Cruise in the South of France on the Rhone River and Canal du Rhone a Sete, on the First Class Hotel-Barge L'ETOILE
SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 7 passenger L'Etoile was built in Holland as a canal barge in 1889, and spent most of her commercial life transporting cargo on the Rhine. Now, this classic Dutch barge has been converted to a passenger barge with today's standards of hotel barge comfort. The cozy barge atmosphere makes you feel immediately at home. L'Etoile has two cabins with king-size beds, one cabin with a double bed, and one small cabin with twin beds. All cabins are light and airy, each with opening skylight and portholes. All cabins have a private ensuite bathroom. Charter for 8 available upon request.
The large lounge and dining area has plenty of natural light and is decorated in contemporary French style. The marble fireplace gives ambiance to the cooler spring and autumn cruises. On deck there is comfortable seating and a plunge pool for cooling off. The barge is fully air-conditioned. For the use of our guests, there are bicycles, a razor-scooter, fishing rods, boules, TV, video, a home entertainment system (CD's, etc.), and e-mail facilities.
For 2010 L'Etoile will be cruising exclusively in Provence and the Camargue, on the same route as the 20-passenger L'Estello, and is available for tandem cruises with L'Estello for up to 28 passengers.
Its cruise route on the Rhone River, Petit Rhone and Canal du Rhone a Sete combines well-known sites of Provence with intimate and unusual moorings in the Camargue and on the Mediterranean for an entirely personalized experience. Highlights of the excursions include a visit to the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard, Avignon and the Pope's Palace, the hilltop village of les Baux de Provence, Arles and its Café van Gogh and amphitheatre, the 13th century walled city of Aigues Mortes, the 6th century Maguelone cathedral, and a possible visit to the fishing village of Sete.
Features
- Size of barge: 111.6 ft by 16 ft
- Number of Passengers: 7 (charter for 8 available upon request)
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 4
- Crew: 3
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: Fireplace, 8 opening windows. Comfortable sofa and armchairs; large dining table with seating for up to 8 guests. Plasma 42 inch TV, DVD player.
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Sundeck with awning. Table with seating for up to 8.
- Spa Tub: Plunge pool
- Cabin Features: La Chambre Rouge 116 sq ft. with a king size bed and skylight. La Chambre Bleu 92 sq ft. with king size bed and skylight, La Chambre Jaune 88 sq ft, with a double bed and a small twin bedded cabin at the bow 69 sq ft, each with ensuite bathroom with shower.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Mercedes Vito Air-conditioned Minivan, seating eight
- Accessibility: Steps from deck to salon. No steps from salon to cabins.
- Bicycles: 7 touring bikes for adults, one children's bike for 5 yr old, one children's bike for 9 yr old, one razor/scooter.
- Half board charter: Available (5 dinners not included)
Etoile's Deck Plan
Dining Aboard the L'Etoile
SAMPLE MENU
Le Petit Dejeuner - Breakfast
Enjoy fresh breads and pastries purchased daily Each morning we go to a different boulangerie to buy all sorts of fresh bread, croissants, pains au chocolat and other specialties. Tea, coffee, fruit juice, hot chocolate, yogurt, and cereals are always offered. Boiled eggs are also available on request.
Le Repas du Midi - Lunch
Lunches are served buffet style and are accompanied by select local red, white and rosé wines. They include homemade soups, salads, charcuterie and, of course, a variety of cheeses! Lunch is served on deck, weather permitting.
Sample Menu:
Quiche Lorraine
Minestrone Soup
Mixed Salad with walnuts & Roquefort
Charcuterie:
Rosette, Sliced Ham, Sliced Duck
Saucisson, Rillettes
Cheeses:
Beaufort, Conté, Brébis, Chaource,
Chèvre, Brie, Fourme, St. Agur,
Epoisses, Camembert
Le Diner - The Evening Meal
Sample Menu
Bouchée à la Reine
Puff Pastry filled with Shrimp,
Scallops, Mushrooms, and Béchamel Sauce Served on a Bed of Greens
Poulard à L'Ancienne avec une Sauce au Vinaigre
Traditionally Prepared Chicken in a Delicate Wine Vinegar Sauce Served with Sautéed Potatoes and Fresh Seasonal Vegetables
After booking, we will send you Wine and Food Preference form. This will allow you to give us information about your preferences and restrictions. Do not hesitate to inform us of any special needs, such as low-sodium, vegetarian, or low-fat. We will be happy to accommodate them.
Please consider the selections above as a sampling of what we are able to offer you. If you are interested in particular regional specialty, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Passenger Comments
Cruise season 2008:
"I am very glad to be able to write this "review" which is an unqualified
A+ on every level of the barge trip.We all have such fond memories of the trip - and of you. I can not imagine anyone doing a more competent, nurturing and sensitive job of tending to guests than you do. Cobie dealt with every request as if it were the simplest matter to change plans, alter course or acquire diet coke. The accommodations were fine, and I had the smallest room, so the others can speak for themselves. The food was suburb; Cobie is not only an excellent chef but her intrinsic charm permeates every facet of the trip, including the delightful way she serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Her library of films, DVD's and books were especially welcome. The barge was very clean, extremely pleasant and comfortable. Alas, the weather was too perfect to light a fire. I enjoyed the trip enormously and would highly recommend it, have already done so, to other friends."
- Sheila
"It's been almost a week since we left you, but I'm still missing your food just as much! We had such a great time on the barge with you last week, I think that vacation worked really well for our family. My dad even started to relax a little by the end of the trip! :) Thanks for being such a wonderful hostess and guide. I hope that you and your help will be able to see us when you come to the US."
- Carina
"Cobie met us in Montpelier and from the first moment we all felt welcome and at ease. Her knowledge of the area and her graciousness made for a very relaxing week. The barge was beautiful and all felt comfortable on board. Each day brought new surprises not only at mealtime, but also the beauty of the surrounding countryside and the wonderful tours we experienced. Cobie is not only a great cook, but we also enjoyed the selections of wines she presented for us each day.The cruise was over before we were ready to return home, but all had a wonderful time."
-Valerie
"Thank you for an incredible journey outside of time! My fellow travelers were all amicable, and we enjoyed both the cruising and touring itineraries and even the mistral! I had always though of canals as landlocked, so was surprised to be traveling between etangs near the Mediterranean, and specially enjoyed flamingos and horses and other wildlife. Even more important, Cobie was an absolutely marvelous hostess! We all enjoyed our conversations and the great food. I am bragging about the trip to all my friends and colleagues. Indeed, I hope some time to repeat the experience with my sister. The cuisine, the cruise, the culture all combined to make this a most enjoyable holiday that I will never forget. I will think of you often, along with the sights and smells of Languedoc and the Camargue."
- Maria
"To our host and crew! Thank you for a most memorable trip! The meals were fantastic as were the sight-seeing tours; the MUSIC!!! And so much more! We have enjoyed ourselves so very much! Bonjour from your USA friends!"
- Bill and Phillis
"We would like to express our genuine appreciation for your gracious attention to our every need this wonderful week. Each of you and your crew have provided one of our most enjoyable experiences with your amieable natures, joyous love of life and sense of adventure."
- Donna and Mark, Nancy and Joel, Susan and Mark
"Dear Cobie + Staff, Thanks for taking such good care of us and for the excellent service and care. We all had a WONDERFUL week."
- Doug and Helen
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Provence/Camargue:
Rhone River, Canal du Rhone a Sete
Villeneuve les Avignon to Aigues Mortes 2010
Highlights: Visit of Pont du Gard, Avignon - Pope's Palace, Chateauneuf du Pape - winetasting, Les Baux de Provence, Arles- Café van Gogh - Amphitheatre, walled city of Aigues Mortes.
Sunday - Villeneuve les Avignon. Welcome Aboard!
You'll be met at 4:00pm at the front door of the Avignon TGV Station. (From Paris, we suggest TGV# 6113, departing the Gare de Lyon Train Station at 1:16pm, arrive Avignon TGV at 3:56pm. You can also drop off your rental car at the Avignon TGV Station). Then you'll be chauffeured to L'Etoile, moored at Villeneuve-les-Avignon. After a festive welcome drink there is time to settle into your cabins, relax on deck, or go for a walk in the city of Villeneuve-les-Avignon. Dinner will be served, accompanied by carefully chosen wines from local vineyards.
Monday - Cruise to Avignon past Avignon's Famous Bridge!
In the morning, take a short cruise to Avignon for one of the highpoints of the week: A tour of the large Palais de Papes, from which a rival papacy was established in the 14th century. This building, along with the historic center of Avignon, is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There is time to stroll and shop, followed by lunch on board. Our second excursion of the day takes us to nearby Chateauneuf-du-Pape for wine tasting. Then it's back on board for a late afternoon cruise past the famous and unfinished Pont d'Avignon bridge, which almost - but not quite - spans the River Rhone!
Tuesday - Avignon to Vallabrègues - Pont du Gard Roman Aqueduct
This morning, visit Pont du Gard, an incredible aqueduct built to carry water to the important Roman city of Nimes. It was constructed entirely without mortar - using stones weighing many tons! After experiencing this monument, why not add to your knowledge at the on site museum. Then it's back to L'Etoile for lunch and in the afternoon cruise to the tranquil mooring of Vallabregues. This typical Provencal village gives you an opportunity to walk, take a bike ride or why not do as the French, play "boules" on the town square, while sipping a Pastis.
Wednesday - Vallabrègues to Arles - Hilltop Village of Les Baux - Take in the gorgeous views!
After breakfast we bring you the hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence, known for its gorgeous views over the Provencal landscape and its artisan's colony. Optional, but strongly recommended, is a visit to the Cathedral of Images, a former stone quarry, now used as a three-dimensional screening room. Or take the time to shop for souvenirs in charming shops which line the cobblestoned streets. Lunch will be ready on the barge. Later this afternoon, we continue our cruise on the Rhone River, and pass a high Rhone lock to moor at Arles, the town where van Gogh fell in love with the lights and colors of this fascinating countryside.
Thursday - Arles to Gallician - Roman Ruins in Arles
After breakfast we propose a walking tour of Arles. Heading to the heart of town we will see les Arènes, a Roman amphitheater built in the first century AD. There will be time for a drink in one of the outdoor cafés on the Place du Forum, where van Gogh painted his famous painting "Café van Gogh." After lunch, we will leave the Rhone River and turn into the Petit Rhone. After passing the lock of Saint Gilles, we will continue our cruise on the Canal du Rhone a Sete. Our mooring for this night is near Gallician. For wine lovers, there is a local wine shop here, where you can taste and buy the regional Costières de Nimes wines.
Friday - Gallician to Aigues-Mortes - 13th-Century Walled Town - Stroll, shop and enjoy a coffee
We start our day cruising through the stunningly beautiful Camargue National Park, home to various wildlife including black bulls and the beautiful white Camargue horses. Then moor 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 walk along the walls, shop for souvenirs or relax in one of the many outdoor cafés. A farewell dinner awaits you back on board.
Saturday - Aigues-Mortes to Montpellier - Au Revoir
After breakfast, we will say "Au Revoir" and transfer you to the Montpellier Train Station about 10am. (We suggest TGV# 6208, departing Montpellier at 10:21am, arriving back at the Paris Gare de Lyon Train Station at 1:49pm.) We hope to see you again on L'Etoile!
Note: Occasionally an itinerary will be changed due to canal closures or inclement weather. The Captain will substitute an equally interesting route. Change in itinerary will not be accepted as a cause for cancelling your cruise.
L'Etoile
2010 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Mar 28 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Apr 4 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Apr 11 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Apr 18 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Apr 25 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| May 2 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| May 9 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| May 16 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| May 23 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| May 30 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Jun 6 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Jun 13 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Jun 20 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Jun 27 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Jul 4 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Jul 11 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Jul 18 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 25 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Aug 1 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Aug 8 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Aug 15 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Aug 22 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Aug 29 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Sep 5 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Sep 12 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Sep 19 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Sep 26 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Oct 3 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Oct 10 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Oct 17 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Oct 24 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Oct 31 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Nov 7 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
|
L'Etoile
2011 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Mar 27 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Apr 3 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Apr 10 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Apr 17 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Apr 24 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| May 1 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| May 8 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| May 15 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| May 22 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| May 29 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Jun 5 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Jun 12 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Jun 19 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Jun 26 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Jul 3 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Jul 10 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Jul 17 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Jul 24 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 31 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Aug 7 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Aug 14 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Aug 21 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Aug 28 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Sep 4 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Sep 11 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Sep 18 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Sep 25 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Oct 2 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Oct 9 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Oct 16 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Oct 23 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Oct 30 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Nov 6 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Nov 13 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Nov 20 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
|
*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
L'ETOILE
2010 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
REGULAR
Mar 28 thru Nov 13 |
|
Twin Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$2,950 |
|
Junior Suite (per person, double occ) |
$3,400 |
|
King Suite (per person, double occupancy) |
$3,800 |
|
Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,000 |
|
Suite Single Supplement |
$1,500 |
|
Charter for 4 |
$18,000 |
|
Charter for 6 |
$21,000 |
|
Charter for 7 |
$23,000 |
|
Half Board Charter for 4 |
$16,000 |
|
Half Board Charter for 6 |
$19,000 |
|
Half Board Charter for 7 |
$21,000 |
L'ETOILE
2011 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
REGULAR
Mar 27 thru Nov 26 |
|
Twin bed Cabin |
$2,950 |
|
Junior Suite (per person, double occ) |
$3,400 |
|
King Suite (per person, dbl occupancy) |
$3,800 |
|
Suite Single Supplement |
$1,500 |
|
Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,000 |
|
Charter for 4 |
$18,000 |
|
Charter for 6 |
$21,000 |
|
Charter for 7 |
$23,000 |
|
Charter for 8 |
$25,000 |
|
Half Board Charter for 4 |
$16,000 |
|
Half Board Charter for 6 |
$19,000 |
|
Half Board Charter for 7 |
$21,000 |
|
Half Board Charter for 8 |
$23,000 |
Special Christmas Cruise Available Upon Request.
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from the barge pickup point in Montpellier or Avignon to the barge and return, depending on cruise direction
- For full board: all meals on board plus one in a local restaurant, beginning with dinner on Sunday, through breakfast on Saturday
- For half board: first night's dinner and all breakfast and lunches on board or in restaurants, including selected local wine with lunch. Transportation to restaurants for dinner provided
- Wines with lunches and dinners on the barge
- Open bar
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transfers from Paris to the designated pickup point and return
- For full board: special wines and liquors in restaurants
- For half board: 5 dinners (at passenger's expense), special wines and liquors in restaurants at lunch
- Entrance fees to attractions as applicable
- Suggested 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent euros
 |
Special Places Travel, LLC
"Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™
For booking information,
Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743)
Outside of the U.S.: 001.443.321.3614
or E-mail: info@specialplacestravel.com
|
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Last Update: May 21, 2010
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