Napoleon
Cruising in Provence

Passengers: 12
Last Visited: 2011
Size: 129 feet long
Rating: Ultra Deluxe, A/C

2012 Rates

Whole Boat Charter of 8: $56,700
Whole Boat Charter of 9: $59,850
Whole Boat Charter of 10: $63,000
Whole Boat Charter of 11: $66,150
Whole Boat Charter of 12: $69,300
Individuals: $5,750 per person double occupancy
*This rate includes transfers from Paris to the barge and return via first class TGV train.
**Train tickets are purchased in advance by the barge owner and  are non-changeable and non-refundable.

2012 dates

April 1 - 7	May 27 - June 2	July 22 - 28	September 16 - 22
April 8 - 14	June 3 - 9	July 29 - Aug 4	September 23 - 29
April 15 - 21	June 10 - 16	August 5 - 11	September 30 - October 6
April 22 - 28	June 17 - 23	August 12 - 18	October 7 - 13
April 29 - May 5	June 24 - 30	August 19 - 25	October 14 - 20
May 6 - 12	July 1 - 7	August 26 - Sept 1	October 21 - 27
May 13 - 19	July 8 - 14	September 2 - 8
May 20 - 26	July 15 - 21	September 9 - 15

Napoleon is one of five barges now wholly owned by Orient Express, operator of luxury travel experiences worldwide. The vessel is exquisitely decorated and maintained. 2011 guest feedback was incredible!

Napoleon is a interesting hybrid. It is both an intimate barge operated to the highest standards of the canal barge industry which nonetheless covers the kind of lengthy route (almost 200 miles) associated with much larger and more impersonal cruise ships. The resulting experience is unique not just for the level of on-board pampering but also for the broad exposure to the personalities and sights in fabulous Provence between Tain l'Hermitage and Arles on the River Rhone.

The vessel is especially spacious. The third level sun deck alone provides 800 feet of recreational space. Recline on your deck chair - soak in the hot tub - enjoy an al fresco luncheon - with vistas of the Rhone River Valley spread out before you! This is relaxation in the highest style! Exquisite French-style furnishings and accent pieces define the supremely comfortable salon, while in the dining room is perhaps the most interesting decor in all of barging: colorful murals depicting the life of Napoleon Bonaparte as well as personalities associated with Provence. Deluxe amenities abound in the modern cabins (which are completely sound proof) and large immaculately tiled baths with full size shower.

Ellen said of her recent visit, "Our young, handsome guide Jonathan came from Quebec and is thus both bi-lingual and entirely at home with North American travelers. His explanations at sites which we had visited before - such as the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and the Pope's Palace in Avignon - made them come alive. We also enjoyed an intimate visit to an olive oil farm where the owner took us into the fields and a nice wine tasting."

Napoleon

Provence-Camargue

Barge Cruise Itinerary

Arles to Tain L'Hermitage
On the River Rhone in Provence

Sunday: Paris to Arles
Welcome Aboard Cruise!
You will be picked up in the lobby of your hotel by Paris Holt Welcome Service one hour before the train departs. You will be chauffeured to the Paris Gare de Lyon Train Station, provided with First Class tickets and you and your luggage will be escorted to TGV# 6113, depart Paris 1:15pm, arrive Avignon TGV Station 3:56pm. (Train tickets are purchased in advance by the barge owner and are non-changeable and non-refundable.) As you alight, a member of Napoléon crew will be on the platform and will chauffeur you to the barge moored at Vallebregeus. 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, famous for it's Roman ruins and also where Van Gogh spent much of 1888 and '89 painting.


Monday: Arles to Avignon
Visit Two Enchanting Towns
Today, visit a traditional 18th century "Provencal Bastide" in St. Rémy for an olive oil tasting. Lunch on-board. 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. Return to the boat for drinks on the deck, followed by a wonderful dinner.

Tuesday: Avignon to St.-Etiennes-des-Sorts
Chateauneuf-du-Pape Winetasting
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 free time to enjoy some shopping or perhaps, to take a drink in a pavement café and watch the world go by. Return to the barge where lunch awaits and an afternoon cruise. Visit the world famous Châteauneuf du Pape, summer home of the popes from Avignon, for a wine tasting before continuing your cruise to the small village of St. Etienne des Sorts.




Wednesday: St.-Etiennes-des-Sorts to Viviers
Fantastic Roman Monuments
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. This afternoon we pass through the lock of Bollene, one of the largest locks (Ecluse) in Europe with a drop of approximately 23 metres. There's time for a leisurely stroll around this charming medieval town.


Thursday: Viviers to La Voulte
Romantic Chateau and Truffle Farm
Today's visit is to the typical Provencal village of Nyons, set up high in the hills, 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, filled with small alley ways, famous for it's wild roses and with a medieval Château at the top of the town. 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: La Voulte to Tain/Tournon
Relax Through the Rhone River Valley
This morning, the chef walks you over to discover a traditional French market in La Voulte where you have the chance to pick out some local produce to enjoy back on board during a leisurely lunch. 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. We enjoy a private tour and wine tasting just minutes from the boat. Meanwhile the chef is busy back on the boat preparing a Farewell gala dinner.

Saturday: Return to Paris
A Sad Farewell
You will depart Napoléon at 10:00am, chauffeured to the Valence Train Station, and provided with First Class tickets to TGV# 6208, depart Valence at 11:36am, arrive back at the Paris Gare de Lyon at 1:48pm. As you alight, a representative of Napoleon will be on the platform and will help you to the taxi line or to your pre-arranged private transfer. We hope to welcome you back to another Orient Express barge in the future!

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. The route will run in reverse on alternate weeks. Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Barging and river cruises in Provence Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

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Tain L'Hermitage to Arles
On the River Rhone in Provence


Sunday: Paris to Tain L'Hermitage
Welcome Aboard!
You will be picked up in the lobby of your hotel by Paris Holt Welcome Service one hour before the train departs. You will be chauffeured to the Gare de Lyon Train Station, provided with First Class tickets and you and your luggage will be escorted to TGV# 6211, depart Paris 1:19pm, arrive Valence at 3:31pm (Train tickets are purchased in advance by the barge owner and are non-changeable and non-refundable.) As you alight, a member of Napoléon crew will be on the platform and will chauffeur you to the barge moored at either Tain l'Hermitage or Tournon. A champagne reception gives you a chance to meet the crew. Once settled on-board, enjoy your first wine tasting at Mr. Ferraton's winery just steps from where the boat is moored.

Monday: Tain L'Hermitage to Viviers
Relax through the Rhone River Valley
Relax on the top deck and watch the beautiful scenery of the Rhône Valley glide by as the barge cruises to Viviers. Mid-afternoon, your guide takes you on a walking tour of this charming medieval town before returning to the boat to play the traditional Provençal game "Petanque".

Tuesday: Viviers to St. Etienne des Sorts
Gourmet Delights: Olive oil mill and truffle farm!
After breakfast we take a very scenic drive through the countryside to visit Nyons, a typical Provencal village, a working lavender distillery and an 18th century olive mill. Lunch is taken at a local restaurant in scenic Grignan. On the way back to the barge stop at a truffle farm to learn all about the black diamond and taste this expensive mushroom. Back on board continue the cruise south to St. Etienne des Sorts, passing through the lock (Ecluse) of Bollene, which has one of the largest drops in Europe measuring over 23 meters.

Wednesday: St. Etienne des Sorts to Avignon
Chateauneuf-du-Pape Winetasting
This morning's excursion is to the charming village of Châteauneuf du Pape for a wine-tasting. Return to the barge for lunch. Cruise to Avignon, in the afternoon, past Le Pont St. Bénézet (the famous Pont d'Avignon) before mooring-up at the quay opposite the gate to the walled city. Take an afternoon excursion to the magnificent Pont du Gard, part of the Roman aqueduct that transported spring water from Uzès to Nîmes.

Thursday: Avignon to Arles
Tour of Avignon
Avignon was home of the Popes between 1309 and 1377 and is magnificent. Enjoy a walking tour of the walled city, including a guided tour of the Palace of the Popes. There will be free time to visit the many shops, or perhaps just to sit in one of the numerous pavement cafés and simply watch the world go by. Return to the boat where lunch awaits. During the afternoon, the barge cruises to Arles while your guide takes you to the village of Les Baux for you to discover at your own pace.

Friday: Arles to Vallabregues
Visit Two Enchanting Towns
After breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Arles, best known because Van Gogh painted here between 1888 and 1890. Lunch will be served while cruising to Vallabrègues. Later that afternoon visit the lovely town of St Rémy also synonymous with Van Gogh and the birthplace of Nostradamus. On your way back to the boat, enjoy an olive oil tasting in a traditional 18th century "Provencal Bastide" where 15,000 olive trees are growing. Meanwhile chef is busy back on board prparing your farewell gala dinner.

Saturday: Return to Paris
A Sad Farewell
Napoleon will be moored in Vallabrègues, near Arles. You will depart Napoléon at 8:00am, chauffeured to the Avignon Train Station, and provided with First Class tickets to TGV# 6172, depart Avignon at 9:31am, arrive back at the Paris Gare de Lyon at 12:10pm. As you alight, a representative of Napoleon will be on the platform and will help you to the taxi line or to your pre-arranged private transfer. We hope to welcome you back to another Orient Express barge in the future!

Napoleon

Guest Book

"This was a GREAT trip, probably the best vacation we've ever taken (and we travel extensively)!  We've taken large ocean cruises before but now I can't imagine going on a big ship.  Everything was terrific!  The cabins, and especially the bathrooms, were larger than we expected.  The chef did a great job, even taking us to the market and let us select foods to prepare for lunch.  His grand dinner on our last evening was wonderful! 

Jonathan, our guide, was fantastic.  He was extremely knowledgeable and we learned a lot.  We did food and wine excursions and visited Roman ruins.  We loved the all inclusive aspect of the trip, as we never had to think about costs or where to go.  It was completely stress-free!  The crew provided all top quality food and drink and were extremely accommodating.  We highly recommend this cruise and look forward to another one ourselves.  Thank you, Ellen, for also helping with pre- and post-cruise plans as well.  You were most helpful and your suggestions were great!  Merci!"

-Tom and Diane Allison, cruised September 2011

"Definitely the best crew, the best food and the best wines.  Jonathan the guide was extrememly knowledgeable and fun.  He arranged some hikes, bicycle rides, kayaking, swimming underneath the Pont du Gard and a nice horseback ride.  He was always upbeat and very knowledgeable.  The wines he chose were all we could have hoped for.  The hostesses were also excellent, cheerful, accommodating and helpful.  The chef tuned the meals to our likes and dislikes and made desserts for my mother who is diabetic.  If you have clients who have special needs, you couldn't have a better chef.  The highlights of the trip were the visits to the Pont du Gard and swimming there, the truffle farm and the theater in Orange."

- The Leeds Family, cruised July 2011

 

"Our experience aboard Napoleon was beyond all expectations.  We enjoyed every minute.  Every crew member was excellent and the staff worked like a well-oiled machine.  Pleasant, helpful, interested in us and all were involved in meeting any needs or desires.  We expected good food, but the meals were beyond excellent - extraordinary!!"

-Thomas Roberts and David McChesney, cruised June 2011

 

"The cruise absolutely met our expectations!  The staff were always up and wanting to know if there was anything we needed.  Our tour guide, Jonathan, was the best guide we have ever had.  He led us on great, small trips as opposed to all-day trips, and allowed ample free time in the tours.  All of us thought this was a great trip!"
- Ann Maguire & Harriet Gordon, cruised June, 2011

"The cruise was six days of gastronomic delight!  Multi-course lunches and dinners, both paired with excellent local wines and cheeses.  The barge is your own Michelin starred restaurant and hotel.  The highly professional crew will do whatever it takes to fulfill your wishes.  Also, the guide Jonathon was very knowledgeable, but not overbearing in his explanations, just the right amount."
- Michael and Kathryn Loebach, cruised May, 2011

"In a word - superb!  The crew was fantastic, friendly and welcoming.  They anticipated every need and desire, and make it seem like they were honored to serve us.  They clearly enjoy what they do!  Everything was 5 star - incomparable service, wonderful food that accommodated all of our "peculiarities".  We will definitely barge again!
- Marlene Bellamy, cruised May, 2011

Dear Ellen,
The consensus of our group is that the cruise was PERFECT! No sense taking a lot of your time other than to say the cruise was as advertised.

The staff was exceptional. Jonathan is amazing, as was the entire staff; however, he is exceptional. Chef John did fine work, as our scales have testified. Accommodations on the Napoleon were first-rate.
The only problem was that our cruise ended much too soon.

You will most likely be hearing from us again. If your ears are burning, it's because our group is telling everyone what a remarkable experience we had on the Napoleon. As one of our group said, "...it was a fantastic time and one we will hold as the gold standard for future trips". Thanks again for your expertise and patience.
Best from all of us,
-"The Texas Cruise Crew 2011"

"The cruise was absolutely fantastic! We loved every minute of it. Crew was great! and Jonathan, our guide, was the best guide we ever had."
-Albert and Lonnie Willis, cruised May, 2011

"We were spoiled by a crew who were friendly and attentive but not intrusive. The barge was well appointed and well maintained. Our fellow passengers were congenial."
-Cliff and May Holgren, 2010

Napoleon Floor Plan

129 Feet long
-Extremely elegant salon and separate dining room with picture windows
-Five Lower deck cabins and One upper deck cabin at 130-140 square feet
-Large third story deck with canopy, dining room table, jacuzzi and exercise equipment
-On board computer with internet access
- Bose iPod docking station in the salon