L'Impressionniste cruises the Rhône and Camargue in Provence.

I T I N E R A R Y
SUNDAY, 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 Avignon.

MONDAY, Day 2
Avignon to Arles This morning we visit the 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. After a stroll though the vibrant shopping district of Avignon, we return to the barge for lunch. In the afternoon we cruise down the mighty Rhone river to Arles, passing the intriguing citadel of King René at Tarascon and the foothills of the Alpilles. Dinner on board.

TUESDAY, Day 3
Arles to Aigues Mortes This morning we explore Arles, the Roman Arena and Theatre, St. Trophime's church 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 up the Rhone. We join the Petit Rhone and then the Canal du Rhone a Sete which carries us to our mooring beside the medieval fortified town of Aigues Mortes. Dinner ashore at a local auberge.

WEDNESDAY, Day 4
Aigues Mortes to Frontignan Stroll from our mooring outside the Aigues Mortes town walls to visit the Tour de Constance, built in 1248 as a lighthouse for the returning 13th century crusaders. In the afternoon, we cruise the Canal du Rhone à Sete through the Camargue National Park with its wild white horses, abundant sea bird life and flocks of elegant pink flamingos, to the hamlet of Les Aresquiers where we are close to the Mediterranean. Dinner on board.

THURSDAY, Day 5
Frontignan to Marseillan An early morning cruise brings us to Frontignan. This is followed by a chance to explore Sete, 'the Venice of the Languedoc', with its thriving fishing fleet and fish market. In the afternoon we sail out onto the Thau lake, a large, inland salt water lagoon full of mussel and oyster beds. The water is so clear that you can sometimes see miniature sea horses passing on the tide. After lunch on board we arrive in Marseillan, a beautiful Mediterranean fishing village. Before dinner on board, you might enjoy an aperitif wine-tasting in a local Languedoc vineyard.

FRIDAY, Day 6
Marseillan to Agde Before the ship sails we have an opportunity to tour the cellars and distillery of the world famous vermouth Noilly Prat, followed by a tasting. In the afternoon we cruise on the Canal du Midi, the oldest complete canal in France, to the town of Agde, followed by a tour of Agde itself, including its Cathedral built of lava blocks from the nearby Black Mountains. Captain’s Dinner on board.

SATURDAY, Day 7
Agde Return transfer by minibus to Agde TGV station by 10am or Montpellier TGV station, airport or hotel by 11am.

On alternate weeks the itinerary is reversed and the meeting point changed. 

From $3,990* per person based on double occupancy

From $4,590* per person based on single occupancy

Whole boat charters are available, please inquire for prices.

Accommodation with private bath or shower All meals with selected regional wines All sightseeing tours and admittance fees as stipulated Use of vessels’ bicycles and other facilities Roundtrip transfers from specified meeting point

*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.  Seasonal supplements and blackout dates may apply.