L'Estello: Avignon - Aigues Mortes

At last!
We are delighted to announce the addition of L'Estello, in Provence.
Owned and run by Cobie Lagerburg of the Etoile, we know that she will be a great success.
The barge accomodates up to 20 and provides comfortable cabins along with the friendly service that has made Etoile so popular.
L'Estello will cater for all types of groups of friends and families, and accepts children aged 5 and over.
Cobie's attention to detail insures that all are catered for and enjoy a full range of activities, whatever their age!

You will surely leave with fantastic memories of your cruise aboard L'Estello.


L'Estello can be chartered in tandem with Etoile for parties of up to 26 passegers.

L'Estello began her working life in 1937 and was converted to a hotel barge in 1981, and then refitted in 2008
She is a majestic 39m x 5m (ie 128' x 17)

Fully air-conditioned and centrally heated, the barge is comfortable in all seasons.

The upper deck public area has no steps and includes a dining area measuring 5.3m x 4.7m with seating for 20, and a saloon area with open bar measuring 7.4m x 4.7m.
Even our taller guests will feel comfortable with the head room being 2 meters.

This area is very light with 12 large, picture windows.
Guests may use the stereo system, IPod docking station, and CDs.

E-mail facilities available.


We have an extensive library including works on cruising regions, french cheeses, wines, a gastronomic dictionary, as well as a range of games including backgammon, chess, mah jong, scrabble and of course, 'boules'..
If you fancy something a bit more athletic, take one of our bikes out and explore or race the boat!

On our sundeck, you can relax while the world drifts by, even on the sunniest days when the awning will protect you from the Provencale rays.

Leading down from the saloon, a spiral staircase of 7 steps, takes you to the 10 cabins.

Each ensuite cabin has ample closet space with quality wooden hangers, a hair dryer, adaptor plus, alarm clock, bottled water and glasses,tissues, toiletries including hand soap, shower gel and shampoo, towels, insect repellant, a make-up mirror, full-length mirror, fan and a small torch.

There is one double cabin with the bed measuring 1.40m x 1.92m, and 9 twin bed cabins with single beds measuring 0.83m x 1.92m.

The average size of the cabins is 27 sq ft, with a ceiling height of 2 meters.
Access to the bathrooms is by a 0.80 meter width door.

Guided tours are given in air-conditioned, Mercedes tourist vans.

For large groups the Estello can be chartered with Etoile for up to 26 guests.

- Prices -

Accomodation	Regular	Mid	Value
Whole boat charter for up to 20, full board	48000
Cabin prices, minimum of 7 suites required, price per person based on double occupancy	2600
Single person supplement	1500

- Departure Dates -

Value
Mid
Regular	2011

ITINERARY

Sunday We will pick you up at the TGV station of Avignon and bring you to our barge Etoile, which is moored in Villeneuve-les-Avignon. After a festive welcome drink there is time to settle into your cabins, maybe take a rest, or go for a walk in the city of Villeneuve sur Avignon. Dinner will be served, accompanied by carefully chosen wines from local vineyards. Monday In the morning, we cruise to Avignon, and moor in sight of the remains of the Avignon bridge. The Pope's Palace is within walking distance. There is time to stroll around the town. After lunch we will take you on a tour to Chateauneuf du Pape, followed by an extensive and informative wine tasting. During your dinner, we will cruise once more past the famous bridge of Avignon and spend the night opposite the town. Tuesday The morning visit brings us to the Roman aqueduct Le Pont du Gard, a world heritage site. After visiting the monument, you might like to visit the town museum, which is very informative and fun to explore. We go back to the barge for lunch and in the afternoon will cruise to the tranquil mooring of Vallabregues. This typical Provencal village gives you the possibility of walking, a bike ride or why not do as the french do and play 'boules' on the town square while sipping a Pastis? Wednesday After breakfast we bring you to the hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence, known for it's gorgeous views over the Provencal landscape and its artisans colony. Optional, but highly recommended, is a visit to the Cathedral of Images, a stone quarry, now used as a three-dimensional screeng room. You will be submerged in a world in which the ceiling is lit up with images, and images creep along the floor and burst onto the ridges. All information can be found on www.cathedrale-images.com Lunch will be ready for you on the barge upon your return. Later this afternoon, we continue our cruise on the Rhone River, and pass a high Rhone lock to moor at the town of Arles, the town where Van Gogh fell in love with the lights and colours of this fascinating countryside. Thursday After breakfast we propose a walking tour of Arles. Heading to the heart of the town we will see Les Arlenes, a roman amphitheater built in the 1st century AD. There will be time for a drink in one of the outdoor cafés on the Place du Forum, where Van Gogh painted his famous painting 'Cafe Van Gogh'. After lunch, we will leave the Rhone River and turn into the Petit Rhone. After passing the lock of St Gilles, we will continue our cruise on the Canal du Rhone a Sete. Our moorings this evening is near Gallician. For wine lovers, there is a local wine shop here, where you can taste and buy the regional 'Costieres de Nimes' wines. Friday We start our day cruising through the stunningly beautiful Camargue National Park, home to various wildlife including black bulls and the graceful white Camargue horses. We moor at the gates of the amazing 13th century walled town of Aigues Morte, an embarkation point for the Crusaders. 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 cafes. A farewell dinner awaits you back on board! Saturday After breakfast, we will say 'Au Revoir' and then escort you back to the TGV station at Montpellier.

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)