Light, elegant, and modern, barge Pivoine (French for “peony”) floats down a fascinating route combining the preserved antiquities of Provence with the Camargue’s charming seaside lifestyle.
Stepping aboard Pivoine is a delight for the senses. Guests enter into a skylit salon designed with the welcoming ambiance of an airy beachside estate. The dining room features a natural wood table placed under another skylight, perfect for enjoying multi-course meals indoors while still connecting with the sky and stars above. Al fresco wining and dining on the spacious shaded deck is another leisurely pleasure, while the petite swimming pool welcomes guests to linger for hours as Pivoine cruises through enchanting scenery.
The four generously-sized King or Twin bedded cabins are havens of serenity and comfort. Stylishly designed with pastel color palettes and enlivened with interesting accent pieces such as Parisian embroidered bed covers, these accommodations ensure plenty of natural light flowing in from large picture windows. Terra cotta bathrooms are sleek, refined, and roomy, offering deluxe linens and plenty of storage space.
Pivoine’s cruise route exceptionally covers the waterways of the River Rhone, the Petite Rhone, Canal du Rhone a Sete, and the Etang de Thau Lagoon. Expansive scenery, local flavor, and regional cuisine changes as the vessel floats from one end of the cruise route to the other. While in Provence, explore the major sights of the Pope’s Palace in Avignon and Van Gogh’s trail in Arles, the scene of many of his most famous paintings.
Moving into the Camargue, the sense of place transforms to that of a rustic coastline augmented by sightings of wildlife. Lively port towns beckon for guided discovery and relaxed exploration. Culinary experiences focus on the area’s signature seafood and spirits; guests savor a seasonally-inspired “fruits de mer” luncheon in Sete, sample the salty twang of the region’s iconic oysters, and sip on locally produced vermouth.
Dining and drinking onboard the Pivoine enhances these immersive experiences. Passengers indulge in handcrafted cuisine made from market fresh ingredients sourced from family farmers, small ranchers, and organic growers. Beverages on offer include vintages from many Provencal vineyards, as well as delightful sips of small batch spirits (Pastis and petanque, anyone?) from the area’s boutique distilleries. For a luxury cruise of delicious discoveries, sumptuous sailing, and Continental contrasts, the Pivoine in Provence-Camargue is the perfect choice!
