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Secrets of Provence Canal Cruise

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Secrets of Provence

From £2,595 pp

Sublime, sun-drenched towns and cities rich with history and glittering waterways await on this fabulous cruise holiday. Uncover the region’s hidden gems, from Étang De Thau’s shellfish to the medieval treasures of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.

With each stop, we dive into the heart of Provence. Visit an authentic ‘manade’ farm, explore medieval Aigues-Mortes, and witness the wild beauty of the Camargue. A guided tour of the fascinating Roman ruins in Arles perfectly rounds off a wonderful adventure.

Whats Included:

  • The services of a professional UK Tour Manager up to embarkation & from disembarkation of the MS Anne Marie
  • Exclusive meeting point at our dedicated Departure Office in St Pancras
  • Standard class rail travel
  • 17 meals including 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
  • 6-night cruise aboard the Anne Marie
  • Drinks with Dinner each night
  • Exciting excursions and free time to explore
    • Guided tour of Arles with a tasting of local produce
    • Excursion to The Camargue
    • Tour of Aigues-Mortes with a local guide
    • Shellfish tasting at Étang De Thau
    • Sightseeing tour of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
    • Authentic farm visit including bull sorting and local produce tasting

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of single cabins available on all decks, at the relevant supplement.

White canargue horses
Day 1 UK to Sete

Early this morning we meet at St Pancras to begin our holiday and board the Eurostar to Montpellier via Paris. Joining our coach, we then drive to Sete.

Arriving in the afternoon, we board our home for the next seven days, the delightful Anne-Marie, a stylish hotel barge. Our lovely crew provide us with a welcome drink onboard before we enjoy dinner together this evening.

Dinner

Day 2 - Étang De Thau & Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

This morning takes us to Étang De Thau, world-famous for its shellfish. We visit the Étang De Thau Museum, where we learn about the history of the shell-fishing trade and discover how the farmers and fishermen made their living. We sample some of the freshly caught shellfish while savouring the beautiful scenery from a terrace along this unique seascape.

This afternoon we enjoy an excursion by coach to Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, a beautiful French village tucked away in the folds of a verdant valley and boasting a wealth of medieval treasures. Here we embark on an informative guided tour that helps soak up the atmosphere of this destination that feels frozen in time. Some of the town’s most impressive sights include its Romanesque abbey and the Devil’s Bridge which spans a turquoise stretch of the Hérault River, and dates back to the 11th century. Afterwards, we return to our barge for dinner this evening.

Day 2 - Étang De Thau & Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - Palavas-Les-Flots

Today we visit an authentic ‘manade’ farm and discover the life of its herders, taking part in a bull sorting routine. We enjoy snacks made fresh on the farm and sample local produce before returning to the ship.

Tonight, take advantage of some time at leisure. You could explore the spa resort of Palavas-Les-Flots, whose rich identity reaches back for more than three centuries.

Day 3 - Palavas-Les-Flots

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Aigues Mortes

After a morning of leisurely sailing, we take a tour of Aigues-Mortes, perhaps one of the most beautiful sites in Provence. Encased by square medieval walls, this ancient fortified city is symmetrically perfect, white-washed terracotta topped houses contrast charmingly with the surrounding green countryside.

The medieval city is also famous for its nearby salt marshes which we discover by tourist train. Interestingly, Roman Legionnaires stationed in the area used to receive a portion of their wages in salt harvested from these very marshes. What makes this sight extraordinary is the marshes’ enchanting pink hue, caused by the presence of microscopic algae in its waters.

Day  4 - Aigues Mortes

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - The Camargue

We spend this morning cruising before a visit to the Camargue. With 140,000 hectares of natural wetlands, the region is home to an array of different wildlife making it a paradise for nature lovers as we see wild white horses and even the odd flamingo. The unusual paddy fields here produce red rice which is a fascinating sight.

Continuing to Sainte-Marie-la-Mer, there’s time to explore at your own pace. You could visit the fortified church located in a strategic position near the mouth of the Petit-Rhone. It was built in the 9th century as an imposing bastion to deter pirate raiders along the coast. Today, it holds a towering presence over the village and can be seen as far as 10km inland.

Day 5 - The Camargue

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Arles

Today we enjoy a guided tour of Arles, the home of some of Europe’s best Roman ruins. With a long history dating back to Celtic times, Arles’ heritage of conquest over the years has left it with a rich variety of architecture, which we explore during our visit. We take in the stunning Roman Amphitheatre and enjoy the myriad of Romanesque architecture and sun-baked houses.

Arles was the inspiration for some of Van Gogh’s artistry and its heritage harks back to the glory days of Julius Caesar. Once a major Roman port, Arles rose to prominence after Caesar plundered Marseille for backing his political opponent, and evidence of that prosperity is preserved wonderfully for us to see.

Following our tour we travel inland to learn about olive oil production in Provence and we sample some of the local produce. Back onboard tonight, we enjoy a Gala dinner back on board the Anne-Marie, as a perfect way to round off our wonderful French adventure.

Day 6 - Arles

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - Journey Home

This morning we enjoy breakfast onboard before making our way to Nimes by coach. Here we board the train to Paris, then change for our Eurostar service back to London. After saying goodbye to new friends and fellow travellers, it’s time to head home.

Breakfast

Built in 2014, the MS Anne-Marie is one of CroisiEurope’s Small Barge vessel sailing on the Canals of Provence. With 11 Double/Twin cabins, she features comfortable accommodation throughout.  Cabins are compact and well designed, featuring twin or double beds; an en-suite bathroom with shower, basin and WC, wardrobe, safe and TV, Independent air conditioning & WIFI Meals are served in the main restaurant,all tables take into account the panoramic views with a casual but elegant athmosphere. There is also a lounge which is tastefully decorated, it’s a quiet place where you can spend time with your friends and family. Equipped with sofa and a bar you can relax before and after dinner, serving complimentary drinks. The top deck features a sun deck/ Terrace with tables, chairs and loungers and roof top Jacuzzi.

Onboard Features & Facilities

  • Catering for 22 guests in 10 Twin cabins, 1 Double adapted cabin
  • Terrace with tables, chairs and loungers
  • Jacuzzi
  • Retaurant
  • Lounge & Bar
  • All-inclusive drinks (excluding champagne and selected wines/spirits)
  • Complimentary WIFI

Accommodation & Amenities

10 comfortable cabins 86 ft², 1 adapted Double cabin 118 ft² Standard cabins are around 86ft² in size with picture windows and feature twin beds, en-suite bathroom with shower, TV, climate-controlled air conditioning and an in-room safe.

Cabins

86 ft², Main Deck

  • Twin beds
  • Picture Window
  • Bathroom with shower, basin & WC
  • In-room safe, telephone and TV
  • Independent air-conditioning
  • Wi-Fi
Adapted Cabin

118 ft², Upper Deck, Adapted Cabin

  • Double bed
  • Picture Window
  • Bathroom with shower, basin & WC
  • In-room safe, telephone and TV
  • Independent air-conditioning
  • Wi-Fi
DepartShipEmbarkFrom  
Jun 5Anne MarieSete£2695SAVE £100Cabin Upgrades
Standard CabinLower Deck86 ft², Panoramic Windows£2695  
Adapted CabinUpper Deck118 ft², Panoramic WindowsPlease Call  
Jul 3Anne MarieSete£2595SAVE £100Cabin Upgrades
Standard CabinLower Deck86 ft², Panoramic Windows£2595  
Adapted CabinUpper Deck118 ft², Panoramic WindowsPlease Call  
Sep 11Anne MarieSetePlease CallCabin Upgrades
Standard CabinLower Deck86 ft², Panoramic WindowsSold  
Adapted CabinUpper Deck118 ft², Panoramic WindowsPlease Call  

Enhancing your tour Upgrade your Eurostar journey to Standard Premier Class from £85 per person each way Luggage transport available from as little as £180


Cruise through the very soul of France, as you enjoy the peace and quiet far from the hustle and bustle of the modern world gently cruising along peaceful waterways. Truly, an ideal opportunity to unwind! A canal cruise in France is also the chance to learn about the region through which you are travelling; it’s flora and fauna, its history, its culinary specialities and much more. Canal barges have been equipped with maximum comfort in mind for unforgettable and relaxing holidays. You will be very well looked after and pampered by a crew completely at your disposal, so you can relax on board and have a truly wonderful time.

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