A Day of Landscapes, History and Local Flavours
This varied private tour combines everything that makes Southern France so special: peaceful waterways, spectacular medieval villages, outstanding local produce and excellent wines.
From vineyards and the tranquil waters of the Canal du Midi to olive groves and dramatic limestone landscapes, you'll discover the traditions that have shaped this remarkable corner of Occitanie. Designed for travellers seeking an authentic and personalised experience, the day unfolds at a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities to meet local producers, enjoy regional cuisine and discover places that many visitors never find.
Private Cruise on the Canal du Midi
Our first stop is the charming village of Le Somail, one of the prettiest ports along the Canal du Midi and a favourite stop for boaters and cyclists alike.
Here you'll board your private boat for a relaxing one-hour cruise along one of France's greatest engineering achievements and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As you glide peacefully beneath centuries-old plane trees, your guide will share the fascinating story of Pierre-Paul Riquet and the extraordinary construction of the canal while you enjoy a tasting of carefully selected Languedoc wines on board.
It's one of the most relaxing and memorable moments of the day.
Discover the Olive Groves of the Languedoc
After your cruise, we continue to a traditional olive oil producer, where you'll discover how olives are harvested, pressed and transformed into some of the region's finest extra virgin olive oils.
Olive cultivation has deep roots in the Languedoc. Although the devastating frost of 1956 destroyed many of the region's historic olive trees, passionate producers have helped revive this important part of the local agricultural heritage.
During your visit you'll learn about traditional and modern production techniques before enjoying a tasting of several distinctive olive oils.
Lunch Overlooking Minerve
Lunch is another opportunity to experience the flavours of the region.
Enjoy a leisurely meal prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients in one of our carefully selected local restaurants.
For those wishing to make the day even more special, this tour can be enhanced with our Gourmet Experience at Aux 2 Rivières, beautifully located in the spectacular village of Minerve. Overlooking the confluence of the Cesse and Brian rivers, this outstanding restaurant offers refined regional cuisine accompanied by carefully selected local wine pairings, creating one of the finest dining experiences in the Minervois.
Explore the Medieval Village of Minerve
After lunch you'll have time to explore Minerve, officially recognised as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.
Perched dramatically above deep limestone gorges, the village is renowned for both its extraordinary natural setting and its pivotal role during the Albigensian Crusade.
As you wander through its medieval streets with your private guide, you'll discover the fascinating history of the Cathars, admire spectacular viewpoints and enjoy time to browse artisan shops or simply soak up the unique atmosphere.
Discover the Wines of the Minervois
The final stop of the day takes you into the vineyards of the Minervois, one of the Languedoc's most respected wine appellations.
You'll visit a carefully selected family-owned winery where you'll explore the vineyards and cellars before learning how the region's expressive wines are crafted.
Your visit concludes with a generous tasting of wines that perfectly reflect the character of this remarkable terroir.
For wine enthusiasts wishing to explore even further, premium winery experiences and exclusive tastings can also be arranged.
More Than a Day Tour
This experience brings together many of the elements that define Southern France.
- UNESCO World Heritage.
- Outstanding natural landscapes.
- Historic villages.
- Exceptional local produce.
- Excellent wines.
Combining a private canal cruise, olive oil, gastronomy, history and wine, it offers one of the most complete and rewarding introductions to the Languedoc.
Tour Highlights
- Departure: Pick-up from your accommodation
- Duration: Full day
- Pick-up: Carcassonne, Narbonne and surrounding areas (other locations available on request)
- Included
✔ Private transportation
✔ Private licensed guide and wine expert
✔ Private Canal du Midi cruise
✔ Wine tasting on board
✔ Olive oil tasting
✔ Winery visit
✔ Wine tasting
✔ Lunch - Walking: Easy to Moderate
- Optional Enhancements: Gourmet dining and premium wine experiences are available upon request.
- Customisation: As a private experience, the itinerary can be adapted, where possible, to suit your interests, pace and preferences.
Tour at a Glance
- Departure: Pick-up from your accommodation
- Duration: Full day
- Pick-up: Carcassonne, Narbonne and surrounding areas (other locations available on request)
- Included
✔ Private transportation
✔ Private licensed guide and wine expert
✔ Two winery visits
✔ Wine tastings
✔ Visit to the Abbey of Saint-Hilaire
✔ Lunch - Walking: Easy
- Customisation: As a private experience, the itinerary can be adapted, where possible, to suit your interests, pace and preferences.
