L'Etoile

Provence-Camargue Barge Cruise Itinerary

Avignon to Montpellier
On the River Rhone, Petit Rhone
and
Canal du Rhone a Sete

Your cruise combines well-known sites of Provence with intimate and unusual moorings in Camargue and on the Mediterranean - for an entirely personalized experience. Highlights Include: Visit of Pont du Gard, Avignon - Pope's Palace, les Baux de Provence - Saint Rémy de Provence, Arles- Café van Gogh - Amphitheatre, walled city of Aigues Mortes, Maguelone Abbey Church

Sunday: Avignon
Champagne Welcome
A member of L'Etoile crew will meet you mid to late afternoon at the location of your choice in Avignon:  TGV Train Station, rental car office or local hotel.  (The cost of transfers to/from L'Etoile is in addition to the cruise fare, which must be purchased seperately). You will be transferred to your charming barge home, moored in the nearby port of Villeneuve-les-Avignon/Beaucaire. You will be welcomed aboard with a champagne toast and the first of many gourmet dinners.

Monday: Avignon to Villeneuve-les-Avignon/Beaucaire
All Day Sightseeing
A whole day out in fabulous Provence! In the morning we are off to visit the impressive roman aqueduct - Pont du Gard; then back to the barge to have lunch. Next, you will have the opportunity to tour the largest gothic palace in Europe, the Palais du Pape in Avignon with a possible wine tasting before returning to the barge. Dinner will be back at your cozy home, still moored in Villeneuve-les-Avignon/Beaucaire.

Tuesday: Villeneuve-les-Avignon/Beaucaire to Bellegarde
Begin to Cruise Through Provence!
This morning you begin your cruise. We float on the scenic Canal du Rhone a Sete to moor in Bellegarde, a typical, charming Provencal village. After lunch you will visit the famous and enchanting hilltop village of Les Beaux, known for its gorgeous views over the Provencal landscape and its artisans colony. Dinner on board with a view of the river will be memorable.

Wednesday: Bellegarde to St. Gilles
Van Gogh's Arles
A morning cruise on the "Petit Rhone" to our mooring in the picturesque village of St. Gilles. After lunch you will have an opportunity to visit Arles, where van Gogh fell in love with the lights and colors of this fascinating countryside. Heading to the heart of town we will see les Arenes, a roman amphitheater built in the first century AD. Dinner back on board rounds out a wonderful day.

Thursday: St. Gilles to Aigues-Mortes
Moor at a 13th-Century Walled City
We start our day cruising on the canal du Rhône a Sète through the stunningly beautiful Camargue National Park, home to various wildlife including black bulls and the beautiful white Camargue horses. We 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 relaxing gourmet dinner awaits you back on board.There will be time to walk along the walls, shop for souvenirs or relax in one of the many outdoor cafés. A relaxing gourmet dinner awaits you back on board.

Friday: Aigues-Mortes to Maguelone
Walk, Bike, Relax at the Beach
We set out this morning to the most peaceful and romantic mooring of this cruise located at the 6th century Maguelone Cathédral on a peninsula, with the canal on one side and the beautiful blue of the Mediterranean on the other! Lunch will be served during the cruise. Spend your afternoon walking or biking to this Cathédral, observing flamingos and other wildlife, lounging away the afternoon at the beach. You will enjoy your final gourmet dinner on board.

Saturday: Transfer to Montpellier
A Sad Farewell
You'll say "Au Revoir" and depart after breakfast for transfer to Montpellier. There are TGV train departures to Paris and Nice. If you prefer, you may also be transferred to the airport, rental car office, or hotel of your choice.


Our sightseeing schedule is flexible and can be customized to reflect your interests.
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'Etoile

Guest Book

"It was the best family vacation we could have! The children, parents and grandparents all found it exciting and were pleased with every aspect of the trip…crew, food and wine."
- Fenske family

"Cobie met us in Montpelier and from the first moment we all felt welcome and at ease. Her knowledge of the area and her graciousness made for a very relaxing week. The barge was beautiful and all felt comfortable on board. Each day brought new surprises not only at mealtime, but also the beauty of the surrounding countryside and the wonderful tours we experienced. Cobie is not only a great cook, but we also enjoyed the selections of wines she presented for us each day.The cruise was over before we were ready to return home, but all had a wonderful time."
- Valerie

"Please hold a good thought that we can return for another wonderful experience on L'Etoile. We had such a wonderful time - the food was fabulous - the scenery exquisite and your hospitality a main reason to come back and see you again!"
- Martha

"My greatest success this year will have been taking a vacation I’ve yearned to have for so many, many years. Not only have I taken the vacation of my dreams, my time on board surpassed my expectations. I will cherish all of the memories of the trip, my most precious memories."
- Shirley

L'Etoile Floor Plan

111 Feet Long
- Two cabins with King bed (116 square feet and 92 square feet)
- One cabin with Double bed (88 square feet)
- One cabin with Twin beds (56 square feet)