"It's remarkable how quickly a good and favourable wind can sweep away the maddening frustrations of shore living.” — Ernest K. Gann

I’ve always maintained that at least once in a lifetime, one really must experience a river or canal cruise. Furthermore, ask yourself, have you ever encountered someone who has done just that and not simply loved it? From the second you embark, that feeling of being in safe hands, someone looking after all your holiday needs coupled with, once you begin the slow drift down the river, all your shore-ly cares waving you goodbye. Unlike on the seas, there is always scenery to admire, and unlike ocean cruises you share these sights, sounds and tastes in intimate surroundings with like-minding travellers at a pace that simply epitomises relaxation. 

And where better to start than fabulous France? No other country in Europe embraces inland waterway travel quite like France. Over eighty canals and rivers stretch across the famous hexagon, providing an enticing navigable web of possibility for the adventurous soul. Join us on the wonderful Canal du Rhône à Sète in mild June for an introduction to one of the best ways of visiting Europe. From Arles, so loved by fans of Van Gogh to the Étang de Thau neat Sète, we embark on a cruise down a waterway fascinating for its wildlife, marshland scenery and maritime atmosphere. This historic canal traces its infancy back to the 17th century but was not completed until the 19th - today more than 2,500 years of history can be explored within easy, comfortable day trips from its banks. 

In order to fully indulge in all that Provence and Occitania have to offer, we have married to this cruise, a pre-embarkation stay in simply wonderful Aix-en-Provence from where we will unlock the secrets of Provençale cooking with a private chef and a post cruise sojourn in one of my favourite medieval towns, Pézenas. In addition to the wonderful daily excursions from our private barge - once we cross the border to Spain and the Catalan capital, Barcelona - I’m confident if you’re not already, you’ll be a Southern French fan and determined that this not be your last cruise on a European waterway. 

This trip is about exploration, relaxation, the calm of floating down a French canal, impressive monuments and of course fun.

In the afternoon we shall convene in the comfort of the hotel bar where welcome cocktails will accompany an overview of the days and adventures that lie ahead. There will be a chance to meet and introduce yourself to your soon to be fellow waterway farers as well as learn more of what lies ahead from your private guide for the week. After suitably French libations, it’s time for a gentle stroll to a local restaurant to begin our full immersion into the delights of Southern French cuisine 

After a typically indulgent French breakfast - who does not love a pain au chocolat or a brioche with homemade jam? We head off to the local market for which Aix-en Province is rightly so famous. Here we are joined for the day by our very own private chef and culinary maestro extraordinaire; Gilles. Together we explore the delights a Provençale market has to offer - whilst purchasing only the freshest, most in season ingredients. Together with Gilles, those partial to lunch will set off for to prepare your meal, whilst the evening diners amongst us, peruse the sites of Aix. In the afternoon, we switch to ensure that, by the end of the day - everyone has taken their first step on the road to French cheffing and everyone is equally well watered and fed.

Saying au revoir to Aix-en-Provence we head out for a morning visit to the former papal home of Avignon. We will have a stroll through the impressive town centre followed by free time to use your newfound expertise of the local cuisine to seek out a place for lunch. In the afternoon, we pay a visit to a local vineyard in order to further our knowledge by learning of the local liquids which accompany said cuisine so well. It’s then time to leave ‘terra firma’ and make our way to our floating home for the next, wonderful leg of our voyage of discovery. The crew and captain will great us with sundowner cocktails and a delicious welcome dinner accompanied by local cheeses and wines.

(B, D)

Overnight: MS Anne-Marie

We'll discover this cultural centre and its Roman ruins, and then travel inland to find out about olive oil production in Provence. We'll finish up our tour with a tasting of some local products. Afterwards, we'll return to the ship and spend the afternoon cruising to Gallician. We'll travel on the Rhône River and the Rhône à Sète Canal.

(B,L D)

Overnight: MS Anne-Marie

This morning we'll have an excursion to the Camargue. Afterwards, you can enjoy some free time in the splendid city of Sainte-Marie-de-la-Mer, where we recommend a visit to its fortified church. We'll spend the afternoon cruising towards Aigues-Mortes, arriving in the early evening.

(B, L, D) 

Overnight: MS Anne-Marie

Join us for a tour of Aigues-Mortes. This old, fortified city with a rich heritage is located in the middle of the marshes and is one of the most beautiful sites in Provence. We'll board a tourist train and tour the salt marches and visit the salt museum. Afterwards, we'll return to the ship.

(B, L, D) 

Overnight: MS Anne-Marie

We will spend the morning cruising to Palavas-Les-Flots. Free time. We'll set out on a tour to discover a manade and the life of its herders during a visit by wagon and take part in a bull sorting. Before returning to the boat, we'll have a delicious snack with products coming from the farm. We'll spend the evening cruising towards Sète.

(B, L, D) 

Overnight: MS Anne-Marie

We'll leave on an excursion to the Étang De Thau, famous for its shellfish. We'll visit the Étang de Thau Museum, where we'll discover the shellfish farmers and fishermen. You'll be able to taste some of the shellfish while taking in the beauty of the basin from a terrace. The afternoon will be dedicated to a tour of Saint- Guilhem-le-Désert, one of the most beautiful villages in France. We'll return on board for our gala dinner and evening.

(B, L, D) 

Overnight: MS Anne-Marie

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking from our newfound home from home, the MS Anne-Marie. It’s time to find our land-legs once more as our private tour bus picks us up from the dock and whisks us inland on a short journey to our destination for next two nights, one of my favourite medieval towns; Pezenas. Arriving mid to late morning, means we have time for an orientation stroll, perhaps taking in the local market or the ruined castle, before having a light lunch together. Post lunch we can check in to our hotel, just outside the old medieval city walls. Enjoy a swim in the pool or simply relax in the garden - the rest of the day and evening, is at your leisure… 

(B, L,) 

Overnight: Pèzenas

On a tour of my personal favourites, we head off across the marquis countryside to the tiny, fortified village of Minerve - famous especially for its red Minervois wine today. This is truly picture postcard perfect Southern France. We have an introduction to the Cathars, a religious sect quite literally hunted to extinction in the 13th and 14th centuries, stroll the beautiful cobble medieval streets, visit the tiny church as well as the quirky town museum. However, the real purpose of the excursion today is, in true French style, lunch. The venue for this is truly spectacular; diners travel from as far away as Toulouse for the views, the wine and wonderful food served. Learn the story of how I discovered this remarkable place and hopefully, as I did, wow to return one day. Once we return to Pèzenas, you are once freer to explore and enjoy a final dinner (on this trip) in France. 

(B, L) 

Overnight: Pèzenas

It’s time to say au revoir to France and head across the border to Spain and its Catalan capital of Barcelona. An early start means arriving in time for a stroll and free time for everyone to do their various activities, perhaps enjoy a tapas lunch (not included) and/or visit one of the myriad museums/galleries/houses/churches for which Barcelona is well-known.

We’ve kept today deliberately free to help with individual wishes and requests and can help facilitate with entrances and tickets. In the evening, we convene for one final time to share stories, cocktails and a farewell dinner.

(B, D) 

Overnight: Barcelona

At times convenient to your flights, we will have arranged private transfers to whisk you safely, comfortably and efficiently to Barcelona airport. 

Guests who wish to extend their stay in this great Mediterranean beach city can arrange to do so through Diamond Skies and our tours extension options. 

We hope you have had a wonderful trip and to see you on another of the plethora of Europe’s wonderful waterways in the future!