Cruise In France On The Rhone River And Canal du Rhone a Sete In Provence And The Camargue On The Deluxe Hotel-Barge LE PHENICIEN
SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 18-passenger Le Phénicien combines the best of the Provence region -- cruising the Rhône River between Avignon and Aigues-Mortes -- with tranquil cruising on the Rhône-Sete canal amidst the marvelous natural beauty of the Camargue region. Le Phénicien's unique route allows it to meander through the Provence and the Languedoc-Roussillon regions, with thousands of years of culture, world-renowned wines, gastronomic food, glorious weather, and in surroundings of unspoiled nature.
Le Phénicien blends the spaciousness of a larger river cruiser with the intimacy of a well-designed and decorated canal barge. There are three cabins with twin beds and six cabins with a queen bed, all with ensuite bathroom with shower. The 1000-foot salon offers plenty of comfortable seating and dining area with large picture windows. While cruising, you can have a drink at the bar or take a comfortable seat in the lounge area and relax with friends, play chess, read a book, listen to music, or do nothing else but enjoy the sights as the barge floats through the French countryside.
Your meals will be specially prepared by the Chef from selected local ingredients. Breakfast and Lunch usually consist of a buffet while dinner is a traditional sit down, plated meal. You will discover a wide variety of local traditional specialties accompanied by great local wines, Champagne and other sparkling wines. Even the most sophisticated connoisseurs will be surprised!
Le Phénicien is owned and operated by the Joly family, who are natives of the region the barge cruises through. Two to six hours a day are dedicated to cruising which includes one or two excursions each day that are organized especially for you. You will also visit some of the more well known historical sites and monuments, however the crew does try to organize these visits around the high season. Cycling is a fun activity to enjoy and easy to do in the region. You can ride on of the bikes we provide for you on board and head out by yourself or with others to discover the different sights and surroundings of the area.
Bike and Barge Program
Le Phénicien offers a special bike and barge program for charter groups and designated individual cabin bike and barge weeks. The program includes all meals, wines with lunches and dinners and an open bar. Custom bicycles and helmets are provided as well as route maps and suggested itineraries. The daily average bike ride is about 35 km but serious bikers may opt for up to an 80 km route daily. The routes are mostly flat or reasonably hilly and are ideal for bikers who have experience with similar rides.
Features
- Size of barge: 127 ft. by 16.5 ft.
- Number of Passengers: 18
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 9
- Crew: 5-6
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: The salon is 1,000 sq. ft. with a dining area, bar, and lounge area with sofas, chairs, flat screen TV and panoramic windows.
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Teak sundeck with chairs, tables, and umbrellas for shade.
- Spa Tub: No
- Cabin Features: Three cabins have twin beds and six cabins have a queen bed, all about 107 sq ft with ensuite bathroom with shower.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Private van with seating for 18-passengers for excursions, and a larger bus for transfers
- Accessibility: Steps to cabins only.
- Bicycles: 4 men's and 4 women's adult bicycles
- Bike and barge program: Special itinerary applies, bicycles custom ordered, and route book provided at no extra cost
- Themed Cruises: Culinary or Wine themed cruise weeks available for charter groups upon request at extra cost
Phenicien's Deck Plan
Dining Aboard The Phenicien:
SAMPLE MENU
LUNCH BUFFET
- Mixed seafood salad with cod fritter and monkfish marinated in coconut milk and lime juice
- Avocado filled with crab and shrimp
- Sliced roast duck with semolina and oriental raisin sauce
- Chestnut cake and burnt almond ice cream with mandarin oranges
Paired wines included:
Vin Blanc: Château Mourgues du Grés les galets dorés "AOC" Costières de Nîmes - 2005
Vin Rouge: Domaine des 3 Pierres "AOC" Costières de Nîmes - 2003
DINNER
- Stuffed baby vegetables from Provence, balsamic dressing
- Lamb and eggplant cannelloni with honey and rosemary sauce
- Baked Camembert in puff pastry over salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Molton chocolate cake, almond chantilly cream and passionfruit sauce
Paired wines included:
Vin Blanc: Mas Sainte Berthe AOC "les Baux" - 2004
Vin Rouge: Domaine Beaurenard AOC "Chateauneuf-du-Pape" - 2002
Passenger Comments:
The employees on the barge were wonderful and the service was at the level of a Ritz Carlton or a Four Seasons.
P.Z., WI, USA, September 2012
The overall trip was OUTSTANDING! The barge was, clean, functional and comfortable. Service was absolutely wonderful, the crew were so delightful full of energy, terrific sense of humor and great workers. The food and wines were amazing, 5 star all the way through!! It was beautiful, we would do it again!
M.D., WI, USA, September 2012
It was exquisite. Excellent attention to every detail and an exceptional staff. We felt warm and well received and the staff always attentive to our every wish. It was beyond my expectations!
C.L.F. & J.G., WI, USA, September 2012
Service was exceptional, meals and wines were excellent and overall trip was very enjoyable!
M.O., & K.M., PA, USA, September 2011
Nothing to improve on... the crew was just lovely! The meals were so beautifully presented...an aesthetic delight!
J.P., VT, USA, September 2011
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
PROVENCE:
Rhone River & Canal du Rhone a Sete
Avignon to Aigues-Mortes 2013
Sunday
Transfer from a defined pick up point to Le Phenicien which is moored close to the Avignon ramparts. There is time for a little nap or a visit of the city. Our first dinner on board gives an indication of the high standard of cuisine that will be served during the cruise and the accompanying wines have been specially chosen from top-notch local vineyards.
Monday
History and wines are our centers of interest today. We first take a guided tour to learn about the religious and artistic importance of the city's prestigious past with a visit to the Palace of the Popes. Then a lunch cruise takes us closer to one of the best cellars of Chateauneuf-du-Pape where we have a guided visit followed by a wine tasting. This evening we sail to Villeneuve les Avignon where we will stay overnight. The wines tasted in the morning are back on the table at dinner!
Tuesday
This morning the gigantic Roman aqueduct 'Le Pont du Gard' with its recently made-up site and modern museum are awaiting you. After this intriguing guided visit we return to the barge and sail down to Vallabregues - a quiet and charming little port where it is good to rest, take a bike ride, or play petanque under the plane trees.
Wednesday
Spots of legend are many in the surroundings and after breakfast we will visit the charming medieval village of Les Baux de Provence and take some time to shop! Back onboard the barge we pass through the huge 36 foot high lock of Beaucaire and sail down to Arles, the open-air Museum of Provence.
Thursday
Our guided visit in Arles this morning will delve deeply into antiquity and, at the same time, unravel the joys and despair of Van Gogh who painted 300 canvasses during his year here in 1888. The most impressive navigation is today as we head for for the Camargue! We cruise the Rhone river, the Petit Rhone, and the canal to reach the quiet and typical village of Gallician.
Friday
For our last day of excursion, what would you say about a nice trip to visit the wild Camargue? There we reach a 'manade', a typical ranch, where the 'gardiens a cheval', the local authentic cowboys, show us how they tend the herds of bulls on their superb white horses. Our final destination is Aigues-Mortes, a 14th century walled city rising from a flat landscape from which St. Louis set sail on his Holy Crusades. The Camargue never fails to surprise and welcomes us for our farewell dinner!
Saturday
After breakfast, morning departure to the defined transfer point.
Note: This is a sample cruise itinerary and it may be subject to change.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
PROVENCE:
Rhone River & Canal du Rhone a Sete
Aigues-Mortes to Avignon Cycling Itinerary 2013
Sunday
Transfer from a defined pickup point to Le Phénicien moored close to the ramparts of the walled city of Aigues-Mortes. It is time to settle in and explore the old fortress once a departure point for the holy crusades of the king St Louis, and now famous for its ambiance and shopping opportunities. Our first dinner on board gives an indication of the high standard of cuisine that will be served during the cruise with the accompanying wines specially chosen from local wineries.
Monday
This morning you will get fitted to your bikes during an information meeting to go over the week ahead. You are now ready to take your first bike ride and explore the surroundings on small roads and trails along the salt fields bordered by canals, lakes and marshes where bulls, horses and pink flamingoes give an uncommon touch to the scenery. We will pull into the village of Le Grau du Roi and the beaches nearby where you will have your first picnic in a marine atmosphere. (30km). Back to the barge we start a peaceful short navigation to the village of Gallician where we will stop and stay overnight.
Tuesday
The highlight of our ride this morning will be the Chateau d'Espeyran, an unknown jewel of French heritage. During the guided visit we will discover a full set of original furniture on a site occupied since the 6th century B.C. On the way you will certainly enjoy the wildlife and particularly the great variety of birds found everywhere in this area. The Camargue never fails to surprise! (35 km). Back on board after a nice picnic lunch, we cruise the canal, the Petit Rhône and the Rhône River to reach the Roman city of Arles, the open-air museum of Provence where Van Gogh painted 300 canvasses during his stay here in 1888.
Wednesday
Enjoy the city of Arles this morning and its open Provencal market before we start a great ride towards one of the most beautiful villages of France, Les Baux de Provence, where you will have a free visit and time for shopping. On the way we will make a stop at an olive oil mill in Mausanne and enjoy a lovely picnic. The ride back through the famous landscapes of Provence dotted with cypresses and olive trees will stay in your memories. We set sail this afternoon to our next stop, the charming village of Vallabrègues, the capital of Basketry in Europe, famous for its local craftsmanship. (50 km).
Thursday
Right after breakfast we head off on our ride to the Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigolet. Enjoy a picnic lunch here surrounded by the nice smells of our Provencal thyme, the best in Europe. Riding back to the barge, the local charming villages along the way, such as Boulbon or Barbentane, offer a good spot for a little rest in the shade. And so on up the Rhône River towards the papal village of Villeneuve les Avignon where we will stay for the night. (35 km).
Friday
Our last bike ride this week will take us to the famous village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape once chosen by the Popes to grow sacred vineyards. After a free visit to the village - and maybe a cautious wine tasting - we all get back on the bikes for a short ride to the barge awaiting on the Rhône River. You have lunch on board as the barge cruises gently down the river to Avignon where we will end up our journey. You still have plenty of time to discover the town where the Popes lived in the 14th century and take a last opportunity for shopping while the crew is getting everything ready for your farewell dinner! (35 km).
Saturday
After breakfast, you will be transferred to a defined meeting point.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
PROVENCE:
Rhone River & Canal du Rhone a Sete
Aigues-Mortes to Avignon Golf Cruise 2013
Sunday
Transfer from a defined picking point to Le Phénicien which is moored in Aigues-Mortes. It is time for a free visit of this 14th century walled city rising from a flat landscape from which St Louis set sail on his Holly Crusades. Our first dinner on board gives an indication of the high standard of cuisine that will be served during the cruise and the accompanying wines have been specially chosen from top-notch local vineyards.
Monday
Golf de La Grande Motte, 18 holes, PAR 72, 6161 m. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior, this famous golf course meanders through The Camargue landscapes. Black bulls and pink flamingoes are not far. (See
http://www.visitlagrandemotte.com/golf.php) This afternoon we sail down to the Camargue as we head east on the Canal du Rhône à Sète that links the Petit Rhône with the étangs, those inland seas that nudge the Med to the south of Montpellier. We moor in Gallician, a quiet and typical village. What would you say about a nice trip in the deep heart of the wild Camargue?
Tuesday
The most impressive navigation is today! We cruise the canal, the petit Rhône and the Rhône river to reach the Roman city of Arles, the open-air museum of Provence. This afternoon we play at the Golf de Nimes-Campagne, 18 holes, PAR 72, 6200 m. Since 1969, definitely one of the most beautiful private golf courses in France lately opened to green cards. (See:
http://www.golfnimescampagne.com/en/?Welcome)
Wednesday
And so on the Rhône river, we pass trough the huge 36 feet high lock of Beaucaire, and we reach Vallabrègues, a quiet and charming little port where it is good to rest, have a bike ride or play the pétanque under the plane trees. Golf de Servanes, 18 holes, PAR 72, 6121 m. Top ranking French golf and the unique experience of playing golf within Cezanne's favorite landscapes. (See:
http://www.opengolfclub.com/en/golfs/fiche/14/Golf-de-Servanes/109/Presentation)
Thursday
After about 3 hours of cruising, we dock in Villeneuve lès Avignon this morning. 30 minutes away from this old residential city of the Popes. This afternoon we play at the Golf Grand Avignon, 18 holes, PAR 72, 6046 m. Charming and quiet golf with bunkers and lakes. Uncommon covered practice area over water. (See:
http://www.golfgrandavignon.com/uk/).
Friday
History and wines are our centers of interest today. This morning, an early cruise takes us closer to one of the best cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape where we have a guided visit followed by a wine tasting. This afternoon we play at the Golf de Pont Royal, 18 holes, PAR 72, 6303 m. designed in 1992 by the great Severiano Ballesteros himself! (See:
http://www.golf-pontroyal.com, French only) Great wines tasted in the morning are back on the table for our farewell dinner!
Saturday
After breakfast, morning departure to the defined transfer point.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. It may run in the reverse direction.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
PROVENCE:
Rhone River & Canal du Rhone a Sete
Avignon to Aigues-Mortes Wine & Culinary Cruise 2013
Sunday
Transfer from a defined pickup point to Le Phénicien moored close to the Avignon ramparts. It is time to settle in and enjoy a welcome Champagne drink. Our first dinner on board sets the tone on both cuisine and wines served during the trip. Welcome aboard!
Monday
While the most keen on learning the secrets of our French Chefs will have a private hands-on cooking class at the 4-star Hotel restaurant La Mirande, the others will enjoy strolling around in the Palace of the Popes area. Everybody is invited to join the students at La Mirande for lunch and taste the results of the morning lessons! Then the bus will take us to the Domaine Beauregard in Châteauneuf-du-Pape where we have a guided visit followed by an uncommon vertical tasting. A moment that no wine connoisseur would like to miss. Le Phenicien docked nearby will takes us down to Villeneuve lès Avignon where we will stay overnight.
Tuesday
This morning we will visit Le Domaine de La Mordoree in Tavel where we will taste some AOC Lirac and the famous Tavel rose, certainly one of the best rosés of France enjoyed by Julius Cesar himself the gossip says. After this heady visit we get back to the barge and sail down to Vallabregues a quiet and charming little port where it is good to rest, have a bike ride or play the pétanque under the plane trees.
Wednesday
Those who would like to complement their Monday training will enjoy the second cooking class taking place this morning at the Domaine de Valmouriane in the valley of Les Baux de Provence. The others can take advantage of the trip to discover the medieval village, one of the most beautiful of France. Everybody can have lunch at Valmouriane and evaluate the progress made since last Monday! This afternoon we will visit the Mas du Gourgonnier featuring brilliant AOC Baux de Provence. Back to the barge we pass through the huge 36 feet high lock of Beaucaire and sail down to Arles, the open-air museum of Provence.
Thursday
This morning we will visit Le Chateau Mourgues du Gres, appellation Costières de Nimes. The rose wine from this winery is the favorite of the well-known Mr. Parker (the wine advocate). The most impressive navigation for today is heading for the Camargue! We cruise the Rhone river, the petit Rhone and the canal to reach the quiet and typical village of Gallician.
Friday
For our last day in the area we will visit Chateau d'or et de Gueule - one of the very good wineries of Languedoc - where we will taste a selection of rose, red and white. Back on board a lazy navigation on the canal will take us to our final destination Aigues-Mortes, a 14th century walled city rising from a flat landscape from which St Louis set sail on his Holy Crusades. The Camargue never fails to surprise and welcomes us for our farewell dinner!
Saturday
After breakfast, morning departure to the defined transfer point.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
Le Phenicien
2013 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Mar 24 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Value
|
| Mar 31 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Value
|
| Apr 7 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Value
|
| Apr 14 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Value
|
| Apr 21 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Value
|
| Apr 28 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Mid
|
| May 5 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Mid
|
| May 12 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| May 19 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| May 26 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Jun 2 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Jun 9 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Jun 16 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Jun 23 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Mid
|
| Jun 30 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Mid
|
| Jul 7 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Value
|
| Jul 14 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Value
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 21 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Value
|
| Jul 28 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Value
|
| Aug 4 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Value
|
| Aug 11 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Value
|
| Aug 18 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Mid
|
| Aug 25 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Mid
|
| Sep 1 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Sep 8 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Sep 15 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Sep 22 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Sep 29 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Regular
|
| Oct 6 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Mid
|
| Oct 13 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Mid
|
| Oct 20 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Value
|
| Oct 27 |
Avignon-Aigues-Mortes |
Value
|
| Nov 3 |
Aigues-Mortes-Avignon |
Value
|
|
The Le Phenicien's routes through Provence, from Avignon to Aigues Mortes. For a more detailed look at the cruise route, view our map of the Rhone River and the Canal du Rhone a Sete.
*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.
LE PHENICIEN
2013 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
VALUE
Mar 24 thru Apr 27
Jul 7 thru Aug 17
Oct 20 thru Nov 9
|
MID
Apr 28 thru May 11
Jun 23 thru Jul 6
Aug 18 thru Aug 31
Oct 6 thru Oct 19 |
REGULAR
May 12 thru Jun 22
Sep 1 thru Oct 5
|
|
Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$3,490 |
$4,005 |
$4,440 |
|
Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,250 |
$1,535 |
$1,730 |
|
Charter for 9 |
$44,570 |
$49,870 |
$57,810 |
|
Charter for 10 |
$44,570 |
$49,870 |
$57,810 |
|
Charter for 11 |
$44,570 |
$49,870 |
$57,810 |
|
Charter for 12 |
$44,570 |
$49,870 |
$57,810 |
|
Charter for 13 |
$45,325 |
$52,130 |
$60,065 |
|
Charter for 14 |
$47,600 |
$54,400 |
$62,345 |
|
Charter for 15 |
$49,875 |
$56,650 |
$64,610 |
|
Charter for 16 |
$52,130 |
$58,825 |
$66,870 |
|
Charter for 17 |
$54,395 |
$60,680 |
$69,140 |
|
Charter for 18 |
$56,660 |
$63,460 |
$71,400 |
|
Cooking Class Supplement per person |
$940 |
$940 |
$940 |
|
Wine Cruise Supplement per person |
$710 |
$710 |
$710 |
|
Wine & Culinary Supplement per person |
$710 |
$710 |
$710 |
|
Golf Supplement per person |
$855 |
$855 |
$855 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in cabins with private bath
- Transfers from Avignon or Nimes to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday, through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (hot air ballooning, golf etc at extra cost)
- Use of bicycles
For Bike and Barge Program (no extra cost for charter if everyone bikes):
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in cabins with private bath
- Transfers from Avignon or Nimes to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday, through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- Bicycles are custom ordered; passengers must provide their measurements (weight, height and inseam)
- attendees are provided a road book with suggested cycle routes; each itinerary is an average 35-50km trek. For serious cyclists, a longer 50-80km extension itinerary is offered.
- Bicycle helmets, repair tools, tubes, pump and a small case fixed on the bike to carry a picnic lunch and a bottle of water.
- Bicycle guide provided if everyone bikes
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transportation from Paris to Nimes/Avignon and return
- Optional gratuity for the crew; we suggest a minimum of 5 % to be given to the manager in equivalent euros
For Bike and Barge Program:
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transportation from Paris to Nimes/Avignon and return
- Optional gratuity for the crew; we suggest a minimum of 5 % to be given to the manager in equivalent euros
- Guided land excursions
- If not everyone bikes and separate excursions are requested then there is an additional USD $3,600.00 fee for the bicycle guide.
| Please visit our Special Offers page to see potential discounts for this barge or many others. |
 |
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: March 28, 2013
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