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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

BARGE CRUISES: 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 visit some of the more well known historical sites and monuments, such as Avignon and Arles. If you're interested in cycling, you can cycle on your own into the nearby countryside and villages when the barge is moored from late afternoon to the following morning using the bikes provided on board. Or for more cycling you can choose the bike and barge program for groups. Le Phenicien also offers special golf and wine and culinary cruises. See the sample itineraries below for these cruises.

We have known the Joly family and Le Phenicien since it started cruising in 2004 and they still provide the same great French cruise experience in Provence. We have stayed on board several times and found that the cuisine and wines are always excellent. The excursions are often led by local guides who will give you a real understanding of the Provence area.

Bike and Barge Program
Le Phénicien offers a special bike and barge program for charter groups. 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. A guide is provided for groups of 10 or more bikers.

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: No steps from deck to salon, 10 steps from salon to cabins
Bicycles: 8 adult bicycles on board; additional bicycles available upon request
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
Wi-Fi: Yes - limited in some areas

Phenicien's Deck Plan

LE PHENICIEN 2021 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
TYPE	VALUE Mar 14 thru Apr 24 Jul 18 thru Aug 14 Oct 24 thru Nov 6	MID Apr 25 thru May 15 Jun 27 thru Jul 17 Aug 15 thru Aug 28 Oct 3 thru Oct 23	REGULAR May 16 thru Jun 26 Aug 29 thru Oct 2
Cabin (per person, double occupancy)	$3,820	$4,380	$4,750
Single Occupancy Supplement	$1,470	$1,500	$2,010
Charter for up to 12	$48,690	$54,485	$63,155
Charter for 13	$49,520	$56,945	$65,620
Charter for 14	$51,995	$59,430	$68,105
Charter for 15	$54,485	$61,900	$70,580
Charter for 16	$56,945	$64,370	$73,055
Charter for 17	$59,415	$66,855	$75,520
Charter for 18	$61,890	$69,325	$77,985
Cooking Class Supplement per person	$990	$990	$990
Cycling Supplement (per person, dbl occ)	$300	$300	$300
Wine Cruise Supplement per person	$885	$885	$885
Wine & Culinary Supplement per person	$885	$885	$885
Golf Supplement per person	$955	$955	$955

LE PHENICIEN 2022 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
TYPE	VALUE Mar 13 thru Apr 23 Jul 17 thru Aug 13 Oct 23 thru Nov 5	MID Apr 24 thru May 14 Jun 26 thru Jul 16 Aug 14 thru Aug 27 Oct 2 thru Oct 22	REGULAR May 15 thru Jun 25 Aug 28 thru Oct 1
Cabin (per person, double occupancy)	$3,820	$4,380	$4,750
Single Occupancy Supplement	$1,470	$1,500	$2,010
Charter for up to 12	$48,690	$54,485	$63,155
Charter for 13	$49,520	$56,945	$65,620
Charter for 14	$51,995	$59,430	$68,105
Charter for 15	$54,485	$61,900	$70,580
Charter for 16	$56,945	$64,370	$73,055
Charter for 17	$59,415	$66,855	$75,520
Charter for 18	$61,890	$69,325	$77,985
Cooking Class Supplement per person	$990	$990	$990
Cycling Supplement (per person, dbl occ)	$300	$300	$300
Wine Cruise Supplement per person	$885	$885	$885
Wine & Culinary Supplement per person	$885	$885	$885
Golf Supplement per person	$955	$955	$955

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 (charter 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
- 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, minimum of 10 passengers

Cooking Cruise Option:
Maximum of 15 passengers. Avignon to Aigues-Mortes cruise direction only. Usually charter only, but may be announced for selected individual cabin booking weeks.

Wine Cruise, and Wine and Culinary Cruise:
Charter only

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
- Trip cancellation insurance

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.
- Bicycle guide not included for less than 10 passengers.
- Trip cancellation insurance

Le Phenicien 2021 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week	Route (Or Reverse)	Season
Mar 14	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Value
Mar 21	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Value
Mar 28	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Value
Apr 4	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Value
Apr 11	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Value
Apr 18	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Value
Apr 25	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Mid
May 2	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Mid
May 9	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Mid
May 16	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Regular
May 23	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Regular
May 30	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Regular
Jun 6	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Regular
Jun 13	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Regular
Jun 20	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Regular
Jun 27	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Mid
Jul 4	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Mid
Jul 11	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Mid
Jul 18	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Value
Jul 25	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Value
Aug 1	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Value
Aug 8	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Value
Aug 15	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Mid
Aug 22	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Mid
Aug 29	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Regular
Sep 5	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Regular
Sep 12	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Regular
Sep 19	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Regular
Sep 26	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Regular
Oct 3	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Mid
Oct 10	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Mid
Oct 17	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Mid
Oct 24	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Value
Oct 31	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Value

Le Phenicien 2022 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week	Route (Or Reverse)	Season
Mar 13	Aigues-Mortes-Aigues-Mortes	Value
Mar 20	Aigues-Mortes-Aigues-Mortes	Value
Mar 27	Aigues-Mortes-Aigues-Mortes	Value
Apr 3	Aigues-Mortes-Aigues-Mortes	Value
Apr 10	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Value
Apr 17	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Value
Apr 24	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Mid
May 1	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Mid
May 8	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Mid
May 15	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Regular
May 22	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Regular
May 29	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Regular
Jun 5	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Regular
Jun 12	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Regular
Jun 19	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Regular
Jun 26	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Mid
Jul 3	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Mid
Jul 10	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Mid
Jul 17	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Value
Jul 24	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Value
Jul 31	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Value
Aug 7	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Value
Aug 14	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Mid
Aug 21	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Mid
Aug 28	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Regular
Sep 4	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Regular
Sep 11	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Regular
Sep 18	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Regular
Sep 25	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Regular
Oct 2	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Mid
Oct 9	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Mid
Oct 16	Avignon-Aigues-Mortes	Mid
Oct 23	Aigues-Mortes-Avignon	Value
Oct 30	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'S ITINERARIES

SAMPLE ITINERARY*
PROVENCE:
Rhône River & Canal du Rhône à Sète
Avignon to Aigues-Mortes 2023

The medieval fortress-town of Aigues-Mortes

Arles, the inspiration behind many of Van Gogh's famous paintings

Le Pont du Gard

Palace of the Popes, Avignon

Palace of the Popes, Avignon

Sunday - Avignon
From 5:15 p.m. transfer of passengers from Avignon TGV station to Le Phénicien which is moored at the quay of the line. A driver is waiting for you at the meeting point located on the ground floor. Travel time is 15 minutes. Reception of passengers from 5:30 p.m. Our crew will take care of your luggage and help you settle into your cabins. Around 6 p.m. we will be waiting for you on the sun deck to introduce you to your crew with a drink in hand, but also to discuss with you the program for the week, the safety rules on board, practical questions about meal times and to answer your questions. 7 p.m.-7:30 p.m. dinner served with food and wine pairings. After dinner you can take a walk in Avignon (the center is 5 minutes walk) or take a very pleasant walk along the Rhône to the very famous bridge of Avignon or take your time and enjoy the sun bridge of Le Phenician.

Monday - Avignon to Villeneuve les Avignon
After your breakfast at 9 a.m., we accompany you to the Palais des Papes for a 2-hour cultural guided tour that will transport you to the world of the Popes who built this architectural marvel in the heart of the city of Avignon. You then have 1h30 to visit the city in complete freedom to go shopping or stroll along the pedestrian and shopping streets of the old center. We are waiting for you at 12:30 p.m. on board for lunch while sailing to Villeneuve les Avignon where Le Phenician will stop at the foot of the Philippe Le Bel Tower, which is the vestige of a fortress built at the end of the 13th century, used to control the entrance to the Saint Bénezet bridge (or Pont d'Avignon) linking the two banks of the Rhône. At 2:30 p.m., we will reach one of the jewels of the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation, the Domaine de Beaurenard, owned by the Coulon family for 7 generations, by private bus. This visit and tasting of this wine estate will make you discover wines full of character and elegance, the visit lasts approximately 1h30 and you have the possibility of buying wine directly at the property. Of course, the wines of Domaine de Beaurenard will complement one of your dinners. Back at Le Phénicien around 5:30 p.m., our bartender will be delighted to welcome you for a drink on the sun deck. Dinner and night in Villeneuve les Avignon, always with the freedom of nocturnal or other walks.

Tuesday - Villeneuve les Avignon to Aramon
This morning around 9 a.m. our bus takes us to one of the most visited cultural sites in France: The Pont du Gard, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Pont du Gard is an aqueduct built by the Romans in the 1st century of Our era. It is exceptional in terms of its dimensions since, at 49 meters high, it is the highest Roman aqueduct in the world. Our private guided tour of the Pont du Gard will take you to the top of it with an incredible and unique view of the valley. We will continue our visit with the Musée du Pont, which will enchant you with its very visual explanations On the Site du Pont du Gard, which is the largest interpretation center in France on the genius Roman builder, which tells the story of the Roman aqueduct. Models, virtual reconstructions, multimedia screens, soundscapes call for the discovery of Roman antiquity. Back on the boat, we set sail for the village of Aramon, with lunch while sailing. We arrive at the Estères river stop in Aramon around 4:30 p.m. where we will stop for the night. This village spreads out in an amphitheater around its castle built on a rocky outcrop. Its port activity from Roman times reached its peak in the 17th century. Oil, wine, salt, cereals left Aramon for the whole of France. Rural village until the 1960s with its many basketry workshops, it has retained its agricultural vocation: fruit growing, cultivation of vines and olive trees and embellishing its built heritage as evidenced by the many residences from the 15th to the 18th century. You therefore have free time for a bike ride or visit the picturesque village of Aramon on foot.

Wednesday - Aramon to Arles
It is a departure in the morning by private bus that takes us to the village of Les Baux de Provence for a guided tour rich in historical events of this village, ranked in the top 10 of the most beautiful villages in France. Les Baux-de-Provence are unique because they are a little more magical and a little more illustrious in this extraordinary setting. However, the very essence that makes the charm and the perfume so particular of the Provençal villages is there: the small squares, the shaded terraces, the narrow streets and their shops. After this busy morning we return to Le Phénicien for a lunch while sailing, passing through the Beaucaire lock, which is 180 meters long and 12 meters wide, and its impressive 15 meter drop. Around 4:30 p.m. we stop in Arles and we will spend the night there. Le Phénicien is moored at Quai Lamartine, a 5-minute walk from the Roman Arena. You can go shopping, visit the pedestrian streets or have a drink in the famous Van Gogh café. It is also an opportunity to play a game of Pétanque in the shade of the plane trees just opposite the mooring of the Phénicien and can challenge certain members of the crew.

Thursday - Arles to Gallician (Petite Camargue)
This morning your guide will pick you up on board to show you the historical side of the city, during the visit he will evoke various periods in the history of Arles, from Roman times to the Renaissance, but also Catholicism with Saint-Trophime Cathedral and will talk about Vincent Van Gogh. Back to the boat around 12:30 p.m. we will sail up the Rhône, then take the Petit Rhône to pass the lock of Saint Gilles and navigate the Canal de Provence. We will stop for the night at the river stopover of Gallician, a village located in the Petite Camargue. You can go for a bike ride or walk on the paths along the canal.

Friday - Gallician to Aigues-Mortes
This morning we dive into the heart of the bullfighting traditions of the Camargue with a visit to the most beautiful and most titled Manade de Camargue: Les Marquesas, property of the Laurent family since the post-war period. We will discover their breeding of bulls for the Camargue races but also the Camargue horses and all the tradition that surrounds this sport. This morning is a real immersion in the authenticity of this region of France, which is also a protected natural park. It is in the middle of the bulls and the Gardians that the breeding of the bulls and the rules of the Camargue races will be explained. After a Camargue aperitif, we will return to Le Phénicien for lunch while sailing to the town of Aigues-Mortes, a 14th century fortified medieval town emerging from the Camargue sands. We will be there around 2:30 p.m. The city is very touristy and almost entirely pedestrian; it is good to walk there and do some shopping. It will also be time for our weekend gala dinner.

Saturday - Aigues-Mortes
It's time to say goodbye but not farewell, you will be transferred to Nîmes station from 9am.

Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. It cruises in the reverse direction on alternate weeks.

SAMPLE ITINERARY*
PROVENCE:
Rhône River & Canal du Rhône à Sète
Aigues-Mortes to Avignon Cycling Itinerary 2023

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 Galician 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 where we will stop for a lovely picnic. 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 Aramon (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 so on up the Rhône river towards the papal village of Villeneuve les Avignon where we will stay for the night. (35 km).

Friday
History and wines are our centers of interest today. This morning, we join one of the best cellars of Tavel where we have a guided visit followed by a wine tasting. Our final destination is Avignon, the walled city of the Popes. After lunch we have free time in Avignon to learn about the religious and artistic importance of the city by, for example, visiting the Palace of the Popes.

Saturday
After breakfast, you will be transferred to an agreed meeting point.

Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. It may run in the reverse direction.

SAMPLE ITINERARY*
PROVENCE:
Rhône River & Canal du Rhône à Sète
Avignon to Aigues-Mortes Golf Cruise 2023

Sunday - Avignon
Transfer from a defined picking point to Le Phénicien which is moored close to the Avignon ramparts. It is time for a little nap or a free visit to 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 - Pont Royal
Golf de Pont Royal, 18 holes, PAR 72, 6303 m. Designed in 1992 by the great Severiano Ballesteros himself! www.golf-pontroyal.com. Then a nice first lunch 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 evening we sail to Villeneuve lès Avignon where we will stay overnight. The wines tasted in the morning are back on the table at dinner!

Tuesday - Grand Avignon
Golf Grand Avignon, 18 holes, PAR 72, 6046 m. Charming and quiet golf with bunkers and lakes. Uncommon covered practice area over water. www.golfgrandavignon.com This afternoon, we get back to the barge and sail down to Vallabrégues a quiet and charming little port where it is good to rest, have a bike ride or play pétanque under the plane trees.

Wednesday - Servanes
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. www.opengolfclub.com/servanes. Back to the barge we pass through the huge 36 feet high lock at Beaucaire and sail down to Arles, the open-air Museum of Provence.

Thursday - Nîmes Campagne
Golf de Nîmes-Campagne, 18 holes, PAR 72, 6200 m. Since 1969, definitely one of the most beautiful private golf courses in France recently opened to green cards. www.golfnimescampagne.fr.st/ The most impressive navigation is today heading for the Camargue! We cruise the Rhône River, the petit Rhône and the canal to reach the quiet and typical village of Gallician.

Friday - La Grande Motte
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 flamingos are not far. www.sunfrance.com/golf/ Our final destination is Aigues-Mortes, a 14th century walled city rising from a flat landscape from which St Louis set sail on his Holly 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. It may run in the reverse direction. This golf itinerary is open to players of all levels. Transfers from mooring places to golf courses last less than 45 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

Dining Aboard The Phenicien:
SAMPLE MENU

A taste of the gourmet cuisine served aboard the Phenicien.

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 excursions were excellent. I really appreciated having professional tour guides. All but one were easy to understand; all were knowledgeable and receptive to questions. The tablet tour of the Popes Palace in Avignon was an exception. I would have much preferred a guided tour. Thank you for all your efforts on our behalf. I thought the pre-trip organization was excellent and the written information included in our cruise package was very useful and informative.
M.F. CA USA

All the cabins on the boat, although configured differently, were all equally decorated and comfortable. The service on the boat was wonderful. Everyone was kind and absolutely delightful to be around. We felt as though we were with family. Every meal was a delight for all the senses. Our excursions were designed to enhance our appreciation and understanding of the region. But as active as we were, we never felt pressured or exhausted. The high points were: the staff and owner - wonderful people. The boat is very nicely designed. Less formal than other barges we've been on, which was nice (very relaxing). High points were: walking all over the Pont du Gard, all the meals on board, Jim's cooking lessons, Chateauneuf, the Camargue ranch. The weather was ideal (not hot nor cold), the region was a favorite of ours, and we were looking forward to this trip for a year. It could have not gone better. Highly recommend this trip.
W.M. & J.W., GA, USA

It was the highlight of our 4 1/2 weeks in southern France and NE Spain. We have always been independent travelers, non-tour, so weren't sure how we would like it. But it exceeded all our expectations. All our needs and wishes were met and exceeded. Every single member of the crew was unfailingly and sincerely pleasant, good at his/her job, and went above and beyond the call of duty. Michel's knowledge of the area and how to get things done there is amazing. The meals and wines were incredible. It was so fun to know that what we were eating and drinking was local to our mooring area. The Camargue is an area we had never visited as it's not easy to see it by public transportation. This was the perfect way to do it. It was not a busy route, so was tranquil, relaxing, and very beautiful. The locks, bridges, and water birds all added to the enjoyment.
S.T. OR USA

We had a wonderful trip. The boat was immaculate, the food tasty and ample, the service impeccable, the tours interesting and informative. The high points were 'Foie gras night', swimming next to the Pont du Gard, Les Baux (a medieval town/fortress). Really, it is hard to pick one or two things. My husband enjoyed the lovely tour guide in the Papal Palace at Avignon quietly demonstrating the acoustics of the chapel by singing the Agnus Dei in her silvery voice. Others loved the ranch and its owners, right out of central casting.
B.W. NY, USA

Was great. Very 'decadent'. A really special and memorable vacation. Got to experience French cuisine and hospitality first hand. The barge was very well run, spotlessly clean and with very professional staff for whom no request was too trivial or impossible.
I & K S., CANADA

LINKS to Le Phenicien Information

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