Le Phenicien
Cruising in Provence

Passengers: 18
Size: 128 feet long
Last Visited: 2011
Rating: First Class, A/C

2012 Value Season rates

Whole-Boat Charter of 18: $56,660
Whole-Boat Charter of 17: $54,395
Whole-Boat Charter of 16: $52,130
Whole-Boat Charter of 15: $49,875
Individuals in a Double Occupancy Cabin: $3,490
Individuals in a Single Occupancy Cabin: $4,740

2012 Value Season Dates

March 25 - 31	April 15 - 21	July 22 - 28	October 28 - November 3
April 1 - 7	July 8 - 14	July 29 - August 4	November 4 - 10
April 8 - 14	July 15 - 21	August 5 - 11

2012 Mid Season rates

Whole-Boat Charter of 18: $63,460
Whole-Boat Charter of 17: $60,680
Whole-Boat Charter of 16: $58,825
Whole-Boat Charter of 15: $56,650
Individuals in a Double Occupancy Cabin: $4,005
Individuals in a Single Occupancy Cabin: $5,540

2012 Mid Season Dates

April 22 - 28	June 24 - 30	August 19 - 25
April 29 - May 5	July 1 - 7	October 14 - 20
May 6 - 12	August 12 - 18	October 21 - 27

2012 Regular Season rates

Whole-Boat Charter of 18: $71,400
Whole-Boat Charter of 17: $69,140
Whole-Boat Charter of 16: $66,870
Whole-Boat Charter of 15: $64,610
Individuals in a Double Occupancy Cabin: $4,400
Individuals in a Single Occupancy Cabin: $6,170

2012 Regular Season Dates

May 13 - 19	June 10 - 16	September 9 - 15	Sept 30 - October 6
May 20 - 26	June 17 - 23	September 16 - 22	October 7 - 13
May 27 - June 2	August 26 - Sept 1	September 23 - 29
June 3 - 9	September 2 - 8

Le Phenicien is a true French family operation and has been an intriguing and successful addition to our fleet. Le Phenicien was designed, decorated and operated by the Joly family, fronted by the attractive and bi-lingual Bertrand Joly. The vessel boasts one of the most beautiful and dramatic salons in barging with its "Casual Chic" decor and interesting local pottery accents and art lining the walls. The nine cabins were extensively renovated in 2009. Upgrades included increased storage space, new linens and better soundproofing. The spacious and modern bathrooms were also updated.

The Jolys call on both personal contacts and top-caliber guides to introduce the Pope's Palace in Avignon; Van Gogh's Arles; the hilltop village of Les Baux; winetasting at Chateauneuf-de-Pape and everybody's favorite excursion, the family-owned ranch in the Camargue where "French cowboys" work.

Cuisine is emphasized (most notably the beautiful luncheon buffets) and a variety of regional wines introduced from appellations in or near to the cruising area in the south of France. Bertrand Joly says: "We offer wines from Cotes du Rhone, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Les Baux de Provence, Costieres de Nimes, and Coteaux du Languedoc. We taste ALL of the wines served on board because they are exactly the same as in our personal cellars!"

Bicycling is now available three days during the cruise on a combination of local roads, easy trails and to a lesser extent, on towpath. The crew will provide maps and suggestions about how and where to ride. There are many delightful small villages to be explored!

2012 "Gourmet and Winetasting Cruise": Meet, learn and taste the results with top regional chefs, augmented by very special winetastings. The chef on board will be available for impromptu cooking demonstrations during this week of total immersion into the culinary delights of Provence. Scroll down to the bottom of our Itinerary tab to see the day-to-day deliciousness of this cruise!

Le Phenicien Itinerary

Avignon to Aigues-Mortes
In the Provence - Camargue

Sunday: Avignon
Festive Welcome Aboard!
From the Paris Gare de Lyon Train Station, take TGV #6177, depart Paris 1:46 pm, arriving at the Avignon TGV Station at 4:27pm. (Transfers to/from the cruise route are in addition to the cruise fare and must be booked separately.) A crew member holding a sign "Le Phenicien" will be at the Point de Recontre/Meeting Point on the ground floor at 4:45 pm. An alternate pickup can be arranged at 5:15pm at Hotel La Magnanarie in Villeneuve-les-Avignon. You will then be chauffeured to the barge moored at the ramparts of Avignon. Enjoy the traditional champagne welcome and meet the crew. The first dinner on board previews cuisine and wine you'll enjoy all week. After dinner, what about a stroll into Avignon and joining locals for a nightcap in the square!

Monday: Avignon to Villeneuve-les-Avignon
Winetasting at Chateauneuf-du-Pape
History and wine are today's themes. First, tour the magnificent Popes Palace, an incredible all structure that even today dominates the city. Avignon was the location of a breakaway Papacy from 1309 to 1377. Then it's back on board for lunch and a short cruise to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, where we'll enjoy a winery tour and tasting. As the sun sets, we'll cruise again, this time to our mooring in Villeneuve-les-Avignon. The wines tasted today will be served at tonight's dinner!

Tuesday: Villeneuve-les-Avignon to Vallabregues
Incredible Roman Aqueduct!
This morning, we’ll experience a true wonder: the 2000 year old, Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, built to carry water to Nimes. The highest bridge built by the Romans, it was constructed of enormous blocks of stone (some weighed six tons!), hauled into place with an ingenious system of pulleys and a vast force of slave labor. In the afternoon, sail to Vallabregues, a quiet, charming port and a very good base from which to take a bike ride or join the locals in a game of "petanque" under the plane trees.

Wednesday: Vallabregues to Arles
Hilltop Village of Les Baux
This morning, visit the cobblestoned village of Les Baux, perched high on a hill with the incredible scenery of Provence spread out before you! After a short tour of historical sites, there is time to shop for souvenirs in the small shops which line the streets. Back on the barge, we'll pass through the huge 36-feet high lock at Beaucaure on the way to our mooring at Arles.

Thursday: Arles to Gallician
Much to explore in Arles
Arles is a "living museum." Its narrow, Medieval streets wind between Roman ruins, buildings from many periods and the homes of today's residents. One main theme is Arles as a Roman colony. Many ruins remain, including this ampitheatre, pitcured at left. It was built in 90AD to hold 20,000 spectators! Closer to today is the importance of artist Vincent Can Gogh, who lived in Arles and vicinity during the years 1888 - 1889. He produced over 200 paintings (which included the famed "Starry Night" series) as well as immortalizing scenes in Arles still visible. These main themes "collide" in the square in which Van Gogh's "yellow cafe" is found - on this same square was the Forum, center of Rome's administrative and religious leadership! Then its back on board Le Phenicien as we begin to cruise into the Camargue on three waterways: The River Rhone, the Petit Rhone and the Canal Rhone a Sete, all on the way to our mooring at the typical village of Galliaian.

Friday: Gallician to Aigues-Mortes
French Camargue Cowboys!
For our last excursion, what would you say about a trip in the deep heart of the wild Camargue? There we’ll tour one of the most prestigious manades, a typical ranch where the gardians à cheval - the authentic French cowboys - show us how they tend the herds of bulls on their superb white horses. See the cowboys pictured at right. Guests tell us: This was our favorite visit of the entire cruise! Our final destination is Aigues-Mortes, a 14th century walled city rising from a flat landscape. This was the port from which St. Louis set sail on his Crusades. There will be time to stroll and shop, even to walk the ramparts of this majestic town.

Saturday: Transfer to Nimes
A Sad Farewell
After breakfast, we'll chauffeur you to Nimes; estimated arrival into Nimes is 9:00am. From here, take TGV #6046 to Paris - departing Nimes at 9:50am. arrive Paris Gare de Lyon 12:19pm. As well, rent a car for your onward journey or choose to stay in Nimes, another city with fantastic Roman monuments. Bon Voyage!

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Aigues-Mortes to Avignon
In the Provence - Camargue

Sunday: Nimes to Aigues-Mortes
Stroll in a 14th-Century Walled City
From the Paris Gare de Lyon, take TGV #6211, depart Paris 1:20pm, arrive Nimes 4:18pm. (The cost of transfers to/from the cruise route is in addition to the cruise fare and must be booked separately.) You will be met at 4:45pm by Le Phenicien crew at the Point de Recontre/Meeting Point on the ground floor. An alternative pickup location is at Hotel Vatel at 5:15pm. You will be chauffeured to Le Phenicien, at anchor in Aigues-Mortes. Estimated travel time is under one hour. There will be time to stroll on your own – or even walk the ramparts – in this well-preserved, 14th century walled city. This was the port from which St. Louis set sail on his Crusades and it now provides us with a paradox - a perfectly preserved medieval fortress yet with a rectangular grid structure reminiscent of a new world town - the Camargue never fails to surprise. Our first dinner on board gives an indication of our high standard of cuisine. The accompanying wines have been specially chosen from top-notch local vineyards.

Monday: Aigues-Mortes to Gallician
French Camargue Cowboys!
We'll set sail this morning into the Camargue, heading east on the Canal du Rhône à Sète. Our mooring today is at Gallician, a quiet and small village. After lunch on board, visit one of the most prestigious manades, a typical ranch where the "gardians a cheval," AKA authentic French cowboys on superb white horses tend to their herds. Guests tell us: This was our favorite visit of the entire cruise!

Tuesday: Gallician to Arles
Much to explore in Arles
Enjoy a varied and impressive cruise on three waterways on the way to Arles: The canal, the Petit Rhone and the River Rhone. Arles is a "living museum." Its narrow, Medieval streets wind between Roman ruins, buildings from many periods and the homes of today's residents. One main theme is Arles as a Roman colony. Many ruins remain, including this ampitheatre, pitcured at left. It was built in 90AD to hold 20,000 spectators! Closer to today is the importance of artist Vincent Can Gogh, who lived in Arles and vicinity during the years 1888 - 1889. He produced over 200 paintings (which included the famed "Starry Night" series) as well as immortalizing scenes in Arles still visible. These main themes "collide" in the square in which Van Gogh's "yellow cafe" is found - on this same square was the Forum, center of Rome's administrative and religious leadership!

Wednesday: Arles to Vallebregues
Les Baux de Provence - perched high on a Hill
Continuing down the River Rhone, we pass trough the huge 36 foot high lock at Beaucaire on the way to our mooring at Vallebregues, a charming port form where you can take a bicycle ride or play petanque with locals under the shade of plane trees. This afternoon we'll visit the village of Les Baux, perched high on a hill with the incredible scenery of Provence spread out before you! After a short tour of historical sites, there is time to shop for souvenirs in shops lining the cobblestoned main street.

Thursday: Vallabregues to Villeneuve-les-Avignon
Incredible Roman Aqueduct!
Take a morning cruise to the charming suburb of Avignon at Villeneuve-les-Avignon. In the afternoon, it's time for one of the true wonders of Roman France; The Pont du Gard, an aqueduct built to carry water to the important town of Nimes. It was constructed of enormous block of stone (some weighing six tone) which were hauled into place by an ingenious system of pulleys and a vast force of slave labor. Your guide will introduce you to all aspects in detail.

Friday: Villeneuve-les-Avignon to Avignon
Winetasting at Chateauneuf - du - Pape
Start cruising this morning towards Chateauneuf-du-Pape, getting off at this delightful village for a guided tour and tasting at one of the best cellars. Then its back on board for our second cruise of the day to our last mooring, right at the gates of the gorgeous city of Avignon. This afternoon tour the Popes Palace, reflecting the breakaway Papacy of 1309 to 1377. There will be time to shop or join the locals taking a cafe in the lively square. Your last festive dinner ends the cruise in style!

Saturday: Transfer in Avignon
A Sad Farewell
Le Phenicien will be moored in Avignon. You will be chauffeured to the Avignon TGV Station in time for TGV #6112, depart Avignon 10:05am, arrive Paris Gare de Lyon 12:48pm. Or you may pick up your rental car at the Avignon TGV Station. Breakfast is your last on-board meal.

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Cooking and Wine Cruise Itinerary -

June 24th - 30th, 2012

Avignon to Aigues-Mortes

Sunday: Avignon
Festive Welcome Aboard!
From the Paris Gare de Lyon Train Station, take TGV #6177, depart Paris 1:46 pm, arriving at the Avignon TGV Station at 4:27pm. (Transfers to/from the cruise route are in addition to the cruise fare and must be booked separately.) A crew member holding a sign "Le Phenicien" will be at the Point de Recontre/Meeting Point on the ground floor at 4:45 pm. An alternate pickup can be arranged at 5:15pm at Hotel La Magnanarie in Villeneuve-les-Avignon. You will then be chauffeured to the barge moored at the ramparts of Avignon. Enjoy the traditional champagne welcome and meet the crew. The first dinner on board previews cuisine and wine you'll enjoy all week. After dinner, what about a stroll into Avignon and joining locals for a nightcap in the square!


Monday: Avignon to Villeneuve-les-Avignon
Private Cooking Class followed by a Winetasting
The antique-filled demonstration kitchen at Hotel La Mirande, pictured below, is a super-elegant venue for your first cooking class. (Just to visit La Mirande, a restored Bishop's palace, is a treat for the eyes - as well as the palate.) Under the expert instruction of Chef Jean-Claude Altmayer, you'll make and serve lunch. Those not interested in cooking can explore Avignon on their own but return to eat lunch with the rest of the "students". Then it's a short ride via the barge bus to Chateneauneuf-du-Pape and the Domaine Beaurenard, for guided tour and unusual vertical tasting. Back on Le Phenicien, relax and enjoy viewing Avignon from the water during the short late afternoon cruise to Villeneuve-les-Avignon.



Tuesday: Villeneuve-les-Avignon to Vallabregues
A Wine Sipped by Julius Caesar - Possibly!
This morning taste Tavel Rosé, a wine that history says was enjoyed by none other that Julius Caesar. Le Domaine de la Mordorée is the venue for this fascinating experience, and there will be other area wines to sample. Then it's back on board for a sumptuous buffet lunch and lazy afternoon cruise to Vallabrègues. At this charming little port, perhaps join locals for a game of Boules under the plane trees - or take a bicycle ride - or relax and soak up the local ambiance!

Wednesday: Vallabregues to Arles
Go to Market with a French Chef!
You'll first meet Chef Pascal Volle, pictured at right, at the famed outdoor market of Saint Rémy de Provence. Learn the secrets of selecting from the glorious fruits, vegetables and cheeses on display, then return to the Domaine de Valmouriane for a second cooking class. (Those who do not want to improve their cooking skills will be taken to the medieval village of Les Baux, but will eat lunch with the class and help evaluate the progress made since Monday!) Then it's on to a short tasting at Mas du Gouronnier featuring brilliant AOC Baux de Provence. This afternoon, Le Phenicien will pass through the 36 foot high lock of Beaucaire on the way to the mooring at Arles.

Thursday: Arles to Gallician
Robert Parker likes this Rosé!
This morning visit Le Chateau Mourgues de Gres, located on the site of a former Ursuline convent. Taste the rosé that is one of the favorites of Robert Parker. Back on board, we continue to head west into the Camargue, cruising on three waterways in one day; the River Rhone, the Petit Rhone and Canal a Rhone et Sete! Out mooring place tonight is Gallician, a typical village.

Friday: Gallician to Aigues-Mortes
You've Tasted the Wine - Now Taste the Cheese!
What about a special visit to Domaine de Juras, France’s largest wine estate where the vines are planted in sand. Board an adorable little train to take the complete tour, which includes seeing French “cowboys” at work and tasting of Gris de Gris vintages. Then it's time to turn your attention to another famous French gourmet treat; Cheese! Your last lunch will be a selection of 20 cheeses, several breads, fresh fruit and wines to accompany. Just as you have tested and compared wine all week, now is the time to learn about cheese. There will be plenty of time to enjoy this treat during the last cruise to Aigues-Mortes, an incredible walled town from where Crusaders departed in the 13th century. Browse in the boutiques which can be found in the side streets or enjoy a café in the main square. The Captain's dinner ends your cruise in style!

Saturday: Transfer to Nimes
A Sad Farewell - Begin the Diet!
After breakfast, you'll be chauffeured to Nimes; estimated arrival is 9:00am. Your train back to Paris is TGV #6046, depart Nimes at 9:50am. arrive Paris Gare de Lyon 12:19pm. Or, rent a car to explore further - or stay in Nimes, the home of majoy Roman ruins. The choice is yours! We wish you Bon Voyage!


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.

Le Phenicien

Guest Book

"The entire trip was very relaxing; it was carefully planned so we always knew what to expect. The daily schedule was on a blackboard after Michel the cruise director consulted us. Aigues-Mortes was a wonderful beginning. The markets were terrific. Les Baux and the Pont du Gard were our favorites. The guide at the Pope's Palace was great. The chef would prepare whatever anyone requested. Matthew, the bartender, was very creative. We played petanque with other passengers and some of the crew. There were 14 of us and we had a lot of fun together: a couple from Australia, a mother and daughter from Brazil, and the rest from various parts of the U.S., a very interesting and interested group, most of whom had plans to travel more in France before going home."
-James and Katie Dombey, 2010

"The cruise exceeded our expectations. Pick-up at the Nimes train station was on time, and there were sufficient vehicles to accommodate all passengers and their luggage - similarly for delivery to the Avignon train station at the end of the cruise. The cuisine aboard was exceptional - comparable to that served in 4-star restaurants. Of particular note was the effort made to accommodate the needs of passengers with special dietary requirements. The staff was exceptionally friendly, helpful and always professional. The cabin was as expected for the size of the vessel - but then the object of a cruise is not to spend your time in the cabin. The bed was comfortable. The most enjoyable of the sightseeing tours were those of Arles and Les Baux-de-Provence. This was largely because of Patrick, our guide, who was exceptionally knowledgeable. His presentation was both interesting and enjoyable. We would certainly consider another cruise on Le Phenicien, and would recommend it to friends."
-Virgil Rittenhouse and Sue Holloway, 2009

"We expected great fellowship, beautiful scenery and interesting tours, excellent food and wine, great service - expectations met on all counts! We joined 8 other couples who like us did not know everyone, but each couple knew at least one other couple. By the end of the trip it was as if we had known these folks for years. The tours were interesting and we appreciated the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides. Chef Thierry treated us to exceptional cuisine and excellent choices of wine. What a marvel it was to have gourmet dishes prepared in a small, but very well equipped galley. We cannot say enough about the staff. They always had a smile and treated us as if we were the most special people! Thank you for a memorable experience!"
-Jake and Linda Moll, 2008

"We could not have been happier with our Le Phenicien week in Provence. The food was nothing short of spectacular - local wines and cheeses were the finest and the crew was generously accomodating and lots of fun."
-Eugene and Gloria Bauer, 2008

"A wonderful experience, and an opportunity to visit and re-bond with old friends - as well as to meet a few new friends! The cruise was wonderful; and I would highly recommend it."
-Dr. and Mrs. Jeff Ignatoff, 2008

"We want to say a word about Alex, Matthew, Thierry, Rene and Una. We could not have asked for a more friendly, efficient, cheerful, etc. etc. etc. group. Every need or want was met with a smile. There was a different napkin fold every night for dinner. Our towels were folded into animals on our last day out. Matthew patiently described every wine we drank. Thierry's meals were incredible.
We enjoyed the special tours not generally open to the public and the local guides who were so knowledgeable. For example, at Pont du Gard we were taken through locked doors (while other tourists looked on with envy) to actually walk across the top of this aqueduct built in 50 A.D. And in Arles, our guide, got permission for us to tour a hotel that has many historical excavations. At every excursion we had a private local guide so that we didn't just see a location, we experienced it. The cattle ranch in the Carmague was very special for us because we raise cattle."
-C.W. and Pat Moore, 2007

Le Phenicien Floor Plan

128 Feet long
- Large and glamorous salon, bar and dining area
-Picture windows line the salon and dining area
-Sundeck with deck chairs
-9 cabins each at 107 square feet
-Six Queen-bedded cabins, three Twin-bedded cabins
-The cabins and bathrooms were extensively renovated for the 2009 season.
New in the cabins are expanded storage, updated linens and artwork reflcting the route.