France
Provence Canal Voyage: The Flavor of France by Barge
Program No. 21556RJ
Find out why Provence has inspired artists, writers, poets and chefs as you explore the natural wonders, famed museums, grand architecture and agricultural riches of southern France.
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Participant Reviews
Based on 23 Reviews
SHOWING
This was my first Road Scholar trip and it far exceeded my expectations! Our guide was wonderful and the food on this trip which was billed as "Food and Art" was 4-star quality every single day.
— Review left May 1, 2025
This is an excellent program, with a nice balance between a barge experience and very worthwhile excursions. We were fortunate in having excellent weather throughout. Service on the barge was outstanding, and the guides on the excursions were all congenial and very good. Though most of the program is not in Provence, the sights were very interesting and quite off the beaten tourist path. Alexandra, out leader, was truly exceptional.
— Review left April 14, 2025
This trip was outstanding. The food and wine alone made it a gourmet holiday, both in the land portions and when on the barge. The daily tours of Avignon, Arles, the Camargue, Narbonne, and Carcasonne brought alive the history and culture of the area. The walking was not strenuous, and those of us who don't like standing for long periods had only short periods of standing still (usually with some seating available). Alexandra, our leader, is superb. The barge crew made you feel like they were personal friends, and the service was outstanding. I was solo in my cabin and it was comfortable, although predictably very cozy. The shower was very good. One word of warning is that there are mosquitoes from Arles onwards, so bring repellent or wear protective clothing if you react strongly to them, as I do. Also, no laundry services are available, so prepare accordingly. Do list your food allergies/preferences so the chef on the barge can plan to accommodate them, since you do not have a choice of dishes for lunch or dinner.
— Review left April 12, 2025
A good combination of more familiar sites with less familiar areas of southwestern France. Highly recommended!
— Review left October 31, 2024
Despite setting a high bar for themselves from the outset, this trip exceeded my expectations and needs from the very beginning. Our guide, Martin, was an outstanding host and expert in all facets of the tour, and our crew, particularly the purser, Sariah, all welcomed us with excellent service and went beyond the call in every respect. A truly enjoyable and memorable experience!
Scott R.
— Review left October 11, 2024
A perfectly lovely trip! We were blessed with excellent weather throughout our trip from Avignon to Toulouse. The small barge experience was outstanding starting with the greeting from the captain, the fantastic meals prepared by the chef, and the joyful and helpful attitudes of all the employees. Our Road Scholar guide, Dominique, was very knowledgeable and pleasant to travel with. She arranged outstanding day guides at the various towns and villages visited. The cabins are equipped with two comfortable single beds (very close together) and are small without much storage but each cabin has a very decent sized bathroom. I loved looking out of my cabin window and having the water right at the window level! It gave a very interesting perspective on what was going on in locations we stayed overnight. With the gorgeous days, we spent free time on the upper deck and in comfortable lounge chairs, watching the countryside and the marshes pass by. I highly recommend this trip!
— Review left October 7, 2024
Our barge trip on the Anne Marie was truly one of the best trips we have ever taken. The barge far exceeded our expectations. It was larger and better appointed than what I thought of as a barge, had a superb, helpful, friendly staff, and wonderful meals. The sites visited were impressive and picturesque. And our leader could not have been any better. We learned a lot, laughed a lot and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
— Review left October 7, 2024
Slow paced on the barge - a delightful look at the southern areas of Provence. Many informative walking trips on land at each stop. If you're not excited about the "big city life and hustle bustle", this trip is for you.
— Review left September 13, 2024
Excellent experience was a result of the professionalism, friendliness, and helpfulness of the barge staff headed by Sariah. The French chef's creations were amazing as was the enthusiastic way in which he announced each meal's courses. The hotels were fine and well-located. Tours of an olive farm and oyster farm were quite good. Live gypsy musicians with Sariah doing her Polynesian dance moves was very enjoyable. Tour leader, Ian, saw that everything went smoothly.
— Review left June 15, 2024
Greaat trip. Outstanding leader, and good chemistry between the passengers and crew.
— Review left June 15, 2024
Provence Canal Voyage was excellent. We loved the Anne-Marie barge and crew. The small group size was excellent. We are going to have to take another canal voyage!
— Review left May 30, 2024
A fabulous program.
— Review left May 27, 2024
What a wonderful experience in such a beautiful and interesting part of France! This was my first trip with Road Scholar and, as a solo traveler, I was a little nervous about what to expect. As it turned out, I had nothing at all to worry about. We were a nice small group of just 12 people and bonded very quickly. I found everyone to be interesting and friendly and we all looked out for each other. I always felt included and never worried about being alone. The barge was very comfortable and a delightful way to visit this part of France. It's an opportunity to see some things you'd probably never see any other way. The captain and crew were wonderful. Our group leader, Ian, was great - personable, knowledgeable, and always looked out for us. The program and itinerary were well thought out with pretty much just the right amount of free time. I hadn't realized that we were going to have a fabulous gourmet chef on board the barge to prepare all of our meals - what a treat that was! I am spoiled for life! All in all, I was very impressed with how Road Scholar handled everything. When the program ended, I wished I could go back and do it all again! I'm so happy I did this trip and I can't wait for my next Road Scholar program!
— Review left May 26, 2024
Any tour with Dominique would be worthwhile.
— Review left May 26, 2024
Best trip ever! We will be taking more excursions with Road Scholar as they offer the best value for your time and money.
— Review left April 23, 2024
This is the second time Alexandra has been our group leader and we were overjoyed to be with her again on this trip. As is the past, she was extremely enthusiastic, earnest, knowledgeable and well prepared. Her presentations were informative and engaging, her people skills and desire for us to have a wonderful experience were excellent and came from her heart, and her bright, cheery attitude made the voyage a pleasure. It was a fun trip, filled with enjoyable educational experiences, convivial barge-mates, and top notch cuisine and wines.
— Review left April 20, 2024
The trip was fantastic.
Loved every minute of it.
Already filled out the other evaluation.
— Review left December 6, 2023
Overall a great experience. Our group leader, Alexandra was excellent, very knowledgable of the southern France region.
— Review left October 27, 2023
Christopher Roche was a phenomenal group leader and shared many valuable insights to his home region, language and customs. The barge was comfortable and made it pleasant to travel. Meals on board were outstanding.
— Review left May 7, 2023
The 'Provence Canal Voyage: The Flavor of France by Barge' program was fantastic; it exceeded my expectations. The small-group format provided an intimate setting. Our group leader, Christopher Roche, and MS Anne-Marie's crew were fantastic.
— Review left April 24, 2023
This was a wonderful trip for a first time visit to Provence. I really felt that I learned more about the region than I knew previously and I enjoyed myself tremendously. I would highly recommend this trip.
— Review left November 30, 2019
Exploring Provence by barge along the Rhone Canal surpassed my expectations. We toured historic and beautiful towns and sites. The food and wine--especially on the barge--were excellent. The crew of 6 provided friendly support and service to 19 passengers. The barge captain and I agree--after my few minutes at the helm--that I do NOT have a future steering a barge up the Rhone canal!
— Review left June 4, 2019
I highly recommend this program. It is marvelous in all ways. I learned so much about the Provence area in France. May is a great month to go, think September would be good, too. Pack clothes, then divide what you are taking, leave half at home. There are LOTS of steps and stairs. Most, not all have railings. I have knee issues, and try to avoid steps, but you cannot do this on this trip. Take a folding cane, even if you don't use one. It is helpful. There is a lot of walking, and that was fine for me. I am in my mid 80's. Feel free to contact me if you have questions.
— Review left May 31, 2019