Enchanté adds an Antiques theme cruise this Spring (2010) in Provence. The 88th International Antiques Fair is taking place over Easter weekend on April 2-5, 2010 in the delightful riverside town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, famous for its antique shops and markets. The 89th International Antiques Fair will be held August 12-15, 2010.

Sunday, Day 1 - Agde
Guests are met at 4pm at a designated hotel in Montpellier, or at Montpellier TGV station, and transferred by minibus to Enchanté moored in Agde for a Champagne Welcome. Dinner is preceded by a gentle stroll into Agde with its cathedral built of lava blocks from the nearby Black Mountains.

Monday, Day 2 - Agde to Les Aresquiers
We begin our day with a cruise along the Canal du Midi, through the renowned round lock of Agde to Marseillan, a beautiful Mediterranean fishing village, where we will tour the cellars and distillery of the world famous vermouth Noilly Prat. We then cruise out onto the Thau Basin, a large, inland salt-water lagoon full of mussel and oyster beds, before mooring in the heart of the Camargue National Park at Les Aresquiers, just 200m from the Mediterranean. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday, Day 3 – Les Aresquiers to Aigues Mortes
This morning we cruise through the Camargue with its wild horses, black bulls, colourful bee-eaters and pink flamingoes to Aigues Mortes. After lunch aboard we can explore the 13th Century walled city, which was rebuilt by Saint Louis as France’s only Mediterranean port at the time and used as an embarkation point for his crusades. Home to many local artists, the town is also renowned for its strong link to the Camargue’s many Manades. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday, Day 4 - Aigues Mortes to Arles
Today we leave the canals to cruise up the Petit Rhone to Arles where we will moor just outside the walls of this ancient city. Take a stroll to visit some of Vincent van Gogh’s haunts on foot through the pedestrianized heart of this old capital of the Camargue. Boasting one of the best kept Roman Arenas in France, Arles is also the home of the famous Provencal fabrics and many antiques stores renowned for their quality and variety. Dinner aboard.

Thursday, Day 5 - Arles to Avignon
Leaving Arles behind us, we cruise past the citadel of King René at Tarascon on the mighty Rhone river to Avignon. In the afternoon we will visit the Palais des Papes, a massive monument to the era of the “Other Rome”, when Popes moved to France. Late afternoon excursion by minibus to the famous vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape where we will enjoy a wine tasting and admire spectacular views over the Rhone Valley. Dinner aboard.

Friday, Day 6 – Avignon and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
This morning we drive to the riverside town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue for the International Antiques Fair. Over the last 40 years l’Isle sur la Sorgue has become one of the biggest European events of its kind, with hundreds of antiques stalls and over 500 artisans giving life to the streets with displays of their arts and crafts skills. Lunch ashore in one of the town’s picturesque restaurants, before the search for that perfect antique piece continues in the afternoon. Return to the boat for Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday, Day 7
After breakfast, disembark the barge and transfer to Montpellier Centre or TGV station by about 10am.

NOTE:
This is the itinerary for the 28th March 2010 departure and is subject to change.
The 4th April 2010 departure operates in the reverse direction.
The August 8th 2010 departure direction is to be confirmed.

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