Christmas traditions and santons along the canals of Provence
Christmas traditions and santons along the canals of Provence
Christmas traditions and santons along the canals of Provence
5 Days Starting in Aigues-Mortes and ending in Avignon
Visiting: Aigues-Mortes, Arles, Tarascon, Avignon
Tour operator:
Ship Name:
MS Anne-MarieShip Capacity:
24
Tour operated in:
English , FrenchTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Experience Christmas in Provence on a cruise. From Avignon to Aigues-Mortes, be enchanted by the magic of the provincial Christmas markets.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Aigues-Mortes
Location: Aigues-Mortes
Transfer by coach from Avignon to Aigues Mortes. Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner. Enjoy a 'Christmas traditions-themed evening.
Overnight
Day 2 : Aigues-Mortes/Arles
Location: Arles
We'll spend the morning cruising to Aigues-Mortes, which we'll visit by coach in the afternoon. In the Middle Ages, the city began as a settlement of reed huts, with its inhabitants making their living from fishing, hunting and salt production from the small marshes along the shore. Much later, it became a fortified city because of its strategic location and is now one of the most beautiful historical sites in Provence. We'll finish our tour with a tasting of the traditional sweet fougasse: a delicious light, flat brioche with a subtle orange blossom flavor. Enjoy some free time to explore the town before heading back to the ship. Afternoon spent cruising towards Arles, reaching it in the evening. Enjoy a Christmas-themed evening on board.
Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout landmarks. Arles also boasts charming streets and vibrant markets, reflecting its rich cultural life. Known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, the city features scenes immortalized in his paintings. The blend of historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes makes Arles a captivating destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.
Overnight
Day 3 : Arles/Tarascon
Location: Tarascon
Included excursion: The International Satonniers Trade Show at the Clotre Saint-Trophime and the village of Le Paradou.(2)Our ship will cruise to Tarascon.Included excursion: Tour of the Chteau de Tarascon.Enjoy an evening of entertainment on board.
Arles, France, is a historic city in Provence renowned for its Roman heritage and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater and the Roman Theater are standout landmarks. Arles also boasts charming streets and vibrant markets, reflecting its rich cultural life. Known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, the city features scenes immortalized in his paintings. The blend of historical architecture, vibrant local culture, and picturesque landscapes makes Arles a captivating destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.
Tarascon
Overnight
Day 4 : Tarascon/Avignon
Location: Avignon
We'll spend this morning cruising towards Avignon. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Avignon and the Papal Palace. We'll then head to the Halles market(1) to discover the regional holiday treats. After our tour, we'll return to the ship. Tonight is our festive gala dinner and evening.
Avignon, France, is a historic city in Provence famed for its stunning medieval architecture. Dominated by the impressive Palais des Papes, a grand papal palace, and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, Avignon offers a rich cultural heritage. Its charming streets, vibrant markets, and annual theater festival, the Festival d'Avignon, add to its allure. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and the Rhône River, Avignon blends history with a lively contemporary atmosphere, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and culture seekers.
Overnight
Day 5 : Avignon
Location: Avignon
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.
Avignon, France, is a historic city in Provence famed for its stunning medieval architecture. Dominated by the impressive Palais des Papes, a grand papal palace, and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, Avignon offers a rich cultural heritage. Its charming streets, vibrant markets, and annual theater festival, the Festival d'Avignon, add to its allure. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and the Rhône River, Avignon blends history with a lively contemporary atmosphere, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and culture seekers.
Ship Details
MS Anne-Marie
Ship Overview
A cruise aboard a canal barge promises a peaceful break where you take the time to discover “la douce France” in a different way. The MS Anne-Marie, a true cocoon of charm, sails on the French canals and offers its passengers an original and authentic experience.
The MS Anne-Marie is a beautiful Premium canal barge, measuring 38,50 meters long and 5,07 meters wide. It can accommodate 22 passengers, in 11 cabins spread over two decks. The size of the cabins is 9 m2 (including a PRM cabin of 11 m2) offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay. On board, everything has been taken care of down to the smallest detail and the 6 crew members guarantee a personalized service. The decoration is stylish with an elegant and intimate atmosphere. Located on the upper deck are the restaurant, which offers delicate cuisine in a refined setting, the lounge bar and a relaxation area with a jacuzzi. Comfortable sun loungers are provided on the sun deck, the ideal place to relax and admire the surrounding landscapes.
A journey aboard the MS Anne-Marie promises an unforgettable getaway on the water.
Ship Details
Ship Name:
MS Anne-Marie
Adults Only Areas:
no kids
Ship Children Facilities:
none
Ship Nursery:
none
Smoking Areas:
some
Ship Size:
mini
Ship Class:
Barge
Ship Style:
premium
Ship Type:
river
Ship Kind:
Barge
Ship Currency:
EUR
Ship Language:
fr+en
Ship Capacity:
24
Ship Crew Count:
6
Number of Decks:
3
Number of Cabins:
12
Number of Large Cabins:
0
Number of Wheelchair-Friendy Cabins:
0
Ship Launch Year:
2014
Ship Gross Tonnage:
500
Ship Length (Meters):
38 M
Ship Width (Meters):
5.7 M
Ship Speed (Knots):
9 Kn
Deck Plans
Main Deck
Double Cabins
Sun Deck
Sun Loungers
Upper Deck
JacuzziTerraceLoungeBarRestaurantKitchenPRM Cabin
Cabins
One of the most modern barges today offering home from home comforts. beautifully interior designed with bright, clean, modern colours.
Cabins (Grade 2PL_PP HAG_PS )
AMENITIESTVTelephone (for internal calls only)Bathroom with shower and toiletTowelsSafeIndependent air-conditioningElectricity 220VWi-FiPlease note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.
Main Deck 2 Beds (Grade 2PL_PP )
Cabin equipped with two single beds, private bathroom with shower and bath products, satellite TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the main deck with high window, it offers a panoramic view of the landscapes.AMENITIESTVTelephone (for internal calls only)Bathroom with shower and toiletTowelsSafeIndependent air-conditioningElectricity 220VWi-FiPlease note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.
Upper Deck Double Bed - Accessible Cabin (Grade HAG_PS )
Cabin adapted for passengers with reduced mobility and equipped with one double bed, private bathroom with shower and bath products, satellite TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the upper deck with high window, it offers a panoramic view of the landscapes.AMENITIESTVTelephone (for internal calls only)Bathroom with shower and toiletTowelsSafeIndependent air-conditioningElectricity 220VWi-FiPlease note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.
Dining
The only "floating" hotel structures of its type in France, CroisiEurope reigns supreme over the kitchens on its boats. In charge of the company's Chefs, Alain Bohn manages and designs his cuisine and specific menus in the pure tradition of French cooking with his passionate kitchen teams. From time to time, CroisiEurope joins forces with a number of renowned Chefs such as Paul Bocuse, Marc Haeberlin or Emile Jung to organise gastronomic cruises full of taste and flavour.
Dining aboard a CroisiEurope cruise is always a pleasure. Food is taken seriously and it shows. You'll soon become firm friends with your waiter and you'll quickly come to admire the choices made by world-renowned sommelier, Serge Dubs.
Restaurant
Located on the main deck, the restaurant is where all meals are served during your cruise. It seats all guests at tables which vary in size with a panoramic view. The atmosphere is casual but elegant. (complimentary)
Entertainment
CroisiEurope ensures that there are a number of activities and events onboard that guests can take part in. These include pre-dinner games and dinner dances along with a number of events in the ship’s lounge.
Lounge & Bar
The lounge tastefully decorated, is located at the front of the ship and offers panoramic views. Cocktails and games, dancing, and other forms of entertainment all happen here.
Sun Deck
Take advantage of the sun deck to relax! It is equipped with chairs and deckchairs, allowing you to cool off while enjoying a panoramic view of the magnificent landscapes.
Terrace
Located at the front of the barge and equipped with tables and parasols, you can easily share a moment with friends or unwind while enjoying the view.
Terrace with Jacuzzi
Take a dip in the Jacuzzi - order a cool drink and bask in the views of the beautiful European riversides.
Enrichment
Bicycle Hire
So many of Europe's rivers are lined with paths that are perfect for pedalling so why not go for a bike ride while the ship has moored at one of the local towns. Explore the european way of life by bike giving you the freedom to venture out and explore the riverside bikeways. Or, meander through quaint cobblestone streets. The bikes are set up and ready for use as soon as the ship docks.
Excursions
We offer on all our cruises numerous and surprising excursions. You may prefer to stay aboard our cruise ships and enjoy the tranquillity, but we have an extensive range of excursions we offer that are great ways to discover each country in detail. (All excursions are optional)Always with the help of our guides, you will visit tremendous cities, picturesque landscapes, and great activities with our bike rides, scenic tours, tastings, whole days visits or evenings out to appreciate the cities by night.To offer you the best experience, we offer classic or discovery excursion packages, the latter offering atypical tours, original themes or even helicopter flights.
Kids and Teens
Please note: There are no children's facilities onboard this ship.
Health & Fitness
Please note: There are no health and fitness facilities onboard this ship.
Jacuzzi
Rest and relax in the Jacuzzi while enjoying the beautiful landscapes.
Gratuities
Tipping habits vary from country and culture. At CroisiEurope, they are collected centrally in a box at reception at the end of the stay and shared equally between all members of the crew.
This token from our passengers shows that they appreciated the quality of the services and the attention they received during the cruise at all levels.
A tip between £5 and £10 per day per person is an average, but each passenger is, of course, free to give what they want.
An envelope is deposited for this purpose in your cabin during your last evening on board. Slip it in the box provided for this purpose at the reception before disembarking.
Useful Information
Age Restrictions
Reservations from minors shall not be accepted by the travel agency but must be made by the parents or other adults of more than 18 years of age with the necessary authorisations. Minors of under 18 years of age are not permitted to travel on board unaccompanied. They must be accompanied by parents or adults of more than 18 years of age. No alcoholic beverages shall be served to minors on board. Proof of the customer’s age may be requested by the ship’s personnel.
Babies on board: bring your own equipment
It is perfectly possible to cruise with your baby.Due to space constraints, our boats do not have baby equipment on board.If you are taking an infant or baby on board, be sure to bring the necessary equipment and supplies, such as a portable bed, stroller, child carrier, diapers.For children over the age of one, remember to reserve age-appropriate menus at the time of booking. For your convenience, we can heat up your children's bottles or food.
Dietary Requirements
Please advise the reservation agent at time of booking of any special dietary requirements you may have and they will make every effort to accommodate your request.
Disabled Facilities
All passengers shall ensure that they are medically, physically and / or in a psychic way fit to undertake a trip without endangering their life or the life of others. No medical services are offered aboard our ships. Any passenger with a physical or mental incapacity, limited capacity of mobility, having an illness requiring treatment or medical care, or pregnant women should inform the travel agent at the time of booking. No reservations can be accepted for passengers whose physical or mental condition is likely to render their participation in the cruise or in the vacation impossible or dangerous for themselves or others, or who require forms of care or assistance impossible to guarantee aboard ship, notably because of unsuitable infrastructure. Some suppliers (hoteliers, airlines and cruise companies, etc) may require a medical certificate confirming that the passenger is fit to travel or they may refuse to accept the booking if they feel that they will be unable to guarantee any assistance or treatment deemed necessary for the health and well-being of the passenger. Participation in the voyage and in excursions is subject to the condition of the passenger having sufficient mobility. If necessary, the disabled may be accompanied at their own expense to obtain the required assistance.If CroisiEurope considers it strictly necessary for the safety and comfort of the passenger, bookings of persons with disabilities or reduced mobility will be subject to the condition that a companion able to assist the disabled or mobility-impaired passenger be present. This requirement is entirely dependent on CROISIEUROPE’s assessment of the safety related needs of the disabled or mobility-impaired passenger and may vary from one route to another and/or from one boat to another.If the disabled or reduced mobility person requests and requires special assistance (care, supervision), they must be accompanied by a companion who can provide the required assistance at their own expense.All personal accidents, diversions or forced stopover costs disrupting the course of the cruise shall be at the liability of the passenger having concealed his unfitness to travel.We recommend the wearing of footwear suitable for life aboard and for excursions with non-slip soles.Some vaccinations, although not mandatory, may be recommended by health authorities.
Dress Code
During the day, you will be more comfortable in a casual outfit.We advise you to bring clothes that are not very wrinkled, or that can easily be transported after ironing at your house, because there are no ironing facilities on board our fleet.Remember to dress according to the weather, the season and the environment of your cruise: light suits and swimsuits for warm weather; sweater or jacket for cooler weather; sweatshirt, rain gear and small umbrella.Do not forget to bring comfortable walking shoes in your suitcase. They will be very useful during our excursions!Regarding dinners, cocktails and galas, it is advisable to dress up a little more without the need, for gentlemen, necessarily to wear a jacket and tie.Finally, on any excursion, when you visit places of worship, make sure to opt for an appropriate outfit, neither too light nor too undressed, so as not to be prohibited entry.
Health
There is no nurse or doctor on board the boats of our fleet. In the event of an emergency, the purser will contact the nearest hospital or medical service, the boat will make stop-over so that medical care can be provided as quickly as possible to the person.A defibrillator is available on board each boat. On board, at least two people hold the Lifeguard Rescuer at Work certificate and have been trained to use this device.If you are worried about a health problem, please consult your doctor before going on your cruise and undergo a complete check-up. We remain at your disposal in case of emergency.Finally, do not forget to bring any medication packaged in their labeled boxes) and the corresponding prescriptions. Have them renewed if necessary before your departure.
Languages on Board
The official languages ??on board our ships are French and English.Our team members and tour guides speak English fluently. They also speak other major European languages, such as German, Italian and Spanish.Indeed, CroisiEurope has more than 19 different nationalities among its employees (French, Germans, Austrians, Hungarians, Spaniards, Italians, Portuguese, Filipinos ...)On board, menus, information about the cruise, shore excursions, and important messages are communicated in French and in English. They may also be advertised in another language, depending on the nationality of the passengers on board.
Personal Expenses
You are responsible for any personal expenses outside the boat, during excursions, purchases in our shop, or drinks that you choose from our special wine list and at the bar.How to pay on board?CroisiEurope only accepts euros on board the boats. We do not accept sterling, US dollars or any other currency. We do not accept travelers checks on board. Make sure you get euros before boarding, which will allow you to pay for all your purchases.CroisiEurope accepts American Express, Visa and MasterCard. You may wish to contact your bank or the company that issued your credit card to warn them that you are departing on holiday.
Safety on board
All our ships (except the African Dream) are certified Bureau Veritas.Life jackets and life buoy are located in your cabins as well as on the sun deck.During the presentation of the crew, all safety instructions will be provided.Animals are not accepted on board.
Smoking Policy
For safety reasons, it is forbidden to smoke on board any of our fleet , as it is a closed environment. However, smokers are invited to go to the sun deck, where ashtrays are provided.
Special Diets & Allergies
Please inform us at the time of your booking whether you require a special diet or suffer from allergies. Our cook will offer you a fully adapted and tasty menu.
Taking Care of Our Environment
CroisiEurope’s longstanding environmental position focuses on nature as our most valuable asset.We consider ourselves pioneers in our field, as our commitment to protecting the environment goes above and beyond our legal obligations. We are continually reflecting on how we can expand our green efforts.After conclusive tests carried out on the Seine River with our partner AS Energy, our ships now use GTL fuel. Gas-to-Liquid fuels combust more uniformly and result in lower emissions.Here are other environmental initiatives we would like to share with you:Installation of water-saving devices on our ships that reduce freshwater consumption by 35% and, as a consequence, the amount of wastewater produced.Installation of on-board water fountains that filter public water and transform it into quality drinking water, saving 23 tons of plastic per year.Installation of wastewater evacuation systems on our entire fleet that are emptied into wastewater treatment facilities or urban sewer systems during ports of call.Installation of a wastewater recipient connected directly to the city sewer system at the CroisiEurope dock.All of our ship engines (Green Ship Label) respect the strictest European standards against pollution to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.The latest onboard technology helps limit fuel consumption when cruising.We have insulated the ventilation in our engine rooms to reduce noise pollution.At ports, we systematically connect to power supply terminals (Powerlock connectors) whenever possible, and for our own docks, we are investing in these newer installations. In addition, most of our ships are equipped with energy-efficient electrical devices.In winter, our ships are moored at river ports with electrical terminals that power the vessels, which helps reduce noise and pollution.In Paris, we are providing excursions on electric buses that are quieter and pollute less, to everyone’s advantage.For the replacement of bath towels, we are trying to raise our passengers’ awareness using written messages and announcements.CroisiEurope follows the criteria outlined by Imprim’Vert in regards to environmentally friendly printing. All of the documents printed at our company is done so with vegetable-based inks on unbleached paper.All of our waste is sorted and compacted on board before being recycled.All food waste and biowaste are collected and converted into biogas by specialised companies.Used engine oil is collected and transformed by onshore specialists.We use biodegradable and environmentally friendly cleaning products.Exterior paints contain no pollutants.Plastic straws and cups have been replaced by biodegradable paper.Our company is affiliated with E2F, Entreprises Fluviales de France which brings together players in our sector to orchestrate collective actions regarding the immense challenges that lie ahead.
Wheelchair Accessibility
CroisiEurope welcomes passengers with reduced mobility and endeavors to facilitate their access to both the facilities on board and on the available excursions. Before booking, our company requires passengers with reduced mobility to mention their specific needs to their travel agent, so that they can be offered the most suitable ship.People with reduced mobility or have trouble getting around can benefit from adapted cabins on some of the boats in our fleet.Please note that our three-deck ships have lifts allowing direct access to various bridges, as well as the dining room, lounges and toilets suitable for reduced mobility people.Our ships with 2 decks, meanwhile, are well thought-out in terms of layout, so common facilities (restaurant, lounge bar, reception) on one level: the main deck, which also has cabins.Some of our excursions can cause difficulties for people with reduced mobility (walking for several hours, destabilizing floor coverings, elevation, etc.), participation in some excursions and travel is subject to the sufficient mobility of the passenger.
Wi-Fi
All the company's European fleet are equipped with free Wi-Fi for passengers. This internet connection is available in all lounges / bars and receptions. The Wi-Fi is free to use.For passengers who do not have computer equipment, we have equipped each boat (except those on the Volga, Mekong, and Africa) with a touch pad that can be lent to them when needed.
Check out our Q&As
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All you need to know about the smooth running of your cruise is listed in your 'Travel Logbook', which you will receive before your cruise departure. It will be sent directly to you by email or by post before leaving.
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Personal expenses
The prices of our cruises are "all included on board", they include full board, drinks served with meals and at the bar (read the detail under heading "Package stay on board"). You are responsible for any personal expenses outside the boat, during excursions, purchases in our shop, or drinks that you choose from our special wine list and at the bar. How to pay on board? CroisiEurope only accepts euros on board the boats. We do not accept sterling, US dollars or any other currency. We do not accept travelers checks on board. Make sure you get euros before boarding, which will allow you to pay for all your purchases. CroisiEurope accepts American Express, Visa and MasterCard. You may wish to contact your bank or the company that issued your credit card to warn them that you are departing on holiday.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
CroisiEurope’s longstanding environmental position focuses on nature as our most valuable asset. We consider ourselves pioneers in our field, as our commitment to protecting the environment goes above and beyond our legal obligations. We are continually reflecting on how we can expand our green efforts.
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Dress Code
During the day, you will be more comfortable in a casual outfit. We advise you to bring clothes that are not very wrinkled, or that can easily be transported after ironing at your house, because there are no ironing facilities on board our fleet. Remember to dress according to the weather, the season and the environment of your cruise: light suits and swimsuits for warm weather; sweater or jacket for cooler weather; sweatshirt, rain gear and small umbrella. Do not forget to bring comfortable walking shoes in your suitcase. They will be very useful during our excursions! Regarding dinners, cocktails and galas, it is advisable to dress up a little more without the need, for gentlemen, necessarily to wear a jacket and tie. Finally, on any excursion, when you visit places of worship, make sure to opt for an appropriate outfit, neither too light nor too undressed, so as not to be prohibited entry.
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Embarkation / disembarkation
Boarding and check-in on the ship is indicated on your boarding pass provided in your travel log. We ask that you respect this schedule. The ship itself is held to respect the schedules of navigation envisaged for the route, in order to respect the program of navigation throughout the cruise. If you arrive earlier in the day, you can generally leave most of your luggage on board our ships. Your agent can also inform our ships that you will be arriving earlier, when booking. At the end of the cruise, the landing is usually scheduled for 9:00 am for all passengers. In the event that we are responsible for your transfer to the airport, we will ensure that you arrive in time for your flight and connections.
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Your 'Travel Logbook'
All you need to know about the smooth running of your cruise is listed in your travel logbook, which you will receive before your cruise departure. It will be sent directly to you by email or by post before leaving. It will contain the following information: The port of embarkation / disembarkation; A voucher for airport / port / airport transfers if these have been booked through us; Boarding tickets to be handed in when you arrive on board; Any exchange vouchers (pre and post-routing, hotel nights, ...); Luggage tags; A presentation of the cruise programme; Useful information about the cruise; The list of proposed excursions.
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Languages spoken on board
Official languages on board : French and English.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Missing your departure - this can happen for various reasons: a missed alarm call, a transport strike, an accident on the road, delays train or plane ... In this case, we ask you to notify us as soon as possible by calling the telephone numbers in your travel logbook. We will endeavour to do what is necessary to help you arrive safely.
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Tips
Tipping habits vary from country and culture. At CroisiEurope, they are collected centrally in a box at reception at the end of the stay and shared equally between all members of the crew. This token from our passengers shows that they appreciated the quality of the services and the attention they received during the cruise at all levels. How much should I leave? A tip between £5 and £10 per day per person is an average, but each passenger is, of course, free to give what they want. An envelope is deposited for this purpose in your cabin during your last evening on board. Slip it in the box provided for this purpose at the reception before disembarking.
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Free Date Changes
CroisiEurope Cruises allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 15 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CroisiEurope Cruises requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of croisieurope cruises charges.
Up to 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 8 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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