Roi Soleil
Cruising in Provence

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

Provence
In 2009, Roi Soleil will cruise in the Provence-Camague between the dates
May 3 and May 30 and October 4 and October 31.  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 Béziers 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 Chef Dean Sincock is also back on board and winning rave reviews from 2007 guests. Joining the crew in 2007 is guide Pijke Campfens, older brother of captain Finnegan Campfens and experienced barge guide.

Roi Soleil
Provence-Camargue Itinerary

Between Avignon and Agde

From Avignon or from Vallabregues:
- The Pope’s Palace
- Châteauneuf du Pape (tasting with the winemaker himself)
- Pont du Gard
- Uzès
(similar to St. Remy but with much more elaborate architecture)
- St. Quentin la Pottery
(A center for traditional and contemporary earthenware)
- Village fairs, artisans and bull racing

From Arles:
- Arles city with its Roman and Medieval history and architecture; van Gogh tour; shopping; cafes
- St. Remy de Provence
- Beaux de Provence
- Roman ruins
- Isle sur la Sorgue antique dealers
- Villages of Provence

From Aigues Mortes:
- The battlement tower
- Shops and art galleries
- Bull ranches with Camargue “cowboys”
- Bird watching

From Cabannes du Roc:
- Montpellier historic center, shops, antiques
- Wine tasting in historic domains

From Sète, easterly approach:
- Walk along the Mediterranean
- Sète historic center; lively market
- Panoramic view from Mont-St.-Clair

From Marseillan:
- Wine tasting
- Valmagne Abbey

From Agde:
- City of Agde
- Pézenas and shops

Barge Lady guests really enjoy this route!
September 2004 guest Maureen Hesney said: “I enjoyed the fish market, olive oil tastings, Medieval towns: all of it! Love the ‘ranch’ in the Camargue!” She added: “The dining experience was beyond superb. Best food we had in France – and that is saying a lot!” 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

"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 benn 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 to 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