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Throughout France are miles of quiet canals and rivers
that take the traveler off the beaten path and into the heart of the
country. Travelling through small villages and through ancient locks
one can truly experience real France. Along the way, there are vineyards
to explore, towns to discover, and cuisine to savour.
What better way to explore this fascinating country than to cruise
its inland waterways on a barge? We invite you to join us for a culinary
cruise on board one of our luxury barges such as L'Etoile, a restored
19th century vessel owned by a delightful French-Dutch couple. The
barge is furnished with an eclectic collection of French antiques
and features three double bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms. The
dining and salon areas are air-conditioned. Outside, a shaded deck
offers the perfect spot to watch the world go by. There's even a plunge
pool for cooling off.
Cobie and Mathias will indulge you as you cruise in Burgundy or down
the Canal du Midi in Provence. Every day you'll visit a new village,
winery or market. In the afternoons, join Cobie in the kitchen for
hands-on lessons in delicious French home cooking.
You will be met at the location of your choice in Montpellier, which
is easily accessible by TGV train from Paris or as a rental car return
point. You will be transferred to your charming barge home, moored
nearby Frontignan, known for its sweet Muscat aperitif wine. You will
be welcomed aboard with a champagne toast and the first of many gourmet
dinners.
We will cruise this morning to the most peaceful and romantic
mooring of this cruise: at the 6th century Maguelone Cathédral
on a peninsula with the Canal on one side and the Mediterranean on
the other! There is much to experience - from a walk to this special
Cathedral, a bike ride in to nearby villages, observing the flamingoes,
to an afternoon at the beach. This afternoon, your chef Cobie will
demonstrate some easy Provencal appetizers for cocktail hour. There
will be time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, followed by a memorable
dinner on board in view of the Mediterranean.
A morning cruise on the Canal du Rhône a Sète through
the stunningly beautiful Camargue National Park. During this cruise
we can observe the wild Camargue horses. We moor right at the gates
of the amazing 13th century walled town of Aigues-Mortes, an embarkation
port for the Crusades. There are many historical sites to visit and
there will be time to climb the walls, shop for souvenirs or relax
in one of the many outdoor cafés. Back on the barge for your
next cooking lesson. Dinner is on board.
This morning we go to the open-air market, just outside the
city walls of Aigues - Mortes to buy a variety of fresh vegetables.
Back on the barge, during our cruise, we will prepare our own summer
salads and various dressings for our lunch. We will cruise through
beautiful country side, home to various wildlife including black bulls
and the beautiful white Camargue horses and moor in the harbour of
St. Gilles, where you can visit the Abbey with its ‘book of
stone’ façade, and the 11th Century crypts. This evening
we dine out locally, to experience a choice of region recipes.
After visiting the lively open air-market in St Gilles, and
a visit to a nearby ‘Moulin a huile d’olive’. On
our way back to the barge, we will pick some fresh herbs in the fields
we are going to pass and we return to the barge for lunch. During
our afternoon cruise to our mooring in the neighbourhood of Beaucaire,
we will explain more about another specialty of France, the cheeses,
and prepare the starter for this evening, with as ingredients, olive
oil, fresh basil, tomatoes and goat cheese!
In the morning you will awake with the smell of fresh baked
bread and after breakfast, you will tour the Palais du Pape in Avignon.
There will be a special wine tasting, introducing you to the art of
combination of food and wine. If you wish, there will be free time
to shop and stroll in this sophisticated town, including a visit to
our preferred shop for cookware purchases. Lunch will be ready upon
arrival and we will spend the whole afternoon to prepare all kind
of goodies and specialties for this evening’s celebration of
our wonderful week we had all together!
You'll say "Au Revoir" and depart after breakfast
for transfer to Avignon. There is, at present, a TGV train departure
to Paris and a departure to Nice. You may also be transferred to the
airport, rental car office, or hotel.
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PRICE PER PERSON
$3400 (junior suite)
$3800 (king sute)
Single Supplement:
NA
INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM
Six nights accommodations
All meals
Open bar on board
Excursions
Transfer to and from closest train station
Not Included:
Admissions to attractions visited off the barge
Liquor, wine, or beverages ordered in restaurants
Personal expenses
September 27-October 3
Other dates available for charter
Available April-November
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