The 12 passenger Napoléon is a magnificent river cruiser, 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. On the middle deck you will find an air conditioned bar, dining area and saloon with piano. The roof top sun deck features comfortable seating, a spa pool and exercise equipment, the perfect place to watch the scenery pass by as you enjoy your cruise.
The six air conditioned suites each have en-suite facilities and the six crew are always ready to cater for your every need. This barge is perfect for larger groups who want a top range barge.
Below you can find some of the highlights of the cruises we are currently offering on Napoleon, along with some examples of the cuisine and fine wines the master chef will present you with on board.
Cruise Highlights
Cuisine Aboard
Tour of Arles, home of Van Gogh
Visit to the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard
Tour of Avignon and the Palace of the Popes
Visits to olive oil and truffle farms
Chateauneuf du Pape and Cotes du Rhone wine tastings
Visit to Orange and its Roman monuments
Regional Specialities
Bouillasbaise, Gigot d'Agneau de Sisteron en Croute d'Herbes, Daube de Boeuf Provencal
Wine Cellar
Condrieu AOC, Crozes Hermitage, Travel AOC, Cote Rotie, Chateauneuf du Pape
Cheese Board
Tomme Arlesienne, Caille de Brebis, Chevre Pyramide, Banon, Rouleau de Provence
Sunday, Day 1 Paris to Arles.
You are met in Paris Gare de Lyon and issued with your 1st Class TGV train tickets from Paris to Avignon. Met at Avignon station and transferred to the Napoleon moored in Vallabregues for your cruise along the River Rhône. A champagne reception gives you a chance to meet the crew. A late afternoon cruise from Vallabrègues to Arles is your first taste of Rhône River cruising. After dinner, take a walking tour of Arles, where Van Gogh spent much of 1888 and '89 painting.
Monday, Day 2 Arles to Avignon.
Today, visit a traditional 18th century “Provencal Bastide” in St. Rémy for an olive oil tasting. Lunch onboard. Relax during the afternoon cruise to Avignon and watch the scenery of the Rhône Valley drift by. Cruise past Le Pont St. Bénézet (the famous Pont d'Avignon) before mooring-up at the quay facing the gate to the walled city. Visit the Pont du Gard, part of the Roman aqueduct that transported spring water from Uzès to Nîmes.
Tuesday, Day 3 Avignon to St Etienne des Sorts.
A walking tour introduces you to the walled city of Avignon, home of the Popes from 1309-77. A guided tour of the Palace of the Popes is followed by some time at leisure. Return to the barge where lunch awaits and an afternoon cruise. Visit Chateauneuf du Pape for a wine tasting before continuing your cruise to St. Etienne des Sorts.
Wednesday, Day 4 St Etienne des Sorts to Viviers.
Visit Orange. This morning your guide takes you on a tour of Orange, an important Roman city dating back to 100 BC. The historical town contains two of the finest Roman monuments in Europe. Lunch back on board and continue the cruise to the mooring at Viviers. There's time for a leisurely stroll around this charming medieval town.
Thursday, Day 5 Viviers to La Voulte.
Today's visit is to the typical Provencal village of Nyons, to visit a working lavender distillery and tour an ancient XVIII century olive mill. Lunch is taken at a local restaurant in the very scenic village of Grignan. In the afternoon, visit a truffle farm to learn all about the black diamond and taste this expensive and unusual mushroom. Rejoin the boat at La Pouzin, to continue the cruise to La Volte.
Friday, Day 6 La Voulte to Tain l'Hermitage/Tournon.
This morning, the chef takes you to discover a traditional French market in La Voulte followed by a leisurely lunch on board. During this part of the cruise the river valley is flanked by the vineyards of the Côte du Rhône and has a completely different perspective. Mooring in Tain or Tournon you are escorted to Mr Ferraton's winery for your last dégustation. Farewell gala dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 Valence to Paris.
After breakfast disembark the Napoleon and transfer to Valance TGV train station and take the TGV to Paris Gare de Lyon.
On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
