The Impressioniste

Cruise Highlights

•	All-inclusive open bar, free wines,gourmet cuisine, entry fees to excursions.
•	Visit 16th century Chateau de Tanlay.
•	Tour Chateau D'Ancy le Franc's twenty five restored appartments.
•	See the hill-top medieval stronghold of Semur-en-Auxois.
•	Wine tasting at Chablis and Epineuil.
•	Gastronomic dinner ashore.
•	Optional Hot Air Ballooning.

Features - Impressioniste

•	128 Feet Long
•	12 Passengers
•	5 British Crew - captain, master chef, tour guide, house keeper, 2 stewardess
•	2 Suites
•	4 Junior Suites
•	Air Conditioned
•	Spa Pool
•	Sauna
•	Central Heating
•	Fitness Studio
•	12 Touring Bikes
•	2 Buses with A/C

Boat Design

Cuisine Aboard

Regional Specialities
•	Coq au Vin, Escargots
•	Bourgogne, Filet de Charolais

Wine Cellar
•	Chateauneuf du Pape – red and white
•	Pouilly-Fumé
•	Sarn Veran
•	Côtes du Rhône
•	Vacqueyras
•	Wines from local vineyards bought along the route

Cheese Board
•	Delice de Bourgogne
•	Chaource
•	Aisy Cendré
•	Epoisses

Complete details below

Testimonials

"I knew we were going to dine well when I saw the provisions being put aboard. Forty-eight cases of wine (and 20 tons of water). Dark red slabs of Charolais beef and baskets of ivory new potatoes, pungent wild mushrooms, and pink and white radishes, their leaves still moist with dew. There were whole Brie cheeses that glowed like full moons and golden disks of Epoisses cheese that reeked like dirty gym clothes. There was enough food and wine for a month - an auspicious start for a journey that six of us (plus crew) would make in six days."

Details

Gastronomy

A delicious trip

BREAKFAST: Continental breakfast with fresh breads, fruit, cereals, fruit juice, decaffeinated or regular tea and coffee

LUNCH: Luncheons are generally buffets of colourful salads, pates and cold meats that may be accompanied by hot soup or entrée, delectable desserts and a different selection of regional cheeses. Accompanied by quality wines selected by the chef.

DINNER: Always a gastronomic adventure by our talented chef. A taste of regional cuisine by candlelight. Harmonising food and good wines from the best vineyards. Followed by a selection of regional cheeses. Coffee and liqueurs served in the saloon.

CAPTAIN’S DINNER: Captain’s dinner on the last night. Dress slightly formal.

SPECIAL FOOD REQUIREMENTS: Special food requirements (such as vegetarian or allergies) are catered for if requested in advance. Please notify our Reservations Manageress to book this in advance, preferably 8 weeks prior to the cruise departure.

DRINKS WHICH ARE INCLUDED : There is an open bar on board with alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks available 24 hours a day. Champagne and aged/vintage wines are not included although you may purchase bottles at cost on board if you let us know in advance how many of each you would require. Quality sparkling wine can be provided at no extra cost.

Leisure & Entertainment

On and Off Board

ON BOARD
6 person sauna
6 person Jacuzzi
Chart Room with TV/DVD, maps, books and charts etc
12 mountain bikes with 14 speed gears. You are also welcome to bring your own bicycles but please advise us in advance if you intend to.
Children’s bikes and child bike seats can be arranged if required. Please let us know at least 8 weeks prior to departure.
Binoculars for watching the bird life and scenery
Hi Fi system and compact discs. Guests are welcome to bring their favourite compact discs from home
Boules
Board games etc

CYCLING
Passengers are welcome to walk or cycle using the on board bicycles two to three days a week while the barge is in motion and of course when the barge is stationary.

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES
Hot air ballooning is possible near Avignon. Please contact our Sales team prior to your cruise if you would like more information.

EXCURSIONS BY MINIBUS
9-seater (including driver) long wheelbase VW Caravelle minibus - air-conditioned.
6-seater (not including driver) VW Sharan minibus – air-conditioned

EXCURSIONS FOR CHARTER GROUPS
If you are chartering, the itinerary can be adapted to suit your group’s particular needs. If the excursion is within a reasonable distance of the barge we will do everything we can to arrange it. Please advise our office in advance and the Captain can be informed.

FOR THOSE NOT WISHING TO ATTEND EXCURSIONS
You are welcome to stay behind on the barge if you would like. You can use the bikes, go for a walk or just sit on the shaded sundeck or Jacuzzi.

Cruises in Provence:

Impressioniste

Le Phenicien

Napoleon

Princess de Provence

MS Camargue

Departures:

Sundays Mar 23 - Nov 9

Value Periods (inclusive)

Mar 23 - Apr 20
Jul 6 - Aug 24
Oct 26 - Nov 2

Prices - Junior Suite
Regular Season: 3,090€ pp
Value Season: 3,290€ pp

Prices - Suite
Regular Season: 3,550€ pp
Value Season: 3,750€ pp

Check Availability

L'Impressionniste • 6 Nights • Canal du Midi

The 12 passenger L'Impressionniste, sister ship to La Belle Epoque began life as a cargo barge in Holland before undergoing a complete transformation into the powerful canal and river cruiser she is today.

Her light and airy interior features picture windows and selections of prints, fabrics and wall colorings reminiscent of the turn of the century era after which she has been named. She is crewed by a knowledgeable Captain, Mater Chef and crew of three.

L'Impressionniste's classic route covers some fine rural cruising, with plenty of opportunity to cycle and stroll along the tow-path and wander into nearby villages, Provence, Camargue, and South of France.

Day 1 Sunday	Board L'Impressionniste Guests are met at 4pm at the delightful Grand Hotel in Avignon and escorted by minibus to L'Impressionniste for a Champagne Welcome. Dine aboard in Avignon.
Day 2 Monday	Avignon to Arles This morning we visit the Palais des Papes, an impressive monument to the era of the 'Other Rome', when the popes moved to France or enjoy a superb wine tasting at Chateauneuf du Pape. After a stroll though the vibrant shopping district of Avignon, we return to the barge for lunch. In the afternoon we cruise down the mighty Rhone River to Arles, passing the intriguing citadel of King René at Tarascon and the foothills of the Alpilles. Dinner on board.
Day 3 Tuesday	Arles to Aigues Mortes This morning we explore Arles, the Roman Arena and Theatre, St. Trophime's church and the Museum of Provencal life. We also visit some of Vincent van Gogh's haunts on foot through the heart of this old capital of the Camargue before rejoining the barge for our cruise up the Rhone. We join the Petit Rhone and then the Canal du Rhone a Sete that carries us to our mooring beside the medieval fortified town of Aigues Mortes. Dinner ashore at a local auberge.
Day 4 Wednesday	Aigues Mortes to Frontignan Stroll from our mooring outside the town walls to visit the Tour de Constance, built in 1248 as a lighthouse and since used as a prison. Then in the afternoon we cruise the Canal du Rhone à Sete through the Camargue National Park with its wild horses, black bulls and pink flamingos, to the hamlet of Les Aresquiers where we are 200 yards from the Mediterranean. Dinner on board.
Day 5 Thursday	Frontignan to Marseillan An early morning cruise brings us to Frontignan. This is followed by a chance to explore Sete, 'the Venice of the Languedoc', with its thriving fishing fleet and fish market. In the afternoon we sail out onto the Thau Lake, a large, inland salt-water lagoon full of mussel and oyster beds. The water is so clear that you can sometimes see miniature sea horses passing on the tide. After lunch on board we arrive in Marseillan, a beautiful Mediterranean fishing village. Before dinner on board, you might enjoy an aperitif wine tasting in a local Languedoc vineyard.
Day 6 Friday	Marseillan to Agde Before the ship sails we have an opportunity to tour the cellars and distillery of the world famous vermouth Noilly Prat, followed by a tasting. In the afternoon we cruise on the Canal du Midi, the oldest complete canal in France, to the town of Agde, followed by a tour of Agde itself, including its Cathedral built of lava blocks from the nearby Black Mountains. Captain’s Dinner on board.
Day 7 Saturday	Return Return transfer by minibus to Agde TGV station by 10am or Montpellier TGV station, airport or hotel by 11am.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

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Barge in Provence