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6 nights from

£2795

Péniche Provençale

An unhurried antidote to the pace of modern life, this ‘no fly’ tour takes the train to Avignon, and cruises from Roman ruins in Arles to revelations on the Canal du Rhône à Sète, in medieval Aigues-Mortes, the Camargue wilderness, and Étang de Thau sea-lake

Small vessels are a big advantage on the slow-motion waterways of southern France, and our barge for this tour is a beautiful blend of comfort and convenience. The exclusive MS Péniche Anne-Marie has just ten air-conditioned cabins, an elegant dining room, lounge bar, and sun terrace with jacuzzi, and carries bicycles for guests’ use when the vessel is moored. The 60-mile tour of tranquillity floats from herb-scented hills to medieval towns and Mediterranean beaches along the Canal du Rhône à Sète, a unique waterway which is mostly straight, almost totally at or near sea level and, in parts, parallel with the shore. Beginning on the banks of the Rhône, among the Roman relics of Van Gogh’s old home of Arles, the journey’s westward run leads to the wine cellars of Gallician; the imposing fortified town of Aigues-Mortes, in the heart of the marshlands; through the Camargue to the 7km of sandy beaches at seaside Villeneue les Maguelone; to journey’s end at captivating Sète, criss-crossed with canals; from where we visit the oyster farms of Étang de Thau, and the pilgrimage village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. With excursions enroute, to Pont du Gard, Nîmes, and Montpellier, we conclude with a sightseeing tour in Avignon on the last day.

Overview

  • Day 1  - Avignon / Sète
  • Day 2  - Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert / Etang de Thau
  • Day 3  - Villeneuve les Maguelone
  • Day 4  - Aigues-Mortes / Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
  • Day 5  - Gallician
  • Day 6  - Arles
  • Day 7  - Avignon / Return Journey
Book Tour

Tour Highlights

  • Small vessel cruising
  • Explore Roman Arles
  • Marvel at Pont du Gard
  • Discover Camargue Natural Park
  • Visit medieval Montpellier
  • Wander the streets of Avignon

An unhurried antidote to the pace of modern life, this ‘no fly’ tour takes the train to Avignon, and cruises from Roman ruins in Arles to revelations on the Canal du Rhône à Sète, in medieval Aigues-Mortes, the Camargue wilderness, and Étang de Thau sea-lake

Notes:

The Avignon sightseeing may be organised on the arrival day (Day 1) instead of Day 7.

Cabins are available from 5pm on arrival and until 9am on departure (before/after this, luggage storage on board and access to the public lounge).

The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or congestion at certain sites.

Vessels

Peniche Anne Marie

Launched in 2014, Péniche Anne Marie is registered in France with a mainly European crew. Owned by the French cruise company, CroisiEurope, established 40 years ago, now boasting the largest European river and barge fleet, yet still operated by the same family. Reception, lounge bar, sun terrace with Jacuzzi and sundeck, WiFi (free/limited). Bicycles are available for use when the vessel is moored. The vessel does not sail at night. 10 air-conditioned lower deck cabins (96 sq. ft.) with picture window, private facilities, hairdryer, safe and satellite TV. 1 air-conditioned double upper deck cabin (118 sq. ft.) with picture window, private facilities, hairdryer and safe.


All drinks, except premium brands are included throughout the cruise. Enjoy International and French cuisine with a choice of wines in an elegant one-sitting dining room. Breakfast is a buffet, lunch and dinner waiter service.

Dates & Prices

per person in a twin Lower Deck cabin

Thu 08 May 2025
From London St Pancras Int
Thu 19 Jun 2025
From London St Pancras Int
Thu 25 Sep 2025
From London St Pancras Int
Price Includes:

Rail travel, all port charges, transfers, 6-night cruise, full board and drinks on cruise vessel, excursions, local expert guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated rail fares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Not Included:

Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, tipping, porterage, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.

Supplements per person

Single Supplement
  • Single Supplement
  • £1375
Rail Options
  • Eurostar Plus
  • £275

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