Napoleon: Avignon to Sète

Your cruise begins with a champagne reception to welcome you aboard in Avignon and gives you a chance to meet your crew. Enjoy a first taste of River Rhône life with an early evening cocktail cruise past the famous medieval bridge, Pont Saint-Bénézet, also known as the Pont d'Avignon. 

Later, experience the superb skills of our chef. 

The cuisine is a real highlight of your trip, particularly when accompanied by wines from France's finest vineyards. 

After enjoying a breakfast of local specialties, step out on a walking tour of the stunning walled city, home of the Popes from 1309-77. A guided tour of the majestic Palais des Papes is followed by free time to shop or to simply order a drink in a pavement café and watch the world go by. 

Return to the barge for lunch and an afternoon cruise towards Vallabrègues from where you will enjoy an excursion to marvel at the historic Pont du Gard, a monumental, three-tiered aqueduct built by the Romans in the first century. 

Dinner is served on board tonight.

This morning, accompany your guide on a tour of Arles, famous for its impressive Roman ruins, including a splendid amphitheater, as well as the place where Van Gogh was inspired to create around 200 of his celebrated paintings. 

Return to the barge for lunch and a leisurely cruise down the Canal du Rhône à Sète. 

Arrive at the fortified town of Aigues-Mortes. Dinner is served on board. 

After breakfast, disembark with your guide for a tour of Aigues-Mortes, a medieval walled town where Louis IX launched two Crusades to the Holy Land in 1248 and 1270. Drenched in fascinating history, the imposing walls, ramparts, and towers also conceal a charming and lively hub of shops, markets and cafes. 

After exploring, return to the barge for lunch. This afternoon’s cruise takes you through the salt marshes, a spellbinding haven for pink flamingos and other wildlife. 

Grasp the photographic opportunities before savouring a sumptuous dinner on board.

Continue cruising through the otherworldly scenery of the Camargue this morning, admiring the sand dunes, lagoons, and salt flats. 

After lunch on board, discover the beautiful seaside port of Marseillan. Its maze of narrow streets and rustic two- and three-storey houses are typical of the local architecture. Marseillan is principally known for its production of Noilly Prat; a visit to the museum may give you a taste for the fine Mediterranean vermouth. 

Back on board, relax with an aperitif on deck before dinner is served.

Today, after a morning cruise, alight to explore Sète, whose intricate network of streets, canals and bridges has led to the town being called the ‘Venice of Languedoc’. Where fishermen spread their nets out to dry on the quays, enjoy lunch at an alfresco restaurant serving the freshest seafood. 

In the afternoon, board an oyster boat to glide across the Étang de Thau lagoon, a vast saltwater lake renowned for its oysters and mussels, delicacies that you will be invited to sample. 

Back on board, your chef is busy preparing your farewell gala dinner.

After breakfast, your crew bids you farewell as you disembark for your onward travel arrangements. We look forward to welcoming you back on board soon.