Everything in our cruises has been designed to help you feel at home without the drawbacks of being at home. You will certainly appreciate to rest while the boat meanders through the tranquil waterways of The Camargue and the surroundings.

We have focused our tours on three different centers of interest that you will find in the region: History and Culture, Nature and Wildlife, Gastronomy and Wine. All our cruises are organized in the same simple way:

They last 1 week with 6 nights on board. We pick you up at a defined meeting point on Sunday (usually a train station or an airport).

Remember that you remain totally free. The sole constrain is to be on time at the meeting points and on board when the boat leaves the port of call. That's it.

Once transferred on board, you will be introduced to the crew during the Welcome drink. After a brief presentation of the cruise and once the safety rules are presented, you will be invited to a guided presentation of the boat performed by the captain Michel. The rest of the first day is free.

Then a brilliant dinner specially prepared by our Chef is served on board and after a pleasant night, you are ready for your first day of cruise. Every day in a week is organized in a similar way to help you keep some basis. You can have all meals on board. They are fully prepared from selected local ingredients by our Chef. 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 coming with known and less known (often because not exported) local great wines, red, white, rose, Champagne and other sparkling wines. We think that even the connoisseurs will be surprised. "Bon appetit"

Between 2 to 6 hours a day are dedicated to navigation.

One or two excursions a day are foreseen and organized specially for you. We must stress on that point: the excursions organized by Rhone Croisiere have been designed exclusively for you, sometimes with people who did not even think to welcome tourists before we start working with them. This is what authenticity means for us. 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.

On board is also available a great selection of books and games.

You will also appreciate the paintings from local artists exhibited in the main lounge (private exhibitions organized for passengers only).

Bicycle riding is very pleasant and easy in the region, if you want to ride a bike in the evening and discover by yourself the surroundings of our port of call, you can book one of them in the morning.

A lot of pleasant surprises are also foreseen, but you will have to join us on board "LE PHENICIEN" to know more about them.

On Saturday, the last day, your heart full of this nice feeling of living a unique experience, you will be transferred from the boat to a defined transfer point (usually by bus). Already thinking about your next cruise

" Remember that you remain totally free"

" the excursions organized by Rhone Croisere have been designed exclusively for you.

Rhône Croisière is a small family business founded in 2000 by Claudette, Michel, Bertrand and Marc.

We have found that barge cruising is the best way to combine our love of boats and our attachment for our region, the southof France.

Thanks to luxury cruises aboard LE PHENICIEN, we are glad to share now this passion with you.

"Old pots make good soups" this is why we have recently reconditioned a traditional freight barge in a top class exclusive vessel called "LE PHENICIEN". For the last 5 years we have been offering to a limited number of passengers the privilege of an unforgettable cruise along inland waterways of the Rhône and Canal du Rhône à Sète through Provence and The Camargue. Authenticity, quality and comfort are the main principles we always keep in mind when designing our boats and tours.

Bertrand, 34, has worked in some of the most luxurious hotels in Paris. He is responsible for the crew who will attend to your every need and ensure your comfort on board.

Marc, 41, is an engineer who turned to work mainly in computing and marketing. He is your privileged contact for commercial issues and also responsible for this site.

Thierry, 41, is a true French Chef! Probably the best available among the whole barge fleet, as a matter of fact this is what happy passengers usually say. A table!

In the background we have:

Michel, 59, has done a lot in the past 35 years, provided his ability to design and manufacture was involved. He designed and made the barge "LE PHENICIEN" and is now responsible for maintenance.

Claudette, 58, has been in the restaurant business for the last 10 years and used to work as a decorator before. She is responsible for everything that looks nice or smells good at Rhône Croisière.

We are all natives from the region we cruise through, this is why what you will find at Rhône Croisière, you will find nowhere else.

It is up to you to join the community of LE PHENICIEN happy passengers!

Your cruise itinerary day by day…

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
This morning 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? There we reach one of the most prestigious manade, a typical ranch, where the gardians à cheval, the local authentic cow-boys, show us how they tend the herds of bulls on their superb white horses

Tuesday
The most impressive navigation is for 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. Our guided visit in Arles this afternoon will delve deep into antiquity and, at the same time, unravel the joys and despair of Van Gogh who painted 300 canvases during his year here in 1888.

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.
Spots of legend are many in the surroundings and this afternoon we will visit the charming mediaeval village of Les Baux de Provence and take some time to shop around!

Thursday
After about 3 hours of cruise, we dock in Villeneuve lès Avignon this morning. 30 minutes away from this old residential city of the Popes, the gigantic Roman aqueduct “Le Pont du Gard”, its recently made-up site and its modern museum are waiting for you. After this intriguing guided visit we get back to the barge where we will spend the night.

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. Our final destination is Avignon the walled city of the Popes. After lunch we take a guided tour to learn about the religious and artistic importance of the city’s prestigious past with the palace of the Popes visit.
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.

Menu 1

Millefeuille of ewe brousse with tomato and basil

Rosé, Lacombe-Mézières 2001 Médaille d'or CGAParis

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Panned quail filets. Quenelles of polenta with parmesan

Sauce with sage

Rouge, Château Grande Cassagne "Hippolyte" 1999

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Pélardon goat cheese. Salad with olive oil.

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Strawberry sabayon cooked with vanilla

Menu 2

Wild wheat taboulé with little squids

Blanc, Cassis Bodin 2001

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Lamb filet cooked in herb shell, honey and black olives sauce.

Little vegetables cooked with butter and olives.

Rouge, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Beaurenard 2000

Eggplants cooked with Roquefort cheese and Mozarella

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Crème brûlée with orange and saffron

 

“What a wonderful trip – very scenic – and the weather couldn’t have been nicer. The Chef outdid himself. We are now hooked with barging!
Warmest regards. Merci beaucoup”
Diane and Ken W., Richmond, Virginia

“Each day of our journey through Provence seemed as though it were planned just for us. The crew was so “on the mark” with help and suggestions. And the cuisine !!!
Thank you for a wonderful vacation.”
Jane and Bill B. NY city

“Have been on river cruises many times but this was our first ‘small boat canal cruise’. We’ll never go back to the big boats!! We had a wonderful time, cannot recommend the boat too highly!
We will be back!”
Wynn and Marion L., Sacramento, California

“Getting in Avignon, eating Charcuterie and sipping Côtes du Rhône wine we look back on our wonderful trip through the south of France with great memories of our trip. Thank you for a wonderful trip!”
The S./N./S./B. family.

“We had an absolutely fabulous time. Food was outstanding with lots of wonderful flavors. A beautiful barge, Claudette has a wonderful sense of decorating. We had a wonderful trip.”
Tim ad Chris K., Paradise Valley

“Thank you so much for a wonderful, wonderful trip! Could you cruise another itinerary we would love to enjoy your hospitality again!”
Mike and Sheila H. Danbury, CT

“Here we are at the end of a fabulous trip! I wish we could start all over again! This was a dream of mine that was realized with great company, warm crew, glorious accommodation and heavenly cuisine (thanks for the cooking lesson)”
Gerry and Barbara B. Citizens of the world

“To the wonderful crew of LE PHENICIEN. We are sad to depart your lovely barge after such a terrific week of good company, great food and the beautiful sights of southern France. It was everything we imagined and more! Thank you also for the special celebration of our 10th Anniversary! The dessert was spectacular and we so appreciated the efforts of the crew to make the evening special for us! We will miss you all, but feel as though we leave with great memories and a special understanding of your country and culture! Thanks also for the late night, in depth conversations!”
Andrew and Danielle C. Cedar Park, Texas

“Seven adults, seven children, seven crew, one family, one week, one great time! Great food, great wine, great boat!”
The M. family, Westport, CT

“Thank you! To the crew of The “Phenicien”! we were all treated like Kings and Queens for the entire week. I will never forget this wonderful trip.
Thank you.”
Shelly G. San Diego, CA. (full boat charter)

“As the Grand Mere of this group I have to say it has been simply MARVELLOUS!! We are from age 82 until 6 and everyone of us has had the best time ever. I just can’t say enough. My husband, Tom, joins in whishing all of you, the crew and guests, the very best. More Love.”
Janie and Tom S.

“I can’t imagine having a better experience – the history, the tours, the food, the wine – it was all great. Our marks to the crew for a memorable experience.”
Amy R. and Bob E.

“Dear Le Phénicien I have had a wonderful time on the boat. Love.” Tobby (6 years old…)

“…a most enjoyable experience – superb attention to details, extraordinary meals. The crew could not have been more pleasant and accommodating.
A wonderful trip, Merci beaucoup !!”
The Leightons, Westfield, NJ

“Salena et moi aussi. Les repas étaient délicieux, les services parfaits”
Senator Ray L., New Jersey

“Thanks for sharing wonderful slices of Provence with us on your delightful boat. Great crew, terrific food, and informative, interesting excursions. We all had a fun, happy time. All the best.”
Bill and Marsha L. Irvine, CA

“Thank you for treating us as though we were guests in your home”
Peter and Betty A.

“To all The Phenicien crew – We appreciate your warmth and friendliness. We felt so “at home” with you all. The food was so spectacular! We have so many wonderful memories to take home to Canada with us. Thanks for all you have done to give us such a wonderful holiday.”
Tom and Barbara T.

“Everything was 1st class, centered round exquisite dining each day. The staff was absolutely marvelous in meeting our every need. Splendid in all respects.”
Isabel and John B., London, Ontario.

	Value Mid Reg Individual – double p/p: 2 210 € 2 590 € 2 950 € Individual – single p/p: 3 100 € 3 620 € 4 140 € Golf option p/p: 520 € 520 € 520 € Golf clubs half-set rental p/p 90 € 90 € 90 € Golf clubs full-set rental p/p 180 € 180 € 180 € (*) Wine cruise option p/p: 370 € 370 € 370 € (*) Bike cruise option p/p: 0 € 0 € 10 € All-road bike rental p/p 170 € 170 € 170 € Road bike rental p/p 290 € 290 € 290 € (**) Cooking cruise option p/p: 620 € 620 € 620 € (***) VIP option 5 600 € 5 600 € 5 600 € Charter 18 persons: 37 030 € 41 480 € 46 660 € Charter 17 persons: 35 550 € 40 000 € 45 180 € Charter 16 persons: 34 070 € 38 510 € 43 700 € Charter 15 persons: 32 590 € 37 030 € 42 220 € Charter 14 persons: 31 110 € 35 550 € 40 740 € Charter 13 persons: 29 620 € 34 070 € 39 250 € Charter 12 persons: 25 920 € 30 370 € 35 550 € Charter 11 persons: 25 180 € 29 620 € 34 810 € Charter 10 persons: 24 440 € 28 880 € 34 070 € Charter 09 persons or less: 23 700 € 28 140 € 33 330 €
	(*) Charter only. A minimum base of 9 passengers is required (**) Charter only. Maximum 15 pax. Avignon/Aigues-Mortes cruise direction only (***) Charter only. Includes extended crew availability and 8H/day bus availability Value season: April, July 13 to August 16, from November 2 Mid season:  April 27 to May 17, June 29 to July 12, August 17 to August 30, October 19 to November 1 Regular season: May 18 to June 28, august 31 to October 18 .

Dimensions and weight
Length: 127 feet

Beam: 16 feet 7 inches

Height: 16 feet 5 inches

Ceiling height: 7 feet 5 inches

Cruising weight: 250 tons

Both 4 stars Hotels are transfer points and will provide an excellent service.

La Magnaneraie:
- driving time from Avignon TGV train station is 13 minutes
- 4 km from Avignon city center
- package will be offered to groups

Vatel:
- driving time from Montpellier airport is 31 minutes
- driving time to Nimes city center is 11 minutes
- driving time from Aigues-Mortes is 36 minutes
- VIP service and package will be offered to individuals and groups

Your cruise itinerary day by day:

Sunday
Transfer from a defined pickup point to Le Phenicien moored close to the Avignon ramparts. It is time to settle in, make the place your home and enjoy a free visit of the city. Our first dinner on board will help you know whether you can compete with our French Chef! Accompanying wines have been specially chosen from top-notch local vineyards.

Monday
Our first cooking class will take place in one of the oldest and most prestigious properties in Avignon: La Mirande. Under the expert eye of the Chef Jean-Claude ALTMAYER you will make your first meal and have it for lunch. The best place to continue this first day is probably a famous cellar 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 overnight.

Tuesday
This morning the gigantic Roman aqueduct "Le Pont du Gard", its recently made-up site and its modern museum are waiting for you. After this intriguing guided 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 petanque under the plane trees.

Wednesday
Today you have a very exiting appointment with the Chef Pascal VOLLE at the famous Provencal market in Saint Remy! With your baskets full of sweet-smelling and colorful ingredients you will join The Domaine de Valmouriane for the second cooking class of your cruise. You will be able to evaluate your own performance at lunch as you will have the meals prepared in the morning. 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
Our last cooking class of the week will take place amongst the olive trees at Chateau Virant. There the owners the CHEYLAN family and the Chef Eric SAPET - former Chef at La Tour D'argent the famous 3 star Michelin guide restaurant in Paris, will reveal to you the secrets of olives and olive oil in the Provencal cuisine. The most impressive navigation is for today 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 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 gardians 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 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.