Cruise Provence and the Camargue aboard a 13-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). This barge began life as a cargo vessel in Holland before undergoing a complete transformation into the powerful canal and river cruiser it is today. Its light and airy interior features picture windows and a selection of prints, fabrics and wall colorings reminiscent of turn-of-the-century style and atmosphere. A week of cruising Provence and the Camargue National Park introduces you to an intriguing blend of canal, river and lake cruising. You'll enjoy a fascinating journey along five very different waterways between Avignon and Agde.
Typical Itinerary (actual program may vary)
Day 1, Sunday: Avignon. Guests are met at a specified Avignon hotel at 4 p.m. and escorted to the barge for a champagne welcome. Dinner on board in Avignon.
Day 2, Monday: Avignon to Vallabregues. This morning we visit the Palais des Papes in Avignon or enjoy a wine tasting at Châteauneuf du Pape, former vineyard of the Pope. After a stroll through the vibrant shopping district of Avignon, we return to the barge for lunch. In the afternoon we cruise down the mighty Rhône River to Vallabregues, passing the intriguing citadel of King René at Tarascon and the foothills of the Alpilles. Dinner on board.
Day 3, Tuesday: Vallabregues to Aigues Mortes. This morning we explore Arles, the Roman Arena, St. Trophime's Basilica and the Museum of Provençal Life. We visit some of Vincent Van Gogh's haunts on foot in the heart of this old Camargue capital. We return to the barge for a cruise down the Petit Rhône and on to the Canal du Rhône à Sète, which carries us to our mooring beside the medieval fortified town of Aigues Mortes. Dinner ashore at a local restaurant.
Day 4, Wednesday: Aigues Mortes to Maguelone. Stroll from our mooring outside the Aigues Mortes town walls to visit the Tour de Constance, built in 1248 as a lighthouse for the returning 13th century crusaders. In the afternoon we cruise through the Camargue National Park with its wild horses, abundant sea birds and flocks of pink flamingos, to the hamlet of Les Aresquiers where we are close to the Mediterranean. Dinner on board the barge.
Day 5, Thursday: Maguelone to Marseillan. Early start for the Frontignan lift bridge. After lunch we sail out onto l'Etang de Thau, a large, inland salt water lagoon full of oyster beds. After lunch on board we arrive in Marseillan, a beautiful Mediterranean fishing village. Before dinner on board, you might enjoy an apéritif wine tasting in a local Languedoc vineyard.
Day 6, Friday: Marseillan to Agde. Before the barge sails, we have an opportunity to tour the cellars and distillery of the world famous apéritif Noilly Prat, followed by a tasting. Then an afternoon cruise on the tree-lined Canal du Midi, the oldest complete canal in France, to Agde. We moor in the shadow of the cathedral built of lava blocks from the nearby Black Mountains. Captain's farewell dinner on board the barge.
Day 7, Saturday: Agde to Montpellier. After breakfast we take you to Montpellier TGV station, airport or hotel by 11:00 am. Tour end point - end of cruise.
On alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change without notice.
Highlights:
- Medieval city of Avignon
- Ancient city of Arles
- The Camargue National Park
- Noilly Prat cellars and distillery.
Included:
- Accommodations with private bath or shower and all meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7
- Wine with lunch and dinner and selected alcoholic beverages consumed aboard the barge
- Sightseeing tours and entrance fees as specified
- Round trip transfers from specified meeting points.
Not Included:
- Transportation to and from beginning and end points
- Health and travel insurance
- Crew gratuities
- Superior vintage wines
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities when available
- Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above.
Barge Features:
- Cabins: 2 doubles/4 twins/1 single (13 passengers)
- 5 crew members
- Size: 128 ft. long
- Spa/Jacuzzi, sauna, chart room
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned coaches for excursions.
Departures every Sunday subject to availability (except winter)
This barge can be chartered or tandemed with a sister ship for groups. Various itineraries, themes and dates can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group. Extra customized trips and excursions may be added before or after the cruise.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Low season: US$3990 per person double occupancy. Add $600 for high season, $260 for suite with bathtub. Single cabin: $4350-$4990.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Food & Wine
Barging
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