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PROVENCE WINE APPRECIATION CRUISE Avignon to Agde, France
This morning we visit the pebble-strewn vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape, former vineyard of the Pope. A tour of a family-run winery is completed with an exclusive cellar tasting of these legendary wines. We return to the barge for lunch then set sail down the mighty Rhone River, past the foothills of the Alpilles to Vallabregues, with a cycle or walking opportunity along the quiet river bank. Optional early evening tour of King René’s castle at Tarascon. Dinner on board. Tuesday, Day 3 : Vallabregues to Aigues Mortes This morning we explore Arles. Choose between the Roman Arena and Theatre, St. Trophime's Basilica and the Museum of Provencal life. We also visit some of Vincent van Gogh's haunts on foot through the heart of this old capital of the Camargue before rejoining the barge for our cruise along the Rhone. We join the Petit Rhone and then the Canal du Rhone a Sete. On route, our wine guide introduces some of the region’s little-known white wines during a late afternoon wine-tasting. We moor beneath the medieval fortified walls of Aigues Mortes. Dinner ashore at a local auberge. Wednesday, Day 4 : Aigues Mortes to Maguelone Stroll from Enchante to visit the Tour de Constance, built in 1248 as a lighthouse for the returning 13th century crusaders. While in town we visit the Bruel family, makers of delicious country wines here for five generations. In the afternoon, we cruise through the Camargue National Park with its wild white horses and black bulls and flocks of elegant pink flamingos, to the vineyard-encircled Maguelone Abbey, just a short stroll or cycle from the nearby Mediterranean. Dinner on board. Thursday, Day 5 : Maguelone to Marseillan An early morning cruise brings us to Frontignan lifting bridge. In the afternoon we sail out onto the Thau Lake, a large, inland salt-water lagoon with acres of mussel and oyster beds. Following lunch we take a short drive through unspoilt wild countryside to the highly acclaimed winery of Saint Martin de la Garrigue. A tour of the Domaine’s cellars is completed with a tasting of a selection of their excellent wines. We then cruise to Marseillan, a beautiful Mediterranean fishing village. Dinner on board. Friday, Day 6 : Marseillan to Agde A morning drive takes us to the beautiful town of Pezenas to wander its medieval streets, much loved by Moliere. A popular base for local artists, it is also situated in one of the Languedoc’s most dynamic wine producing regions. An outdoor wine tasting with Roch Anglade is followed by an afternoon cruise on the Canal du Midi, through the renowned round lock, finishing at Agde. Moored in the shadow of the cathedral, we enjoy our Captain’s Dinner. Saturday, Day 7 : Agde to Montpellier After breakfast, we transfer you by minibus to your designated drop off location. Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternative weeks the cruise operates in reverse direction and the pickup and drop off points are reversed. ENCHANTÉ HOME > ITINERARIES > Provence Wine Appreciation Cruise
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