JOIN US ON THE MAGICAL JOURNEY ONBOARD OF ESPERANCE…
“Our family had the most wonderful vacation on the Esperance, that we ever had. Just as your other client had written, Mathias and Olivier are the best one could ever hope for. They are so attentive, professional, and genuinely kind. The food was so delicious. If you mentioned a favorite dish, Olivier presented it to us the next day. The
sightseeing excursions were both informative and most enjoyable. Everything on board was immaculately clean. We relaxed immediately and fell into the captivating spell of Provence. The feeling has followed us to our home”.
The barge we would like to present you is signature style barge called Esperance, formerly known as Etoile II. Rebuilt in 2002 as a private yacht with customized furniture and hand made ceramics, this unique barge has all amenities you would expect on a luxury yacht. No claustrophobic feelings on board, wherever you are you can look outside thru real windows, even in the bedrooms and bathrooms!
ESPERANCE LUXURY HIGHLIGHTS
2 Luxurious Suites: the master suite is a haven with queen size bed, sofa, footed bathtub and dressing table. The second suite can be made up with twins or king bed and has a sitting area and dressing table.
Large wheelhouse with expansive windows and seating
Gracious salon with customized furniture and room to stretch out and enjoy a movie on the DVD.
Welcoming bar to sip wine and watch the chef prepare dinner
Sundeck with expansive area with lounge chairs and a comfortable dining area
Home entertainment system
Bicycles, exercise equipment, TV, a full stereo system
Fully Air Conditioned with individual A/C Control units in each suite
Inviting sparkling Jacuzzi.
The 4-passenger Esperance takes her guests from all over the world on unforgettable journey on the Canal of Provence and Canal du Midi, offering very unique, very personal style of sailing, wonderful cuisine, great service and a flexible program arranged to the needs of the guests.
What makes this barge unique is also her Captain and his chef and crew. They take pride in the quality of the barge and your experience aboard. Your experience is exceptionally important to them.
Meet your crew
Crew includes a professional staff (captain, hostess and chef) dedicated to providing you with the highest standards of service.
Mathias, your host and captain, started cruising at the age of 14 at sea on a big 80 feet private sailing yacht owned by the family. He then became on of the youngest sea captain at the age of 17 cruising and doing charter cruises around North Africa and Canary Islands. Back in Europe a couple of years later he lived in Holland for 7 years, where he discovered the world of barges. Since then he cruised extensively on the European waterways for more than 15 years.
Originally from the South Of France Mathias decided to come back to share is passion of the region on board of his magnificently appointed canal barge offering canal cruises with a touch of class and good taste.
Cruising onboard of Esperance will make you proudly say: “ I had a great time and it was truly relaxing and enjoying vacations I ever had in my whole life…..”
The 4-passenger Esperance offers its passengers the Esperance difference... high end luxury travel, which will make your memories last for life time.
Cabins:
There are 2 luxurious staterooms onboard of Esperance. The huge master suite (perfect for honeymooners) is extra large with a private en suite oversized shower room plus a separate private en suite bathroom with loo, bidet and wash basin. Inside the master suite there is a private saloon area with sofa, cushions and coffee table, and you even have a claw-footed bathtub and a dressing table, which can be curtained off for extra privacy.
The second large stateroom can be arranged either as oversized king-sized bed, or with 2 twin beds. The stateroom has ample storage, a desk and in its own en suite bathroom is a shower, wash basin and loo.
Each cabin, as well as the saloon, has its own separately controlled air-conditioning.
Salon :
Guests traveling onboard Esperance specially enjoy bright and spacious salon, bar and the dining area with large panoramic windows and decorated with elegant contemporary style. The salon seats eight people comfortably. So, if you meet friends along the way, there is plenty of space to invite them on board your private barge for a cocktail or to watch a movie on our DVD player.
The dining area onboard of this luxury barge is a piece of art. Beautiful table settings, fine linen, welcoming atmosphere make the dining experience and delicious local cuisine, prepared by your chef Olivier make your dining experience unforgettable.
Inside, while sitting at the spacious bar, you can enjoy an apéritif, view our chef in action or just watch the world go by through the picture windows.
On Deck:
Guests love to spend a lot of time on the large, welcoming sun deck, where they can enjoy seating in a welcoming Jacuzzi, or just relax cuddling in a cozy deck furniture while Esperance modeling through picturesque and tranquil canal and historical sites.
The sundeck is partly covered and has table, chairs, lounges and exercise equipment. It is also perfect romantic “al fresco” dining
Wheel House:
The Esperance has a lovely large wheelhouse with windows and skylight allowing a panorama of the beautiful countryside. Guests are welcome to sit there and watch the Captain maneouvre this graceful vessel.
DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF SOUTHERN FRANCE TRAVELING ONBOAD OF ESPERANCE….
Get comfortable, relax and imagine yourself traveling through the time on the magic carpet in a search of something unique to do, something different, something you can only dream about, something that will leave a lot of unforgettable memories that will last for the time.
Let us take you on this wonderful journey on board of Esperance. It is not a dream
It is reality. Yes, you are onboard..
When you wake up and look out the windows of your master suite on Esperance you might see a cloudless blue sky and a warm and beckoning Mediterranean Sea; Come up on deck and soak in the warm Provence sun, looking out on quaint fishing pastel shuttered houses, and perhaps a Cathedral or Chateau in the background.
Within a few moments, your host will bicycle up the path, bringing you fresh baked breakfast patiseries and bread from the local boulangerie.
Hot, strong coffee or tea if you wish, homemade jams and an assortment of fresh fruit round out the morning meal.
After breakfast, sightseeing is arranged especially for you but you can choose to stay on board and enjoy sunbathing, relaxing or reading in one of the many comfortable deck lounges or use one of the boat's many bicycles to visit a nearby village.
Back on board a wonderful lunch awaits you on the upper deck, all prepared by your personal cook with local fresh products.
Slowly your floating hotel starts to move, you then realize your on a boat but every thing in so smooth so quiet your only worry is to decide if you are going to let yourself go for a little nap or if your are going to enjoy this afternoon cruise doing nothing but enjoy the beautiful scenery or reading your favorite book
At night Esperance is docked and a candle light evening meal is served at the raised dining table to afford sunset view thru the picture windows. You will not miss anything during your gastronomic feast .To end the day it is a real pleasure to go back on the terrace to envoy a clear starry night with an after dinner liquor topped off with some little chocolates.
Esperance is cruising the most beautiful and historical part of France- the Southern region offering her guests cruises in Provence & Camargue, and the Canal du Midi.
• Provence & Camargue: This cruise combines well-known sights of Provence with intimate and unusual moorings in Camargue and on the Mediterranean.
Meeting point in Avignon or Montpellier.
Cruise highlights may include:
The Palais des Papes (ancient Pope’s Palace) in Avignon
Arles—once the home of Van Gogh
Les Baux de Provence—a beautiful Provence hillside village
The ancient Roman aqueduct—the Pont du Gard
Wine-tasting with wines from Chateauneuf du Pape, Lirac, Tavel and more…
A visit to an open-air market in St Gilles, Aigues Mortes or Grau du Roi
Abbey of St Gilles
Fortified town of Aigues Mortes
The Maguelone cathedral
• Canal du Midi: The Canal, built in the 17th Century, flows through a region steeped in history. We'll travel at a leisurely pace, with plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding areas, visit local sites, take a walk or bicycle the towpaths. Meeting point in Avignon or Montpellier.
2 Weeks cruise Provence – Camargue – Canal Du Midi
Cruise highlights may include:
Visits to famous and enchanting hilltop village of Les Beaux, known for its gorgeous views over the Provencal landscape.
visit the impressive Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard
Cruise on the Canal du Rhône a Sète through the stunningly beautiful CamargueNational Park, home to various wildlife including black bulls and the beautiful white Camargue horses
Exploring Aigues-Mortes
Visit the old port of Sète, France's largest Mediterranean fishing town, and enjoy watching its picturesque fishing boats and yachts manoeuver through the port.
Cruise alongside the oysterbeds on the Etang de Thau to Agde
A visit to the 13th century fortified cathedral of Saint Nazaire, with its commanding view across Pyrenees Mountains
Exploring Narbonne - a provincial capital in Roman times, still dotted with ancient monuments, grand old buildings, indoor markets and museums
Visit to an interesting re-creation of the Cathar rebellion
Tour the most complete medieval, fortified town in existence today: Carcassonne
Guests have a great opportunity to explore this beautiful region of France on they own pace. All the itineraries can be customized to their interests and desires. Two weeks cruises can be customized as well for those who would love to explore Provence & Camargue and Canal Du Midi.
We are happy to arrange an itinerary to match your requirements. The examples presented below are illustrative of cruises enjoyed by previous guests.
The many wonderful Esperance Itineraries include:
Two-week cruise
Provence / Camargue / Canal du Midi on Etoile II
Provence / Camargue Cruise
Two-week cruise
Provence / Camargue / Canal du Midi on Etoile II
Route: River Rhone, Petit Rhone, Canal du Rhône a Sète, Etang de Tau, Canal du Midi
Pick up : Avignon Drop Off : Carcassonne
Guided tours with air-conditioned Mercedes Minivan
Sunday: You will be transferred from your designated meeting point to your charming barge home, moored in the nearby port of Villeneuve les Avignon/Vallabregues, a typical, charming Provençal village. You will be welcomed aboard with a champagne toast and the first of many gourmet dinners.
Monday: A full day of sightseeing! In the morning you will visit the famous and enchanting hilltop village of Les Beaux, known for its gorgeous views over the Provencal landscape. You will return to the barge to have lunch and then it is off to visit the impressive Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard. Next, you will have the opportunity to tour the largest Gothic palace in Europe, the Palais du Pape in Avignon and a possible wine tasting before returning to the barge. Dinner is back at your cozy home, still moored in Vallabregues.
Tuesday: This morning you begin your cruise. We float on the scenic River Rhone and the "Petit Rhone" to our mooring in the picturesque village of St. Gilles. Later in the afternoon you will have an opportunity to visit Arles, where Van Gogh fell in love with the lights and colors of this fascinating countryside. Heading to the heart of town we will see Les Arenes, a Roman amphitheater built in the first century AD. Dinner back on board rounds out a wonderful day.
Wednesday: A morning cruise on the Canal du Rhône a Sète through the stunningly beautiful Camargue National Park, home to various wildlife including black bulls and the beautiful white Camargue horses.We moor at the gates of the amazing 13th century walled town of Aigues-Mortes, an embarkation port for the Crusades. There are many historical sites to visit and there will be time to climb the walls, shop for souvenirs or relax in one of the many outdoor cafés. (Horseback riding on the beach can also be arranged for an additional charge in a nearby village). A relaxing gourmet dinner awaits you back on board.
Thursday: We set out this morning to the most peaceful and romantic mooring of this cruise located at the 6th century Maguelone Cathédral on a peninsula with the canal on one side and the beautiful blue of the Mediterranean on the other! Spend your afternoon walking or biking to this cathédral, observing flamingos and other wildlife, or lounging away the afternoon at the beach. You will enjoy yet another gourmet dinner on board.
Friday: After a morning cruise we moor close to Frontignan, known for its sweet Muscat apéritif wine, with lunch on the barge we will spend the rest of the day exploring: Visit the old port of Sète, France's largest Mediterranean fishing town, and enjoy watching its picturesque fishing boats and yachts manoeuver through the port. If you are up for a challenge, climb the Mont St-Clair for a great view of Sète, its canals and the sea. Head off to see the whitewashed stone fishing villages on the Etang du Thau, or go to Frontignan for a sweet opportunity to taste the Muscat apéritif wine. Arrive back at the barge for a festive Dinner.
Saturday: After breakfast you can go for a day’s excursion. This would be the perfect day to organize the helicopter flight.
Sunday: Visit of Frontignan and departure to the Midi.
Monday: We will cruise alongside the oysterbeds on the Etang de Thau to Agde. We will pass the famous round lock of Agde, built by Pierre-Paul Riquet, who masterminded this whole construction. Our mooring is right in the city. History is waiting for you, we can visit the museum Agatois, walk or bike through this ancient town founded by the Phoenicians 2500 years ago. Discover ‘Les Halles’, the covered market or go for excellent shopping. Dinner is on board.
Tuesday: Today we will enjoy a morning cruise to Villeneuve. A visit to the 13th century fortified cathedral of Saint Nazaire, with its commanding view across Pyrenees Mountains will prove to be one of the high points of your trip. Later we can explore the English-style garden, Le Plateau des Poètes, the 19th century market halls or the Museum of Fine Arts. Dinner is on board.
Wednesday: Our morning cruise leads us to Fonseranne with an ascension of the seven lock staircase, climbing the steepest part of the canal. We will moor in Colombiers and after lunch we can visit Narbonne - a provincial capital in Roman times, still dotted with ancient monuments, grand old buildings, indoor markets and museums. Dinner is on board.
Thursday: In the morning we will go to the famous medieval walled village of Minerve, with its 12th century Cathar fort surrounded by deep gorges. A walking tour of the town includes a visitto an interesting re-creation of the Cathar rebellion and a small museum. This afternoon cruise we will pass through the canal's only tunnel - the Malpas - built in 1679! And we will find a comfortable mooring in our Capestang. Dinner is in town at one of your hosts' favorite restaurants.
Friday: Relax on deck this morning while we cruise to Argeliers/le Somail. After lunch we will tour the most complete medieval, fortified town in existence today: Carcassonne. This city has 52 watchtowers, portcullis and the remains of an extraordinary repertoire of defenses which resisted the many armies that tried to storm this Camelot-like setting. There is time to visit the local boutiques for an excellent choice of Provençal fabrics and tablecloths. Tonight we will share a festive, farewell dinner to end your cruise in style.
Saturday: After breakfast, transfer to Carcassonne.
Provence & Camargue Cruise
Sunday: You will be be transferred from your designated meeting point to your charming barge home, moored in the nearby port of Vallabregues, a typical, charming Provençal village. You will be welcomed aboard with a champagne toast and the first of many gourmet dinners.
Monday: A full day of sightseeing! In the morning you will visit the famous and enchanting hilltop village of Les Beaux, known for its gorgeous views over the Provencal landscape. You will return to the barge to have lunch and then it is off to visit the impressive Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard. Next, you will have the opportunity to tour the largest Gothic palace in Europe, the Palais du Pape in Avignon and a possible wine tasting before returning to the barge. Dinner is back at your cozy home, still moored in Vallabregues.
Tuesday: This morning you begin your cruise. We float on the scenic River Rhone and the "Petit Rhone" to our mooring in the picturesque village of St. Gilles. Later in the afternoon you will have an opportunity to visit Arles, where Van Gogh fell in love with the lights and colors of this fascinating countryside. Heading to the heart of town we will see Les Arenes, a Roman amphitheater built in the first century AD. Dinner back on board rounds out a wonderful day.
Wednesday: A morning cruise on the Canal du Rhône a Sète through the stunningly beautiful Camargue National Park, home to various wildlife including black bulls and the beautiful white Camargue horses.We moor at the gates of the amazing 13th century walled town of Aigues-Mortes, an embarkation port for the Crusades. There are many historical sites to visit and there will be time to climb the walls, shop for souvenirs or relax in one of the many outdoor cafés. (Horseback riding on the beach can also be arranged for an additional charge in a nearby village). A relaxing gourmet dinner awaits you back on board.
Thursday: We set out this morning to the most peaceful and romantic mooring of this cruise located at the 6th century Maguelone Cathédral on a peninsula with the canal on one side and the beautiful blue of the Mediterranean on the other! Spend your afternoon walking or biking to this cathédral, observing flamingos and other wildlife, or lounging away the afternoon at the beach. You will enjoy yet another gourmet dinner on board.
Friday: After a morning cruise close to Frontignan, known for its sweet Muscat apéritif wine, with lunch on the barge we will spend the rest of the day exploring: Visit the old port of Sète, France's largest Mediterranean fishing town, and enjoy watching its picturesque fishing boats and yachts maneuver through the port. If you are up for a challenge, climb the Mont St-Clair for a great view of Sète, its canals and the sea. Head off to see the whitewashed stone fishing villages on the Etang du Thau, or go to Frontignan for a sweet opportunity to taste the Muscat apéritif wine. Arrive back at the barge for a festive Farewell Dinner.
Saturday: You'll say "Au Revoir" and depart after breakfast for transfer to your drop off point.
Traveling onboard Esperance guests experience a very unique dining experience that lasts a lifetime. Guests can observe they chef in action, preparing delicious traditional festive meals or participate in action, learning from the chef new cooking techniques and sharing favorite recipes.
Esperance is offering luxurious Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner onboard for her guests. Menus
Breakfast:
Start each day with an assortment of fresh breads, croissants and sweet rolls purchased from the today’s nearby ‘boulangerie’. Coffee, tea, fruit juice, hot chocolate, local butter and homemade jam, yoghurt and cereals are always offered.
Lunch:
Served buffet style and are accompanied by selected local red, white and rosé wines. A typical menu might include a homemade soup, a mixed green salad with walnuts & Roquefort, quiche… ‘Charcuterie’ is also included and could consist of smoked ham, sliced duck, or pâté and of course, a selection of cheeses.
Dinner:
The open kitchen allows you to watch your chef work, to share recipes or if you wish, to participate!
SAMPLE MENU
Bouchée à la Reine
(Puff Pastry Filled with Shrimps, Scallops, Mushrroms and Bechamel Sauce)
Served on a Bed of Green Vegetables.
Daube a la Façon Méridionale
(Beef Charollais prepared in red wine and spices of the region)
Served with Fresh Pasta
Champagne Sorbet
Fromage Blanc à la Crème
(Soft White Cheese Served with Heavy Cream)
Poire Belle Hélène
(Pears poached in syrup with Vanilla Ice-Cream and Topped With Home-Made Chocolate Sauce)
Café, Thé, Tisane et Petits Chocolats
Coffee, Tea, Herbal Tea and French Chocolates
CHEESES
Blue cheeses : Fourme st Aubert, Bleu d’Auvergne, St. Agur, Roquefort, Bleu Villages
Goat Cheeses : Crottin de Chavignol, Pélardon de Cévennes, Picodon de l’Ardèche, Petit Billy, Rocamadour, Chabichou
Cow cheeses : Petit Pont L’Eveque, Munster, Saint Marcellin, Livarot, Comté, Epoisses, Chaource, Amour
Ewe cheeses : Tomme d’Arles, Cabécou, Banon de Provence
Indulge yourself with unforgettable taste of local wines..
Esperance’s goal is to give her guests a real taste of France, serving wines from many different regions. (But admittedly the Burgundy wines are their favorites!). Crew will teach you about the wine growing areas, winemaking, and how to read a French wine label.
Red Wines
Côte de Beaune: Chassagne Montrachet, Pommard, Santenay, Volnay, Les Maranges
Côte de Nuits : Nuits-Saint Georges
Côte Chalonnais: Mercurey, Rully, Givry rouge 1e cru
Mâconnais : Mâcon Rouge
Beaujolais : Moulin-à-Vent, Beaujolais Villages
Côtes du Rhône : Rasteau, Crozes Hermitage, Chateauneuf du Pape, Vacqueyras, Lirac
Costières de Nimes: Abbatiale de Saint-Gilles, La Boissière, Le Vieux Mazet
Pays du Gard : Mourgues du Gres
Languedoc : Faugères
White Wines
Sancerre, Chablis, Côte de Beaune: Chassagne-Montrachet, Meursault 1e cru, Saint-Aubin
Côte Chalonnais: Givry Blanc 1e cru, Rully, Bourgogne Aligoté
Mâconnais: Pouilly-Fuissé, Chardonnay, Mâcon Villages
Côtes du Rhone: Lirac, Vacqueyras, Crozes Hermitage
Costières de Nîmes: Abbatiale de Saint Gilles, Clairette de Bellegarde
Pays du Gard: Mourgues du Grés
Languedoc: Muscat sec de Frontignan, Domaine de Maguelone, Saint Upéry
• Available for private charter on a full boat for 2 or 4 guests
• Esperance sleeps 4 guests in 2 luxurious staterooms
• Each cabin has a full size en-suite bathroom.
Prices starts from
Includes:
• Chauffeur driven minivan to and from your hotel or airport by arrangement.
• Accommodation on board.
• All meals including picnics on excursions.
• Fine Wines and Beers from our cellar at Lunch and Dinner.
• An open bar.
• Entrance fees to attractions on pre-arranged excursions.
• Full use of all facilities on board.
Custom Request:
Optional excursions and activities not specified in your itinerary are available upon request.
Itinerary itself and specific cruise routes can be arranged to match your requirements and preferences. The examples presented on this site are illustrative of cruises enjoyed by previous guests.
Let France Cruises personalize your Esperance adventure!
Contact us today to submit your Tailor Made Request so we can create a unique, custom-designed independent itinerary just for your special group, family or friends.
