MV
Princesse de Provence is a deluxe vessel built
in 1992 and completely refurbished in 2000.
She has a light and airy ambiance and is distinguished by staterooms on her upper deck featuring full length French doors which open (cabins on the lower deck have large windows).
Original works of art can be found throughout the vessel.
She
has a total of 70 cabins, all of which are outside,
configured as twins and identical in size.
Each is beautifully appointed and features built
in closets, desk, shower and toilet, telephone
and 3 channel radio. Hairdryer and terry robes
are available upon request.
Bedding is European style duvets with feather
pillows and eider downs (synthetic materials available
upon request).
Twin Cabin Lower Deck and Twin Cabin Upper Deck with French Doors
Cruising the Rhone and Saone
The placid Rhône and Saône
rivers flow through the Burgundy, Beaujolais and
Provence regions of France, where vineyards produce
world famous wines and ancient cities are a delight
to explore.
In Burgundy and Beaujolais, winding country roads
lead to beautiful chateaux, while in Provence,
the ancient cities of Avignon and Arles prove
as irresistible as the wines, food and cheeses
of the region.
Princesse de Provence
sails from Lyon or Arles every Saturday on seven-day
cruises through this storied French countryside.
A pre- or post-cruise addition in Paris or Nice
can be conveniently added since these cities are
connected to each others by France's High Speed
Train, the TGV.
Your "floating hotel" will of course take you to the historic city of Avignon.
Optional shore excursions along the way include vineyards for wine tastings, countryside chateaux, churches, tranquil villages and animated cities with tree-lined avenues, sidewalk cafes and ancient monuments dating from Roman times.
M =morning tour A =afternoon tour F =full day tour E =evening tour
Optional Shore Excursion Package
All
optional shore excursions may be purchased
on board. This "money saving" package of
excursions may be purchased in advance for
$260.00
per person.
Package includes the following:
-
Chalon Sur Saone & Beaune City Tour
- Trevous & Beaujolais Country Excursions
- Tournon & Mastrou Tours
- Arles & "Footsteps of Van Gogh" Tours
- Lyon City Tour
All tours are led by local English speaking guides
Perouges
The
embarkation formalities for Princesse de Provence
starts every Saturday at 3:00 pm. Disembarkation
starts at 8:00am the following Saturday and is
scheduled to be completed by 10:00 am. Should
you arrive earlier or extend your stay in Lyon,
we recommend to book the tour to medieval Pérouges.
After a 45 minute scenic ride through the Rhone valley and the 'Street of the Old Duchy of Savoyen' you will reach the town of Pérouges. During an one-hour guided walking tour through the city you will see the beautiful architecture and incomparable flair of the 'City of the weaver and handicraft'. Beautiful mansions and the more modest houses of the crafts people are lining the picturesque alleys. It will be no surprise when you hear that the city provided the background for many movies. But come and see for yourself. The city of Pérouges features all the characteristics of a medieval city including bumpy cobblestone paths and streets, which make the one-hour, guided walking with brief stops along the way some what strenuous. We recommend wearing comfortable flat shoes since most of the walk will lead over cobblestone streets.
The excursion lasts about 3 hours. 35 Euros
Southern Burgundy region - from the Romanesque to the Renaissance
You will first visit the former abbey church of Saint-Philibert in Tournus. It is the most important Romanesque building of Burgundy together with the Abbey of Cluny. With its almost windowless front, the abbey makes a rather defensive impression on the outside, however, inside it charms with its variety of cloisters, mighty round columns as well as the oldest preserved choir. After an interior tour, you will continue your ride through the gently hilly landscape of Burgundy passing some small picturesque villages. You will make a brief stop at the town of Chapaize and visit the inside of the former monastic church of St-Martin from the 11th century, another jewel of the Romanesque. During church holidays, the church cannot be visited on the inside. The picturesque street further winds through a charming scenery up to Cormatin. At the edge of the city, in the midst of a picturesque park and surrounded by moats, you will find the Renaissance Cormatin Castle. It was built at the beginning the 17th century by the governor of Châlon at the same location as the medieval castle that belonged to the de Blé family since the 13th century. The castle's interior dates back to the 16th century and is unique in France. Numerous artists that were called from Paris designed it. During an inside inspection, you can admire gorgeous girder and ornamental ceilings painted in bright lapis lazuli blue or opulent leafed gold as well as the mighty stone stairs and splendidly decorated rooms.
The excursion lasts about 3 hours. 49 Euros
Sightseeing Tour of Beaune
After a coach tour through the Burgundy wine region, you will reach Beaune, the most famous and most visited town in Burgundy. Beaune owes its prosperity not only to its location in the center of the enchanting and famous vineyards, but also to the Dukes of Burgundy who resided here until the 14th century before they settled in Dijon.
The medieval center of Beaune and the city wall are still well preserved. On the tour of the town, you will see the affluence resulting from trading in the precious Burgundy wines. Everywhere, there are town palaces from the late Middle Ages, the Renaissances and the Baroque periods. However, the architectural highlight is the Hotel Dieu, an expressive example of Flemish-Burgundian architecture of the Gothic period from the 15th century. It was established by the Burgundian Chancellor, Rolin, in 1443 and later used as a hospital for the poor until 1971. Today, it houses a nursing center for seniors. You will be astonished by the architectural contrast between the sober outer facade and the elegance of the inner courtyard of this magnificent building which is famous for its many colored glazed tile roof crowned with turrets and oriels.
The excursion lasts about 4 hours. 52 Euros
Cluny Abbey
25 km west of Mâcon you will find Cluny, one of the most significant abbeys of the Christian Middle Ages. With the power of the great abbeys on one hand and the Mystic Movement and the strict adherence to religious principles on the other, the Cluny order spread quickly into the western world. In the 12th century, there were 1,450 abbeys and 10,000 monks in the order of Cluny. You will stand in front of the former Benedictine Abbey, which was nearly destroyed during the French Revolution. Your guide will provide a background for you to picture the extent of the old buildings and of the power of the Cluny spirit. Built between 1088 and 1130 on the site of the two former churches of St. Peter and St. Paul, the Cluny Abbey had a total length of 575 feet, 5 naves, 2 transepts, 5 belfries, 300 windows and 225 choir stalls. A massive belfry tower and the ruins of the southern transept testify to its former glory. Research by the American archaeologist Professor Kenneth Conant has facilitated the reconstruction of a model which provides an overall view of the sacred building.
The excursion lasts about 3 hours. 45 Euros
Beaujolais and Mâconnais
This is a wonderful excursion into the heart of the vineyards around Mâcon, a delightful wine growing area typical of this French province.
Here, the gently undulating hills of the Beaujolais meet those of the Mâconnais.
The climate is milder than in the northern areas of Burgundy and the round tiled roofs reflect the southern flair.
The tour takes you to the prehistoric site of Solutré featuring stone weapons and tools dating from 2000 to 1500 BC.
The rock of Solutré dominates the valley of the Saône and the wine-growing area of Pouilly-Fuissé.
After a short stop, you will drive to the palace of Pierreclos, where you will have the opportunity for a wine-tasting in the Romanesque cellar.
The excursion lasts about 3 hours - 45 Euros
The Beaujolais Country of the Pierres Dorées
The tour begins on a winding road passing through the land of the 'Golden Stones', a name derived from the yellow color of the limestone houses and palaces. This is one of the most beautiful wine growing areas in Europe. The wine produced in this southern region is known as 'Beaujolais'. The route to Anse leads past the vineyards above the Saône valley. Along the way, there is a panoramic view of vineyards, hills and tiny valleys where small villages are nestled around their church's spires. In Oingt, a fortified city dating back to the Middle Ages, you will walk through the old city lane. Enjoy the view onto the mountains of Beaujolais and the valley of the Azergue. Traveling past Sou Palace at the end of a small valley, you will reach Cogny, built on a pinnacle, before you will reach the town of Denice. During the course of the excursion, you will visit a vineyard to taste the Beaujolais.
The excursion lasts about 3 hours - 45 Euros
The Mastrou
A bus will bring you from the pier to the train station in Tournon. The Vivarais railway was constructed between 1886 and 1891 to connect the Ardèche with the Haute Loire. After the connection was shut down in 1968, enthusiasts of old steam trains took over the operation again in 1969. On board a train from the past century, pulled by a steam engine or a railcar, you will experience the breathtaking view of the landscape of the Ardèche region.
You
will travel past orchards and vineyards on the
steep slopes of the Doux. At Douce-Plage, you
will cross the Doux on a splendid stone bridge
constructed in 1583. With its 51 meter arches
it was the largest in the world at that time.
The train will continue to climb along the deep
gorges and steep rocks. Finally, you will reach
Colombier-les-Vieux where the train takes on 3,000
liters of water. The weight of the water assists
the train in pulling the remaining cars over the
steep hill. You will take this time to enjoy a
short break with a glass of 'Kir' (white wine
with a splash of crème de cassis) and some
typical French snacks which will be served before
you continue on your journey to Boucieu le Roi.
Here, you will leave the train and join the bus
for your return to Tournon. Note: The steam engine
only operates between mid May and mid September.
After the main season, a more modern engine will
pull the train. The train is equipped with simple
wooden benches. The ship's staff is accompanying
the excursion, local guides are not available.
The excursion lasts about 3 hours. 57 Euros
The Camargue
The Camargue is a flat alluvial strip of land formed by the many tributaries of the Rhône. In this nature reserve in the Rhône delta, roaming herds of white horses and black bulls have found a refuge. The drivers know the location where these animals are likely to be found, so that, with some luck, they may be observed. Scores of flamingos, egrets and ducks populate the brackish lakes and make the national park a paradise for ornithologists. Please note, that the observation of animals also depends on weather conditions. You will continue to Les-Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a little town on the coast of the Mediterranean. You will have the opportunity to explore the area on your own, before you will return to Arles. After a short guided tour you have some time to stroll in the village and see the beach.
The excursion lasts about 4 hours. 39 Euros
In the Footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh
Vincent van Gogh settled in Arles in 1888 and began his exploration of this region which inspired much of his art.
You will follow his footsteps through the typical Provence countryside to St. Remy where you will visit the monastery St. Paul de Mausole.
It was here, that many of van Gogh's famous works were painted.
Afterwards, you will take a scenic tour of the Alpilles, often called the 'heart of the Provence'.
During your trip through 'Hell Valley' you can enjoy the view onto the mostly treeless mountain tops.
Erosion gave the white stone bizarre shapes.
A visit of the small town of Les Baux de Provence will end your excursion.
The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours. 39 Euros
Avignon City Walk
In 1995, the UNESCO declared the city Avignon, which is still surrounded by a 4.8 km long city wall, together with the Papal Palace, the famous bridge of St. Bénézet and its own unique flair World Cultural Heritage.
During a guided city walk, you pass the church of St.-Agricol, Roman excavations, the Hotel de Ville (city hall) and the famous Papal Palace on the way to the outlook of Rocher des Doms.
You can enjoy the beautiful terrace shaped gardens as well as the impressive view onto the Rhone Valley, the famous bridge and the old town. Afterwards, you stroll through the lanes of the enchanting old town. You see the church of St. Pierre with its splendid Gothic facade and finely carved Renaissance doors, the modern building of Les Halles and the synagogue as well as magnificent patrician houses, 'Hotel Particulier'. The guide brings you back to the ship or you can explore the lively city center of Avignon on your own and shop for local specialties such as 'papalines', almond cookies or pear liquor. The tour leads over cobble stone streets and the way up to the Roches des Doms includes several steps.
The excursion lasts about 2.5 hours. 15 Euros
The Lubéron - Colors of the Provence
The blue of the lavender fields, the red of the sandstone cliffs, the yellow of the sunflowers and the green of the olive trees are the colours of Provence. Even during the months when the region does not present itself in all those colours, Provence has much beauty to offer its visitors. This tour will introduce you to the region of Vaucluse and Lubéron. A short stop close to the little town of Gordes enables you to enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the region. You will visit the Cistercian Abbey in Sénanque from the outside. Finally, the coach will bring you to the little town of Roussillon, where a guided walk through the centre is planned. This excursion is carried out seasonal
The
excursion lasts about 3.5 hours. 39 Euros
Pont du Gard
One of the wonders of antiquity, the Pont du Gard bridge, is located on the right bank of the Rhone about 25 km from Avignon.
It was built by Agrippa in 19 BC. The Romans erected an aqueduct in order to provide the city of Nimes with fresh and pure water which came from a location close to Uzes and was then directed to Nimes over a distance of about 50 km.
The Pont du Gard bridge is the most significant part of this well-preserved structure. Its dimensions, the location in a rough and untouched landscape, and the beauty of its architecture make it well worth a visit during your stay in Provence. A brief detour via Uzès with the opportunity for an individual stroll through this charming town will end this excursion.
The excursion lasts about 3.5 hours. 41 Euros
Sightseeing Tour Lyon
After traveling for half an hour by coach, you will reach Lyon, the former capital of Roman Gaul. You will drive to Fourvière Hill, selected by the Roman legion in 43 BC as the location for the town. From here, enjoy a fantastic view onto Lyon situated at the confluence of the Saône and the Rhône rivers.
You will visit the 19th century Basilica 'Notre Dame de Fourviere' which on the inside is richly decorated with mosaics and paintings. Close by you then visit the Roman Amphitheater that belongs to the special highlights of its time. Originally, it was built to accommodate 5000 spectators and it was later extended to hold up to 11000 visitors. At the foot of Fourvière Hill on the right bank of the Saône, you will find the old section of Lyon (Vieux Lyon) with its districts of St. Jean, St. Paul and St. Georges. Its beautiful houses of the Gothic, Renaissance, and late 16th century periods are splendid examples of the glorious epoch of Lyon during its transformation into one of the most important centers for banking, fabric manufacturing and silk weaving. During a half-hour guided walk through the district of St. Jean you can discover the 'traboules' (covered walkways) that lend this quarter its unique charm. The narrow covered walkways are mostly situated behind the entrance doors to the inner courts. They were used to safely store and transport silk. The bus will drive along the beautiful canal and bring you back to the PRINCESSE DE PROVENCE who is already awaiting you in Lyon.
The
excursion lasts about 3 hours. 36 Euros
City walk Vienne
Located 20km (12.4 miles) south of Lyon, Vienne can be described as an outpost of the "Provence". The city is especially noted for its many well preserved Roman buildings. A walking tour takes you from the ship through the Archeological Garden to the antique theater at the foot of Mont Pipet. In the first century, the theater could hold an audience of 13,500. The tour continues to the city's most important historic monument, the completely preserved Temple d'Auguste et de Livie built in 25 BC in honor of Emperor Augustus and his wife Livia. Heading south from the temple you find the Gothic cathedral St. Maurice with the classic two tower facade. You have the opportunity to view the Romanesque crowning features of the columns, 16th century Flemish carpets, beautiful stained glass and rosette windows, and an artistic rendition of the Three Wise Men and King Herod. After the guided tour through the cathedral you have some free time to independently explore the area or take a 1-hour tram tour.
The
excursion lasts about 2 hours. 20 Euros
Arles City Walk - The Little Rome of the Gauls
After the Gaul campaign, Julius Caesar settled the veterans of his 6th legion here and established the Roman colony "Colonia Iulia Paterna Arelate Sextanorum" in 46 BC. Under the rule of the Roman Emperor Constantine, Arles became Imperial residence. In 471, the city was taken over by the Visigoths and later conquered by the Franks. Today, Arles retains its antique charm with historic buildings and delights with many of the typical southern France scenes painted luminously by van Gogh. A 2-hour walking tour takes you to the Amphitheater dating back to the 1st century and to the Romanesque cathedral St. Trophime with its unique cloister that is noted for its medieval carvings.
