L'Impressionniste - All inclusive French luxury barge cruise vacation holidays aboard L'Impressionniste cruising the Rhone River and the Carmargue, Provence France

L'IMPRESSIONNISTE - STANDARD ITINERARY 2008

Luxury barge vacation cruises in Provence France
along the Rhone River and the Carmargue

Guests are met at 4pm at the delightful Grand Hotel in Avignon and escorted by minibus to L'Impressionniste for a Champagne Welcome. Dine aboard in Villeneuve-les-Avignon.

This morning we visit Avignon and the famous Palais des Papes, an impressive monument to the era of the 'Other Rome', when the popes moved to France, or enjoy a superb wine tasting at Chateauneuf du Pape, former vineyard of the Pope. In the afternoon we cruise down the mighty Rhone River, past the foothills of the Alpilles to Vallabregues, with a cycle or walking opportunity along the quiet river bank. Optional early evening tour of King René’s castle at Tarascon. Dinner on board.

This morning we explore Arles. Choose between the Roman Arena and Theatre, St. Trophime's Basilica and the Museum of Provencal life. We also visit some of Vincent van Gogh's haunts on foot through the heart of this old capital of the Camargue before rejoining the barge for our cruise along the Rhone. We join the Petit Rhone and then the Canal du Rhone-a-Sete that carries us to our mooring beneath the medieval fortified walls of Aigues Mortes. Dinner ashore at a local auberge.

Stroll from L’Impressionniste 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 white horses and black bulls, abundant sea bird life and flocks of elegant pink flamingos, to the vineyard-encircled Maguelone Abbey, just a short stroll or cycle from the nearby Mediterranean. Dinner on board.

An early morning cruise brings us to Frontignan lifting bridge. In the afternoon we sail out onto the Thau Lake, a large, inland salt-water lagoon with acres of mussel and oyster beds. Miniature sea horses can often be seen passing on the tide. Marseillan, a beautiful Mediterranean fishing village and home to the famous vermoutherie of Noilly Prat, is our visit for the day. There is also time to explore this vibrant small town. Dinner on board.

In the morning we cruise to Agde, which was settled by the Phoenicians in 2500 BC, along the tree-lined 17th century Canal du Midi. During our tour of Agde we encounter its cathedral built of lava blocks from the nearby Black Mountains and its labyrinth of narrow medieval streets. Our afternoon excursion is Pezenas, Versailles of the Languedoc region and former home to the French writer Moliere. Captain’s Dinner on board.

After breakfast, we transfer you by minibus to Agde TGV station by 10am or Montpellier TGV station, airport or hotel by 11am.

NOTE: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternative weeks the cruise operates in reverse direction and the pickup and drop off points are reversed.