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The following barges cruise in this area:
Where is it?
The Canal du Rhone a Sète is the
waterway that will take you through these two regions on
a fascinating journey of discovery. The Camargue covers
780 sq km (300 sq miles), lying between the Grand and
Petit Rhône Rivers, south of Arles, and is sparsely populated.
Much of the Camargue is wild salty marshland and
this provides a natural haven for a wide variety of
wildlife - particularly birds and horses. There are wild
herds of white horses, as well as flocks of birds such
as flamingos, egrets, ibises and bee-eaters, resident
in the Grande Camargue and the smaller adjoining Petite
Camargue. Provence is the area that surrounds the
Camargue and encapsulates the countryside around Avignon,
Arles and Aix-en-Provence. Known for its lavender,
poppy fields, sunflowers, olives and glorious
colourful landscapes, artists have flocked here, and still
do, to paint the superb scenery.
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The Esperance (above) and
Le Phenicien (below) — two excellent
reasons to go to the Camargue and Provence region.
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What are the cruises like?
A fascinating mixture of nature, history and architecture in
this region that was so influenced and shaped by the Romans and Greeks in past centuries….
Arles, of Greek origin, boasts an almost perfectly preserved Roman Amphitheatre, while the splendid
fortified port town of Aigues-Mortes is a maze of small cobbled streets around a central
square—still enclosed by medieval walls. Beautiful, quiet and the ideal place to relax and unwind....
Les Baux and St Rémy de Provence are stunningly beautiful country villages with gorgeous boutiques
and atmospheric cafés where you can stop and linger for a while, soaking up the atmosphere.
Under the warm Provence sun, many artists - Cezanne, Van Gogh
, Picasso, Matisse were
inspired by the dazzling light that bathes the area.
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The Camargue at sunset…(below)
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Gorgeous lunches in the
shade of the warm sun… Yes,
life is easy on L’Etoile
and Esperance
(left), both cruising
wonderful routes in Provence
and the Camargue, taking in
all the marvellous sites along
the way...some of which are so
special they don’t even tell you
about them until you’re on
board!
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Camargue Cruise highlights may include
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- The famous herds of white horses, black
bulls and flocks of pink flamingos
- Wine tasting by the Mediterranean
- A visit to the mediaeval fortified town of Aigues-Mortes
- The Roman viaduct at Pont du Gard
- The ancient city of Avignon and its famous
‘Palais des Papes’ (Palace of the Popes)
- Visit to Arles and its Roman remains
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Provence Cruise highlights may include
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- Arles - with its Roman Amphitheatre and
Van Gogh’s final home
- The mediaeval town of Aigues-Mortes
- Tour of Avignon - City of Popes, Pont
d’Avignon and St. André’s Fort
- Wine tasting at Chateauneuf du Pape
- The Roman remains of Nîmes
- 9th century monastery of St. Guilhem
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Relax on the sun deck and watch the sun go down aboard the elegant Le Phenicien
(above left). On the Napoleon (above right), wake to a dreamy continental breakfast of
fresh fruits, yoghurts, croissants and pastries, butters and jams to take your breath away, plus
fresh coffee or tea of course, or anything else that your heart desires...
How does this canal compare with the others in the south of
France?
Very favorably! With probably the best weather in France you’re sure to have
a super cruise. Intricate waterways will fascinate and surprise you as you wend your way
through the region lying between the calm Canal du Midi and the majestic Rhone River.
Why would I want to cruise here?
If you need any convincing, just read the
above again! - Because of the fantastic weather, landscape, Roman and Greek history, nature,
culture, food and wines that are readily available in the region, and the beautiful barges
and their crew who will be delighted to share everything that this delightful region has with you.
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