Roi Soleil

Canal du Midi Cruises

Passengers: 6
Size: 98 feet long
Last Visited: 2007
Rating: Ultra Deluxe, A/C

2009 Rates

Whole Boat Charter
$37,900 - Value Season
$39,900 - Main Season

Value Season Dates:
March 29 -May 9 and July 12-August 29
Main Season Dates:
May 10 - July 11 and August 30 - October 31


Book Roi Soleil by April 30 and enjoy an "Elegant Evening" on board.
Start with live music on deck as the sun sets. Proceed to dinner with a Foie Gras appetizer and Grand Cru wines from Burgundy and Bordeaux. This is the ROI SOLEIL lifestyle at its very best!

Canal du Midi
In 2009, ROI SOLEIL will cruise on the Canal du Midi between the dates May 31
and October 3. Six-night cruises begin on Sunday and end the following Saturday.

Roi Soleil reflects the sophisticated passions of its young and attractive owners, Guillaume and Tracey de Perthuis, whose background is in luxury yachting. They've quite appropriately called ROI SOLEIL a "river yacht" and have incorporated many innovations in design and decor.

Her sleek lines and generous outdoor space are reminiscent of yachts from the 1920s, while the impeccable interior features lavish use of Pierre Frey fabrics, hardwoods, brass and handmade tiles. On-board ambience reflects that of a fine French home, with outstanding cuisine and wine, and traditional comforts such as embroidered linens (modern amenities, such as air-conditioning and jacuzzi are not neglected).

ROI SOLEIL will cruise two routes: Provence-Camargue between Avignon and Beziers in April, May and October, then spending the rest of the season on the Canal du Midi. Sightseeing is organized by Captain de Perthuis when he is aboard. When he is not, his owner-supervised crew is led by experienced and congenial Captain Finnegan Campfens and hostess Karen Whitehouse, both of whom we have met many times. Acclaimed 2006 and 2007 Chef Dean Sincock returns for 2008 as does guide Pijike Campfens, older brother of Finnegan Camfens and experienced barge guide.

Roi Soleil

Canal du Midi Barge Cruise Itinerary

Between Trebes and Bezier on the Canal du Midi
Trebes -
Cruise with the only Ultra-Deluxe barge on the Midi! The magnificent Canal du Midi was built in the 17th century and was an engineering marvel for its time. It is virtually unchanged for 300 years with its breathtaking flights of locks, stone bridges, enchanting villages and plane trees lining the canal.

Now classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, the Midi showcases sites from Roman and Medieval times and reflects the influence of many civilizations.

On the tree-lined route between Beziers and Carcassonne you'll explore:

Narbonne -
The first Roman colony outside of Italy. View remains of the Roman Road, the Via Domita, a fabulous museum, shopping, and strolling by the canal which bisects this town.

Carcassonne -
Europe's largest, extant Medieval City, a treasure trove of history; and atmosphere
Wine-tasting of up-and-coming wines of the Minervois and Carbieres, many new "boutique" producers.

Cruising France's most beautiful canal -
Bicycling, walking, informal cooking lessons, food markets, quaint villages, Cathar history - while being pampered, and educated by a top caliber crew!

Barge Lady guests really enjoy this route!

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 Barge cruises in Provence and hotel-barge Roi Soleil Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Roi Soleil

Guest Book

"One of the most delightful weeks we have ever spent on the water.  Great meals; warm, friendly, professional crew made it a great experience.  Attention to detail was amazing!"
-Gale and Ted Lingle, 2008

"We were expecting a wonderful trip experience and got an exceptional trip that surpassed all expectations. 
Thank you!"
-Valerie and Raymond Pike, 2008

"The food and wine, including the preparation, presentation, and service were simply outstanding.  The best!"
-Nick and Theresa Temple, 2008

"The barge trip was wonderful, accomodations fabulous, but most of all the staff - Finnegan, Karen, Dean and Pijke - made the trip. Excellent service - and yet so down to earth. Could not have been better."
-Susan Achenbach, 2007

"The crew was tremendous. Every meal was a great experience."
-Mark Walchak, 2007

"Thank you for all the coordination for our ROI SOLEIL cruise. We had a wonderful time. The crew couldn't have been more accomodating and gracious. Dean's cuisine was totally amazing: Some of the best food in my life! I would go again in a heartbeat!"
-Maria Grant, 2007

"A truly extraordinary experience. We can't wait to take the Rhone cruise."
-Jim Tilton and Rob Rabine, 2007

"Absolutely first rate. We have never barged, but have been on Seabourne, Silversea and Sea Dream. This was different, but equally luxurious. The crew was outstanding. We felt they were our friends"
-Donald Quest 2006

"We are always hesitant to 'revisit' a perfect vacation, but this was wonderful! The food was outstanding - as usual. Great attention was paid to setting each table differently. Dean was especially kind to do a few cooking demos for us - we learned valuable tips to employ at home. Very attentive to any food requests we had. All in all a wonderful repeat experience. The first time out we didn't know what to expect, it was a ' Wow.' The repeat was ' Wow Wow!' "
-Craig and Colleen Ligibel 2006 Repeat Guests

Roi Soleil Floor Plan

98 Feet long
-Three twin or queen cabins at 160 square feet, decorated with elegant French fabrics
-Open kitchen
-Elegant salon with fireplce, skylights and panoramic windows
-Paqrtially covered deck with dining table and small hot tub
-Second deck at rear