Cruise in France on the Rhone River in Provence and on the Saone River in Southern Burgundy aboard the Ultra-Deluxe Hotel-Barge NAPOLEON
SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 12-passenger Napoléon is one of Europe’s finest small river cruisers, combining all the amenities of a luxury hotel with the friendly ambience of a country inn. She is beautifully appointed with large picture windows that provide unsurpassed views of the countryside. There are six luxurious staterooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, double basins, shower and heated towel rail. The main deck features a large, elegant salon and separate dining room. An air-conditioned bus is available for excursions and touring bicycles are carried on board should you wish to bike into the countryside. The upper deck has an exterior, canopied dining area, spacious sun deck with loungers, jacuzzi and exercise equipment.
The Napoléon cruises the Rhône in Provence between Arles and Tain l’Hermitage/Tournon, through sun-drenched landscapes that inspired the great canvases of Cézanne and Van Gogh. A region full of sophisticated architecture dating back to the Roman civilization and ruins of fortifications, arenas and aqueducts that continue to amaze modern engineers. The endless vistas of tiled roofs, lavender fields and olive groves are synonymous with Provence. Excursions are arranged to the wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the storybook towns of Orange, Avignon, Arles, St Rémy, birthplace of Nostradamus and the ancient Roman and Greek ruins of Pont-du-Gard and Glanum.
For part of the summer the barge cruises on the Saone River in Southern Burgundy with visits to vineyards in the Cotes du Rhone, Beaujolais, and Cote d'Or regions, and cruises on the Rhone River to Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France.
Perhaps the most relaxing part of this unforgettable adventure is the evening surprise when you return from your excursions to find a sumptuous feast, prepared by your personal gourmet chef, awaiting to be served in the dining room or al fresco on the exterior canopied deck.
Features
- Size of barge: Size: 129 ft by 16.5 ft
- Number of Passengers: 12
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 6
- Crew: 6
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: Elegant salon with comfortable sofas and chairs and separate dining room with picture windows. Guest computer with internet access and BOSE iPod docking station
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Upper sundeck with jacuzzi, lounge chairs, covered dining area, exercise equipment
- Spa Tub: Yes
- Cabin Features: One main deck cabin 130 sq ft with large windows. Five lower deck cabins 140 sq ft. Cabins include twin beds or queen bed, DVD player, desk, and ensuite bathroom with oversized shower.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned mini-bus
- Accessibility: One cabin on main deck with no steps, five cabins with steps from salon. Stairs to upper level sundeck.
- Bicycles: Yes
Napoleon's Deck Plan

Passenger Comments:
There are no words to tell you what a wonderful experience this past week has been. Thank you all for making this trip so memorable. I will never eat cheese again without remembering the descriptions! The knowledge you have all shared and the extra efforts in every way will be cherished always.
-- Nancy & Darrien T.
We cannot begin to thank you enough for this wonderful week! The entire crew of the Napoleon are very special, and we will always remember our time with you.
-- Libby & James D.
The experience is one of exquisitely relaxed elegance - too special to be savored only once.
--E.G., CT, USA
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Provence: Rhone River
Tain L'Hermitage to Arles
Sunday - Tain l'Hermitage/Tournon.
Board the barge which will be moored at either Tain l'Hermitage or Tournon. A champagne reception gives you a chance to meet the crew. Once settled on-board, enjoy your first wine tasting at Mr. Ferraton's winery just steps from where the boat is moored.
Monday - Cruise to Viviers.
Relax on the top deck and watch the beautiful scenery of the Rhône Valley glide by as the barge cruises to Viviers. Mid-afternoon, your guide takes you on a walking tour of this charming medieval town before returning to the boat to play the traditional Provençal game "Petanque".
Tuesday - Visit Nyons. Cruise to St. Etienne des Sorts.
After breakfast we take a very scenic drive through the countryside to visit Nyons, a typical Provencal village, a working lavender distillery and an 18th century olive mill. Lunch is taken at a local restaurant in scenic Grignan. On the way back to the barge stop at a truffle farm to learn all about the black diamond and taste this expensive mushroom. Back on board continue the cruise south to St. Etienne des Sorts, passing through the lock (Ecluse) of Bollene, which has one of the largest drops in Europe measuring over 23 meters.
Wednesday - Visit Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Cruise to Avignon. Visit Pont du Gard.
This morning's excursion is to the charming village of Châteauneuf du Pape for a wine-tasting. Return to the barge for lunch. Cruise to Avignon, in the afternoon, past Le Pont St. Bénézet (the famous Pont d'Avignon) before mooring-up at the quay opposite the gate to the walled city. Take an afternoon excursion to the magnificent Pont du Gard, part of the Roman aqueduct that transported spring water from Uzès to Nîmes.
Thursday - Tour of Avignon. Cruise to Arles. Visit les Baux.
Avignon was home of the Popes between 1309 and 1377 and is magnificent. Enjoy a walking tour of the walled city, including a guided tour of the Palace of the Popes. There will be free time to visit the many shops, or perhaps just to sit in one of the numerous pavement cafés and simply watch the world go by. Return to the boat where lunch awaits. During the afternoon, the barge cruises to Arles while your guide takes you to the village of Les Baux for you to discover at your own pace.
Friday - Visit Arles. Cruise to Vallabrègues. Visit St Rémy.
After breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Arles, best known because Van Gogh painted here between 1888 and 1890. Lunch will be served while cruising to Vallabrègues. Later that afternoon visit the lovely town of St Rémy also synonymous with Van Gogh and the birthplace of Nostradamus. On your way back to the boat, enjoy an olive oil tasting in a traditional 18th century "Provencal Bastide" where 15,000 olive trees are growing. Meanwhile chef is busy back on board preparing your farewell gala dinner.
Saturday - Avignon.
After breakfast disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.
Note: This day-to day-itinerary described is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise, the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.
Napoleon
2010 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Apr 4 |
Chalon-Tain L'Hermitage |
Regular
|
| Apr 11 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Regular
|
| Apr 18 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Regular
|
| Apr 25 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Regular
|
| May 2 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Regular
|
| May 9 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Regular
|
| May 16 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Regular
|
| May 23 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Regular
|
| May 30 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Regular
|
| Jun 6 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Regular
|
| Jun 13 |
Avignon-Lyon |
Regular
|
| Jun 20 |
Lyon-St. Jean |
Regular
|
| Jun 27 |
St. Jean-Lyon |
Regular
|
| Jul 4 |
Lyon-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Jul 11 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 18 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Regular
|
| Jul 25 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Regular
|
| Aug 1 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Regular
|
| Aug 8 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Regular
|
| Aug 15 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Chalon |
Regular
|
| Aug 22 |
Macon-St. Jean |
Regular
|
| Aug 29 |
St. Jean-Macon |
Regular
|
| Sep 5 |
Chalon-Tain L'Hermitage |
Regular
|
| Sep 12 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Regular
|
| Sep 19 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Regular
|
| Sep 26 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Regular
|
| Oct 3 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Regular
|
| Oct 10 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Regular
|
| Oct 17 |
Avignon-Lyon |
Regular
|
| Oct 24 |
Lyon-St. Jean |
Regular
|
|
Napoleon
2011 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Apr 3 |
Chalon-Tain L'Hermitage |
Standard
|
| Apr 10 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Standard
|
| Apr 17 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Standard
|
| Apr 24 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Standard
|
| May 1 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Standard
|
| May 8 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Standard
|
| May 15 |
Arles-Arles |
Standard
|
| May 22 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Standard
|
| May 29 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Standard
|
| Jun 5 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Standard
|
| Jun 12 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Standard
|
| Jun 19 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Standard
|
| Jun 26 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Standard
|
| Jul 3 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Standard
|
| Jul 10 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Standard
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 17 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Standard
|
| Jul 24 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Standard
|
| Jul 31 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Standard
|
| Aug 7 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Standard
|
| Aug 14 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Standard
|
| Aug 21 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Standard
|
| Aug 28 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Standard
|
| Sep 4 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Standard
|
| Sep 11 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Standard
|
| Sep 18 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Standard
|
| Sep 25 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Standard
|
| Oct 2 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Standard
|
| Oct 9 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Standard
|
| Oct 16 |
Tain L'Hermitage-Arles |
Standard
|
| Oct 23 |
Arles-Tain L'Hermitage |
Standard
|
|
*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
NAPOLEON
2010 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
REGULAR Apr 4 thru Oct 30 |
|
Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$5,500 |
|
Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,375 |
|
Charter for 8 |
$54,000 |
|
Charter for 9 |
$57,000 |
|
Charter for 10 |
$60,000 |
|
Charter for 11 |
$63,000 |
|
Charter for 12 |
$66,000 |
|
Optional Train Ticket (per person round trip) |
$300 |
NAPOLEON
2011 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
STANDARD Apr 3 thru Oct 29 |
|
Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$5,600 |
|
Single Occupancy Supplement |
$2,800 |
|
Charter for 8 |
$55,000 |
|
Charter for 9 |
$58,050 |
|
Charter for 10 |
$61,100 |
|
Charter for 11 |
$64,150 |
|
Charter for 12 |
$67,200 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Avignon or Valence, depending on cruise direction, to the barge and return for charters or individual passengers with train transfers
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursion
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transfers from Paris to Avignon or Valence, depending on cruise direction (available at extra cost)
- Transfers to the barge mooring and return for individual passengers without train transfers
- Suggested 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid to the captain in equivalent euros
 |
Special Places Travel, LLC
"Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!"
For booking information,
Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743)
Outside of the U.S.: 001.443.321.3614
or E-mail: info@specialplacestravel.com
|
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The contents of this web page are Copyright © 2003-2007, 2008 by Special Places Travel, LLC. including all images except the two smaller images of lounging on deck and the salon. Major portions of text and the salon and deck lounging images are Copyright © 2001-2007, 2008 by Afloat in France. All rights reserved. The contents of this web page may not be reproduced without permission.
Last Update: August 6, 2010
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