PIVOINE: AVIGNON TO SÈTE

Sail Southern France in unrivalled luxury and get up close to the Camargue nature reserve’s wild wonders.

29 Jun 2025
6
Nights
Departing:
Northern Europe

Cruise Overview

Step onboard Pivoine and enter carefree bliss. This luxurious river cruise takes you through Camargue, one of Europe’s largest nature reserves. Observe spectacular wildlife including world-famous Camargue horses. Visit papal Avignon and Van Gogh’s beloved Arles. Personalise your journey or reserve Pivoine for a private charter and fall in love with this majestic slice of southern France.

Sail Southern France in unrivalled luxury and get up close to the Camargue nature reserve’s wild wonders.

Cruise includes:

INCLUDES

  • Table d’hôte meals and complimentary beverages
  • All excursions including exclusive use of the onboard bicycles alongside the river
  • Private guide
  • We provide a return transfer service to and from our luxury boat within France and Geneva
PIVOINE: AVIGNON TO SÈTE

Cruise Itinerary

Days 1, 2 & 3

Avignon – Vallabrègues – Galician

Meet your dedicated crew and toast the start of your journey with a chilled glass of champagne. Take a moment to discuss local delicacies and preferences with your chef and build on your personalised itinerary with your private guide. After familiarising yourself with the amenities, enjoy an early-evening cocktail followed by your first gastronomic experience.After a delicious breakfast, you may wish to embark on a walking tour of Avignon. Spend time sampling the city’s cafe society, or historic landmarks such as the Palais des Papes. Return to the barge for lunch and an afternoon cruise to Vallabrègues. Relax in the sun, admire the idyllic countryside and freshen up before dinner is served.On our third day, we enter the Canal du Rhône à Sète. After lunch we arrive in the small hamlet of Galician. Your guide may suggest an afternoon tour of Arles, the coastal city that inspired much of Vincent van Gogh’s work. Dinner is served on board, prepared with fine local ingredients, complemented by delightful wines.

Day 4

Aigues-Mortes

Spend the morning at a local lavender farm, a vibrant dreamland filled with soothing scents. Return and cruise the waterways to Aigues-Mortes. Take the opportunity to tour the medieval city before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon’s cruise takes us through a spellbinding haven for charming wildlife including pink flamingos. Enjoy dinner onboard tonight, followed by a night cap under the stars.

Days 5 & 6

Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone - Sète
On our fifth day, we continue through the iconic marshes. After lunch on board, you may want to spend the afternoon in Mèze. Sample freshly caught mollusks during a brief and private voyage on the Mansathau oyster boat. Return to Pivoine and relax with an aperitif before dinner is served.Today, after a morning cruise, alight to explore Sète, whose intricate network of streets, canals and bridges has led to the town being called the 'Venice of Languedoc'. Late morning, take a short drive to the beautiful seaside port of Marseillan, where you will enjoy lunch at an alfresco restaurant serving the freshest seafood. Before returning to the boat, embark on a sensory journey at the Noilly Prat factory, where the air is infused with an aromatic alchemy of herbs and spices. Witness the meticulous craft of vermouth-making as skilled artisans blend flavours in oak barrels. Conclude your visit with a tasting, savouring the rich heritage of this iconic French aperitif. Back on board, your chef is busy preparing an epicurean farewell feast. Relish the enchanting ambience as you exchange stories of your extraordinary trip.

Day 7

Until next time...
Your check-out time is scheduled for 09:00. After breakfast, your crew bids you farewell as you disembark for your onward travel arrangements. Our teams are more than happy to arrange your transfers to the airport – get in touch to discuss your travel requirements with us.

About this Vessel

Glide in style through Camargue from Avignon to Sète and immerse yourself in France’s sunniest region, home to Europe’s largest nature reserve. Pivoine, A Belmond Boat, is one of the best river cruises in France. Escape to the Rhône river and discover diverse wildlife and flora of the region, including the famous Camargue bulls, white horses and pink flamingos. The region boasts a rich history, with villages featuring mazes of Medieval alleys and walled crusader towns. Seeking a sense of rejuvenation? For you, our team will organise a sunrise yoga class on the deck. Alternatively, use one of our fitness equipment for an active session to pass time as Pivoine follows the river.

Overview

Sail elegantly through the Camargue from Avignon to Sète and immerse yourself in France's sunniest region, which is home to Europe’s largest nature reserve.Pivoine, a Belmond boat, offers one of the finest river cruise experiences in France. Escape to the Rhône River and explore the region's rich biodiversity, featuring the renowned Camargue bulls, white horses, and pink flamingos. The area is steeped in history, with charming villages showcasing intricate Medieval alleys and fortified crusader towns.Looking for a refreshing experience? The team can arrange a sunrise yoga session on the deck just for you. Alternatively, enjoy a workout with the onboard fitness equipment while Pivoine glides along the river.

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Dining

Pivoine invites you on a culinary journey unlike any other. Join your private chef and wander through vibrant local markets, gathering ingredients that inspire the intricate dishes and delectable menus that are crafted in the small onboard kitchen.

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Accommodation

Each cabin serves as a luxurious haven. Refresh yourself in the gleaming marble en-suite bathrooms, and enjoy a coffee surrounded by plush fabrics and soft, romantic tones.As a stylish retreat for a French luxury river cruise, you can take a heated dip on the deck or indulge in handpicked cheeses and wines in the lounge. With tranquillity as a guiding principle, the four elegant cabins—equipped with king or twin beds, marble bathrooms, and high-end amenities—offer the ultimate sanctuary.En-suite amenities include:Double bedsDiptyque toiletriesBathrobes and slippersSockets for two-pin 220-volt plugs

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Entertainment

Glide through sun-kissed vineyards, wander the lively regional Natural Park, and savour delicious cuisine as you journey towards Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. While the Rhône flows by, contemplate your next adventure – will you choose to ride a majestic white Camargue horse or take a moment to peacefully observe the flamingos?Onboard Pivoine, we also celebrate the art of slow living and creative inspiration. In Avignon and Arles, take a break to immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes, stunning natural beauty, and historic treasures that once captivated Vincent Van Gogh.

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Step onboard Pivoine and enter carefree bliss. This luxurious river cruise takes you through Camargue, one of Europe's largest nature reserves.

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