bar
- All escorted
side-excursions (golf, etc at extra cost)
- Use of
bicycles
What's Not
IncludedFull Board:
- Overseas air transportation to
Paris and return
- Transfers from Paris to the barge pickup point and
return
- Suggested 5 - 10% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the
captain in equivalent Euros
- Trip cancellation insurance
Half Board:
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transfers
from Paris to the barge pickup point and return
- 2 dinners and 3 lunches
on shore at passenger's expense
- Suggested 5 - 10% gratuity for the crew,
to be given to the captain in equivalent Euros
- Trip cancellation
insurance
La Peniche Black Mountain
2022 Season Cruise Schedule* |
Week |
Route (Or Reverse) |
Season |
Mar 20 |
Castelnaudary-Carcassonne |
|
Mar 27 |
Carcassonne-Castelnaudary |
|
Apr 3 |
Castelnaudary-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
Apr 10 |
Carcassonne-Castelnaudary |
Regular
|
Apr 17 |
Castelnaudary-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
Apr 24 |
Carcassonne-Castelnaudary |
Regular
|
May 1 |
Castelnaudary-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
May 8 |
Carcassonne-Castelnaudary |
Regular
|
May 15 |
Castelnaudary-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
May 22 |
Carcassonne-Castelnaudary |
Regular
|
May 29 |
Castelnaudary-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
Jun 5 |
Carcassonne-Castelnaudary |
Regular
|
Jun 12 |
Castelnaudary-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
Jun 19 |
Carcassonne-Castelnaudary |
Regular
|
Jun 26 |
Castelnaudary-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
Jul 3 |
Carcassonne-Castelnaudary |
Regular
|
Jul 10 |
Castelnaudary-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
Jul 17 |
Carcassonne-Castelnaudary |
Regular
|
Jul 24 |
Castelnaudary-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
Jul 31 |
Carcassonne-Castelnaudary |
Regular
|
Aug 7 |
Castelnaudary-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
Aug 14 |
Carcassonne-Castelnaudary |
Regular
|
Aug 21 |
Castelnaudary-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
Aug 28 |
Carcassonne-Castelnaudary |
Regular
|
Sep 4 |
Castelnaudary-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
Sep 11 |
Carcassonne-Castelnaudary |
Regular
|
Sep 18 |
Castelnaudary-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
Sep 25 |
Carcassonne-Castelnaudary |
Regular
|
Oct 2 |
Castelnaudary-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
Oct 9 |
Carcassonne-Castelnaudary |
Regular
|
Oct 16 |
Castelnaudary-Carcassonne |
Regular
|
Oct 23 |
Carcassonne-Castelnaudary |
Regular
|
*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be
in reverse
and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation
conditions.
Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed.
For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
BLACK MOUNTAIN (formerly EMMA) ITINERARIES
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Canal du Midi
Carcassonne (Puicheric) to Toulouse (Castelnaudary) 2020
Saturday
Your guide will meet you at 5pm at your chosen rendezvous point and bring you to
where Black Mountain is moored at the lock of Aiguille, with its crazy
sculptures, to meet your host and crew of Black Mountain. Once you are settled
on board we shall cruise off with champagne cocktails out into the vineyards to
Marseillette.
Sunday
We go off to explore the biggest and best fortified city in Europe, Carcassonne.
Although dating from the time of Charlemagne, it has been extensively restored.
You can walk along the ramparts, visit the Chateau Comptal, shop in the
boutiques along the cobbled streets, visit galleries and museums and get the
feel of life in the middle ages. Put your feet up and relax during our afternoon
cruise, which takes us through a few locks past the town of Trèbes to
Villedubert. Have a stroll through the vineyards, cycle the towpath or just sit
and have a glass of local wine, read your book while your gourmet dinner is
being prepared.
Monday
This morning your guide will take you up into the hills to visit the Gouffre
Geant de Cabrespine. This fabulous cave is so vast that you can fit the Eiffel
Tower inside with room to spare so no feeling claustrophobic here. After lunch
we shall cruise through locks, under bridges over rivers, through the typical
Languedocian countryside to moor up for your evening halt near
Villeseqelande.
Tuesday
This morning your visit will take you through the rolling plains of the
Lauraigais, fields of sunflowers in summer and views of the snow-capped
mountains on a clear day, to the town of Mirepoix. We shall stop off at
Fanjeaux, home of St Dominic and the Dominican Convent; the views are
spectacular. Mirepoix itself is renowned for its wooden columns surrounding the
main market square, its colombaged houses and its cathedral. After lunch you
captain will gently guide you along the canal, going through a selection of
locks to moor up in the lovely Lauragais countryside.
Wednesday
This morning we shall cruise to the town of Bram. This is what is known as a
"Circulade" as the village follows a spiral pattern like a snail's shell. It is
market day in Bram so if you like to go to the market, this is your day. For
lovers of sparkling wine, this afternoon's visit is to Limoux. This was where
the very first bubble was discovered by the monks who didn't think to patent the
discovery and so it was taken to the north and became Champagne.
Thursday
Our cruise this morning is to the town famous for its cassoulet, Castelnaudary.
After the canal, we come out into Le Grand Bassin with its views over the
rooftops of the city. There is a Gothic Collegiale with its 56 meter bell tower,
the 17th Century windmill and the Chapelle Notre Dame de la Pitié with
its gold covered wooden sculptures. This afternoon's visit is to the Lac St
Ferreol, the reason why the Canal du Midi was possible. It was the only land
which had slopes both to the Atlantic and to the Mediterranean. You will see the
intricate irrigation system, which allows us to have the canal we love today. To
think this was all discovered in the 1600's on horseback by Paul Riquet. Return
to Black Mountain for your final gala dinner, lovingly prepared by your personal
chef.
Friday
Sadly you must leave us this morning, and after breakfast, your guide will be
ready to escort you to your onward departure point.
Note: This is a sample itinerary as each cruise is adapted to take in the likes
and interests of its guests. It runs in reverse on alternate weeks.
Dining Aboard The Black Mountain (formerly Emma):
SAMPLE MENU
Continental breakfast every morning will include fresh baguettes, croissants and
pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, homemade jams,
fruit juices,
freshly brewed coffe and tea.
LUNCH
- Home-made pâtés and terrines
- Savory tarts like pissaladière niçoise (onion and anchovie
tart)
- Assorted quiche
- Mixed, colorful salads
- Homemade pickles
DINNER
- Tartar of smoked salmon & crab
- Glazed breast of duck with grapefruit & ginger marmalade
- Roast saddle of lamb stuffed with garlic and rosemary served with a
chiffonade of spring cabbage and a minced herb roll
- Velouté of asparagus and wild salmon with roast asparagus and lime
mousseline sauce
- Assorted French cheese
- Panna Cotta with a raspberry coulis and fresh fruit
- Coffee & liquers
SAMPLE CHEESE BOARD
- Brie de Meaux
- Crottin de Chavignol
- Bleu de Bresse
- Roquefort
SAMPLE WINES
- Chateau la Voulte-Gasparets
- Domaine Rimbert
- Chateau St Eualalie
- Muscat St Jean de Minervois
Passenger Comments:
The service was outstanding! Exceptionally warm, friendly, hospitable, prompt,
responsive - and the list of positives goes on... The entire crew was welcoming
and made the experience a joy and delight.
The excursions were very interesting, informative, and nice variety -
appreciated the opportunity to interact with local people, experience the
culture, history of region, etc. Guide was flexible and attentive; well informed
about the region. High points were the leisurely, relaxing pace - immersion in
culture and people - especially warm, friendly, attentive and welcoming barge
owners and staff - consistently delicious, french gourmet meals and wines and
pairings with great attention to detail and creation of a true gastronomic
experience!! - learning about the history and culture of southern France by
experiencing it.
D&D M., MA USA
We had a wonderful time, Liz was the consummate hostess. The food and wine was
outstanding. The excursions were interestingting and varied. The meals were
delicious, we enjoyed every meal. Liz made us a cake to celebrate. She discussed
the menu with us beforehand, and made adjustments if necessary. She was very
accommodating. The wines were delicious. Loved the route. It was so picturesque.
I loved that we didn't have a lot of locks. I also loved the variety of our
moorings. Some busier that others. The dinners on the deck were the high point.
It was such a beautiful setting. And the food and wine were outstanding. We
enjoyed sitting out after dinner listening to music and looking at the stars.
Our time aboard the Emma was magical. It truly was the trip of a lifetime.
K.C. PA USA
Very memorable experience which combined casual cruising, historic exploration
of surrounding cultural sites experiencing exceptional local wine and cheeses.
The food was a taste delight. The cruise route is picturesque and tranquil with
something different around every corner. It is easy to get off and walk along
the path or ride bikes at any time. The service was impeccable, the meals and
wines outstanding and Rosie the tour guide, made history come alive. We would
most definitely recommend Special Places Travel to others who wish to have a
unique travel experience.
R. & S. N., NJ, USA
WOW!!! Liz, Rene, Amanda and Rosie took great care of us throughout the week.
There was nothing overlooked in the way of exceptional service. There were
sumptuous meals on the table every day, every meal. The meals included many
dishes we had never had before and so it was not only a great learning
experience but also wonderful creativity with lots of fresh ingredients. Fresh
bread and pastries each day was also a real treat. The wines were excellent and
we really enjoyed the variety of local wines some of which we helped select on
our tasting room day. Liz and I agreed this was the best overall vacation that
we have ever taken. The experience was exceptional and we will have wonderful
memories of a great trip for the rest of our lives. Thanks to Rene and Liz for
putting such a wonderful experience together.
S. & L. T., AZ, USA
Enjoyed it enormously. Rene & Liz were wonderful hosts and all aspects of the
trip ran very smoothly. Food & wine were exceptional. The high points of the
cruise were the welcome drinks on deck, the food & wine, Liz's Irish
hospitality! The service was excellent and we did not want for anything.
K.H., Australia
LINKS to Emma (now Black Mountain) Information
Email us at: info@bargesinfrance.com
This page last updated August 24, 2022