France: Aix-en-Provence Timeless Beauty and South of France by Barge

Location: Europe
Duration: 10 Days
Price: From $8,695
Activity Level: Moderate

France: Aix-en-Provence Timeless Beauty and South of France by Barge

Location: Europe
Duration: 10 Days
Price: From $8,695
Activity Level: Moderate

Overview

Embark with AdventureWomen on a delightful journey through the heart of Provence and the enchanting Rhone River Canals! Start in Aix-en-Provence with a private city tour and a welcome dinner. Explore Gordes, a 12th-century abbey, and savor local gastronomy. Enjoy a cooking class and vineyard visit in Avignon. Wander through Arles, discover olive oil production, and cruise to Gallician. Visit a Camargue manade, relax in Sainte-Marie-de-la-Mer, and cruise to Aigues-Mortes. Tour salt marshes, cruise to Palavas-les-Flots, and experience bull-sorting. Conclude with a shellfish excursion and a farewell dinner in Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert. Join us for an unforgettable adventure!

Main Attractions

Discover the Charms of Aix-en-Provence 

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Aix-en-Provence and its picturesque villages, renowned for their stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Barge Cruise Through Southern France 

Sail on a privately chartered barge, enjoying gourmet cuisine and exceptional service as you drift along the serene Rhone River and its breathtaking surroundings.

Ancient History and Provençal Traditions 

Uncover the history of Arles, learn about olive oil production, and explore the medieval town of Aigues-Mortes, all while experiencing authentic Provençal traditions.

Map of southern France featuring cities like Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. Includes travel routes by plane, train, and bus. Inset shows France's location in Europe. Scale: 0-70 miles.

Itinerary

A sunlit plaza features a stone fountain with a statue, surrounded by trees, tables, and colorful buildings under a clear blue sky.

Welcome to Aix-en-Provence

Arrive at Marseille Airport (MRS) before 2:00 PM. Your driver will meet you and ensure a smooth ride in a premium vehicle. Once you arrive in Aix-en-Provence, you’ll enjoy a 3-hour private walking tour. Explore stunning 17th- and 18th-century architecture, vibrant squares, and elegant fountains. End the day with a specially prepared, three-course welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. Share stories and discover the unique reasons each woman in your group is excited to explore this region of France.

Meals dinner
A scenic view of a hilltop village with rustic stone buildings and a church, surrounded by trees, overlooking a vast landscape under a partly cloudy sky.

Discover Gordes

Following breakfast, visit Gordes, one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France.” This hilltop village, known for inspiring artists like Victor Vasarély and Marc Chagall, offers captivating views and a 16th-century château. Next, you’ll explore the 12th-century Cistercian Abbaye de Sénanque, a serene monastery nestled in a valley. Discover its abbey church, cloister, and ancient dormitory. Modest attire and silence are required. Finally, visit Lourmarin, another beautiful village with charming streets, art galleries, and a 15th-century Renaissance castle. Learn about Albert Camus and enjoy the town’s historic churches and inviting squares.

Meals breakfast, lunch
A chef prepares food in a kitchen with a wooden tray of colorful vegetables in the foreground.

Private Cooking Class and Wine Tasting

Begin your day with a brief introduction to Avignon’s rich culinary traditions. Under the guidance of French chef Pascal Barnouin at the Maison de la Tour, learn to prepare a seasonal three-course meal featuring Provençal recipes with a modern twist. Then take a scenic 2-3-hour walk through the organic vineyards of Domaine de la Mordorée. Learn about their sustainable farming practices, visit the Plateau de Vallongue for panoramic views, and end with a tasting of their wines, especially the renowned Tavel rosés.

Meals breakfast, lunch
Two people walk down a narrow, empty street lined with colorful, old buildings.

Off to Arles

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring the vibrant markets of Aix-en-Provence. Discover fresh produce, flowers, and crafts in the town’s picturesque squares. Visit Place Richelme for daily produce, and explore the grand market at Place des Prêcheurs and Place de Verdun for food, antiques, and vintage items. A private driver will transport you to Arles in a premium vehicle. Walk around Arles in the afternoon and board your private barge at 6:00 PM. After comfortably settling into your cabins, get introduced to your crew at a welcome cocktail. Enjoy dinner and remain in port overnight.

Meals breakfast, dinner
A boat deck features a round hot tub, white chairs and tables, and a blue floor. Umbrellas provide shade near a river with green vegetation.

Roman Ruins and A Cruise on The Rhone River

Explore the cultural heart of Arles and its remarkable Roman ruins, then head inland to discover the art of olive oil production in Provence. Conclude your tour with a tasting of local specialties before returning to the ship for an afternoon cruise along the Rhône River to Gallician. Relax, have a glass of wine, and enjoy the scenery or take a dip in the on-board hot tub.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Interior of an ancient stone church with high arched ceilings and light illuminating from a small window above.

Visit a Camargue Manade

Visit a traditional Camargue manade, a French ranch led by a manadière—a skilled female rancher who specializes in breeding Camargue bulls and horses. The manadière will give you a tour of the ranch and let you witness cattle sorting and a thrilling cow race! Afterward, enjoy free time in the picturesque town of Sainte-Maries-de-la-Mer, where you can explore the historic church. Then back to the barge to cruise to Aigues-Mortes, arriving in the early evening.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Stone archway framing a narrow street with rustic buildings, hanging lanterns, and colorful shutters under a cloudy sky.

Tour Aigues-Mortes

Join your group for a tour of Aigues-Mortes, a historic fortified city nestled in the heart of the marshlands and one of Provence’s most stunning sites. Ride a scenic tourist train through the salt marshes and visit the salt museum to learn about the area’s rich heritage. After the tour, you’ll return to the ship for a relaxing evening.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A marina filled with numerous sailboats and yachts, with calm water reflecting the boats and masts under a clear sky.

Cruise to Palavas-Les-Flots

In the morning, cruise to Palavas-Les-Flots, where you’ll have free time to explore. Later, visit a manade to experience the daily life of its herders with a wagon tour and participate in a bull sorting activity. Before returning to the boat, enjoy a delicious farm-fresh snack. Spend the evening cruising onward to Sète.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Historic stone monastery with arched walkways, two tall cypress trees, and a garden under a clear blue sky.

Excursion to the Étang de Thau

Enjoy an excursion to the Étang de Thau, renowned for its shellfish. At the Étang de Thau Museum, learn about the lives of local shellfish farmers and fishermen and enjoy a tasting on the terrace with beautiful views of the basin. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, one of France’s most picturesque villages. Later, return on board for a farewell dinner with your new AdventureWomen friends. Reminisce over all the memories you have made and celebrate the end of an amazing journey through this truly spectacular country.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Five women smiling while taking a selfie on a cobblestone street.

Airport Transfer

Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 AM. Say goodbye to your new AdventureWomen friends as you transfer to the airport for your flights home.

Meals breakfast
A hilltop village with stone buildings and lush greenery under a clear blue sky.

Accommodations

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

Street view of a stone building with a sign reading "Le Negrecoste" and a glass awning. The sky is clear with a few clouds and the sun shining brightly.

MS Anne-Marie

The MS Anne Marie Barge, your home for your adventure in the South of France, has everything you need for a barge journey. The comfortable cabins have twin beds and en suite bathrooms with electricity and air conditioning. Spend your days on the sun deck, enjoying a panoramic view of the landscapes as you cruise by them, the terrace at the front of the barge, complete with café tables and umbrellas as well as a jacuzzi, or in the lounge where you can enjoy a glass of wine. Enjoy delicious meals on the barge and you’ll have access to the bar which includes house wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea. Please note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning

A blue and white barge cruises on a calm river, surrounded by greenery and under a clear blue sky.

Negrecoste Hotel & Spa

Overlooking the iconic Cours Mirabeau, this 4-star hotel is ideally located in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, just a 10-minute walk from the station. Wander under the shade of century-old plane trees, discover charming fountains and statues, including the figure of King René, and explore historic facades and local shops. For ultimate relaxation, indulge in the luxurious spa, complete with a hammam, sauna, sensory shower, jacuzzi, treatment rooms, and a serene lounge area.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, minibar, flatscreen TV, safe, Wi-Fi, air conditioning

What People Are Saying

My recent trip to France was just awesome. All the accommodations, food, activities were great. This was a good group of ladies, and I enjoyed getting to know them. This was my 6th trip with AW, and they have all been wonderful. Thank you again for what you do for the women who love to travel.

What People Are Saying

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed barging through France. It was one of the best trips ever, and perhaps the best group in its entirety that I have ever traveled with. Everyone was very congenial and lots of fun.

What People Are Saying

It was a great trip. Well organized, great guides – great boat, great crew.

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Pricing Booking Link
Jul 20 Jul 29
Space Available
$8,695*
Standard Room, Single
$10,695 total, $1,500 deposit
Standard Room, Double
$8,695 total, $1,500 deposit

*Additional Pricing Information: 2026 Optional Single Accommodation: $2,000

Arrive at Marseille Airport (MRS) before 2:00 PM on Day 1. Your driver will meet you and ensure a smooth ride to your destination in a premium vehicle. Each guest may bring one checked bag and one carry-on. Inform us in advance if you have additional luggage. Group transfers will be provided when most guests arrive. Private transfers are available for purchase.

Depart from Marseille (MRS) after 3:00 PM on Day 10.

What's Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Guided sightseeing and activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • Services of cruise director and boat crew
  • English-speaking guide on day 1 (half day) and days 2 and 3
  • All transportation as listed in the itinerary
  • One group transfer on arrival and departure
  • House wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea on the barge
  • Hotel’s tourist tax

What's Not Included

  • International airfare to and from France
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities

FAQs

Absolutely! We happily welcome all women as long as you are physically capable of doing the activities on your chosen trip. Our guests range from 18-85+! It is important to us to talk to each guest to make sure each woman chooses the right trip for her physical ability and interest.

You can process your registration on our online booking system or over the phone. Most deposits are $800. In many cases, and unless otherwise indicated, your deposit is transferable if you notify us in writing 120 before your trip departs.

Be sure to check the ‘What’s Included’ section of the trip you are interested in. Once you get to the departure city and meet the group, we often include most meals, all accommodations, all activities (although there might be an optional activity at an additional cost), transportation while on the adventure, qualified local guide(s) and some trips also include an AdventureWomen Ambassador. Our trips do not include airfare to/from the arrival and departure cities. However, internal flights are included in some itineraries so please read the itinerary carefully.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! Many of the women who travel with AdventureWomen come solo. For those that do not choose a single supplement, we pair you with a roommate. Usually, when we change accommodations on a trip, we will change roommates if we can, so you get a chance to know others in our group. A limited number of single supplements may be available for an additional charge.

That depends entirely on the trip! AdventureWomen adventure travel trips are rated according to the physical fitness level demanded by the included activities.

  • Moderate: These adventures exercise your mind more than your body and are designed for women who prefer a leisurely, less rigorous experience. For example, you could walk up to 2 miles per day through cities and villages, stand in museums for a few hours, relax on a boat, or view wildlife from a vehicle.
  • Active: Adventures that get you on your feet! You should be in good physical condition where you are comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, such as cobblestone streets, biking manicured nature trails or kayaking calm waters.
  • High Energy: These adventures are designed for women who enjoy a physical challenge and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on a rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, whitewater rafting, or skiing.
  • Challenging: Adventures that get your heart rate pumping, these are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition, and be able to hike up to 10 miles, in steeper, more rugged terrain.