New Year’s Eve in the Colors of Santons Historical Stops and Flavors of Yesteryear

Avignon - AIGUES MORTES - ARLES - TARASCON - AVIGNON

Transfer by coach from Avignon to Aigues Mortes. 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 an evening of entertainment.

In the morning, included excursion: Aigues-Mortes. Founded in the 13th century by Saint Louis, Aigues-Mortes reveals a particularly well-preserved architectural ensemble. Located in the heart of the Gard Camargue, the town presents a true medieval fortress look, with its 1,634 meters of ramparts, fortified gates, twenty towers, and its walkway. Then, enjoy a tasting of the true Aigues-Mortes fougasse, a glazed brioche made with sugar and leavened with orange blossom. This treat was once made at Christmas time; the baker prepared the dough, and the customer brought the ingredients. It was the baker's Christmas gift. Return to the boat and depart for Arles, navigating along the Rhône-Sète canal, which runs through the marshlands of the Petite Camargue, then the Petit-Rhône. You will pass Saint-Gilles and the only lock before opening onto the grand Rhône, with Arles and its famous arenas in view.

Christmas-themed evening onboard.

In the morning, included excursion: Arles and the Santon Makers' Fair. Departure for a guided city tour before discovering the International Santon Makers' Fair, a must-visit for enthusiasts of nativity scenes and santons from the South of France. Created by artisans in 1958 to highlight the work of santon makers, today more than 100 exhibitors and creators gather every year. Free time before returning to the boat.

Navigation towards Tarascon.

In the afternoon, included excursion: visit to the Château de Tarascon, Les Baux-de-Provence and its Santon Museum. On the banks of the Rhône stands the Château de Tarascon, a fortress built by the Princes of Anjou in the early 15th century. Remarkably well-preserved, it is one of the most beautiful medieval castles in France and Europe. During the visit, you will explore the apothecary of the Saint-Nicolas Hospital, more than 30 rooms, and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Rhône and Provence from the large terrace overlooking the castle. Then, head to Les Baux-de-Provence and its Santon Museum. This perched village, located on a rocky spur, boasts incredibly rich architectural heritage. Its citadel overlooks sites of extraordinary natural beauty. Visit the Santon Museum, which features a significant number of pieces from various collections, including a traditional Provençal nativity scene and a display of daily life from a 19th-century family in two large showcases. Return to Tarascon.

Gala evening.

Morning navigation towards Avignon. You will pass the large lock at Vallabrègues, and take the opportunity to go up to the sun deck and admire the landscapes of Provence.

Arrival in the early afternoon in Avignon. Included excursion: Avignon and the Palais des Papes. An imposing fortress and magnificent palace, it is a symbol of the power of Christianity in the Middle Ages and hosted seven papal sovereigns in the 14th century. As you visit the rooms of the largest Gothic palace in the world, the tour will retrace the lives of the popes, their political and religious power. You will be able to admire the grand reception rooms, chapels, and the private apartments of the Popes. A stop at the Halles market in Avignon (1), an important facet of authentic Provence, where its bustling atmosphere, distinctive scents, and incomparable flavors make it a true ambassador of taste. Return on board.

New Year’s Eve evening.

Enjoy brunch on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.