Provence - Camargue I Barge Cruise

From the Palace of the Popes to the wilderness of Camargue

Cruise the rivers and canals of southern France aboard a 13-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). This river boat began life as a cargo vessel in Holland before undergoing a complete transformation into the powerful canal and river cruise barge 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 BARGE CRUISE 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 river boat for a champagne welcome. Dinner on board the barge in Avignon.

Day 2 - Monday: Avignon to Vallabregues. This morning you can 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, return to the river boat 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 aboard the barge.

Day 3 - Tuesday: Vallabregues to Aigues Mortes. This morning, explore Arles, the Roman Arena, St. Trophime's Basilica and the Museum of Provençal Life. Visit some of Vincent Van Gogh's haunts on foot in the heart of this old Camargue capital. Return to the river boat for a cruise down the Petit Rhône River and on to the Canal du Rhône à Sète, with evening mooring beside the medieval fortified town of Aigues Mortes. Dinner ashore at a local restaurant.

Day 4 - Wednesday: Aigues Mortes to Maguelone. Stroll from the mooring outside the town walls of Aigues Mortes to visit the Tour de Constance, built in 1248 as a lighthouse for the returning 13th century crusaders. In the afternoon, cruise through the Camargue National Park with its wild horses, abundant sea birds and flocks of pink flamingos, to the hamlet of Les Aresquiers close to the Mediterranean Sea. Dinner aboard the barge.

Day 5 - Thursday: Maguelone to Marseillan. Early start for the Frontignan lift bridge. After lunch, cruise out onto l'Etang de Thau, a large, inland salt water lagoon full of oyster beds. After lunch aboard the river boat, you'll arrive in Marseillan, a beautiful Mediterranean fishing village. Before dinner aboard the barge, you might enjoy an apéritif wine tasting in a local Languedoc vineyard.

Day 6 - Friday: Marseillan to Agde. This morning, 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. Moor in the shadow of the cathedral built of lava blocks from the nearby Black Mountains. Captain's farewell dinner aboard the barge.

Day 7 - Saturday: Agde to Montpellier. After breakfast on the river boat, you will be taken to Montpellier TGV station, airport or hotel by 11:00 am.

On alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction, starting in Montpellier and ending in Avignon. This itinerary is subject to change without notice.

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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
• Barge crew gratuities (suggested 5% of cruise price)
• Superior vintage wines
• Personal expenses
• Optional activities when available
• Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above

Barge Features

• Cabins: 2 twin/1 double/3 twin or double/1 single (13 passengers)
• 5 crew members
• Size: 128 ft. long
  
• Spa/Jacuzzi, chart room
• Air conditioning and central heating
• Air-conditioned coaches for excursions

Cruise Departures

Every Sunday subject to availability (except winter)

This river boat can be chartered for groups. Various themes and dates can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group.

Standard/Individuals	Charters/Groups

We have personally visited this river boat and the Provence region in France where the cruise takes place. See pictures from our trips:

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