Provence - Midi I Barge Cruise

The sun of Provence and the wilderness of Camargue

Cruise the rivers and canals in southern France aboard your own private 4-passenger luxury river yacht (7 days - 6 nights). Discover 2,000 years of art, history and heritage, plus some of the finest wines in the world, on the sunny banks of the Rhone River. Go deep into unspoiled landscape and centuries of tradition in the flatlands of the Camargue, the Rhone delta on the shores of the Mediterranean. Spot flocks of pink flamingos and herds of wild horses in the distance, and marvel at unusual fauna and colorful flora while slowly gliding down the tranquil waters of the Rhone-Sete Canal.

This barge-hotel has been reconfigured as a private yacht with a romantic 270 square foot stateroom and a guest suite. It offers superb accommodations plus a spa pool, a steam shower and exercise equipment. Have an "aperitif" on the deck while watching the sun set over the lagoon and let Provence gently warm your heart... one sip at a time..

TYPICAL BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY
(actual program may vary)

Day 1 - Sunday: Beaucaire (Avignon). You will be met at your hotel, rental car return office or other location of your choice in Avignon, which is easily accessible by high-speed train from Paris or Nice. You will be taken to the barge, which will be moored in the nearby port of Beaucaire. Welcome aboard with a champagne toast and the first of many gourmet dinners.

Day 2 - Monday: Avignon to Bellegarde. This morning the first visit is Avignon. You will tour the largest Gothic palace in Europe, the Palais des Papes. Or, if you prefer, you can explore the picturesque shopping area around the palace or relax in a café on the town square. Following lunch on the river boat, you can visit the impressive Roman aqueduct, le Pont du Gard. A late afternoon cruise will take you to Bellegarde before dinner on the barge.

Day 3 - Tuesday: Bellegarde to St-Gilles. After breakfast on the river boat, drive along beautiful tree-lined roads to the enchanting hilltop medieval village of Les Baux de Provence. This is one of the most beautiful villages in France, known for its panoramic views over the Provence landscape and its colony of artisans. After lunch, time to relax and enjoy a peaceful cruise to St-Gilles, our mooring place for the night.

Day 4 - Wednesday: St-Gilles to Aigues-Mortes. After breakfast on the river boat, visit Arles, where Van Gogh fell in love with the light and colors of Provence. In the heart of town you will see Les Arenes, a Roman coliseum built in the first century AD, the remains of a Roman temple and St Trophime cathedral. Afternoon cruise through the stunningly beautiful Camargue National Park, home to countless wildlife including pink flamingos, black bulls and handsome white horses. Tonight you'll dine in a restaurant in the 13th-century walled town of Aigues-Mortes.

Day 5 - Thursday: Aigues-Mortes to Palavas-les-Flots. Aigues-Mortes became famous in the 13th century as a departure point for the Crusades.It is also well-known for the salt formations created from the evaporated water in the many marshes surrounding the area. The town has many historical sites to visit, and there will be time to shop for souvenirs. After lunch on the river boat, you'll set off to the most peaceful and romantic mooring of this cruise: the Maguelone Cathedral, a fortified 6th-century building, located outside Montpellier on a peninsula between the canal and the beautiful blue Mediterranean. Gourmet dinner aboard the barge.

Day 6 - Friday: Palavas to Frontignan. Today is a perfect day for walking or biking. The area has so much to offer: the cathedral surrounded by vineyards and water, the pink flamingos and other wildlife and, of course, the beautiful Mediterranean beaches. In the afternoon you will have a gentle cruise along peaceful lakes and ponds to the final mooring, close to Frontignan. Farewell dinner aboard the barge.

Day 7 - Saturday: Montpellier. Breakfast on the barge and transfer to Montpellier (train station, airport, car rental office, or your hotel).

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.

Canal du Midi Cruise: A second itinerary is also available, continuing westward on the very picturesque Canal du Midi. The final destination of this cruise is the World Heritage medieval walled city of Carcassonne. This itinerary can be customized around the routes described in our other cruises on this canal. (See cruises with names starting with the word "Midi" on our website and ask us for details.)

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Highlights

• Medieval city of Avignon
• The Pont du Gard (Roman aqueduct)
• Arles - Roman arena and temple
• The Camargue National Park
• Aigues-Mortes - walled town

Included

• Accommodations with private bath or shower
• Round trip transfers from specified meeting points
• Bed & Breakfast: breakfast only, no guided tours
• Half Board: breakfasts and lunches with wine on board, guided tours (dinners at local restaurants on your own)
• Full Board: all meals and guided tours; wine and bar drinks included

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 (maximum 4 passengers)
• Size: 100 ft. long
  
• Master suite (270 sq. ft.) has a queen bed with space for an extra twin bed if requested, a dressing table, a sofa, a huge shower with massage jets, full size antique bath tub and a separate toilet with bidet.
• Guest suite (170 sq. ft.) has twin beds that can be put together as a king bed.
  
• Large half-covered sun deck with table, chairs, lounges and exercise equipment.
• Spa/Jacuzzi
• TV and stereo system
• Air conditioning
• Crew of 2-4 people, depending on package requested
• Air-conditioned Mercedes SUV for excursions

Cruise Departures

Every Sunday subject to availability (except winter)

This river boat is for private charters only. Various themes can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group.

  

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

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