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Barges In France: Le Phenicien
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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 Phenicien blends the spaciousness of a larger river cruiser with the intimacy of a well-designed and decorated canal barge. All cabins were renovated in 2009: There are now 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 along with a dining area, all with large picture windows. While cruising, you can have a drink at the bar or take a comfortable seat at the lounges and relax with friends, play chess, read a book, listen to music, do nothing else but enjoy the sight through the large windows.

Your meals will be specially prepared by our Chef from selected local ingredients. Breakfast and Lunch usually consist of a buffet while dinner is a more traditional gourmet meal served at table. You will discover a wide variety of local traditional specialties accompanied by great local wines, Champagne and other sparkling wines. We think that even connoisseurs will be surprised.

Between 2 to 6 hours a day are dedicated to cruising. One or two excursions a day are organized especially for you. Of course you will also visit some monuments famous worldwide, but we usually try to organize the visits of these sites out of the rush hours or out of the high season. Bicycle riding is very pleasant and easy in the region; you may want to ride a bike in the evening and discover by yourself the surroundings of our port of call.

New Bike and Barge Program for 2009
Le Phenicien is now offering a special bike and barge program on selected cruise weeks, which is open for individual passenger bookings at a lower rate than the regular cruise. A different bike ride is proposed everyday with the assistance of a cycling specialist on board. Each biker will be given a road book with the detailed 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 with experience with similar rides. Accommodations and all meals with wine are included but not open bar. See below for a sample itinerary and what's included in this cruise.


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 in 2009: Offered at lower rate selected weeks; no guided excursions, no open bar, limited wine with meals
  • Themed Cruises: Culinary or Wine themed cruise weeks available for charter groups only.

Phenicien's Deck Plan
Le Phénicien's Deck Plan



Dining Aboard the Phenicien
SAMPLE MENU

Dîner - Dinner
Petits légumes farcis de Provence, réduction de balsamique
Stuffed baby vegetables from Provence, balsamic dressing

Cannelloni d’agneau de 7 heures et aubergines, jus aux arômes de romarin et miel d’acacias
Lamb and eggplant cannelloni, honey and rosemary sauce

Camembert pané, salade à l’huile vierge
Breaded Camembert over salad with olive oil dressing

Fondant au chocolat noir, crème a l’orgeat, coulis passion
Molton chocolate cake, almond chantilly cream and passionfruit sauce

Vin Blanc/White wine : Mas Sainte Berthe AOC ‘les Baux’ - 2004
Vin Rouge/Red wine : Domaine Beaurenard AOC ‘Chateauneuf-du-Pape’ - 2002

Midi – Lunch buffet
Salade exotique, acras de morue, lotte marinée au lait de coco et citron vert
Avocat farcis au crabe et crevette
Mixed salad, cod fritter, monkfish marinated with coconut milk and lime
Avocado filled with crab and shrimp


Magret de canard rôti, jus court, semoule de blé, raisins marinés aux saveurs d’orient
Sliced roast duck with semolina and oriental raisin sauce

Pont l’évèque ‘AOC’ and Munster cheese ‘AOC’

Cake à la châtaigne, nougat glace aux mandarines
Chestnut cake and burnt almond ice cream with mandarin oranges

Vin Blanc/White wine : Château Mourgues du Grés ‘les galets dorés ‘AOC’ Costières de Nîmes - 2005
Vin Rouge/Red wine : Domaine des 3 Pierres ‘AOC’ Costières de Nîmes - 2003



Passenger Comments:

It was tres manifique! The barge itself was very nice, the food fantastic, the staff friendly and helpful and the daily off-barge trips were terrific. The ranch visit to the Carmarge and the trip to the Pont du Gard were both just wonderful.As for the meals and wines- Oh, my! Both were fantastic! I found out that French rose is a wonderful wine and nothing like the pink stuff here in the States. The lunches and dinners were dining experiences and great fun. The excursions were just enough, but not too much; interesting; informative; and a few were off the beaten path (the chocolate factory, the winery, the Carmarge ranch) and not full of other tourists.
--T.H., VA, USA

The service was fantastic. There was no need un-met. Everyone should go on this trip at least once in their lifetime. It was beautiful.
-- J.K.

The food was unbelievable! The presentations were works of art. The staff knocked themselves out to accommodate the 2 special diets we had in our party. The wine was wonderful, wonderful!

High points would have to include: The relaxing time spent on the barge with my family. The wonderful food. The upbeat, pleasant and helpful staff. The trips into town for shopping and sightseeing. The Belgian passengers we shared the barge with. We really thought the size of the barge was perfect. We have all been on large cruises and this was so much more enjoyable. There was nothing we didn't enjoy. There is nothing I can think of that would improve the trip.

Wanted to report VERY HIGH MARKS for Le Phenicien. It was truly wonderful and the French hosts were what really made it great. The cabin was pretty small but again the crew was fantastic and really made everything terrific. The food was very French and we LOVED it!
--W.L., Nevada

The barge was beautifully appointed! It was very clean and obviously well maintained. The glorious Provence colors found throughout were delightful.
--P.W., California

Our trip was wonderful, the accommodations, the service, the food and the sight seeing. I cannot compliment the staff enough. Thank you for all the hard work you did in setting up the trip.
-- E.K., USA

We were thrilled with the trip. The Phenicien is a lovely facility, the crew was superb and the food and wine were of high quality. The outings were fun and informative. The other passengers were interesting and enjoyable. In all, an excellent experience!
--K.M., NJ, USA

SAMPLE ITINERARY*
PROVENCE:
Rhone River & Canal du Rhone a Sete:
Avignon to Aigues-Mortes


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 Bike & Barge Cruise
Sunday
Transfer from a defined pickup point to Le Phenicien 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 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 meet your cycling assistant and 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 the French patrimony. 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 lovely picnic lunch we cruise the canal, the Petit Rhone and the Rhone river to reach the Roman city of Arles, the open-air museum of Provence where Van Gogh painted 300 canvasses 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 Vallabregues, 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 here a picnic lunch 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 then a cruise up the Rhone 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 Chateauneuf-du-Pape, once chosen by the Popes to grow the sacred vineyards. After free time to visit 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 Rhone River. You have lunch on board as the barge cruises gently down the river to Avignon where we will end our journey. You still have plenty of time to discover the town where the Popes lived in the 14th century and a last chance 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.



Le Phenicien
2009 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week Route Season
Mar 29 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Value
Apr 5 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Value
Apr 12 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Value
Apr 19 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Value
Apr 26 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Mid
May 3 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Mid
May 10 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Mid
May 17 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Mid
May 24 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Regular
May 31 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Regular
Jun 7 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Regular
Jun 14 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Regular
Jun 21 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Regular
Jun 28 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Mid
Jul 5 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Mid
Jul 12 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Value
Cruise Schedule* ... continued
Week Route Season
Jul 19 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Value
Jul 26 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Value
Aug 2 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Bike and Barge Program
Aug 9 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Value
Aug 16 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Mid
Aug 23 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Mid
Aug 30 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon High
Sep 6 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes High
Sep 13 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon High
Sep 20 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes High
Sep 27 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon High
Oct 4 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Regular
Oct 11 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Regular
Oct 18 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Mid
Oct 25 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Mid
Nov 1 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Bike and Barge Program


Le Phenicien
2010 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week Route Season
Mar 28 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Value
Apr 4 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Value
Apr 11 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Value
Apr 18 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Value
Apr 25 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Mid
May 2 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Mid
May 9 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Mid
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 Mid
Jul 4 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Mid
Jul 11 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Value
Jul 18 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Value
Cruise Schedule* ... continued
Week Route Season
Jul 25 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Value
Aug 1 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Value
Aug 8 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Value
Aug 15 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Mid
Aug 22 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Mid
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 Mid
Oct 24 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Mid
Oct 31 Aigues-Mortes-Avignon Value
Nov 7 Avignon-Aigues-Mortes Value


*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
2009 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
Reduced from originally published 2009 rates
ACCOMMODATION VALUE
Mar 29 thru Apr 25
Jul 12 thru Aug 1
Aug 9 thru Aug 15
MID
Apr 26 thru May 23
Jun 28 thru Jul 11
Aug 16 thru Aug 29
Oct 18 thru Oct 31
REGULAR
May 24 thru Jun 27
Oct 4 thru Oct 17
HIGH
Aug 30 thru Oct 3
BIKE AND BARGE PROGRAM
Aug 2 thru Aug 8
Nov 1 thru Nov 7
Cabin (per person, double occupancy)
$2,990
$3,550
$3,990
$3,990
$2,250
Single Occupancy Supplement
$1,270
$1,430
$1,700
$1,700
$1,950
Charter for 9
$40,000
$45,000
$58,370
$62,940
NA
Charter for 10
$40,000
$45,800
$58,370
$62,940
NA
Charter for 11
$40,000
$48,080
$58,370
$62,940
NA
Charter for 12
$40,000
$50,360
$58,370
$62,940
NA
Charter for 13
$45,770
$52,640
$60,650
$62,940
NA
Charter for 14
$48,060
$54,930
$62,940
$62,940
NA
Charter for 15
$50,360
$57,210
$65,240
$65,240
NA
Charter for 16
$52,640
$59,510
$67,520
$67,520
NA
Charter for 17
$54,930
$61,800
$69,810
$69,810
NA
Charter for 18
$57,210
$64,080
$72,090
$72,090
$33,000
Wine Cruise Supplement (per person, dbl occ)
$570
$570
$570
$570
NA


LE PHENICIEN
2010 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
ACCOMMODATION VALUE
Mar 28 thru Apr 24
Jul 11 thru Aug 14
Oct 31 thru Nov 13
MID
Apr 25 thru May 15
Jun 27 thru Jul 10
Aug 15 thru Aug 28
Oct 17 thru Oct 30
REGULAR
May 16 thru Jun 26
Aug 29 thru Oct 16
Cabin (per person, double occupancy)
$3,290
$3,770
$4,190
Single Occupancy Supplement
$1,180
$1,450
$1,770
Charter for 9
$42,840
$42,840
$55,570
Charter for 10
$42,840
$43,600
$55,570
Charter for 11
$42,840
$45,770
$55,570
Charter for 12
$42,840
$47,940
$55,570
Charter for 13
$43,570
$50,110
$57,740
Charter for 14
$45,750
$52,290
$59,920
Charter for 15
$47,940
$54,460
$62,100
Charter for 16
$50,110
$56,640
$64,270
Charter for 17
$52,290
$58,830
$66,460
Charter for 18
$54,460
$61,000
$68,630
Culinary Cruise (per person)
Charter only maximum 15 passengers.
Available on the Avignon to Aigues-Mortes cruise direction only.
$920
$920
$920
Wine Cruise Supplement (per person)
Charter only minimum 9 passengers.
$670
$670
$670


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
- Use of bicycles

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


What's Included in the Bike and Barge Program for 2009 only:
- 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 (1/2 bottle per person per day)
- Bottled water and soft drinks
- Cash bar available for spirits and beer, payable at the end of the week in Euros only
- Bicycles are custom ordered; passengers must provide their measurements (general weight, height and inseam)
- Program members are provided a road book with cycle itinerary suggestions; each itinerary is an average 35km (50km mid-week). 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.

What's Not Included in the Bike and Barge Program for 2009 only:
- 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
- Open bar
- Guided land excursions


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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Text and photos copyright © 2003-2007, 2008 Rhone-Croisiere SARL. Photos: D. GUILHAUME, CDT 13 : J. GUILLARD, P. MOUTON, N. PASQUEL, D. GORGEON, JD. SUDRES, T. KREISER, P. LEFEVRE / S. MIGAUD / CDT 30 / CDT 84 : J.L. SEILLE. Web design by Special Places Travel, LLC.
Last Update: June 5, 2009

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