Esperance : Avignon to Frontignan in Provence

Completely refitted to an incredibly high standard, this is one of the most, if not the most, beautiful boats cruising in Provence.
Emma, our CEO, came across this pearl by chance when visiting other hotel barges in the region: "She really is an exceptional boat, extremely spacious, luxurious and with excellent rates."
Mattias, as owner and captain takes pride in his work.
With an eye for detail and impeccable taste, he oversees a redecoration program each winter so that even returning guests are in for a treat.
If you are looking for a smaller vessel, but with very high standards, Esperance comes highly recommended.

As you enter the Esperance, you will be instantly impressed by the sheer size of the saloon and dining area.
Divided into two levels, the raised dining area allows you to dine while admiring the scenery.
After a sumptious meal, the sofas invite you to the lower area, where the cream carpets and soft furnishings create a relaxing area in which to watch TV, DVD's or enjoy music from the boat's extensive CD library.

Mattias' attention to detail continues in the cabins.
The fully carpeted, air-conditioned suite, (27 m²),is again split level, with an ensuite tiled bathroom with toilet, bidet and handbasin and a separate, fully tiled, power-shower room.
There is also a majestic bath in the bedroom
The bed measures 1m60 x 2m.
For your comfort, a settee convertible to a double bed is at your disposal, as is a dressing table and storage unit.
With separate access on to the top deck this is a completely private suite.

The air-conditiioned, carpeted second cabin is a substantial 17m², with either a double bed or two singles, as you please.
The fully tiled bathroom has a very large shower, toilet and handbasin.
Access to the staircase to join the sundeck is between the cabin and the suite.

The uncluttered sundeck provides ample space for comfortable dining or relaxing on the chaise longues, or a dip in the jacuzzi.
If you are feeling sporty, you may like to take a bike ride or use any of the equipment in the sports room.
Alternatively, why not join the Captain in the wheelhouse for a unique view?
With it's removable roof, this is a great place to see the master at work, in comfort.

- Prices -

Accomodation	Regular	Mid	Value
Whole boat charter for 6, full board	28350
Whole boat charter, for 4, full board	21000
Whole boat charter for 2	15000
Whole boat charter for 6, half board	25650
Whole boat charter, for 4, half board	19000
Whole boat charter for 2, half board	13500
Bed and breakfast charter with captain, bikes, breakast. No other meals nor excursions.	12000

- Departure Dates -

Value
Mid
Regular	2011

ITINERARY

Avignon Sunday Guests will be collected at a location of their choice in Avignon, and transferred by Mercedes 4 x 4 to Esperance moored in the nearby port of Beaucaire for a Champagne canapé reception and the first of many gourmet dinners. Avignon - Bellegarde Monday This morning we will visit Avignon to see the largest Gothic palace in Europe, the Pope's Palace. Feel free to explore the pisturesque shopping area that surrounds the Palace, or to enjoy a coffee on the town square. After lunch on board we will visit the impressive Aqueduct Pont du Gard, on our way to Bellegarde. Bellegarde- St Gilles Tuesday After a relaxing breakfast, our excursion this morning takes us through beautiful tree lined roads to the famous, enchanting hill top village of Les Beaux de Provence. This is one of the most beautiful villages in France with magnificent views of the Provencal landscape. After lunch on board, we will continue our leisurely cruise until our mooring for the night at St Gilles. St Gilles - Aigues Mortes Wednesday A short drive this morning takes us to Arles, where Van Gogh fell in love with the lights and colours of this fascinating countryside. Heading to the heart of this ancient town, we will see Les Arenes, a Roman amphitheatre built in the first century AD and much more! For the rest of the day, we wil cruise on the Canal du Rhone a Sete through the stunning Camargue National Park, home to various species including black bulls and white camargue horses. This evening we invite you to one of our favourite restaurants in the 13th century wall town on Aigues Mortes. Aigues Mortes - Maguelone Cathedral Thursday Aigues Mortes is not only famous an an embarkation port of the Crusaders, but also for the salt formations that are created by the evaporated water and salt marshes in the area. There are sites to visit and time to climb the walls, before shopping for souvenirs. After lunch, we set out to the most peaceful and romantic mooring of this cruise located at the 6th century Maguelone Cathedral on a peninsula, with the canal on one side and the beautiful blue of the Mediterranean sea on the other. A relaxing, gourmet dinner will be served on board. Maguelone Cathedral - Frontignan Friday Today is a perfect day to go walking or cycling. This site has much to offer: the cathedral surrounded by vineyards, the flamingoes and other wildlife, and of course the Mediterranean beaches. In the afternoon we will cruise along peaceful lakes and ponds to our last mooring, close to Frontignan for our festive Farewell dinner. Frontignan - Montpellier After breakfast, we will say 'Au revoir' and transfer you to Montpellier for train departures to Paris and Nice. If you prefer, we can offer transfers to the airport, rental car office or hotel of your choice. Please note that on alternate weeks this itinerary will be cruised in the reverse direction.

All the Luxury Packages

• Anjodi: Midi (8)
• Caprice: Burgundy (21)
• Elisabeth : Burgundy (6)
• Esperance : Provence (6)
• L'Art de Vivre: Nivernais (8)
• L'Estello: Provence/Midi (20)
• L'Etoile : Provence/Midi (7/8)
• L'Impressionniste:Burgundy (12
• La Bella Vita: Italy (20)
• La Belle Epoque: Burgundy (12)
• Libje: Brittany (4)
• Lorraine: Alsace Lorraine
• Luciole: Nivernais (14)
• Magna Carta: England (8)
• Mirabelle: Bordeaux (24)
• Niagara: Burgundy (6)
• Nymphea: Loire Valley
• Randle: Nivernais Loire (4)
• Reine Pedauque: Burgundy (8)
• Rosa : Gascony/Bordeaux (8)
• Saroche: Burgundy (6)
• Savoir Faire (12)
• Scottish Highlander: (8)
• St Louis: Gascony/Bordeaux (6)
• Who Knows: Burgundy (6)