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~
Barge Cruises in France ~
Provence
- Midi I
The
sun of Provence and the wilderness of Camargue Cruise
the rivers and canals in southern France aboard your own private 6-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 cruising 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 master stateroom and 2 guest suites. 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.) [top] 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 sightseeing 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:
3 (maximum 6 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
suites (170 sq. ft. and 140 sq. ft.) have twin beds that can be put together as
a king bed. One guest suite is next to the master suite; the other is on the other
side of the wheel house.
- 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
barge is for private charters only. Various themes can be arranged to fit the
specific interests of each group. 
B&B
= 6 breakfasts, no guided tours; Half Board = 6 breakfasts, 1 dinner + 5 lunches
with wine, transportation to restaurants for other dinners, open bar, tours; Full
Board = all meals, wine with lunch and dinner, open bar, tours [top]
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