L'Impressionniste Canal Barge - Provence, France: 7 Days Cruise Tour The 12 passenger L'Impressionniste, sister ship to La Belle Epoque began life as a cargo barge in Holland before undergoing a complete transformation into the powerful canal and river cruiser she is today. Her light and airy interior features picture windows and selections of prints, fabrics and wall colorings reminiscent of the turn of the century era after which she has been named. She is crewed by a knowledgeable Captain, Mater Chef and crew of three. L'Impressionniste's classic route covers some fine rural cruising, with plenty of opportunity to cycle and stroll along the tow-path and wander into nearby villages. Inclusions Highlights Features Itinerary Dates Inclusions Gourmet cuisine including 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners All-inclusive open bar including free wines Entry fees to excursions Highlights Avignon, the Pope's Palace, Chateauneuf du Pape wine tasting Walking tour of Van Gogh's Arles Medieval city of Aigues Mortes The wild horses, bulls and flamingos of the Camargue National Park Marseillan's distillery and tasting of Noilly Prat Vermouth L'Etang du Thau and its oyster beds Special Notes Travel March through November from $3050.00. Please call for rates and availability.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Avignon
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.

Day 2 - Villeneuve-les-Avignon to Vallabregues
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 Rene's castle at Tarascon. Dinner on board.

Day 3 - Vallabregues to Aigues Mortes
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.

Day 4 - Aigues Mortes to Maguelone
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.

Day 5 - Maguelone to Marseillan
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.

Day 6 - Marseillan to Agde
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.

Day 7 - Agde
After breakfast, we transfer you by minibus to Agde TGV station by 10AM or Montpellier TGV station, airport or hotel by 11AM.

Travel Dates & Rates, Ask Agent

• Note: From pricing is per person based on double occupancy and does not include airfare. Itinerary operates in reverse on alternate weeks. Itineraries are subject to change due to canal/river conditions and are at the sole discretion of the captain.

Prices subject to change without notice until time of deposit. All dollar values not denoted as US or CA are in US Dollars.