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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.
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| 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.
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| 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'.
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