Provence 6-waterways cruise

In 2004, Go Barging’s newly renovated, 12-passenger hotel-barge L’Impression­niste, sister ship to La Belle Époque, will cruise on a unique itinerary in the Provence region of France, taking in six waterways, including rivers, canals and lakes.

The cruise begins in Avignon and heads down the Rhône to Arles (with exploration of the Roman Arena and more). Moving on to the Canal de Rhône à Sete, a stop is made at the medieval walled city of Aigues Mortes.

The barge then meanders westward through Camargue National Park, with its pink flamingoes, onto the Etang de Thau, a large saltwater lake with a community of oyster fishermen. A visit is made to the 12th-century Abbaye de Valmagne before continuing on to the port of Marseillan, then the 300-year-old Canal du Midi. The voyage finishes on the River Herault, with mooring in the shadow of the cathedral of the fishing town of Agde.

Rates for the 6-night/7-day cruises range from $2,590 to $3,890 per person; whole-boat charter rates for up to 12 people start at $27,000. The price includes three gourmet meals a day with wine, open bar, shore excursions, admittance fees and use of bicycles.

Contact Go Barging, based in England, at 800/394-8630.