Anne Marie
Christmas Traditions of Provence
Anne Marie
Provence Christmas Market itinerary
Avignon - Tarascon to Arles to Aigues Mortes - Avignon
FAN
Rich in symbolism, strong in emotions and sensations, Christmas traditions in Provence give meaning and color to the celebration. From Avignon to Aigues-Mortes, let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the provincial Christmas markets. The Palais des Papes in Avignon, an imposing Gothic fortress, symbol of religious power in the 14th century; Les Baux-de-Provence, whose citadel overlooks natural sites of extraordinary beauty and its santon museum with its traditional Provençal nativity scene; or Aigues-Mortes for a tasting of fougasse, a delicacy once reserved for the Christmas period.
DAY 1: AVIGNON
Boarding at 6 p.m. Crew welcome and introduction, and welcome cocktail. Dinner on board. Christmas traditions themed evening.
DAY 2: AVIGNON - TARASCON
In the morning, excursion included: Avignon and the Palace of the Popes . An imposing fortress and sumptuous palace, it is the symbol of the power of Christianity in the Middle Ages and it hosted seven sovereign pontiffs in the 14th century. During the visit of the rooms of the largest Gothic palace in the world, the tour will retrace the life of the pontiffs, their political and religious power. You will be able to admire in particular the great ceremonial rooms, the chapels and the private apartments of the Popes. Passage to the market of the Halles d'Avignon(1), an important facet of authentic Provence, its effervescent atmosphere, its specific perfumes, its incomparable flavors make it a true ambassador of taste.
Afternoon cruise to Tarascon. Take the opportunity to go to the sun deck and admire the landscapes of Provence. You will pass through the large lock of Vallabrègues before reaching Tarascon.
Christmas-themed evening entertainment on board.
DAY 3: TARASCON - ARLES
In the morning, excursion included: visit to the Château de Tarascon , a Provençal fortress between Gothic and Renaissance. On the banks of the Rhône, stands the Château de Tarascon, a fortress built by the princes of Anjou at the beginning of the 15th century. Remarkably preserved, it is one of the most beautiful medieval castles in France and Europe. During the visit of the Château, you will discover the apothecary of the Saint-Nicolas hospital, more than 30 rooms, and an exceptional panorama of the Rhône and Provence from the immense terrace overlooking the Château.
Return on board and sail to Arles.
In the afternoon, excursion included: Les Baux-de-Provence, its santon museum, Arles and the Santon Makers' Fair . Route to Les Baux-de-Provence. A village perched on a rocky spur with an incredibly rich architectural heritage. Its citadel overlooks natural sites of extraordinary beauty. Visit the Santon Museum, which brings together a large number of pieces from various collections, including a traditional Provençal nativity scene and the daily life of a family in the 19th century, presented in two large display cases. Return to Arles, guided tour of the city before discovering the International Santon Makers' Fair, the unmissable event for nativity scene and santon enthusiasts in the south of France. Created by artisans in 1958 to showcase the work of santon makers, today more than 100 exhibitors and creators meet each year. Free time before returning to the boat.
Lively evening on board.
DAY 4: ARES - AIGUES MORTES
Morning cruise to Aigues-Mortes. You'll travel along the Petit-Rhône and pass Saint-Gilles and the only lock before joining the Rhône-Sète Canal, which runs along the wet plains of the Petite Camargue.
Arrival in Aigues-Mortes in the afternoon. Excursion included: Aigues-Mortes . Founded in the 13th century by Saint Louis, Aigues-Mortes reveals a particularly well-preserved architectural ensemble. Located in the heart of the Gard Camargue, the city has the appearance of a true medieval fortress, with its 1634 meters of ramparts, its fortified gates, its twenty towers and its patrol path. Then taste the authentic fougasse d'Aigues Mortes, a brioche iced with sugar and leavened with orange blossom. In the past, this delicacy was made at Christmas time, the baker made the dough, the customer brought the ingredients. It was the baker's Christmas gift.
Gala evening.
DAY 5: AIGUES MORTES - AVIGNON
Buffet breakfast on board. Disembarkation at 9 a.m. and coach transfer to Avignon. End of our services.
Avignon - Aigues Mortes to Arles to Tarascon - Avignon
NAF
DAY 1: AVIGNON - AIGUES MORTES
Coach transfer to Aigues-Mortes. Boarding at 6 p.m. Crew welcome and introduction, and welcome cocktail. Dinner on board. Christmas traditions themed evening.DAY 2: AIGUES MORTES - ARLES
In the morning, excursion included: Aigues-Mortes . Founded in the 13th century by Saint Louis, Aigues-Mortes reveals a particularly well-preserved architectural ensemble. Located in the heart of the Gard Camargue, the city has the real allure of a medieval fortress, with its 1634 meters of ramparts, its fortified gates, its twenty towers and its patrol path. Then taste the authentic fougasse d'Aigues Mortes, a brioche iced with sugar and leavened with orange blossom. In the past, this delicacy was made at Christmas time, the baker made the dough, the customer brought the ingredients. It was the baker's Christmas gift. Return to the boat and departure for Arles. You will take the Rhône-Sète canal which runs along the wet plains of the Petite Camargue gardoise, then the Petit-Rhône. You will pass Saint-Gilles and the only lock before emerging onto the great Rhône, Arles and its famous arenas in sight.
Christmas-themed evening entertainment on board.
DAY 3: ARLES - TARASCON
In the morning, excursion included: Arles and the santon makers' fair . Departure for a guided tour of the city before discovering the International Santon Makers' Fair, the unmissable event for nativity scene and santon makers' enthusiasts in the south of France. Created by artisans in 1958, in order to showcase the work of santon makers, today more than 100 exhibitors and creators meet each year. Free time before returning to the boat.
Navigation to Tarascon.
In the afternoon, excursion included: visit to the castle of Tarascon(2), Les Baux-de-Provence and its santon museum . On the banks of the Rhône, stands the castle of Tarascon, a fortress built by the princes of Anjou at the beginning of the 15th century. Remarkably preserved, it is one of the most beautiful medieval castles in France and Europe. During the visit of the castle, you will discover the apothecary of the Saint-Nicolas hospital, more than 30 rooms, and an exceptional panorama of the Rhône and Provence from the immense terrace overlooking the castle. Then drive to Les Baux-de-Provence and its santon museum. A village perched on a rocky spur which has an incredibly rich architectural heritage. Its citadel overlooks natural sites of extraordinary beauty. Visit the santon museum, which brings together a large number of pieces from various collections, including a traditional Provençal nativity scene and the daily life of a 19th-century family, presented in two large display cases. Return to Tarascon.
Lively evening on board.
DAY 4: TARASCON - AVIGNON
Morning cruise to Avignon. You'll pass through the large Vallabrègues lock, then take the opportunity to go to the sun deck and admire the landscapes of Provence.
Arrival in Avignon in the early afternoon. Excursion included: Avignon and the Palace of the Popes . An imposing fortress and sumptuous palace, it is the symbol of the power of Christianity in the Middle Ages and it hosted seven sovereign pontiffs in the 14th century. As you visit the rooms of the largest Gothic palace in the world, the tour will retrace the lives of the pontiffs, their political and religious power. You will be able to admire the great ceremonial rooms, the chapels and the private apartments of the Popes. Visit the Avignon Halles market(1), an important facet of authentic Provence, its effervescent atmosphere, its specific aromas, its incomparable flavors make it a true ambassador of taste. Return on board.
Gala evening.
DAY 5: AVIGNON
Buffet breakfast on board. Disembarkation at 9 a.m. End of our services.
2026 RATES
| DATES | SHIP | ITINERARY | PER PERSON RATE DBLE | SINGLE RATE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1, 11 | Anne Marie | Tarascon to Aigues Mortes | $1120 |
$1616 |
Rate includes: 6 night cruise, all meals, wine with meals, drinks from the bar and excurisons. Bicycles available for cycling.
22 passenger Anne Marie
Cruises in Provence Region of France
The Anne Marie is a new build barge in 2014. . She accommodates 22 passengers in great comfort. It is a modern vessel equipped with a sundeck wreathed in flowers, with chairs and parasols, a cozy lounge leading to the bar and a separate dining-room. On the lower deck are 11 comfortable cabins with opening windows.
FEATURES:
- Barge New in 2014
- Size of barge: 128 ft by 17 ft
- Number of Passengers: 22
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 11
- Crew: 5
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: Salon with comfortable sofas, bar area and separate dining room with seating for 22.
- Bar: All drinks and meals included on board (excluding champagne & drinks from the wine list)
- Deck: Sundeck with tables, chairs, and umbrellas for shade.
- Cabin Features: Twelve cabins, all twin-bedded, with TV, each approximately 97 sq. ft., all with large windows and ensuite bathroom with shower. safe, internal telephone, individual AC control
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Motor coach
- Accessibility: Steps to cabins.
- Bicycles: Yes
Twin cabin
Double cabin
Bath
Staircase entrance
Bar
Dining room
Lounge
Jacuzzi
Lounge chairs
