Sunday, Day One: Tain l’ Hermitage
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, Day Two: Cruise 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, Day Three: Visit Grignan. Cruise to Saint-Etienne-des-Sorts
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, Day Four: 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 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, Day Five: Tour of Avignon. Cruise to Vallbregues. 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 Vallbregues.
Friday, Day Six: Visit Arles. Cruise to Avignon. Visit 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, Day Seven: Avignon
After breakfast the crew bids you farewell before you disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.
Please note route may be subject to change without prior warning as a result of unforeseen circumstances.
CRUISE INQUIRY FORM
