L'ETOILE, an eclectic 7 passenger first class barge, cruises in Provence and on the Canal du Midi in the south of France.

L'ETOILE and her owner/captain, Cobie Lagerburg, have delighted guests on the waterways of Burgundy and Provence for many years. Cobie's love and knowledge of France are apparent as she shares her experience of the wines and cuisine, history and culture of the local regions and country of France. For a fun, casual yet elegant, cruise and experience, L'Etoile is ideal.

Cruise Highlights


Lunches are served buffet style and are accompanied by select local red, white and rosé wines. They include homemade soups, salads, charcuterie and, of course, a variety of cheeses!

  • Every dinner is a delight!

    Bouchée à la Reine
    Puff Pastry filled with Shrimp,
    Scallops, Mushrooms, and
    Béchamel Sauce
    Served on a Bed of Greens

    Poulard à L'Ancienne
    Traditionally Prepared Chicken
    in a Delicate Wine Vinegar Sauce
    Served with Sautéed Potatoes
    and Fresh Seasonal Vegetables

    Sorbet Citron

    Plateau de Fromages
    Brie de Meaux, St. Félicien,
    Epoisses, St. Agur, Livarot

    Fruit Tart Flambéed with Cognac
    Served with French Custard

    Café, Thé, Tisane
    et Petit Chocolats

 

 

Highlights of a
Week on L'Etoile in Provence

 

  •  Visit of Pont du Gard and the Pope's Palace in Avignon
  • The hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence
  • Saint Rémy de Provence
  • Arles and the Café van Gogh and Roman Amphitheatre
  • Walled medieval town of Aigues Mortes
  • Maguelone Abbey Church

Imagine dining on the deck of L'Etoile as the sun sets over Mediterranean vistas

 

Itinerary


L'Etoile in Provence
River Rhone, Petit Rhone, Canal du Rhone a Sete

L'Etoile is in Provence March through July and October to November, 2008
(L'Etoile cruises in Burgundy July 27 - September)

Your cruise combines well-known sites of Provence with intimate and unusual moorings in the Camargue and on the Mediterranean - for an entirely personalized experience.

Sunday
You will be met at the location of your choice in Avignon, which is easily accessible by TGV train from Paris or Nice, or as a rental car return point. You will be transferred to your charming barge home, moored in the nearby port of Villeneuve-les-Avignon/Beaucaire. You will be welcomed aboard with a champagne toast and the first of many gourmet dinners.

Monday
A whole day out in fabulous Provence! In the morning we are off to visit the impressive roman aqueduct - Pont du Gard; then back to the barge to have lunch. Next, you will have the opportunity to tour the largest gothic palace in Europe, the Palais du Pape in Avignon with a possible wine tasting before returning to the barge. Dinner will be back at your cozy home, still moored in Villeneuve-les-Avignon/Beaucaire.

Tuesday
This morning you begin your cruise. We float on the scenic Canal du Rhone a Sete to moor in Bellegarde, a typical, charming provençal village. After lunch you will visit the famous and enchanting hilltop village of Les Baux, known for its gorgeous views over the provencal landscape and its artisans colony. Dinner on board with a view of the river will be memorable.

Wednesday
A morning cruise on the "Petit Rhone" to our mooring in the picturesque village of St. Gilles. After lunch you will have an opportunity to visit Arles, where van Gogh fell in love with the lights and colors of this fascinating countryside. Heading to the heart of town we will see Les Arenes, a roman amphitheater built in the first century AD. Dinner back on board rounds out a wonderful day.

Thursday
We start our day cruising on the canal du Rhône a Sète through the stunningly beautiful Camargue National Park, home to various wildlife including black bulls and the beautiful white Camargue horses. We moor at the gates of the amazing 13th century walled town of Aigues-Mortes, an embarkation port for the crusades. There are many historical sites to visit and there will be time to walk along the walls, shop for souvenirs or relax in one of the many outdoor cafés. A relaxing gourmet dinner awaits you back on board.

Friday
We set out this morning to the most peaceful and romantic mooring of this cruise located at the 6th century Maguelone Cathédral on a peninsula, with the canal on one side and the beautiful blue of the mediterranean on the other! Lunch will be served during the cruise. Spend your afternoon walking or biking to this cathédral, observing flamingos and other wildlife, lounging away the afternoon at the beach. You will enjoy your final gourmet dinner on board.

Saturday
You'll say "Au Revoir" and depart after breakfast for transfer to Montpellier. There are TGV train departures to Paris and Nice. If you prefer, you may also be transferred to the airport, rental car office, or hotel of your choice.

This route is run in reverse on alternate weeks. Our sightseeing schedule is flexible and can be customized to reflect your interests. Occasionally an itinerary will be changed due to canal closures or inclement weather. The Captain will substitute an equally interesting route. Change in itinerary will not be accepted as a cause for cancelling your cruise.

Floor Plan

 L'Etoile has 2 king cabins, 1 double cabin and 1 single cabin

L'Etoile is the ideal barge for casual, fun celebrations with family and special friends!