Canal barge the Impressionist- A Typical Itinerary

Typical Itinerary

AVIGNON TO AGDE

Sunday

You will be met at 16.00 at The Grand Hotel in Avignon and escorted by minibus to the L'Impressionniste for a Champagne Welcome.

Spend the night onboard in Villeneuve-les-Avignon.

Monday, Avignon to Arles

This morning we visit the Palais des Papes, an impressive monument to the era of the 'Other Rome’, when the popes moved to France.

After a stroll though the vibrant shopping district of Avignon, we return to the barge for lunch. In the afternoon we cruise down the mighty Rhone River to Arles, passing the intriguing citadel of King René at Tarascon, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 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 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 and sea birds. We moor at the medieval fortified town of Aigues Mortes.

Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Aigues Mortes to Frontignan

Stroll from our mooring outside the Aigues Mortes town walls to visit the Tour de Constance, built in 1248 as a lighthouse for the returning 13th century Crusaders.

In the afternoon, we cruise the Canal du Rhone à Sete through the Camargue National Park with its wild horses, abundant sea bird life and flocks of pink flamingos, to the hamlet of Les Arsquiers 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 lagoon full of oyster beds.

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 Black Mountains. Captains Dinner on board.

Saturday

Return transfer by minibus to Montpellier's Metropole Hotel, Montpellier's TGV Station or Montpellier Airport.

Hotel barge the Impressionniste

Typical Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

On alternative weeks the cruise in reverse direction and the pickup and drop off points are reversed.

Cruise itineraries may be subject to change due to lock closures, low or high water levels or emergencies

AVIGNON TO AGDE Sunday You will be met at 16.00 at The Grand Hotel in Avignon and escorted by minibus to the L'Impressionniste for a Champagne Welcome. Spend the night onboard in Villeneuve-les-Avignon.
	Monday, Avignon to Arles This morning we visit the Palais des Papes, an impressive monument to the era of the 'Other Rome’, when the popes moved to France. After a stroll though the vibrant shopping district of Avignon, we return to the barge for lunch. In the afternoon we cruise down the mighty Rhone River to Arles, passing the intriguing citadel of King René at Tarascon, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 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 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 and sea birds. We moor at the medieval fortified town of Aigues Mortes. Dinner on board.
	Wednesday, Aigues Mortes to Frontignan Stroll from our mooring outside the Aigues Mortes town walls to visit the Tour de Constance, built in 1248 as a lighthouse for the returning 13th century Crusaders. In the afternoon, we cruise the Canal du Rhone à Sete through the Camargue National Park with its wild horses, abundant sea bird life and flocks of pink flamingos, to the hamlet of Les Arsquiers 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 lagoon full of oyster beds. 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 Black Mountains. Captains Dinner on board. Saturday Return transfer by minibus to Montpellier's Metropole Hotel, Montpellier's TGV Station or Montpellier Airport.