Barge Cruise: Napoleon
Cruise In France On The Rhone River In Provence Aboard The Ultra Deluxe Hotel-Barge NAPOLEON
BARGE CRUISES: 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 cabins, each with its own ensuite bathroom, that includes 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 Rhone River in Provence between Tain-l'Hermitage and Avignon through sun-drenched landscapes that inspired the great canvases of Cezanne 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 Chateauneuf-du-Pape and the storybook towns of Orange, Avignon, Arles, St Remy, birthplace of Nostradamus and the ancient Roman and Greek ruins of Pont-du-Gard and Glanum.
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. Enjoy this exquisite meal in the dining room or the al fresco area, prepared for your enjoyment on the exterior canopied deck.
We have stayed on board and cruised on the Napoleon a number of times and have always found the accommodations to be beautiful and the cuisine, wines and excursions to be excellent. The barge also has a family cruise itinerary which is available upon request.
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 and covered dining area
- Spa Tub: Yes
- Cabin Features: One main deck cabin 130 sq ft with large windows. Five lower deck cabins: four are 140 sq ft, one is 130 sq ft, all with queen bed or twins and ensuite bathroom with oversized shower.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned 17-seater mini-bus
- Accessibility: One cabin on main deck with no steps, five cabins with steps from salon. Stairs to upper level sundeck. Bicycles: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes - limited in some areas
Napoleon's Deck Plan
| NAPOLEON 2021 SEASON PRICES in EUROS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| TYPE | LOW Apr 4 thru May 1 |
VALUE Jul 4 thru Sep 4 |
HIGH May 2 thru Jul 3 Sep 5 thru Oct 23 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
€6,968 |
€6,968 |
€6,968 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
€4,181 |
€4,181 |
€4,181 |
| Charter for 8 |
€47,125 |
€55,792 |
€70,750 |
| Charter for 9 |
€49,125 |
€57,792 |
€72,750 |
| Charter for 10 |
€51,125 |
€59,792 |
€74,750 |
| Charter for 11 |
€53,125 |
€61,792 |
€76,750 |
| Charter for 12 |
€55,125 |
€63,792 |
€78,750 |
| NAPOLEON 2022 SEASON PRICES in EUROS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| TYPE | LOW Apr 3 thru Apr 30 |
VALUE Jul 3 thru Sep 3 |
HIGH May 1 thru Jul 2 Sep 4 thru Oct 22 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
€6,968 |
€6,968 |
€6,968 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
€4,181 |
€4,181 |
€4,181 |
| Charter for 8 |
€47,125 |
€55,792 |
€70,750 |
| Charter for 9 |
€49,125 |
€57,792 |
€72,750 |
| Charter for 10 |
€51,125 |
€59,792 |
€74,750 |
| Charter for 11 |
€53,125 |
€61,792 |
€76,750 |
| Charter for 12 |
€55,125 |
€63,792 |
€78,750 |
NOTE: Rates subject to change at any time. Please contact us for current prices.
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return via first class TGV train
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday, including one dinner at a local restaurant
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursion
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Suggested 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid to the captain in equivalent euros
- Trip cancellation insurance
|
Napoleon 2021 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 4 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | Low |
| Apr 11 | Tain L'Hermitage-Avignon | Low |
| Apr 18 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | Low |
| Apr 25 | Tain L'Hermitage-Avignon | Low |
| May 2 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | High |
| May 9 | Tain L'Hermitage-Avignon | High |
| May 16 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | High |
| May 23 | Tain L'Hermitage-Avignon | High |
| May 30 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | High |
| Jun 6 | Tain L'Hermitage-Avignon | High |
| Jun 13 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | High |
| Jun 20 | Tain L'Hermitage-Avignon | High |
| Jun 27 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | High |
| Jul 4 | Tain L'Hermitage-Avignon | Value |
| Jul 11 | Avignon-Frontignan | Value |
| Jul 18 | Frontignan-Avignon | Value |
| Jul 25 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | Value |
| Aug 1 |
Tain L'Hermitage - Chalons-en-Champagne |
Value |
| Aug 8 | St. Jean-Lyon | Value |
| Aug 15 | Lyon-Avignon | Value |
| Aug 22 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | Value |
| Aug 29 | Tain L'Hermitage-Avignon | Value |
| Sep 5 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | High |
| Sep 12 | Tain L'Hermitage-Avignon | High |
| Sep 19 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | High |
| Sep 26 | Tain L'Hermitage-Avignon | High |
| Oct 3 | Avignon-Lyon | High |
| Oct 10 | Lyon-St. Jean | High |
| Oct 17 | St. Jean-Lyon | High |
|
Napoleon 2022 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 3 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | Low |
| Apr 10 | Tain L'Hermitage-Avignon | Low |
| Apr 17 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | Low |
| Apr 24 | Tain L'Hermitage-Avignon | Low |
| May 1 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | High |
| May 8 | Tain L'Hermitage-Avignon | High |
| May 15 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | High |
| May 22 | Tain L'Hermitage-Avignon | High |
| May 29 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | High |
| Jun 5 | Tain L'Hermitage-Avignon | High |
| Jun 12 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | High |
| Jun 19 | Tain L'Hermitage-Avignon | High |
| Jun 26 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | High |
| Jul 3 | Tain L'Hermitage-Avignon | Value |
| Jul 10 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | Value |
| Jul 17 | Tain L'Hermitage-Avignon | Value |
| Jul 24 | Avignon-Lyon | Value |
| Jul 31 | Lyon-St. Jean | Value |
| Aug 7 | St. Jean-Lyon | Value |
| Aug 14 | Lyon-St. Jean | Value |
| Aug 21 | St. Jean-Lyon | Value |
| Aug 28 | Lyon-Avignon | Value |
| Sep 4 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | High |
| Sep 11 | Tain L'Hermitage-Avignon | High |
| Sep 18 | Avignon-Tain L'Hermitage | High |
| Sep 25 | Tain L'Hermitage-Avignon | High |
| Oct 2 | Avignon-Lyon | High |
| Oct 9 | Lyon-St. Jean | High |
| Oct 16 | St. Jean-Lyon | High |
*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.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Provence: Rhone River
Tain L'Hermitage to Avignon 2023
Provence: Rhone River
Tain L'Hermitage to Avignon 2023
Highlights
- Challenge the crew to the traditional Provençal game of pétanque with a Pastis in hand, you will start to feel very French!
- Grignan: learn about the black truffle, the aromas in this part of Provence are exquisite with lavender and herbes de Provence growing in the nearby fields.
- Pass through the Ecluse de Bollène, the second deepest lock in Europe with a drop of approximately 23 metres.
- Visit the world-famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape, summer home of the popes from Avignon.
- Pont du Gard, an incredible example of Roman architecture in peaceful surroundings, you can still swim in the river flowing underneath the bridge.
View of Tain l'Hermitage
Hilltop village of Grignan
Palace of the Popes, Avignon
Le Pont du Gard
Arles, the inspiration behind many of Van Gogh's famous paintings
Board the Napoléon, which will be moored at either Tain l'Hermitage or Tournon. A champagne reception welcomes you on board, giving you the chance to meet your crew and guide, who will be with you for this exceptional voyage through the French countryside. Once settled on board, a local sommelier will join you on-board for a private tasting and introduction to the Northern Rhone Valley wines. Later in the evening experience the superb skills of your on-board private chef. The cuisine is a real highlight of your trip, particularly when accompanied by wines from France's finest vineyards.
Monday - Tain L'Hermigage to Viviers
Relax on the top deck and watch the beautiful scenery of the Rhône Valley glide by as you cruise to Viviers. Mid-afternoon, your guide takes you on a walking tour of this charming medieval town, before you return to the barge to play the traditional Provençal game pétanque. Reflect on the day's adventures over dinner on board.
Tuesday - Viviers to Saint-Etienne-des-Sorts, Visit Grignan
Today's visit is to the delightful Provençal village of Grignan, famous for its wild roses and medieval château at the top of the town. Your guide takes you to visit a truffle farm to learn all about the world-famous black diamond and enjoy a tasting. Lunch is at a delightful local restaurant. Back on board, the barge continues to cruise south to Saint-Etienne-des-Sorts, passing through the Ecluse de Bollène, a lock with one of the largest drops in Europe, measuring over 23 metres.
Wednesday - Saint-Etienne-des-Sorts to Avignon, Visit Châteauneuf-du-Pape & 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 a leisurely lunch. Cruise to Avignon in the afternoon, passing the Pont Saint-Bénezet (the famous Pont d'Avignon) before mooring up at the quay opposite the gate to the walled city. Enjoy an afternoon excursion to the magnificent Pont du Gard, part of the Roman aqueduct that transported spring water from Uzès to Nîmes, before an indulgent dinner back on board.
Thursday - Avignon to Vallabregues, Tour of Avignon and Visit Les Baux
Avignon was the home of the Popes between 1309 and 1377 and its heritage is reflected in its magnificent architecture. Enjoy a walking tour of the walled city, including a guided tour of the Palace of the Popes, as well as time to visit the many shops or sample French café culture. Return to the Napoléon for lunch. During the afternoon, the barge cruises to Arles, where your guide takes you to the village of Les Baux-de-Provence to explore at your own pace. Share your day's highlights over dinner on board. This evening’s mooring location is Vallabregues.
Friday - Vallagregues to Avignon, Visit Arles & Saint-Rémy
After breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Arles, most famous for the fact that Van Gogh lived and painted here between 1888 and 1890. Lunch is served while you cruise towards Avignon. Later in the afternoon, visit the lovely town of Saint-Rémy, another Van Gogh haunt and the birthplace of Nostradamus. Meanwhile, the chef is preparing your farewell gala dinner on board. .
Saturday - Avignon - Check out this morning by 09.00am
After breakfast, your crew bids you farewell as you disembark for your onward travel arrangements. We look forward to welcoming you back on board soon.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. The cruise is in the reverse direction on alternate weeks.
Dining Aboard The Napoleon:
SAMPLE MENU
Dining on board the Napoleon is among the highlights of the cruise. Our
five-course candlelit dinners are a particularly special treat. The table
d'hôte menus onboard the Amaryllis are of the very highest quality and
include many regional specialties and fine wines. Each week's menu includes some
of the Chef's original recipes as well as regional specialties and seasonal
delicacies unique to the particular area of the country you are cruising.You will enjoy a buffet style continental breakfast, large lunch including pâtés, cheeses, cold meats, tarts, terrines and salad. Dinners are always plated with at least four courses and complementary wines.
Meal times may vary to fit in with excursions but are generally:
Breakfast between 8:00 am to 10:00 am
Lunch between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm
Dinner at 7:30 - 8:00 pm
LUNCH
- Dijon mustard encrusted veal fillet
- Camembert quiche
- Insalata Caprese with mozzarella, basil, tomato, spanish onion & vinaigrette
- Rocket bleu cheese and pear salad
DINNER
- Amuse-bouches of quail egg and caviar tartlet
- Entree: Spicy capsicum soup
- Main: Fillet d'boeuf et foie gras en croute, feta and rosemary potato smash, roasted cherry tomatoes and wilted spinach salad
- Dessert: White and dark chocolate mousse with strawberry and mint salsa
SAMPLE WINE LIST
Champagne - Laurent Perrier Champagne
White Wines - Saint Romain; Saint Veran; Montagny 1er Cru; Pouilly Fuisse; Sancerre; Meursault; Puligny Montrachet; Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru; St Aubin 1er Cru; Chablis Grand Cru
Rose Wines - Marsannay Rose
Red Wines - Gevrey Chambertin Village; Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru; Nuits St George; Morey St Denis; Chorey les Beaune; St Aubin 1er Cru; Beaune 1er Cru; Volnay; Chateauneuf de Papa
Bar Wines - Bourgogne Chardonnay; Bourgogne Pinot Noir
Please note this is a sample list of the usual wines served on board. We will of course try and accommodate any specific requests from clients for particular wines and spirits where possible.
Passenger Comments:
The experience exceeded my expectations and I enjoyed it very much. The accommodations though small, were lovely and adequate. The meals and wines were wonderful. Touring Lyon was probably the high point but the lunch and Roman ruins in Vienne were a close second. Actually one might say our time on the barge was the highlight.
M.R., NC, USA
Over the top first class and one of the nicest trips I have ever had. The crew were spectacular in every way-Kate and Poppy are simply precious and your chef is world class. The captain also made the trip fun and we loved his Scottish accent. Meals were beyond great and especially the cheese selections-Becky will attest to that. Sadly I dont drink so could only look at the wine selections and drool. Beaune and the wine tasting at Joseph Drouhin and the history of France were high points.
R&M D. Canada
The service was phenomenal! Coming back from a tour to champagne cocktails and snacks - what decadence! Kate was an unbelievable hostess - anticipating every need and with a great sense of humor. Martina was delightful and couldn't have been more helpful. Unparalleled - we loved everything that Robert the chef prepared. We've now been on 4 barge trips and can rightly say that Robert's cooking was perfection. No chef has been better.
R&N M. VA USA
This trip / vacation ranks with our best vacations ever: far better than a small Four Seasons hotel on a boat !! The only problem is that this may never be repeated; the perfect combination: the weather was perfect, the staff people were just super, the food was fantastic, the service was the best, and Poppy (our guide) is a treasure !
D.S. DC USA
The barge trip was spectacular.... That one word sums it up. The service was the highlight of the trip. The entire crew, from the Captain on down, was accommodating, funny and ready and willing to handle our needs. The meals were another highlight of the trip. We are still working off the weight gain! The chef is top notch! The trip to the quarry to see the Klimpt display was really special. The other trips to the truffle farm and olive grove were really neat. Overall, the excursions were just right; not too short and not too long.
J & AM R, MA, USA
LINKS to Napoleon Information
This page last updated December 25, 2023