A Taste of Provence | Exclusive French Gastronomy Barge Cruise Hosted by Award-Winning Chef Clément Chauvin

A Taste of Provence | Exclusive French Gastronomy Barge Cruise Hosted by Award-Winning Chef Clément Chauvin

7 Days | Sète to Arles Max 20 Guests
  • Meals Included
  • Transfers / Transportation
  • Accommodation
  • Tour Guide Included
  • Tickets Included
From $8,190AUD pp Twin Share
Download Itinerary PDF

Overview

Created exclusively by France Travel Solutions in partnership with CroisiEurope, this exceptional intimate canal barge cruise invites you to discover Southern France through its gastronomy, history, vineyards and timeless way of life.

Travelling aboard the elegant MS Anne-Marie, you’ll cruise the tranquil canals linking the Mediterranean to Provence while enjoying refined French cuisine, immersive cultural experiences and exclusive culinary encounters with internationally acclaimed chef Clément Chauvin.

Every day unveils a new chapter of Southern France, with visits to the oyster farms of the Thau Lagoon, the Roman treasures of Arles and the wild beauty of the Camargue, all complemented by exceptional cuisine, regional wines and genuine French hospitality.

Book Departure Dates

2027

  • Thursday 3 June – Wednesday 9 June 2027 Available

2028

  • Expression of Interest [Dates & Itinerary 2028 TBC] Available

Itinerary

Board the elegant MS Anne-Marie in Sète, where the captain and crew warmly welcome you aboard your floating boutique hotel.

After settling into your cabin, join your fellow guests for a welcome cocktail before meeting Chef Clément Chauvin, who introduces the culinary philosophy that will accompany the journey through Provence and the Mediterranean.

Your first gourmet dinner showcases the fresh flavours and seasonal ingredients that define Southern French cuisine.

Cruise across the beautiful Thau Lagoon, one of France’s most important oyster-producing regions.

Visit a traditional shellfish producer in Mèze and discover why the oysters and mussels from this unique lagoon are celebrated throughout France before enjoying a tasting of local delicacies.

Following lunch onboard, travel to the magnificent medieval village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, officially listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, where centuries of history unfold beneath ancient stone streets and the remarkable Gellone Abbey.

Return onboard for aperitifs and another elegant dinner inspired by the region.

Wake to another beautiful morning cruising through the peaceful waterways of Southern France.

Visit Maguelone, home to its magnificent cathedral surrounded by vineyards, lagoons and the Mediterranean coast.

This afternoon, experience the traditions of the Camargue during a visit to a traditional manade, where proud guardians continue centuries-old traditions breeding the region’s famous black bulls and white horses.

Sample authentic regional products before returning to the ship.

As the barge gently cruises towards Aigues-Mortes, immerse yourself in one of the cruise’s most memorable culinary experiences.

Sommelier Masterclass

A professional sommelier introduces the celebrated wines of the Rhône Valley, Provence and Occitanie, exploring the grape varieties, terroirs and traditions that have made Southern France one of the world’s great wine regions.

Gourmet Wine-Pairing Lunch

The experience continues with a beautifully curated lunch where each course is perfectly matched with regional wines, offering an authentic taste of Provence and the Mediterranean.

This afternoon, discover the magnificent fortified city of Aigues-Mortes, founded by Saint Louis before exploring the spectacular Salins du Midi, famous for its shimmering pink salt lakes and extraordinary natural landscapes.

Cruise through the tranquil waterways of the Petite Camargue before exploring one of Europe’s most fascinating wetlands.

Visit Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, the spiritual heart of the Camargue, where Provençal culture, pilgrimage traditions and Mediterranean charm meet.

Discover the region’s exceptional wildlife before returning onboard.

Tonight, enjoy one of the cruise’s defining moments.

Signature Dinner Inspired by Chef Clément Chauvin

Inspired by Chef Clément’s Michelin training, Lyonnais heritage and award-winning restaurants, this exclusive dinner celebrates the finest flavours of Provence through beautifully crafted dishes accompanied by carefully selected regional wines.

Relax on deck as the MS Anne-Marie sails towards historic Arles.

Exclusive Onboard Experience

Bistronomie – An Interactive Journey into the Heart of French Gastronomy

Chef Clément Chauvin shares the story behind his internationally acclaimed cookbook Bistronomie, awarded Best French Cookbook in the World.

Through storytelling, personal experiences and conversation, discover the evolution of modern French gastronomy, the importance of seasonality, regional traditions and the emotional connection between food, culture and people.

Guests are invited to ask questions and engage directly with Chef Clément during this inspiring experience.

This afternoon, explore Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its Roman monuments and artistic heritage before visiting a local olive oil producer to discover another essential ingredient of Provençal cuisine.

Tonight, celebrate your final evening with the Captain’s Gala Dinner.

Enjoy one final breakfast before saying farewell to the MS Anne-Marie and disembarking in Arles.

For guests wishing to extend their stay, France Travel Solutions can arrange personalised pre- and post-cruise itineraries throughout Provence, the French Riviera, Paris or anywhere else in France.

Tour Inclusions

What’s Included

  • Six nights aboard the elegant 5-anchor MS Anne-Marie
  • Double-occupancy cabin with private ensuite bathroom
  • Full-board dining from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
  • Refined French cuisine inspired by Chef Clément Chauvin
  • Drinks included with meals and at the onboard bar (excluding drinks from the special lists)
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the cruise
  • Welcome cocktail
  • Captain’s Gala Dinner
  • Signature Dinner inspired by Chef Clément Chauvin
  • Sommelier Masterclass featuring the wines of Rhône, Provence and Occitanie
  • Gourmet regional wine-pairing lunch
  • Bistronomie presentation by Chef Clément Chauvin
  • All excursions included according to the selected package
  • Assistance from the onboard multilingual CroisiEurope host
  • Travel assistance and repatriation insurance during the cruise
  • All port taxes and fees

Not Included

  • Drinks from the special wine and beverage lists
  • Drinks purchased during excursions or transfers
  • Coach transfer from Arles to Sète (available on request at an additional cost)
  • Cancellation and baggage insurance
  • Personal expenses

Pre & Post Cruise Extentions Available

Continue your journey with our Small Group Tours, welcoming no more than 8 guests, through Aix-en-Provence, Nice and the most beautiful corners of Southern France.

 

 

 

 

France Travel Solutions Guests Reviews

Thank you Maud for providing us with such an amazing France holiday! It surpassed our expectations in every way. We loved the contrast of each of the locations, and your local knowledge was invaluable. We look forward to touring with France travel solutions again!

L
Lyndall Handshaw
9 months ago

This was the first time I had been to France. It was a bit daunting as I can't speak the local language, other than the very basics. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip with Maud. I learned so much about wine and the making of it and we visited some very interesting places. I would recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in France and wine. In saying that I'm not a big drinker, so don't think it's just a wine tour it's more than that, you will visit interesting places and see some great castles and villages along the way. Maud will also make a detour if people are happy to try something else. I look forward to another trip again with Maud. best wishes Dennise

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D
Dennise Biddick
11 months ago

I had a wonderful time in France with France Travel Solutions. The tour was well designed, with a few days in each hotel. The small tour bus made it easy to get around and the group was fun. The tour leader Loick made everything easy and I would like to travel again with France Travel Solutions. Thank you Maud! Highly recommended.

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P
Philippa Kohnke
2 months ago

My wife Natalia and I were privileged to have FTS founder Maud to escort us on the French Winter Christmas Delights small-group tour 2024. Maud's dedication to sharing the best of France's experiences and culture shines through. This tour was a delightful insight into Christmas festive spirit at Lyon (Festival of Lights), Annecy, Chamonix, Basel, the Alsace region, Champagne and Paris. It was a stress-free experience thanks to Maud's care and thoughtfulness, with the right balance between structure and free time. Although experienced travellers, we could not have managed the same itinerary as efficiently, comprehensively and happily by ourselves. Thank you, Maud.

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J
John Martin
9 months ago

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