NAPOLEON: TAIN L'HERMITAGE TO AVIGNON

ANTICIPATE A VOYAGE OF CAREFREE BLISS ABOARD NAPOLeON, OUR BIGGEST, MOST SOCIABLE BARGE.

18 May 2025
6
Nights
Departing:
Northern Europe

Cruise Overview

Anticipate a voyage of carefree bliss aboard Napoleon, our biggest, most sociable barge. Glide through sun-baked landscapes where olive groves and lavender fields bask under a piercing blue sky. Alight to discover the timeless treasures and delectable tastes of Provence.

Discover grand Roman ruins amid picturesque villages as you sample the Rhone’s finest wines.

Cruise includes:

INCLUDES

  • Table d’hôte meals and complimentary beverages
  • All excursions including exclusive use of the onboard bicycles alongside the river
  • Private guide
  • We provide a return transfer service to and from our luxury boat within France and Geneva
NAPOLEON: TAIN L'HERMITAGE TO AVIGNON

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 - Tain l'Hermitage


Board Napoleon for your cruise along the Rhône. Toast the start of your adventure with chilled champagne as you meet your dedicated crew and guide. After settling into your plush cabin, admiring the views through your generous window, enjoy a private tasting and introduction to Northern Rhône Valley wines. Later, savour your first gastronomic experience on board, a perfect blend of seasonal delicacies, irresistible wines and balmy, bucolic views.



Day 2 - Cruise to Viviers


Unwind on deck this morning and drink in the captivating scenery of the Rhône Valley. After lunch on board, disembark with your guide for a walking tour of Viviers, a tiny medieval village brimming with historic charm. Explore its winding cobbled streets and impressive St Vincent Cathedral. Back at the barge, why not test your throwing skills in a traditional Provençal game of petanque? Your efforts will be rewarded with refreshing cocktails and a sumptuous dinner on board.



Day 3 - Cruise to Roquemaure


Today's visit is to the delightful Provençal village of Grignan, famous for its wild roses and imposing medieval château. Madame de Sevigne stayed here on many occasions and wrote some of her wittiest and most eloquent letters there, first published in 1725. Accompanied by your guide, visit a truffle farm to learn all about the world-famous black diamond and enjoy a precious tasting. Linger over lunch at a charming local restaurant. Rejoin the barge to continue your journey south, which takes you through the Ecluse de Bollène, a lock with one of the largest drops in Europe, measuring over 23 metres. Tonight, enjoy a scenic dinner on board in the rural mooring of Roquemaure.



Day 4 - Cruise to Avignon


This morning's excursion is to Châteauneuf du Pape, summer home of the Avignon Popes but equally famous for its stunning wines. Enjoy a tour and a delicious tasting experience. Afterwards, return to the barge for a leisurely lunch and cruise to Avignon. Approaching the city, you pass the Pont Saint-Benezet (the Last update: March 2023 famous Pont d’Avignon from the song) 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. You can still swim in the tranquil waters that flow beneath this remarkable piece of Roman architecture. This evening, prepare for a wonderful dining experience in Avignon



Day 5 - Cruise to Aramon


This morning, a walking tour introduces you to the walled city of Avignon, home of the Popes from 1309-77. Visit the magnificent Palais des Papes, the former papal palace, and enjoy free time to shop, sit in a gorgeous square watching the world go by or sample Avignon’s cafe society. Return to Napoleon for lunch and cruise further south to Aramon. From here, your guide leads you to Les Baux-de-Provence, considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. Perched on a rocky plateau, with a stone fortress and a host of architectural treasures, it’s a delight to explore at your own pace. Linger over the views of beautiful olive groves and the rugged Alpilles mountains before returning to the barge for dinner.



Day 6 - Cruise to Avignon


After breakfast, join your guide for a fascinating tour of Arles. With extraordinary Roman ruins, shady boulevards and colourful houses baking beneath the sun, Arles famously inspired the artist Van Gogh to paint hundreds of works here from 1888-9. Recently, the city skyline gained a striking, gleaming Frank Gehry tower, which houses the Luma Arles arts centre. Return to the barge for lunch as you cruise back towards Avignon. Later in the afternoon, visit the lovely town of Saint-Remy, another Van Gogh haunt and the birthplace of Nostradamus. Meanwhile, your chef is busy preparing an epicurean farewell feast. Relish the enchanting ambience as you exchange stories of your extraordinary trip.



Day 7 - Avignon


Please check out this morning by 09:00. 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. Please note, in exceptional circumstances it may be necessary to alter the route without prior notice.

About this Vessel

Napoleon features six luxury cabins, each with a cosy ensuite bathroom. Relax with breakfast in bed for some early morning peace or unwind in the stately lounge, on deck or in the outdoor jacuzzi after a day’s explorations. All six cabins can be reconfigured to your needs––the perfect choice for groups and families.

Overview

Experience the magnificent Rhône River as you explore the enchanting Provence on board Napoléon, an exclusive private charter.Relax on the largest barge in the fleet, watching serene lavender fields glide by and weeping willows gracefully brush the water's surface. Enjoy a refreshing Côtes de Provence rosé while savouring truffles from Grignan. From the picturesque hills of Tain L’Hermitage to the historic walls of Avignon, set sail on a journey designed for the true connoisseur of life.

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Dining

Enjoy a delightful truffle tasting or cycle through the lavender-kissed fields of Provence. Disembark to personally select local delicacies at the markets along the way. Engage in an exhilarating truffle hunt in Grignan, or assist as a sous-chef back on board—your culinary maestro will be preparing an evening feast featuring signature dishes and regional specialities. Each dining experience is paired with an exquisite selection of the finest French wines.

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Accommodation

Napoléon boasts six luxurious cabins, each equipped with a comfortable ensuite bathroom. Enjoy a serene breakfast in bed to start your day right, or relax in the elegant lounge, on the deck, or in the outdoor jacuzzi after a day of adventure. All six cabins can be adjusted to suit your preferences, making them ideal for families and groups.Capacity: 12 passengersDecks: 3Crew: 7Double beds (can be converted to twins)Wash basin, shower, and WCAir conditioningSockets for two-pin 220-volt plugsLength: 129 ft / 39.3 mWidth: 16.56 ft / 5.05 m

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Entertainment

Enjoy a delightful French adventure along the Rhône, from Tain L’Hermitage to Avignon. Drift along the renowned waterways of southern France on a journey of sensory exploration and cycle through the lavender-filled fields of Provence. Food lovers will appreciate the exquisite truffle tour in Grignan—it's an experience like no other. For those seeking romance, a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over Provence's vineyards awaits, or enjoy an intimate tasting for two. Connect with our reservations team to create a cruise tailored to your personal interests.

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Anticipate a voyage of carefree bliss aboard Napoleon, our biggest, most sociable barge. Glide through sun-baked landscapes where olive groves and lavender.

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