PRIVATE, SMALL GROUP BARGE CRUISE
Paris & the Holiday Markets of Provence in a Private Barge
Step into the magic of a French Holiday scene with a journey that begins in Paris and unfolds slowly through Provençe.
Start with four festive nights in Paris, where twinkling lights, cozy cafés, and classic neighborhoods set the tone for the season. From there, continue by TGV south to Provence for an intimate, private barge cruise at the holidays, thoughtfully limited to just 10–12 guests.
With fewer people and a deliberately unhurried pace, this experience offers a depth and warmth that simply can’t be replicated on large river cruises or motorcoach tours. It’s a refined, small-group holiday designed for travelers who value atmosphere, connection, and savoring Europe at its most enchanting time of year.
A Slow French Holiday: Paris and a Private Barge Through Provence
This private Continental DRIFTER® Experiences journey begins in Paris at the Holidays, where glowing boulevards, cozy cafés, and classic neighborhoods and holiday markets set the tone for the season. From there, travel south to Provence by TGV and glide along scenic waterways aboard a private barge with just our group, exploring medieval villages, traditional Christmas markets, and centuries-old holiday customs at an unhurried pace. Discover handcrafted santons, savor regional Provençal cuisine and wines, and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of southern France at its most evocative time of year.
Designed for travelers who value meaningful cultural immersion, slow, intentional travel, and authentic local traditions, this Paris-to-Provence journey blends history, gastronomy, and seasonal charm—without the crowds.
Expect cozy moments, rich storytelling, and the quiet luxury of traveling well, not fast, through some of France’s most beautiful regions.
Trip Highlights
Small Group Experience
Limited to just 10–12 travelers, this private journey offers a relaxed and personal atmosphere with more space, flexibility, and meaningful connections — far from the crowds of larger tours.
Boutique Barge Cruise
Cruise comfortably with just 10 – 12 other passengers aboard the MS Anne-Marie, a charming and intimate barge designed for slow travel along Provence’s peaceful canals and scenic waterways.
Christmas Markets
Visit festive Parisian and Provençal holiday markets filled with twinkling lights, handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and centuries-old traditions that bring the spirit of the holidays to life.
Historic Towns
Begin in Paris, then continue by TGV to Avignon in Provence. We’ll also visit Arles, Aigues-Mortes, and Tarascon on this trip.
Regional Cuisine
Enjoy all meals included onboard, featuring fresh local ingredients, Provençal specialties, regional wines, and comforting seasonal dishes inspired by the flavors of southern France.
Cultural Traditions
Discover authentic holiday customs including santons, figurines, nativity scenes, artisan crafts, and the timeless holiday traditions that define life in Provence.
Experience the Barge Journey
Meet Your Tour Designer
Meet Ralph Velasco, Founder of Continental DRIFTER® Experiences and Your Custom Tour Planner
With over 45 years of international travel experience and a deep understanding for leading others, Ralph has personally led over 130 international and 100 U.S.-based tours since 2008, sharing the world with more than 1,300 satisfied clients. His hands-on approach ensures that every trip is a unique, 5-star-rated adventure filled with local culture, unique foods, exceptional people, hidden gems, and one-of-a-kind accommodations.
Unlike many travel companies, Ralph personally curates each itinerary with care and expertise, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully planned for a seamless and enriching travel experience. Find out more about Ralph at this link
Holiday Markets Gallery
what Past clients say about This Trip
PARIS & PROVENCE FAQs
Most frequent questions and answers
Great question—and one everyone should ask. Most of my trips are designed for active, curious travelers, not extreme athletes. Expect a decent amount of walking, uneven streets, occasional cobblestones, stairs and inclines, and mostly half days of exploration, but with plenty of breaks built in. I always aim for a comfortable, unrushed pace and adjust as needed.
I intentionally keep groups small on all my trips, and this one is no exception. The Anne-Marie sleeps up to 22 guests but for maximum comfort we’re limiting the group size to just 10 – 12 participants. Small groups allow for easier logistics, better access to local experiences, smaller hotels and other accommodations, and a more relaxed, friendly vibe. Smaller groups mean less waiting, more flexibility, and a much better chance of actually connecting—with the place and each other.
In general, accommodations, most transportation during the trip, various guided experiences, and all meals and drinks on the barge are included. The hotel in Paris will be arranged by you, with my instructions, or you can choose to stay elsewhere or not join the Paris portion at all.
International airfare, some meals, and personal expenses are usually not included. I’m very clear about this upfront so that there aren’t any surprises—except the good kind.
These trips are ideal for travelers who enjoy culture, local food, meaningful experiences, and a slower, more intentional way of exploring. If you like checking boxes at high speed, this may not be your style. If you like being somewhere instead of racing through it—you’re in the right place.
I design trips the way I travel myself—small groups, thoughtful pacing, locally owned hotels and other services when possible, and experiences that go beyond the obvious highlights. The goal isn’t to see everything… it’s to actually remember where you were when you get home.
International airfare to and from France is not included (and you’d likely want to fly into Paris’ CDG and potentially out of Nice NCE or Marseille MRS). High-speed TGV train tickets between Paris and Provence are also not included, allowing travelers flexibility with schedules and seating preferences. Additionally, transportation to the barge’s departure point is not included but available for an extra fee of approximately 75 euros per person.
All other transportation during the barge cruise portion of the journey, including local transfers associated with included excursions, is provided.
Join Us for the Christmas Markets of Paris and Provence
Join us for a relaxed, small-group journey through the Christmas markets of Provence, where festive traditions, charming villages, and scenic waterways come together in an intimate and unhurried travel experience. Wander medieval streets glowing with holiday lights, browse handcrafted gifts and local specialties, and savor regional cuisine and wines as you cruise peacefully from town to town aboard your private barge.
With only 10–12 guests, you’ll enjoy personal attention, meaningful connections, and the freedom to truly immerse yourself in the magic of the season. Space is limited, so early reservations are recommended.
