L' Impressionniste
Cruising in Provence

Passengers: 12
Size: 126 feet long
Rating: Deluxe, A/C

2009 Rates

Whole Boat Charter for 12:
$50,800 - Value Season
$59,000 - Regular Season
Individuals:
$4,350 - Jr Suite- Value Season
$4,990 - Jr Suite- Regular Season
$4,550 - Sr Suite- Value Season
$5,290 - Sr Suite- Regular Season

Train transfers to and from Dijon are additional to the cruise price.  We can assist in setting up the purchase of train transfers.

In 2009 L'Impressionniste is moving to an exciting itinerary on the Canal de Bourgogne in the Cote d'Or Burgundy.  This is a very good route for the intimate L'Impressionniste.  Please go to our Southern Burgundy section for the new itinerary.  We hope to re-visit L'Impressionniste in 2009.

L'Impressionniste moved to this region in 2004, covering an unusually lengthy route over five waterways between Avignon and Agde. Decor on board features striking original oil paintings as well as copies of the great Impressionist masterpieces, a theme further explored in a walking tour of Van Gogh's haunts in Arles. A major updating of the carpets, wallpaper - even new hardwood doors - completes the comfortable ambiance. This very diverse itinerary features such contrasting sites as the massive Palais de Papes in Avignon as well as the intimate 12th-century Abbaye de Valmange; wine tasting, the wildlife of the Camargue and a charming short cruise on the Canal du Midi.

GiGi Carlton and her group floated in July, 2005. She said: "We had a lot in common with our fellow guests and laughed all the time. Even the crew was fun! We loved all the wines and good food, especially the oyster lunch. Great relaxing vacation plus scenic tours and great wine tasting in the South of France. I love barging - can't wait until the next one!"

L' Impressionniste

Provence-Camargue Barge Cruise Itinerary

Avignon to Agde in the Provence - Camargue
Sunday: Avignon
You will be met at 4pm at the Grand Hotel in Avignon and transferred by minibus to the L'Impressionniste for a Champagne Welcome. Spend the night onboard in Avignon.

Monday: Avignon to Arles
This morning we visit the Palais des Papes, a massive monument to the era of the 'Other Rome', when the popes moved to France. After a stroll though the vibrant shopping district of Avignon, return to the barge for lunch. In the afternoon we cruise down the mighty Rhone River to Arles, passing the immense citadel of King René at Tarascon, and the foothills of the Alpilles. Dinner on board.

Tuesday: Arles to Aigues-Mortes
This morning we explore Arles, the Roman Arena, St. Trophime's Basilica and the Museum of Provencal life. We visit some of Vincent Van Gogh's haunts on foot through the pedestrianized heart of this old capital of the Camargue. Then a cruise down the Petit Rhone and on to the Canal de Rhone a Sete, passing several herds of wild Black bulls. We moor at Aigues Mortes. Dinner on board.

Wednesday: Aigues-Mortes to Frontignan
Stroll from our mooring outside the town walls to visit the Tour de Constance, built in 1248 as a lighthouse and since used as a prison. Then in the afternoon we cruise the Canal du Rhone ŕ Sete through the Camargue National Park with its wild horses, black bulls and pink flamingoes, to the hamlet of Les Aresquiers where we are 200 yards from the Mediterranean. Dinner on board.

Thursday: Frontignan to Marseillan
An early start to pass under the lifting Bridge at Frontignan, then we sail out onto the Etang de Thau, a large, inland, salt water lake. Mid-morning we stop briefly at Bouzigues to visit the Museum of the lake with its exhibition on oyster culture, which is the main activity of the many local fishermen. After lunch on board, we have a short minibus ride to the 12thC Abbaye de Valmagne with its vast Cistercian church and beautiful cloister. Our tour ends with a chance to taste its award winning range of wines. Returning to the barge, we have an afternoon cruise on the lake to the port of Marseillan, where we stroll into the marketplace for dinner ashore. This gives you a chance to taste many of the local seafood delicacies.

Friday: Marseillan to Agde
Before the ship sails we have an opportunity to tour the cellars and distillery of the world famous aperitif, Noilly Prat, followed by a tasting. Then an afternoon cruise on the Canal du Midi, through the renowned round lock and finishing our voyage on the River Herault. We will be moored in the shadow of the Cathedral of the fishing town of Agde, built of lava blocks from the nearby volcano. Captains Dinner on board.

Saturday: Transfer to Montpellier
Return transfer by minibus to Montpellier TGV Station, Montpellier Airport or Metropole Hotel in Montpellier.

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' Impressionniste

Guest Book

"This was our second barge cruise and it was wonderful.  Our chef not only made great meals, his personality was outstanding.  He even gave us a cooking lesson!  We enjoyed going into the small towns.  Our guide Mark was very helpful and knowledgable."
-Tom and Judy Aaberg, 2008

"As our signings in the guest book indicated, we had a great time.  A bright, enthusiastic and fun captain and crew.  Super food and wine!"
-Pat and Alice Wilkinson, 2008

"This was our first barge trip - our high expectations were more than met by Captain Nicolas and his marvelous crew."
-Tom and Kay Conneely, 2007

"The crew on our barge was fabulous. Our chef Aiden, made the most delicious, incredible and fresh meals! We loved how he would pick his herbs from his garden each day and purchase fresh fish, meat, oysters, breads from the local markets and turn them into works of art. The wine tasting at Chateaunuef de Pape was a favorite of Jake and mine. we were treated to a private tasting in a 2000 year old wine cave by a true expert. We all learned alot from him, and our group knew a lot about wine before the barge trip." "
- Cyndy and Jake Jacobsmeyer 2007

"Very good sightseeing, interesting routes and excellent service. "
- Larry and Betty Mulryan 2007

"Fabulous - I'm planning to cruise again, maybe next time in Burgundy. The crew was helpful and fun. The tours with Dean were terrific. He had great knowledge of history and architecture. Rebecca's cuisine was deliciously different, especially our oyster lunch. Loved it all..."
- GiGi Carlton 2005

L' Impressionniste Floor Plan

126 Feet long
-Large salon/dining area with colorful and pretty Provenical fabrics
-2 Senior sutes at 150 and 170 square feet
-4 Junior suites at 125-135 square feet
-Single cabin with bathroom