We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
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Summary
The Belmond Napoléon is one of the finest cruising barges in Provence and the largest of the Belmond fleet. Her three decks accommodate 12 guests in spacious and beautifully decorated cabins, all with large en-suite bathrooms and all above the water line. She is furnished throughout in rich red, gold and green fabrics to create a warm and welcoming Provençal atmosphere. Feast on dinners in the stately lounge. Unwind in the outdoor Jacuzzi and watch the scenery unfold.
Her route includes wide reaches through hills lined with famous vineyards – the same sun-drenched landscapes that inspired Cézanne and Van Gogh. Riverside villages and towns, historic monuments, lavender fields and olive groves are all typical of this part of Provence, a region with a sophisticated culture dating back to Roman times.
Key Features
- Grand Luxe class (5*)
- Rhône river
- Charter and cabin bookings, 6 nights, 7 days, March to October
- 12 guests / 6 suites
- Full board, on-board dining
- Sun deck with gym and spa tub
The Classic Cruise — Napoléon
Classic Cruise Itinerary
Route | Between Avignon and Tain l'Hermitage on the Rhône river |
Pick-up | Paris, for First Class return TGV transfer to the barge |
Dining | All inclusive | 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners on board. One dinner at local Michelin restaurant |
Cruise Highlights
- Guided tours of Arles and Avignon – ancient cities with fascinating histories, unique treasures and modern cultures to enjoy
- Pont du Gard, the Pont d’Avignon and the Palais du Papes
- Visits to a truffle farm, a lavender distillery, an olive mill and a traditional French market
- Private wine-tastings, including Châteauneuf du Pape
Special Cruise
Burgundy and Beaujolais
Charter Napoleon for a 12-star cruise aboard Belmond Napoléon for a unique gastronomic adventure. You’ll dine out at a different Michelin-starred restaurant every day.
Treat your palate to some of the most celebrated cuisine in France as you cruise through glorious Burgundy landscapes, alighting for fascinating tours and private tastings.
Please enquire.
Day 1 — Sunday
Depart Paris, arrive Avignon, cruise to Aramon
Board Napoléon in Avignon 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 window and from the inviting salon area, enjoy an early evening cruise to the rural mooring of Aramon. There, anticipate your first gastronomic experience on board, a perfect blend of seasonal delicacies, irresistible wines and balmy, bucolic views.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to Avignon | Tour of Arles and Pont du Gard
After a delicious breakfast of tempting pastries and local treats, alight with your guide for a walking tour of Arles. With extraordinary Roman ruins, shady boulevards and colourful houses baking beneath the sun, Arles famously inspired the artist Van Gogh, who painted 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 to Avignon, mooring up close to one of the gates of the walled city. Enjoy an afternoon excursion at 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. Back on board, refreshing aperitifs and a sumptuous dinner await.
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to Roquemaure | Tour of Avignon and Châteauneuf du Pape
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 café society.
Return to the barge for lunch and an afternoon cruise to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, summer residence of the Avignon popes, but equally famous for its stunning wines. Disembark for a tour and a private wine tasting before returning to the boat in Roquemaure to relax on deck. Sip a cocktail as you watch the sun set in this magnificent rural mooring. Later, enjoy dinner on board.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Viviers | Tour a medieval town, visit a lavender farm
Unwind on board this morning and soak up the scenery on a leisurely cruise that passes through the Bollène-Écluse, a lock with a 23-metre drop, one of the longest in Europe. Savour a lunch of seasonal delicacies on board before arriving in Viviers. Alight with your guide for a walking tour of this tiny medieval city that brims with historic charm. Later, ignite your senses on a visit to a typical Provençal lavender farm, where the colours and scents are intoxicating. Return to Napoléon for dinner and a chilled evening under the stars.
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to La Voulte | Excursion to Grignan, discover the 'black diamond'
Today’s visit is to the delightful Provençal village of Grignan, famous for its wild roses and 12th-century château at the top of the town. Madame de Sévigné stayed 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 before returning to the barge and cruising to La Voulte. Tonight, dinner is served on board.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to Tain l'Hermitage | Discover a French market and wine-tasting
This morning, your chef escorts you to a traditional French market in La Voulte, where you have the chance to pick out some local produce and discover more of the region’s specialities. Enjoy a leisurely lunch back on board featuring the ingredients from your visit today. During this part of the cruise, the river valley is flanked by the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône and has a completely different perspective.
Mooring in Tain or Tournon, you are escorted to a distinguished local winery, just a few steps from the barge, for a private tour and wine tasting. Back on board Napoléon, Chef is preparing an epicurean farewell feast. Relish the enchanting ambience as you exchange stories of your extraordinary trip.
Day 7 — Saturday
Departure from Tain
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: this route may be subject to change. In exceptional circumstances it may be necessary to alter the route without prior notice.
“We were on the Belmond Napoleon this past September touring Provence. Let me just say that the crew were unbelievable! So much fun and so professional! The chef was amazing and the rest of the crew did everything they could to make our trip memorable. This certainly won’t be our last cruise! Thank you for making my 60th Birthday so fabulous!”
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 129ft (39m) x 16.5ft (5m)
- 6 staterooms of around 135 sq ft including en-suite bathrooms, one on upper deck, 5 on lower deck
- Each has queen-size double or twin beds
- The upper deck cabin has a large picture window, the lower cabins have two smaller windows.
- All upper windows open
Lower windows open but not at all while cruising and only with captain’s permission when moored
Other items on board:
- Expert and professional English-speaking crew of 6
- Lounge with piano keyboard
- Selection of books, games, DVDs and CDs
- Bose iPod docking station
- Computer with internet access
- Wifi (limited in some places)
- 12 bicycles
- Sun deck with Jacuzzi, sun loungers, exercise equipment and canopied dining area
- Air-conditioned minibus for transfers and excursions
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
Great care and expertise is taken in planning the menus aboard Napoléon.
All meals on board are freshly prepared by an expert chef with fresh ingredients using local suppliers. They are served either in the dining room or up on deck, accompanied by carefully matched wines from the region.
Vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan and non-allergenic dishes can easily be arranged..
Barge Napoleon cruises through the Rhone Valley and Provence
– [below] In the region: Sete, Mediterranean, Camargue, Van Gogh/Arles, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Aigues-Mortes –
Beach ©Les Jardins de Tivoli | Avignon ©Yann de Fareins | Aigues-Mortes ©Framepool AG | Others ©FW, wikimedia, n/a
Classic cruise rates and dates
All rates and prices will be confirmed at time of booking. Special Offers are available from time to time – contact us
What’s included:
6 nights accommodation
Return transfers to the barge
All meals and drinks on board Guided excursions, fees and associated transport
What’s not included:
Air fares to and within France
Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
Crew gratuities (5-10% suggested)
Personal expenses
2024
Charter and Cabin bookings
Sunday to Saturday, April to October
Rates and dates
All pricing is dynamic and based on demand. The following information is indicative.
Value season rate weeks:
12 guest full charter: 77,965 EUR
Peak season rate weeks:
12 guest full charter: 95,291 EUR
Open Sailing per person: 7,941 EUR
Single occupancy supplement: add 60%
2025
Charter and Cabin bookings
Sunday to Saturday, April to October
Rates and dates
All pricing is dynamic and based on demand. The following information is indicative.
Value season rate weeks:
12 guest full charter: 77,965 EUR
Peak season rate weeks:
12 guest full charter: 95,291 EUR
Open Sailing per person: 7,941 EUR
Single occupancy supplement: add 60%
Booking
Booking a luxury barge vacation isn’t the kind of thing one does with just a mouse-click or two. It takes a little research, thought and understanding, and we hope that our pages have provided you with all the information and inspiration you need to take this next step.
Why should you book with us? Because…
We’ve explored the waterways of France on our own boat since 2003 and know each of the barges and their routes.
We’re independent, impartial and enthusiastic – and we are the only France cruising specialist that can offer you the benefits of our own in-depth cruising knowledge and experience.
We love France, we love the rivers and canals of France, we love hotel barging – and we love talking about all three!
There’s nothing like speaking to a friendly expert to help you see the wood for the trees and to make the best possible decision about the vacation cruise of a lifetime. Get in touch – we’re here to help.
We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise