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L'Impressionniste - Provence, Camargue and Canal du Midi

Day 1:  AVIGNON                                                                                     Guests are met at the appointed Hotel Meeting Point at 4 pm and escorted to L'Impressionniste for a Champagne Welcome, Dinner aboard moored in Avignon.

Day 2:  AVIGNON TO ARLES                                                                       This morning we visit the Palais des Papes, or enjoy a tasting at Chateauneuf du Pape, former vineyard of the Pope.  After a stroll through 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 Rene at Tarascon, and the foothills of the alpilles.  Dinner aboard.

Day 3:  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 in the heart of this old Camargue capital.  We return to the barge for a cruise down the Petit Rhone and on to the Canal du Rhone a Sete, passing several herds of wild black bulls and sea birds.  Dinner ashore at Les Arcades restaurant.

Day 4:  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 through the Camargue National Park with its wild horses, abundant sea birds and flocks of pink flamingos, to the hamlet of Maguelonne where we are close to the Mediterranean.  Dinner aboard.     

Day 5:  FRONTIGNAN TO MARSEILLAN                                An early start for the Frontignan lifting bridge, followed by a chance to explore Sete, the 'Venice of the Languedoc'.  After lunch we sail out onto l'Etang de Thau, a large, inland salt water lagoon full of oyster beds.  In the afternoon enjoy the 12th century Valmagne Abbey, a Cistercian church and beautiful cloister, 800 years of wine growing promise an award-winning aperitif wine - tasting.  We cruise on to the port of Marseillan.

Day 6:  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 tree-lined Canal du Midi, the oldest complete canal in Farnce, to Agde.  We moor in the shadow of the Cathedral built of lava blocks from the nearby Black Mountains.  Captain's Farewell Dinner Aboard.

Day 7:  AGDE                                                                                         After breakfast we transfer you to Montpellier.

On alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse direction.  This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.