Iconic Mediterranean Treasures

Set out on a guided walk to explore the historic port city of Sète, founded in 1666 by Louis XIV. Located on a thin strip of land, Sète received its name from the many canals that crisscross it, linking the Mediterranean to the enclosed saltwater lagoon of Etang de Thau. Accompanied by your guide, depart the pier on foot, calling first at Rue Honoré Euzet for a glimpse of daily life in the city. Take in scenic canal views as you continue along Pont de la Civette and onward to see Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, an atmospheric square framed by the city hall and other historic buildings. You may choose to continue your walk to Pier Saint-Louis for expansive Mediterranean views and insights into Sète’s maritime heritage, or enjoy free time to experience more of the city at your leisure before returning to your ship.

Travel back to medieval times during a visit to the fortified town of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located at the crossroads of many trading routes, the site of Carcassonne was occupied through the ages by Celts, Romans, Visigoths and Saracens. Considered impregnable for centuries, this was the stronghold of the Cathar heresy until a Catholic army captured it in 1209 during the Albigensian Crusades. Drive through the picturesque countryside of the Languedoc province until you glimpse the majestic sight of the hilltop castle set against the Pyrenees. Enter the fortress of Carcassonne through the imposing Narbonne Gate. Take in the medieval atmosphere of its narrow cobblestone streets and view the 52 towers and two concentric walls that ring the complex. Admire the Gothic-Romanesque Basilica of Saint Nazaire and the 12th-century Count’s Castle. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and explore at your leisure before rejoining your coach and returning to your ship.

Experience the medieval heritage of Languedoc during visits to the charming town of Pézenas and Valmagne Abbey. Begin with a drive by motor coach to Pézenas. Built on a vineyard-covered plain, it was the residence of the governors of the Languedoc province between the 16th and 18th centuries. Set out on foot to explore its old town, passing by mansions with elegant balconies, ornate doorways and narrow streets unchanged since the 17th century—the workshops of craftsmen and artists now occupy these historic buildings. Return to your coach and continue to the rose-colored Valmagne Abbey. Rising serenely above the surrounding vineyards, it was founded in the 12th century and was once one of the wealthiest abbeys in southern France, housing up to 3,200 Benedictine monks. See its Gothic-style church, cloisters with Tuscany gardens, chapter house and refectory before returning to your ship.

Pair a panoramic tour of Sète and the Thau Lagoon with a tasting of finely aged aromatized wines. You will see the canals that make Sète famous before ascending to nearby Mont Saint-Clair by motor coach. Glimpse the views overlooking Sète, the Mediterranean Sea and the Thau Lagoon, then stop briefly at the Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette, a 19th-century site of worship constructed on the former site of Louis XIII’s fortress. Then continue your drive along the coastal road to reach the Noilly Prat cellars at the port of Marseillan, where you will learn about the various methods of aging wine. Discover how vermouth is crafted—white wines are aged outdoors in oak casks, blended with herbs and spices, then matured in indoor cellars for a complexity of flavors. Sample a selection of aged wines and observe a perfect service demonstration before returning to your ship.

Discover the charm of the Occitanie region with a visit to Narbonne and lunch at Fontfroide Abbey. Begin with a drive by motor coach to the 11th-century Fontfroide Abbey, a former Cistercian Order monastery and once one of the most powerful abbeys in Europe. See the cloister, the church and its stained-glass windows. After a three-course Mediterranean-style lunch, continue to the city of Narbonne, which traces its roots back to 118 BC, when it stood at an important commercial crossroads for the Roman Empire. Upon arrival to this once-prosperous port, whose link to the Mediterranean Sea silted up several centuries ago, meet your guide for a walk through its historic center. Stop to view the imposing Gothic-style facade of the cathedral; though its construction began in 1272, the church was never completed. After free time to explore more on your own, return to your ship.

Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Take a walk to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.

Call at one of Montpellier’s historic châteaux for a glimpse into the past and enjoy a lunch of local fare. Drive by motor coach to Montpellier, home to one of the oldest universities in the world. Upon arrival, walk the tree-lined streets of the city center with your guide, where you will see an array of 17th- and 18th-century residences. You will have free time to explore before continuing to Château Flaugergues, known as one of the finest châteaux in Montpellier. Settle in and enjoy lunch at this historic residence, one of many palatial estates built by the new merchant class. Afterward, explore the grounds and gain insight into the lives of French aristocrats as you view the impressive collection of Flemish tapestries, the monumental staircase and the French-style gardens. Then, taste a selection of wines made on the estate before returning to your ship.

Visit a ranch in the wetlands of Camargue and explore the medieval town of Aigues Mortes. Meet your guide and drive through the Provençal countryside to a traditional manade, or ranch, home to domestic cattle of the Camargue wetlands and its ancient breed of horses. Upon arrival, you will board a horse-drawn cart for a ride through the estate and see a demonstration of the Camargue cowboys herding the bulls. After, sit down for a local lunch prepared on the estate, before continuing to the striking medieval town of Aigues Mortes, founded by King Saint Louis in 1240 to serve as France’s principal Mediterranean port. It is famed for its 13th-century fortified walls, among the best preserved of their kind in Europe. After time to view the impressive ramparts, you will have free time to explore the town on your own before returning to your ship.

Delve into the Roman history of the South of France during a visit to Nîmes and the legendary Pont du Gard. Known by locals as the “French Rome,” the city features some of the finest examples of well-preserved sites outside of Italy. Begin with a scenic drive to Nîmes to view its ancient amphitheater and take photos. Then, continue to the Maison Carrée, an ancient Roman temple which inspired the neoclassical Église de la Madeleine in Paris and the Virginia State Capitol building in the United States. In 2023, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the Pont du Gard; this three-tiered bridge was the tallest aqueduct built of its kind, showcasing the advanced practices of the Roman civilization. A true masterpiece of engineering, it supplied the city of Nemausus for five centuries. After time for photos, return to your ship.

Explore Uzès, a medieval gem, and see the impressive Pont du Gard aqueduct. Begin your journey with a scenic drive through the Provençal countryside to Uzès, a beautifully preserved town known for its picturesque streets. Stroll cobblestoned lanes lined with Renaissance mansions and explore the Place aux Herbes to get a glimpse of daily life in the heart of the old town. Mingle with locals sipping coffee on terraces and browse the colorful market stalls for fresh produce and regional delicacies. Continue to Ducal Castle, a private chateau and home to the Duke of Uzès and his family. After time to view its exterior, continue to Pont du Gard, the tallest Roman aqueduct built of its kind. Enjoy a leisurely lunch before setting out on foot to learn more about this UNESCO-listed engineering marvel. After, return to your ship.