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 | Avignon to 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
One week only – 30 July 2023
Join 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 the barge moored in Avignon for your cruise along the Rhône river. A champagne reception welcomes you aboard and gives you the chance to meet your crew. Once you are settled in, experience your first taste of cruising as you head to our rural mooring at Aramon. Later in the
evening, experience the superb skills of our chef. The cuisine is a real highlight of your trip, particularly when accompanied by wines from France’s finest vineyards.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to Avignon | Tour of Arles and Pont du Gard
After a delicious breakfast of local specialities, join your guide for a tour of Arles, where Van Gogh created some of his most celebrated paintings between 1888 and 1890. Enjoy time at leisure in the charming town before returning to the barge for a delicious lunch on board. Cruise to Avignon, watching the scenery of the Rhône Valley drift by. You’ll pass the Pont Saint-Bénezet (the famous Pont
d’Avignon from the song) before mooring up at the quay opposite the gate to the walled city. Enjoy an afternoon’s excursion to 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. Return to the boat for an indulgent dinner on
board.
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to Roquemaure | Tour of Avignon and Châteauneuf du Pape
A walking tour introduces you to the walled city of Avignon, home of the Popes from 1309-77. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the Palais des Papes, followed by free time to enjoy some shopping or perhaps relax at a pavement café and watch the world go by.
Return to the barge, where lunch is followed by an afternoon cruise. Visit the charming village of Châteauneuf du Pape, summer
home of the Avignon Popes, for a delicious wine-tasting experience. Return to the boat and relax on the top deck with a refreshing cocktail, watching the sun set from your idyllic rural mooring. Later in the evening, savour a sumptuous dinner on board
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Viviers | Tour a medieval town, visit a lavender farm
This morning, enjoy a leisurely cruise as we pass through the Ecluse de Bollène, the second deepest lock in Europe with a drop of approximately 23 metres. After lunch, arrive at our evening mooring location of Viviers and embark on a walking tour of the charming medieval town, exploring its winding cobbled streets and impressive St Vincent Cathedral, the smallest in France. Later, visit a fragrant lavender farm before returning to the barge for dinner.
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to La Voulte | Excursion to Grignan, discover the 'black diamond'
Today’s visit is to the enchanting Provençal village of Grignan, famous for its wild roses and imposing medieval château. Your guide also accompanies you to a truffle farm to learn all about the world-famous black diamond and enjoy a precious tasting. Lunch is at a delightful local restaurant.
Rejoin the barge in the afternoon and cruise to the attractive town of La Voulte. Dinner is served on board.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to Tain l'Hermitage | Discover a French market and wine-tasting
Join your chef this morning for a visit to a traditional French market in La Voulte. Pick out some local produce and discover the region’s specialities. Back on board, these ingredients will be transformed into a delicious lunch.
During this part of the cruise, the river valley is flanked by Côtes du Rhône vineyards and has a completely different perspective. Alight to visit a distinguished local winery, just a few steps from the barge, for your last dégustation. After a private tour and tasting, return to the barge, where your chef is preparing an exquisite farewell dinner. Raise a toast to your adventure as you share stories and reflect on your journey’s highlights.
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.
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..
Photo Gallery
Barge Napoleon cruises through Burgundy and Provence
– [below] In the region: Besancon, River Saone, Canal de Bourgogne, Vandenesse-en-Auxois, Burgundy Route des Vins, Dijon, Macon –
Besancon ©M Akpovi | Beaune ©Michael Evans | Tasting ©bringingburgundytoyou.com| Others ©FW, wikimedia, n/a
– [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
2023
Charter and Cabin bookings
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
All pricing is dynamic and based on demand.
Low season rate weeks:
12 guest full charter: 63,792 EUR
Value season rate weeks:
12 guest full charter: 70,875 EUR
High season rate weeks:
12 guest full charter: 86,628 EUR
Peak season rate weeks:
12 guest full charter: 95,291 EUR
Open Sailing per person: 7,665 EUR
Single occpancy supplement: add 60%
2024
Charter and Cabin bookings
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
All pricing is dynamic and based on demand.
Low season rate weeks:
12 guest full charter: 63,792 EUR
Value season rate weeks:
12 guest full charter: 70,875 EUR
High season rate weeks:
12 guest full charter: 86,628 EUR
Peak season rate weeks:
12 guest full charter: 95,291 EUR
Open Sailing per person: 7,665 EUR
Single occpancy supplement: add 60%
Hotel Barge Enquiry
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
