The 12 passenger L'Impressionniste, sister ship to La Belle Epoque began life as a cargo barge in Holland before undergoing a complete transformation into the powerful canal and river cruiser she is today.
Her light and airy interior features picture windows and
selections of prints, fabrics and wall colorings reminiscent of the
turn of the century era after which she has been named. She is crewed
by a knowledgeable Captain, Mater Chef and crew of three.
L'Impressionniste's classic route covers some fine rural cruising,
with plenty of opportunity to cycle and stroll along the tow-path and
wander into nearby villages.
Cruise Highlights
Cuisine Aboard
All-inclusive open bar, free wines, gourmet cuisine, entry fees to excursions
Avignon, the Pope's Palace, Chateauneuf du Pape wine tasting
wine cellar
Picpoul de Pinet, Cotes du Roussillon, Corbieres
Walking tour of Van Gogh's Arles
cheese board
Bleu des Causses, Picodons, Pelardon
Medieval city of Aigues Mortes
The wild horses, bulls and flamingos of the Camargue National Park
Marseillan's distillery and tasting of Noilly Prat Vermouth
L'Etang du Thau and its oyster beds
2008 Itinerary
Sunday, Day 1 - Avignon Guests are met at 4pm at the delightful Grand Hotel in Avignon and
escorted by minibus to L'Impressionniste for a Champagne Welcome. Dine
aboard in Villeneuve-les-Avignon.
Monday, Day 2 - Villeneuve-les-Avignon to Vallabregues This morning we visit Avignon and the famous Palais des Papes, an
impressive monument to the era of the 'Other Rome', when the popes
moved to France, or enjoy a superb wine tasting at Chateauneuf du Pape,
former vineyard of the Pope. In the afternoon we cruise down the mighty
Rhone River, past the foothills of the Alpilles to Vallabregues, with a
cycle or walking opportunity along the quiet river bank. Optional early
evening tour of King René’s castle at Tarascon. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Vallabregues to Aigues Mortes This morning we explore Arles. Choose between the Roman Arena and
Theatre, St. Trophime's Basilica and the Museum of Provencal life. We
also visit some of Vincent van Gogh's haunts on foot through the heart
of this old capital of the Camargue before rejoining the barge for our
cruise along the Rhone. We join the Petit Rhone and then the Canal du
Rhone-a-Sete that carries us to our mooring beneath the medieval
fortified walls of Aigues Mortes. Dinner ashore at a local auberge.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Aigues Mortes to Maguelone
Stroll from L’Impressionniste 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
white horses and black bulls, abundant sea bird life and flocks of
elegant pink flamingos, to the vineyard-encircled Maguelone Abbey, just
a short stroll or cycle from the nearby Mediterranean. Dinner on board.
Thursday, Day 5 - Maguelone to Marseillan An early morning cruise brings us to Frontignan lifting bridge. In the
afternoon we sail out onto the Thau Lake, a large, inland salt-water
lagoon with acres of mussel and oyster beds. Miniature sea horses can
often be seen passing on the tide. Marseillan, a beautiful
Mediterranean fishing village and home to the famous vermoutherie of
Noilly Prat, is our visit for the day. There is also time to explore
this vibrant small town. Dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6 - Marseillan to Agde In the morning we cruise to Agde, which was settled by the Phoenicians
in 2500 BC, along the tree-lined 17th century Canal du Midi. During our
tour of Agde we encounter its cathedral built of lava blocks from the
nearby Black Mountains and its labyrinth of narrow medieval streets.
Our afternoon excursion is Pezenas, Versailles of the Languedoc region
and former home to the French writer Moliere. Captain’s Dinner on
board.
Saturday, Day 7 - Agde After breakfast, we transfer you by minibus to Agde TGV station by 10am
or Montpellier TGV station, airport or hotel by 11am.
Please note; This is a sample itinerary and is subject to
change. On alternative weeks the cruise operates in reverse direction
and the pickup and drop off points are reversed.
2009 Departure Dates
2009 Cruise Rates
Contact us for special pricing
Contact us now to book this cruise or for more information Contact
Prices Do Not Include: Drinks or insurance.
For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, the cruise line and the Captain of the ship reserve the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise.
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