A leisurely barge cruise along the Canal du Rhône in the south of France from Arles to Sète visiting Avignon, Pont du Gard, Nîmes, Aigues-Mortes, Montpellier and Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
Day 1 - Avignon / Arles
Day 2 - Gallician
Day 3 - Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer/Aigues-Mortes
Day 4 - Palavas les Flots
Day 5 - Sète
Day 6 - Etang de Thau
Day 7 - Avignon / Return Journey
A unique and exclusive barge (péniche) cruise along the Canal du Rhône.
The small vessel enables the exploration of some of the lesser known waterways of the Camargue area. Rewarding excursions and fine French food and wine are balanced by afternoons of gentle cruising in a sociable atmosphere with refreshments to hand. Take a leisurely walk, explore by bike or try your hand at a game of Pétanque!
This area of Provence conjures up images of herb scented hills, vivid landscapes of lavender fields, Camargue salt flats and historic towns such as Arles admired by the Romans and Van Gogh.
Aigues-Mortes is a historic, fortified crusader town with a rich heritage, located in the middle of the salt marshes and one of the most beautiful sites in Provence.
Avignon is a charming town with a famous bridge, once the home of popes. Pont du Gard Roman bridge and aqueduct is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and Roman Nîmes reveals a well-preserved amphitheatre and temple.
Exclusive Small Ship
Free Cabin Selection
3 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Excursions Included
Drinks Included
UK Tour Manager
No Flying
Group Size: 2 - 20
Day 1 Travel from London to Avignon by Eurostar. Transfer to Arles and embark on the barge. Arles was once a provincial capital of ancient Rome with many remains from that era including the impressive amphitheatre still intact, the attractive town also inspired Van Gogh and his paintings. Jules Verne welcome drinks party and crew introduction. (D)
Day 2 Enjoy a walking tour of the Provencal town of Arles viewing its Roman sites, Espace Van Gogh and market. Cruise on the Rhône à Sète and Rhône canals to Gallician. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Morning excursion to Pont du Gard and the town of Nîmes. Afternoon sailing to Aigues-Mortes to moor by the medieval walls. Tour of Aigues-Mortes with time for a walk in this medieval city in the marshes, surrounded by well-preserved city walls. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Tour of the Camargue visiting the small fishing village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, the capital of the Camargue. Afternoon sailing to Palavas les Flots on the Rhône à Sète Canal and enjoy free time at this seaside and spa resort. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Visit Montpellier, elegant capital of Languedoc Roussillon, lying just a short distance from our mooring point. Sail to the historic port of Sète, where the canal meets the Atlantic and from where ships set sail as far afield as to Morocco. Arrive in the early evening. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Visit Etang de Thau, famous for oyster farms and local fishermen, visit the museum and enjoy a tasting. Afternoon drive up into the hills to visit the delightful village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. Jules Verne farewell drinks party and Gala dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Disembark in Sète. Transfer to Avignon for a sightseeing tour including the Palace of the Popes and bridge before the return train journey to London. (B)
Notes
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 Avignon sightseeing may be organised on the arrival day (Day 1) instead of Day 7.
The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or congestion at certain sites.
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Launched in 2014, Péniche Anne Marie is registered in France with a mainly European crew. For 20 years Jules Verne has been the main UK partner of the innovative French cruise company, CroisiEurope, established 40 years ago, now boasting the largest European river and barge fleet (over 40 ships), yet still operated by the same family. 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. 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 (118 sq. ft.) with picture window, private facilities, hairdryer, safe and satellite TV.
Fridays
per person in a twin Lower Deck cabin
Eurostar from London St. Pancras
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £995
Rail Options
Eurostar Standard Premier Class £225
Extension Options
Extra nights – Avignon
Hotel Central (per night) £85
Single Supplement £70
Departure transfer add £35
Price Includes
Rail travel, all port charges, transfers, 6-night cruise, full board and drinks on cruise vessel, excursions, UK Tour Manager, 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.
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm
