THE BARGE: Constructed in 1937 Converted into a hotel barge in 1981 Last refit in 2008 Measures 128 ft. long by 17 ft. wide Ten (10) onboard cabin accommodations Twenty (20) passenger capacity Onboard climate control PERSONNEL: Four (4) crew members consisting of Captain/Mechanic, Chef, Host/Owner, and Tour Guide/Matelot.  This crew combined speaks English, French, Dutch, and German. PUBLIC ROOMS: Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck ONBOARD LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT: HI FI system with CD player & iPod docking station Eclectic CD collection Internet access Touring bikes Board games Small library of books MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS: L'Estello has no wheelchair access. The boarding ramp has two (2) side handrails and there are no steps leading from the Salon to the Sun Deck.  There is, however, a spiral staircase with nine (9) steps leading down to all cabins. DECK PLAN: Guests enjoy both a comfortable vessel and the talent of their hosts who will prepare outstanding meals and serves as capable guides throughout the surrounding region.

CABINS: L'Estello has ten (10) cabins all located on the Lower Deck.  Each cabin has fully private bathroom facilities, individual climate control, built-in storage space, and opening portholes. CABIN SIZE: The cabins all measure at approximately 72 sq. ft. with a ceiling height of more than 6 ft. BEDDING CONFIGURATION & SIZE: Nine (9) cabins have twin bedding configurations and one (1) has a fixed double bed.  The cabins in twin configuration feature two (2) twin beds positioned in an "L" shape. The bed sizes are: Twin - 2 ft. 6 in. X 6 ft. Double - 5 ft. X 6 ft. BATHROOMS: Each cabin has a fully private en suite bathroom well-stocked with towels and bath products. Etoile also provides hairdryers for its guests. AMENITIES: Climate Control Hairdryer Storage Space Alarm Clock Bottled Water Wooden Hangers Make-Up Mirror and Full-Length Mirror Electricity (220V, French two pin plugs) Small Flashlight

Twin Cabin En Suite Bathroom

SALON/DINING ROOM: The Salon/Dining Room is a large public forum where guests can converge in relaxation or recreation.  Twelve (12) windows provide plenty of light and create a larger sense of space.  There are couches and several armchairs in which passengers can make themselves comfortable while cruising. At one end, the Salon's doors retract to allow easy access to the outdoors.  At the other end, a comfortable Dining Room with enough seating to accommodate all L'Estello's passengers at once.  An open bar is also available for pre- or post-dinner drinks.  The Salon/Dining Room furniture includes: Sofas Armchairs Coffee tables Well-stocked bar Dining tables with seating for twnety (20) people ON DECK: The Sun Deck is a spacious open-air gathering area with plenty of seating for those who wish to soak up the sun. Should the sunlight be too bright, there is a fixed awning to provide abundant shade. OFF BOAT: Passengers are welcome to walk or cycle using the onboard bicycles as often as they like.  Most People choose to disembark the barge at a lock to visit local villages, then return to the canal and meet the barge further along (the barge travels slowly; therefore, this is not a problem). An air-conditioned van is also available for transfers and shore excursions.

Salon Dining Room Off Boat Experiences

L'Estello tours through beautiful Provence & Camargue. It is a very scenic cruise along the Mediterranean coast, where the Canal runs along the lagoons, beaches and seaside resorts, all the way to the door of the hill country of Provence. Click below for Sample Itinerary: Avignon-Aigues Mortes	Highlights: Visit Pope's Palace Wine tasting at Chateauneuf du Pape Marvel at the long-standing Pont du Gard Walking tour of Arles and the walled city of Aigues Mortes

Well-known and well-respected, Cobie Lagerburg -- Captain and owner of the esteemed Etoile -- adds Estello to her collection of ships.  Guests can bet on experiencing the same welcoming atmosphere and the same level of service aboard Estello as they do aboard Etoile. Cobie lives year round between Burgundy and Southern France and has many interesting stories to tell about her many years of living on barges in Holland and France. Her sunny disposition means all who cruise on the Estello are made to feel instantly at home within minutes of stepping aboard. The atmosphere on board is casual and relaxed. Larger groups of up to 28 passengers can join Cobie in a tandem cruise Estello & Etoile and enjoy a tailor made cruise experience in Southern France.

Gourmet cuisine onboard Estello… Breakfast: Start each day with an assortment of fresh breads, croissants and sweet rolls purchased from the 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, a 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 BUFFET LUNCH MENU Quiche Lorraine Minestrone Soup Mixed Salad with walnuts & Roquefort Charcuterie: Rosette, Sliced Ham, Sliced Duck Saucisson, Rillettes Cheeses: Beaufort, Conté, Brébis, Chaource, Chèvre, Brie, Fourme, St. Agur, Epoisses, Camembert SAMPLE DINNER MENU: Salade Gourmande au Foie Gras Paté on a Bed of Crisp Greens Served with Toast Poularde a L'Ancienne avec Sauce au Vinaigre Traditionally Prepared Chicken in a Delicate Wine Vinegar Sauce Served with Sautéed Potatoes and Fresh Seasonal Vegetables Sorbet Champagne Plateau de Fromages: Brie de Meaux, St. Félicien, Epoisses, Bleu de Fourmes, Amour de Nuits, Livarot Tarte aux Fruits Flambée Fruit Tart Flambéed with Cognac Served with French Custard Café, Thé, Tisane et Petits Chocolats Coffee, Tea, Herbal Tea and French Chocolates ABOUT WINES Estello gives you a real taste of the cruising area, serving mostly wines from the region. In addition, your hosts take great pleasure in sharing their knowledge with their guests, teaching you about the wine growing areas, winemaking, and how to read a French wine label. Throughout your trip you will be introduced to a carefully selected local wines, such as: Gigondas Lirac Clairette de Bellegarde Costieres de Nimes Cuvée des Laumes de Gallician Picpoul de Pinet Muscat sec de Frontignan ...and with lunch a variety of Provence Rosés, Tavel and Pinot Gris

2010 SCHEDULE

2010 PRICING

A $250 reduction in price is available for children up to 12 years of age (accompanied by an adult).

Price includes:

A 7-day/6-night cruise in a cabin on board Estello
Transfers from Montpellier or Avignon to the barge & return
All meals
All wines with meals
All escorted side excursions
Use of bicycles

Price does not include:

Roundtrip flight to Paris & return
Transportation from Paris to Montpellier or Avignon & return
Entrance fees to attractions where applicable
Special wines and liquor in restaurants
Bar drinks (to be paid in Euros on board at cruise's end)
Gratuities
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JOINING AND LEAVING THE CRUISE

	WINE This exquisite Wine Cruise sails on the River Rhone. Highlights of this special itinerary include wine tastings at Chateauneuf du Pape and Pope's Palace, visiting Pont du Gard, discovering Gallo-Roman wines, and sampling organic wines at Chateau des Coccinelles. Find out more!
	CULINARY This Culinary Cruise combines the beautiful scenery of Provence with many opportunities to learn and hone culinary skills both on and off the barge.  Find out more!
	FAMILY Family-friendly barge Estello combines its amazing itinerary with additional stops and activities sure to engage every member of the family. Find out more!