Special itinerary featuring the Canal du Midi, Provence and La Camargue, France: Marseillan to Avignon
Sunday, Day 1 - Marseillan
Guests are met in Narbonne (other locations available for Private Charter bookings) and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Anjodi. Enjoy a chilled champagne welcome with canapés and the opportunity to meet your crew, followed perhaps by a relaxing stroll around the lovely lakeside village of Marseillan, home of Noilly Prat vermouth. You might also visit a local oyster farm, to sample its delicious produce with a glass of fragrant Faugeres and a view of the oyster beds. Dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 - Marseillan to Les Aresquiers
This morning we tour the 12th century Cistercian Abbey of Valmagne, renowned for the medieval medicinal herb gardens and some simply stunning architecture. After lunch aboard we cruise across the Thau lake (Etang de Thau) to Les Aresquiers, passing the Frontignan swing bridge en route where we may well stop for a Muscat tasting before reaching our mooring which is just a short stroll from a Mediterranean beach. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Les Aresquiers to Aigues Mortes
It's an early start today as we spend the morning cruising towards the Camargue National Park past flocks of pink flamingos and wild white horses to the ancient walled city of Aigues Mortes which was built for the Crusades. Lunch aboard and then it's into the city to climb the 12th century defensive Constance Tower, originally built by Charlemagne in the 8th century. Our more energetic guests may wish to walk the one mile circumference of the town on the parapet of its walls, affording spectacular views. Dinner is taken ashore in one of the many local restaurants specializing in dishes of the Camargue.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Aigues Mortes to Franquevaux
This morning we cruise towards the Petit Rhone River. After lunch we visit Arles, the city famed for inspiring over 300 paintings by Van Gogh; explore the 1st century Roman Arena, St Trophime's Basilica and the museum of Provencal life and stroll the pedestrianized sleepy heart of this old Camargue capital. Dinner on board.
Thursday, Day 5 - Franquevaux to Vallabregues
After an early start, we join the Petit Rhone and head upstream before entering the mighty Rhone river itself. Passing the fortified medieval town of Beaucaire and the citadel of Tarascon, we cruise to our mooring at the little town of Vallabregues. Lunch aboard is followed by a visit to Avignon to climb the many steps to the Rocher des Doms, stroll through the Papal gardens and tour the Palais des Papes. Dinner is served aboard.
Friday, Day 6 - Vallabregues to Villeneuve les Avignon
We continue upstream on the Rhone before mooring at Villeneuve les Avignon, a short walk from the old city of Avignon and its famous bridge. Following lunch we tour the Château Neuf du Pape commune and enjoy a private wine tasting at a renowned wine maker before returning to the barge, perhaps for a stroll before the Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 - Villeneuve les Avignon
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to either their choice of location in Avignon or to Marseilles airport (other locations available for Private Charter bookings).
NOTE: On alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
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