Pivoine

A transfer agent will meet your party in early afternoon in the lobby of your Paris hotel, chauffeur you to the Paris Gare de Lyon Train Station and provide First Class tickets on a mid-day TGV train to the Avignon TGV Station. As you alight, Pivoine crew will be waiting on the platform. It is but a short drive to Pivoine, moored at the gates of Avignon. A traditional champagne welcome, evening cruise on the River Rhone to our rural mooring in Aramon, and the first of many gourmet dinners onboard await you.

This morning your Tour Guide accompanies you to Avignon and introduces this stunning walled city, home of the Popes from 1309-77. Enjoy a private visit to the majestic Palais des Papes, followed by free time to window shop or join the locals at a pavement café and watch the world go by. Return to Pivoine for an afternoon cruise, and sail by the 15th-century castles of Tarascon and Beaucaire before entering the Petit Rhône. Relive the day’s adventures over drinks on deck and tonight's gourmet dinner served onboard.

This morning, your Tour Guide presents Arles, famous for magnificent Roman ruins and as the setting for many of Van Gogh’s celebrated paintings. After exploring this historic town, return to the barge for a leisurely afternoon cruise on the Canal du Rhône à Sète. Laze in the petite swimming pool as tiny villages and idyllic foliage drifts by. Pivoine is moored tonight at the fortified town of Aigues-Mortes, whose imposing medieval walls conceal a lively hub of boutiques, markets, and cafes -- and gourmet ice cream shops! Dine onboard in the shadow of this incredible town.

Awaken to a leisurely breakfast. This morning, scenic cruising floats through the wetlands of the Camargue, home to, among other bird species, the pink flamingo, as well as native wild horses and other fascinating wildlife. The spellbinding landscape provides stunning photo opportunities. This afternoon, your Tour Guide will suggest interesting excursions in the area for your party to select. In the meantime, Chef is creating another epicurean dinner for you to enjoy after cocktails and canapes are served on deck.

This morning, your Tour Guide introduces the lively seaport of Sète, also known as the “Venice of the Languedoc” for its sophisticated canal system. Watch fishermen spread their nets out to dry on the quays and perhaps enjoy lunch at one of the alfresco restaurants serving fresh seafood. Return to the barge and journey to Frontignan, known for producing the dessert wine Muscat de Frontignan. Relax with an aperitifs and appetizers on deck before tonight's sumptuous dinner onboard. Then, the crew presents a tasting of the delicious dessert wine for after-dinner enjoyment.

Weather permitting, the barge glides through Étang de Thau lagoon, a saltwater lake renowned for its oysters and mussels: fresh delicacies that will later be presented onboard. Leaving the lagoon, continue to Marseillan, where the maze of narrow streets and white-washed houses are typical of the local architecture. Marseillan is principally known for Noilly Prat, a vermouth producer since 1815. Visit La Maison Noilly Prat for a tour and tasting. Back onboard, Chef is busy preparing a gala Farewell Feast, ending your cruise in style.

Departing no later than 9:00 am, you will be chauffeured to the Beziers Train Station and provided with First Class tickets for a mid- to late morning TGV train to the Paris Gare de Lyon Train Station. Upon arriving at mid-afternoon, a representative of the barge Pivoine will be on the platform as you alight and will help you and your luggage to the taxi line or to a pre-arranged private transfer. The services of Pivoine end at the Gare de Lyon.