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Barges by Country and Region: Canal du Midi

Fandango
Barge Information

Rating First Class = 3 Star
Deluxe = 4 Star
Ultra-Deluxe = 5 Star: Deluxe
Number of Passengers: 6
Number of Cabins: 3
Size of Vessel: 100 ft in length
Number of Crew: 4
Cruise Region: Canal du Midi
Other Regions Sailed: None

Whole Boat Charters starting at $26,000
Prices (per person) starting at $4,750
Matisse Cabin starting at $3,500
Charter Pricing for 4 Passengers Available

Tandem with Tango for 10 Starting at $51,000
Tandem Pricing for 12 & 14 Passengers Available

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Fandango


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Overview

Built in 1939 specifically to the dimensions of the locks and low stone arch bridges of the Canal du Midi, Fandango was later abandoned near Bordeaux in the 1970's when highways took over barge freight. The Provençal cosmetics company L'Occitane eventually restored her as the historical flagship of the Canal and a glamorous floating showroom. Fandango then returned to the Midi in 1998 to become a luxurious private charter barge for 4 to 6 passengers.

The lovely décor of Fandango has been featured in French home decorating magazines and on television. The sky lit salon replete with collectibles from 'la vieille France' is a welcoming space to curl up with a book or discuss the day's adventures. The open galley and bistro atmosphere on Fandango is perfect for those who enjoy a glass of wine and sharing tales while Hazel or the chef prepares a succulent feast.

Fandango is a sister barge to Tango, and tandem cruises are available with the two vessels. Mother/son owners Hazel Young and Daniel Sak work well together, providing a fantastic experience for guests. Hazel Young, is the creative force behind Fandango and Tango. A resident of France for nearly 30 years, Hazel sees to every detail aboard the two barges. A trained French chef, she also makes fine dining and excellent wines an important part of cruising on Fandango and Tango.

Accommodations

The Fandango has two stylishly decorated cabins which can be made up with twin or king beds and one smaller cozy cabin with a double bed for one or two guests.

All cabins have beautiful hand-made Provençal tiled ensuite bathrooms that are stunning yet functional.

Amenities

  • French country cuisine, typical of the Languedoc region, featuring:
    • Breakfast with freshly squeezed orange juice, warm baked goods, fresh fruit, eggs and more
    • Savory lunch feasts featuring salads, soufflés, quiches, soups, and cheeses
    • Candlelit dinners with classic French cuisine and divine desserts
  • One meal taken ashore at quality local restaurant
  • Wines served with lunch and dinner
  • Open bar
  • Tiled sundeck with hot tub, chairs, dining table and large parasols - perfect for al fresco dining
  • Air conditioning and central heating
  • Bicycles
Sample Itinerary

Béziers to Carcassonne

Sunday - Your tour guide meets you at your designated meeting point and accompanies you to Fandango moored on the edge of the Mediterranean in the Phenicien port town of Agde. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and provides the occasion to meet your Captain and the rest of the crew. You will enjoy the first of many wonderful feasts with dinner on board.

Monday - Enjoy a morning cruise through Camargue landscapes, black bulls and white horses graze alongside in canalside pastures. You will quickly settle into the rhythm of relaxing on board while the scenery changes before your eyes as Fandango heads inland shaded by the famous sycamore trees that line the canal. Today you'll take a wine tasting at the cellars of Noilly Prat, creators of the famous Vermouth, and a visit to Marseillan's oyster beds for some fresh oysters to enjoy on Fandango.

Tuesday - Excellent biking and walking opportunities abound during this morning's cruise towards the aqueduct and seven staircase locks of Béziers, the most exciting of Paul Riquet's engineering feats. You can get off at the locks and take advantage of the easy exercise while Fandango cruises leisurely alongside. After ascending the locks, you'll travel via minivan to Pézenas, renowned for the magnificent architecture of its elegant and historical townhouses. On the return journey, you can stop for a glass of cold white Picpoul de Pinet in a local vineyard before dinner on board.

Wednesday - This morning's excursion is to Narbonne, once Roman capital of the region, where you can walk on the rutted paving stones of the Via Domitia. Now a bustling and attractive Languedoc town there is something for all visitors, a stunning Cathedral and cloisters, a 100 yr. old covered Les Halles market where guests help the chef fill the shopping baskets to take back to Fandango, and for those that need designer boutiques, there are plenty. A relaxing afternoon cruise takes you to a delightful countryside mooring with spectacular views.

Thursday - Enjoy a morning cruise to the canalside village of Capestang where you can stroll into the village for a pastis at a terrace café and buy some postcards before lunch on deck. After navigating through the tiniest stone bridge as Fandango leaves Capestang, breathtaking vistas of vineyards as far as the eye can see, and views of the snow capped Pyrenees make this afternoon's cruise exceptionally beautiful. Enjoy a visit to L'Oulibo, the local olive mill boasting gold medals for both their oil and olives.

You will end the day with a drive up to the ruins of Minerve. Defeated by Simon de Montfort, the Cathars made their last stance here due to the natural protection of the canyons. After exploring, you'll have time to savor some fine wine of the captain's selection before dinner on board.

Friday - After a short morning cruise, the tour guide takes you to Carcassonne to discover Europe's largest medieval fortress city, including the Cathedral famous for its rose stained glass windows. You are invited out to lunch for a succulent cassoulet, confit of duck and special white beans simmered for hours, by far the most famous of Languedoc dishes. A late afternoon cruise takes you to the most picturesque canal village of Le Somail, where you will enjoy a farewell dinner in this exquisite peaceful setting.

Saturday - After breakfast your tour guide will take you to the departure point for the continuation of your journey.


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