Provence
Provence and Carmargue Cruise
Our most recent addition to the river cruising fleet, MS Provence is a graceful, custom-built vessel carrying 50 passengers in the utmost comfort. There are 23 spacious suites, each with bathroom and separate toilet and 4 single cabins with bathroom. Upper deck suites have their own balcony, complete with table and chairs. All decks are beautifully decorated in the Provencal style.
The panoramic forward bar and the 7,500 sq. ft sun deck – complete with fitness and recreation area, plus 2 jacuzzis – afford superb vistas of the scenery and sites of this wonderful region.
The MS Provence invites you on a voyage of discovery of the blissfully sunny Provence region and the enchanting Camargue. The itinerary takes you between Andance on the misty river Rhône to the fabled medieval town of Aigues-Mortes, located on the Rhône-Sète Canal on the edge of the wild and mysterious Camargue Regional Park.
Saturday,
Day
1 Lyon
Meeting point: 3pm at Hôtel Le Méridien Part-Dieu in Lyon (alternate weeks in
Nimes, Hôtel Imperator Concorde) and coach transfer to the village of Andance. Welcome on board with cocktails.
Sunday, Day 2 Lyon to Andance
Guided walking tour of Lyon, th eOld town, the oldest Renaissance district
in France and free time to explore. Cruise on the Rhone, past Vienne with its
antique theatre, through a most attractive winding stretch of river, boarded by
famous vineyards such as Condrieu and Cote Rotie, to the village of Andance.
Monday, Day 3 Andance to Viviers
Cruie to the old town of Tournon, facing the vineyards of Tain-l'Hermitage.
Visit of Tournon and its chateau followed by a private wine tasting in the
famous Tainl'Hermitage vineyards. Beautiful cruise along the vine-clad
hills to Viviers.
Tuesday, Day 4 Viviers to Roquemaure
Excursion to Nyons, a typical Provencal town, to visit a traditional lavender
distillery and olive oil press. Cruise along the canalized Rhone with the
impressive 19C lock of Bollene to the charming village of Roquemaure, overlooked
by the ruin of a medieval fortress.
Wednesday, Day 5 Roquemaure to Avignon
Cruise past the famous vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to the legendary city of
Avignon. Guided walking tour of the magnificent city of Avignon with its massive stone ramparts, impressive Papal Palace and old town.
Free time to explore and shop.
Thursday, Day 6 Avignon to Arles
Excursion to St Remey-de-Provence, a charming town with its typical boulevards
lined with plane trees where Van Gogh painted. Cruie to the old town of
Arles by way of Tarason and Beaucaire. Guided walking tour of Arles, one
of the most enchanting of all Provencal towns: Toman theatre,
amphitheatre, elegant 12C church of St Trophine with its famous cloisters.
Farewell gala dinner on board.
Friday, Day 7 Arles to Nimes
Coach transfer to Nîmes railway station (or Lyon, alternate weeks) arriving around 11am.
Note: The route is run in reverse on alternate weeks. Excursions/mooring places
and the route may be modified due to unforeseen circumstances.
