This exciting cruise combines the beauty of the Camargue with the relaxed and itimate setting of the Canal du Midi for a truly once in a lifetime experience.

Cruise Route: Canal du Rhône a Sète, Etang de Tau, Canal du Midi

Highlights : Visit to the walled city of Aigues Mortes, the Maguelone abbey church, Frontignan with its muscat wines, Mont Saint Clair in Sète, Etang de Tau, Agde and Beziers, possible visit to Narbonne.

Sunday: You will be transferred to your charming barge home, moored right at the heart of the ‘petite Camargue.’ L'Etoile sits at the gates of the amazing 13th century walled town of Aigues-Mortes, an embarkation port for the crusades. You will be welcomed aboard with a champagne toast and the first of many gourmet dinners.

Monday: This morning there will be time to walk along the city walls, shop for souvenirs or relax in one of the many outdoor cafés in Aigues Mortes. (Horseback riding on the beach can also be arranged for an additional charge.) After lunch we will cruise to the most peaceful and romantic mooring of this cruise - the 6th century Maguelone cathedral on a peninsula with the canal on one side and the Mediterranean on the other!  Your dinner will be onboard with an incomparable view of the Mediterranean, the Alps and Camargue all at the same time!

Tuesday: You can start your day with a morning walk or bike ride to observe the flamingoes and other wildlife, visit the Maguelone cathedral and her vineyards, or just lounge away at the nearby beach. You will have lunch as we cruise. There will be an afternoon trip to Frontignan for a tasting of the sweet white aperitif wine ‘Muscat.’ If you would like, we will have specially prepared mussels as a part of your dinner on board this evening.

Wednesday: This morning our excursion is into the town of Sète, France's largest mediterranean fishing town. Enjoy watching its picturesque fishing boats and yachts maneuver through the old port. We then tour the open-air market and if you are up for a challenge, climb the Mont St-Clair for a great view of Sète, its canals and the sea. Highlights include a visit to the Church of Saint Paul, built in the 12th century. We will cruise this afternoon on the Etang de Thau alongside the oyster beds lined up all the way to the entrance of the Canal du Midi.

Thursday:  Enjoy our morning cruise to Agde. We will pass the famous round lock, built by Pierre-Paul Riquet, who masterminded the construction. Our mooring is right in the city. History is waiting for you, we can visit the museum Agatois, walk or bike through this ancient town founded by the Phoenicians 2500 years ago. Discover ‘Les Halles,’ the covered market or visit the excellent shops. A stop is possible at the Chateau of Picpoul de Pinet to taste their delicious white aperitif wine. Dinner is onboard.

Friday: Today we will enjoy a morning cruise to the town of Beziers, perched on a hill at the foot of which you will see the sprawling river Orb and the Canal du Midi. A visit to the 13th century fortified cathedral of Saint Nazaire, with its commanding view across Pyrenees mountains will prove to be one of the high points of your trip. Later we can explore the english-style garden - Le Plateau des Poètes, the 19th century market hall, or the museum of fine arts. We return to the barge for dinner.

Saturday morning: You'll say "Au Revoir" and depart after breakfast for transfer to Beziers. There are TGV train departures to Paris and Nice. If you prefer, you may also be transferred to the airport, rental car office, or hotel of your choice.

Our sightseeing schedule is flexible and can be customized to reflect your interests. 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.