L'Estello
Cruising in Provence

Passengers: 20
Size:128 feet long
Rating: First Class, A/C

2011 rates

Whole Boat Charter of 20:
$48,000
Individuals:
$2,600 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement:
$1700

2011 dates

March 27- April 2	May 22 - 28	July 17 - 23	Sept 11 - 17
April 3 - 9	May 29 - June 4	July 24 - 30	Sept 18 - 24
April 10 - 16	June 5 - 11	July 31 - August 6	Sept 25 - Oct 1
April 17 - 23	June 12 - 18	August 7 - 13	October 2 - 8
April 24 - 30	June 19 - 25	August 14 - 20	October 9 - 15
May 1 - 7	June 26 - July 2	August 21 - 27	October 16 - 22
May 8 - 14	July 3 - 9	August 28 - Sept 3	October 23 - 29
May 15 - 21	July 10 - 16	September 4 - 10	Oct 30 - Nov 5

Minimum of seven individual cabins are needed to guarantee a sailing.

L'Estello will be launched in 2010 by Cobie Lagerburg, a longstanding Barge Lady friend and longtime operator of French canal barging. As the owner of L'Etoile, Cobie is well known for the warmth of her welcome and passion for customer service.

L'Estello is the former Marguerite. This clasic vessel was entirely updated in 2008. The window-lined salon and dining room is light, spacious and gracious. The comfortable sundeck is partially awning-covered, so guests wanting shade will be well-accomodated.

The itinerary is outstanding, covering the major sights of the area - Arles, home of artist Van Gogh; winetasting at Chateauneuf du Pape; the artist village at Les Beaux; and Aigues Mortes, a walled 13th-century city from where Crusaders departed.

Along the way, you'll experience the area from the water: From your sunset cruise past the famed, unfinished bridge Pont d'Avignon to spotting wildlife in the Camargue-Provence National Park to mooring at small villages along the way.

L'Estello is a great addition to cruise choices in Southwest France. It is value priced and will give value received, too.

L'Estello

Provence Barge Cruise Itinerary

Avignon to Aigues Mortes
Sunday: Villenueve les Avignon
Welcome Aboard!
You'll be met at 4:00 at the front door of the Avignon TGV Station. (From Paris, take TGV# 6113, departing the Gare de Lyon Train Station at 1:16pm, arrive Avignon TGV at 3:56pm.  You can also drop off your rental car at the Avignon TGV Station.  All transfers to/from the cruise route are in addition to the cruise fare and must be booked separately).  Then you'll be chauffeured to the L'Estello, moored at Villeneuve-les-Avignon. After a festive welcome drink there is time to settle into your cabins, relax on deck, or go for a walk in the city of Villeneuve-les-Avignon. Dinner will be served, accompanied by carefully chosen wines from local vineyards.

Monday: Cruise to Avignon
Cruise past Avignon's Famous Bridge!
In the morning, take a short cruise to Avignon for one of the high points of the week: A tour of the large Palais de Papes, from which a rival papacy was established in the 14th century. This building, along with the historic center of Avignon, is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There is time to stroll and shop, followed by lunch on board. Our second excursion of the day takes us to nearby Chateauneuf-du-Pape for winetasting. Then it's back on board for a late afternoon cruise past the famous and unfinished Pont d'Avignon bridge, which almost - but not quite - spans the River Rhone! See the bridge pictured above.

Tuesday: Avignon to Vallabreuges
Pont du Gard -Incredible Roman Aqueduct
This morning, visit Le Pont du Gard, an incredible aqueduct built to carry water to the important Roman city of Nimes. It was constructed entirely without mortar - using stones weighing many tons! After experiencing this monument, why not add to your knowledge at the on site museum. The Pont du Gard is pictured at right. Then it's back to L'ESTELLO for lunch and in the afternoon cruise to the tranquil mooring of Vallabregues. This typical Provencal village gives you the possibility of walking, a bike ride or why not do as the French, play ‘boules’ on the town square, while sipping a ‘Pastis’.


Wednesday: Vallabreuges to Arles
Hilltop Village of Les Baux - Take in gorgeous views!
After breakfast we bring you the hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence, pictured at left, known for its gorgeous views over the Provencal landscape and its artisans colony. Optional, but strongly recommended, is a visit to the Cathedral of Images, a former stone quarry, now used as a three-dimensional screening room.  Or take the time to shop for souvenirs in adorable shops which line the cobblestoned streets. Lunch will be ready for on the barge. Later this afternoon, we continue our cruise on the Rhone River, and pass a high Rhone lock to moor at Arles, the town where van Gogh fell in love with the lights and colors of this fascinating countryside.

Thursday: Arles to Gallician
Roman Ruins in Arles
After breakfast we propose a walking tour of Arles. Heading to the heart of town we will see les Arenes, a Roman amphitheater built in the first century AD. There will be time for a drink in one of the outdoor cafés on the Place du Forum, where van Gogh painted his famous painting "Café van Gogh". After lunch, we will leave the Rhone River and turn into the ‘Petit Rhone. After passing the lock of Saint Gilles, we will continue our cruise on the Canal du Rhone a Sete. Our mooring for this night is near Gallician. For wine lovers, there is a local wine shop here, where you can taste and buy the regional ‘Costières de Nimes’ wines.

Friday: Gallician to Aigues-Mortes
13th-Century Walled Town - Stroll, shop and enjoy a coffee
We start our day cruising through the stunningly beautiful Camargue National Park, home to various wildlife including black bulls and the beautiful white Camargue horses. Then moor at the gates of the amazing 13th century walled town of Aigues-Mortes, an embarkation port for the crusades. There are many historical sites to visit and there will be time to walk along the walls, shop for souvenirs or relax in one of the many outdoor cafés. A farewell dinner awaits you back on board!

Saturday: Aigues-Mortes to Montepellier
Au Revoir
After breakfast, we will say ‘Au Revoir’ and we will transfer you to the Montpellier Train Station in time to meet TGV# 6208, depart Montpellier at 10:21am, arrive back at the Paris Gare de Lyon Train Station at 1:49pm.  We hope to see you again on L'Estello!

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. The route will run in reverse on alternate weeks. Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Barge cruises in Provence. Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

L'Estello

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L'Estello Floor Plan

128 Feet long
- Remodeled in 2008
- 10 cabins - average 72 sq ft
- 1 double-bedded cabin and 9 twin-bedded cabins
   (all with ensuite bath)
- Large Sun deck
- Ipod docking station