Camargue Adventure on the Rhone

Avignon to Agde

Available Mid-October of 2023

Located in southern France, the Camargue delta region is known for its beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and agriculture.  Home to Camargue National Park, you’ll observe some of the most beautiful, natural, and protected lands in all of Europe during your cruise.

Day 1, Sunday: Avignon
Welcome to Avignon! Come aboard your home for the next week, Le Papillon, and have a glass of celebratory champagne before you’re introduced to the crew. Take the rest of the afternoon to relax and make yourself at home in your luxurious accommodations. Tonight, enjoy your first of many gourmet meals on board created by your very own personal chef.

Day 2, Monday: Avignon to Arles

  • Your first visit of the day is to the Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the largest and one of the most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Take in the beautiful Gothic architecture and marvel at the sheer size of the home of the popes when the papacy moved from Rome to France.
  • Enjoy a stroll through the shopping district of Avignon and return with your treasures to the barge for lunch.
  • In the afternoon, we’ll cruise down the historic Rhône River, where we’ll pass the remarkably well-preserved citadel of King René at Tarascon and the sublime foothills of the Alpilles.
  • Enjoy a lovely dinner compiled of the flavors and wines of this diverse region.

Day 3, Tuesday: Arles to Aigues Mortes

  • On the banks of the Rhône River, explore colorful Arles, one of the oldest cities in France. There’s so much to see! 
    • Rich with history, you’ll explore the Roman Arena, built during the reign of Caesar Augustus, the second emperor of Rome. You’ll also visit St. Trophime’s Basilica and the Museum of Provincial Life.
    • Art lovers will recognize Arles as where Vincent Van Gogh painted some of his most famous works, like The Yellow House, Sunflowers, and his Bedroom in Arles. Time permitting, we’ll stroll through some of the areas he visited most in the pedestrianized heart of this old capital of the Camargue.
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch on the deck before cruising down the Petit Rhône and on to the Canal de Rhône. You’ll have a leisurely afternoon full of relaxation as you watch the banks slide by.
  • We’ll moor for the evening at the haven of Aigues Mortes, a 12th-century walled town located on the coast of the Camargue region known for its natural and unspoiled beaches.
  • Tonight, dinner is taken ashore at the tranquil Villa Mazarin, a charming, fully restored house from the 15th century.

Day 4, Wednesday: Aigues Mortes to Frontignan

  • Take a morning stroll from our mooring outside the town walls of Aigues Mortes to visit the Tour de Constance. This landmark was originally built in 1248 and functioned as a lighthouse. It also has an extensive history of being used as a prison.
  • After lunch, we’ll cruise the Canal du Rhône à Sete through Camargue National Park, home to majestic wild horses, pink flamingos, and black bulls, to the hamlet of Les Aresquiers. Here, you’ll be able to see the Mediterranean, just a short 200 yards away.
  • Rest and enjoy a delicious dinner aboard Le Papillon before ending the day perfectly with a nightcap and stargazing.

Day 5, Thursday: Frontignan to Marseillan

  • We start early this morning to pass under the lifting Bridge at Frontignan. Then we’ll sail out onto the Étang de Thau, a large, inland, saltwater lake.
  • Midmorning, we’ll make a quick stop at Bouzigues. Here, you can learn more about the local oyster culture, which Bouzigues is well known for, at the Étang de Thau Museum.
  • After lunch on board, hop on a minibus for a short ride to the 12th century Abbaye de Valmagne, an impressive Cistercian church. Take a few moments to appreciate the beautiful cloister’s vaulted ceilings. Our tour ends with a chance to taste its award-winning range of wines.
  • Next up, we’ll return to the barge and have an afternoon cruise on the lake to the port of Marseillan.
  • Dinner onboard highlights the fresh local cuisine and wine. Enjoy the seafood delicacies the area is well known for, prepared specifically for you by your chef.

Day 6, Friday: Marseillan to Agde

  •  Before departing Marseillan, you have the chance to tour the cellars and distillery of the world-famous aperitif, Noilly Prat, the original French Vermouth, followed by a tasting.
  • Make your way back to Le Papillon for an afternoon cruise on the Canal du Midi through its renowned round lock.
  • We’ll finish the day on the Herault River, peacefully moored in the shadow of the Agde Cathedral, built of black volcanic basalt from the nearby Mont Saint-Loup.   
  • Tonight’s final dinner is on board the barge with your captain. Le Papillon and the Camargue region are sure to come to life as you relax and enjoy the conversations and stories.

Day 7, Saturday: Agde to Avignon

  • Indulge in a final café and pain au chocolat on your final morning before our crew bids you farewell. Our captain will assist you in your seamless and stress-free transition to your flight home or on to your next destination. You’ll be well taken care of.
  • After a week of cruising the Camargue region on Le Papillon, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and relaxed. 

À bientôt! See you soon!

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Price includes:

  • Collection from, and return to Paris, France
  • Accommodation in a double or twin cabin with private facilities
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks all cooked by our gourmet chef w/ local seasonal delicacies
  • Restaurant meals where required
  • Wine pairings of finest Burgundian vintages at lunch and dinner
  • Open bar 24/7 stocked with French champagne, fine wines and spirits
  • Use of the on-board library and stereo system
  • All ground transport in air-conditioned mini-bus for local sightseeing visits
  • Entry costs for sightseeing
  • Use of on-board bicycles

Le Papillon was remodeled in 2021 and is our flagship luxury barge.  She carries a maximum of 4 guests with 4 crew members and cruises multiple itineraries through some of the most beautiful wine regions of France.

Le Papillon in detail

More itineraries aboard Le Papillon

CHABLIS / N.BURGUNDY
Heart of Burgundy

The Nymphea itinerary

The Loire Valley

Thank you for the wonderful week! We will long remember the food, the wine, the cruising, the tours, the walks, the lounging on the deck, the conversation and just plain fun!

Jane & Nelson

A week of fabulous food, wonderful wines, terrific trips, comfy cabins, cheery company and most of all the super duper staff.

Kym

You made this a truly memorable week – great food, fabulous wine and such attention to detail.

Ursala & Garth

The beautiful French countryside, amazing French cuisine & fabulous Burgundy wines surpassed all we had imagined!

Mike & Carolyn

I have traveled all over the world and this is by far one of the finest experiences of my life.

Heather

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