Deluxe

Napoleon

France, Provence
Cruise Along the Rhone River

Check-in Time / Location 1:00 PM in Paris

Capacity
12 Guests
Crew Members
6
Booking Type
Charter & Cabin bookings

Napoleon brings the best of barge cruising and river cruising together in a uniquely elegant hybrid. Napoleon’s route covers 90 miles, revealing eminent Roman ruins, exact scenes painted by Impressionist artists, and charming hilltop villages — indeed, the region is rich with prized relics and artisan delights waiting to be discovered.

This palatial vessel boasts three levels, including a spacious deck devoting 800 square feet to the pleasures of outdoor living. Lucky guests enjoy the comforts of a hot tub, reclining deck chairs, and a special “al fresco” dining area. Exquisite French-style furnishings and accent pieces define the supremely comfortable salon, while the indoor dining room boasts what 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.

Cabins are tastefully decorated with country cottage flair, boasting clever storage and beautifully tiled bathrooms. Cuisine focuses on the region’s rustic Provincial fare through a modern presentation, and wine pairings specific to the Rhone Valley are served often. On-shore gourmet treats include private wine tastings, black truffle hunting, and the trip to the local produce market with Chef, while an attentive crew catering to every need furthers the many amenities found onboard barge Napoleon.

Unlike barging in other locations, it is not possible to bicycle or walk alongside the vessel as it cruises; however, once moored, active guests can disembark to explore port towns and the surrounding countryside by bicycle or on foot.

Accommodations & Amenities View Deck Plan

Accommodations
  • 129 ft long, 6’6” – 6’9” ceiling height throughout
  • 6 cabins ranging 130 – 140 s ft
  • 1 upper deck cabin, 130 sq ft, 6’6” ceiling height
  • 5 lower deck cabins, 140 sq ft, 6’7” ceiling height
  • Choice of one queen or two twin beds
  • Ensuite Bathrooms with shower
  • Ample storage space in cabins
  • Salon
  • Dining room
  • Deck with Canopy
  • Outdoor dining space and seating
Amenities
Chauffeured Guided Sightseeing
Chauffeured Guided Sightseeing
Daily Housekeeping
Daily Housekeeping
WiFi (service fluctuates)
WiFi (service fluctuates)
Private Chef
Private Chef
Open Bar
Open Bar
Bicycles and Helmets
Bicycles and Helmets
Air Conditioning/Heating
Air Conditioning/Heating
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Bathrobe
Bathrobe
Safe
Safe
Hot Tub on Deck
Hot Tub on Deck
Iron and Ironing Board (on request)
Iron and Ironing Board (on request)
Sound System
Sound System
220 volt outlets
220 volt outlets

Itineraries

Travel from Avignon to La Voulte-sur-Rhone on the River Rhone

Bicycling Opportunities:
Limited 
 (Bicycling is completely optional.)
Sunday
Welcome Aboardsunday image
Welcome Aboard
Travel: Paris to Avignon
Meals: Dinner onboard

In the afternoon, you will be met in the lobby of your Paris hotel by a transfer agent and chauffeured to the Gare de Lyon Train Station. Your cruise includes round trip First Class train tickets between Paris and Provence. As you alight at the Avignon TGV Station, a member of Napoleon crew will be on the platform and will chauffeur you to the barge moored at the historic gates of Avignon. Toast the start of your adventure with chilled champagne as you meet your dedicated crew. After settling into your cabin, enjoy an early evening cocktail cruise past the famous Pont (bridge) d’Avignon. Then experience your first gourmet dinner on board, a perfect blend of seasonal delicacies, irresistible wines and balmy, bucolic views.

Monday
Fabulous Day = Two Sightseeing Highlights!monday image
Fabulous Day = Two Sightseeing Highlights!
Travel: Avignon to Vallabregues
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

This morning, your Tour Guide presents Châteauneuf du Pape, summer residence of the Avignon popes, but equally famous for its stunning wines. Visit a winery and taste their prestigious reds. Over lunch on board, cruise to the rural mooring of Vallabrègues. This afternoon explore the Roman heritage of Provence at the magnificent Pont du Gard, part of the aqueduct system that transported spring water from Uzès to Nîmes. Return to Napoléon for refreshing aperitifs and dinner on board.

Tuesday
In the Footsteps of Van Gogh in Arlestuesday image
In the Footsteps of Van Gogh in Arles
Travel: Vallabregues to Avignon
Meals: Breakfast & lunch onboard, dinner ashore

After a delicious breakfast of tempting pastries and local treats, your Tour Guide escorts you on a walking tour of Arles. With extraordinary Roman ruins, shady boulevards and colourful houses baking beneath the sun, Arles famously inspired Impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh, who painted hundreds of works here from 1888-9. Return to the boat for lunch as you cruise back to Avignon, mooring up close to the walled city. There is time to begin exploring this enchanting town on your own, followed by dinner in a local auberge.

Wednesday
Culinary Day in Avignon with Chefwednesday image
Culinary Day in Avignon with Chef
Travel: Avignon to Roquemaure
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

This morning, join your Chef for an unforgettable culinary experience in the heart of Avignon. Explore the bustling Les Halles market as he guides you to select the most inspiring fresh produce. Back in his kitchen, you’ll learn the secrets of traditional recipes, rich in aromatic herbes de Provence and sun-ripened vegetables. Finish by savouring the fruits of your labour over a convivial lunch. Then continue your discovery of Avignon. Explore at your own pace, visiting attractions such as the magnificent Palais des Papes, head to the enticing shops, or pause to sample Avignon’s vibrant café culture. Return to Napoléon late afternoon and sail to the beautiful rural mooring of Roquemaure, where dinner is served.

Thursday
Intoxicating Lavender Farmthursday image
Intoxicating Lavender Farm
Travel: Roquemaure to Viviers
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

Unwind on deck this morning and soak up the scenery on a cruise through the Bollène-Écluse, a lock with a 75 foot drop, one of the deepest in Europe. Linger over a lunch of seasonal delicacies on board before arriving in Viviers. Disembark 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 perhaps an after-dinner soak in the hot tub – and under the stars.

Friday
Ancient Roses and Modern Trufflesfriday image
Ancient Roses and Modern Truffles
Travel: Viviers to La Voulte-sur-Rhone
Meals: Breakfast & dinner onboard, lunch ashore

Accompanied by your Tour Guide, first discover the fortified Medieval village of Grignan, famous for its antique rose gardens and 12th-century château at the top of the town. Then it’s off to a truffle farm to encounter the world-famous black diamond and enjoy a precious tasting. Lunch at a charming local restaurant before returning to Napoleon and a late-afternoon river cruise to La Voulte sur-Rhone. Meanwhile, Chef is in the kitchen preparing a Final Feast. Reminisce about the sights, tastes and scenes of your Napoleon adventure in Provence!

Saturday
A Sad Farewellsaturday image
A Sad Farewell
Travel: departure from La Voulte-sur-Rhone
Meals: Breakfast onboard

Checking out no later than 9:00 am, you will be chauffeured to the closest train station for your return trip to Paris. You will be provided with First Class tickets for a morning train, arriving midday at the Gare de Lyon Train Station. Upon arrival, a Napoleon representative will meet you on the platform and transfer your entire party to a single location of your party’s choice in central Paris. The services of the Napoleon end at this single location.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.

Gourmet Dining

Lunch
  • Warm Potato Salad with Asparagus and Poached Egg
  • Dijon Mustard Encrusted Veal Filet
  • Cheeses: Brie du Meaux and Comte
  • Seasonal Fruit Platter
  • A Selection of Coffees, Teas, and Biscuits
  • 1 Lunch Ashore Inclusive of the Cruise Rate
Dinner
  • Quail Egg and Caviar Tartlet
  • Filet d’Boeuf with Feta and Rosemary Potato Smash, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, and Wilted Spinach Salad
  • Cheeses: Camembert and Epoisse
  • Chocolate Roulade filled with a Coffee Cream
  • A Selection of After Dinner Drinks
  • 1 Dinner Ashore Inclusive of the Cruise Rate
Wine
  • Chorey les Beaune, Domaine Drouhin
  • Chateauneuf de Pape
  • Corton Grand Cru, Domaine Pernaud
  • Pouilly Fumé 2004, Guy Saget
  • Saint Veran 2003, Cave de Prisse-Sologny-Verze
  • Morey St Denis, Domaine Perroneau

Rates & Dates

Dates

2025 Regular Season Departures

April 6-12, 13-19, 20-26, 27-3
May 4-10, 11-17, 18-24, 25-31
June 1-7, 8-14, 15-21, 22-28, 29-5
July 6-12, 13-19, 20-26, 27-2
August 3-9, 10-16, 17-23, 24-30, 31-6
September 7-13, 14-20, 21-27, 28-4
October 5-11, 12-18, 19-25, 26-1

Additional Details

Included in the rate
  • 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
  • Round trip train transfers to and from Paris
  • A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
  • All meals onboard and ashore from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
  • All wines served with lunches and dinners both onboard and ashore
  • Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
  • Unlimited use of onboard amenities such as bicycles and the hot tub
Not included in the rate
  • International airfare
  • Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
  • Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

 

Dates

2026 Regular Season Departures

April 5-11, 12-18, 19-25, 26-2
May 3-9, 10-16, 17-23, 24-30, 31-6
June 7-13, 14-20, 21-27, 28-4
July 5-11, 12-18, 19-25, 26-1
August 2-8, 9-15, 16-22, 23-29, 30-5
September 6-12, 13-19, 20-26, 27-3
October 4-10, 11- 17, 18-24, 25-31

Additional Details

Included in the rate
  • 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
  • Round trip train transfers to and from Paris
  • A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
  • All meals onboard and ashore from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
  • All wines served with lunches and dinners both onboard and ashore
  • Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
  • Unlimited use of onboard amenities such as bicycles and the hot tub
Not included in the rate
  • International airfare
  • Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
  • Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

 

Are you ready to immerse in the scenic
splendor of Provence?

Plan Your Cruise