Christmas Cruise on the Canals of Provence Historical stops and flavors of yesteryear

AVIGNON - TARASCON - ARLES - AIGUES MORTES - Avignon

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner. Enjoy a "Christmas traditions”-themed evening.

In the morning, included excursion: Avignon and the Palace of the Popes. An imposing fortress and sumptuous palace, it is a symbol of the power of Christianity in the Middle Ages and hosted seven pontiffs in the 14th century. During the visit to the largest Gothic palace in the world, the tour will trace the lives of the popes, their political and religious power. You will be able to admire the grand ceremonial halls, the chapels, and the private apartments of the Popes. Visit to the Halles market in Avignon(1), an important facet of authentic Provence, its bustling atmosphere, specific scents, and incomparable flavors make it a true ambassador of taste.

Afternoon cruise towards Tarascon. Take the opportunity to go on the sun deck and admire the landscapes of Provence. You will pass through the large Vallabrègues lock before reaching Tarascon.

Christmas-themed evening entertainment on board.

In the morning, included excursion: Tarascon and the Royal Collegiate Church of Saint Martha. Guided tour of the historic heart of the old town, discovering its heritage. The town center invites you with its relaxed lifestyle, beautiful, simple, and elegant architecture, and pedestrian streets. Don’t miss the Tarasque, a mythological creature from Provence, which is said to have inspired the name of the town of Tarascon. Then, visit the Royal Collegiate Church of Saint Martha, located in the heart of Tarascon. This Romanesque church, founded in the 11th and 12th centuries, is dedicated to Saint Martha, who came from Palestine and, according to legend, tamed the Tarasque, a monster that terrorized the region. The collegiate church is a major pilgrimage site, attracting the faithful for centuries, and remains a must-see monument in Provence. Return on board. Cruise towards Arles.

In the afternoon, included excursion: Arles and the Church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Major. The historic center of Arles is the vibrant heart of culture and history. Wander through its ancient streets and discover a lively heritage that reflects the Roman influence and medieval grandeur. Don’t miss the Church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Major, the religious center of the gardians’ brotherhood. Every May 1st, they come here to pay tribute to Saint George and have their horses blessed. Here, you will also see a beautiful nativity scene with more than 750 santons.

Christmas Mass. New Year's Eve party.

Morning cruise towards Aigues-Mortes. You will pass through the Petit-Rhône and Saint-Gilles, navigating the single lock before joining the Rhône à Sète canal, which runs along the wetlands of the Petite Camargue.

Arrival in Aigues-Mortes in the afternoon. Included excursion: Aigues-Mortes. Founded in the 13th century by Saint Louis, Aigues-Mortes reveals a particularly well-preserved architectural ensemble. Located at the heart of the Gard Camargue, the town has a true medieval fortress appearance, with its 1,634 meters of ramparts, fortified gates, twenty towers, and walkways. Then, enjoy a tasting of the true fougasse from Aigues-Mortes, a glazed brioche with sugar and raised with orange blossom. This sweet treat was traditionally made at Christmas time, where the baker would prepare the dough and the customer would bring the ingredients. It was the baker’s Christmas gift.

Gala evening.

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. Coach transfer to Avignon. End of our services.