Napoleon: AVIGNON TO TAIN L'HERMITAGE

Board Napoléon in Avignon for your cruise along the Rhône. Toast the start of your adventure with chilled champagne as you meet your dedicated crew and guide. After settling into your plush cabin, admiring the views through your window and from the inviting salon area, enjoy an early evening cruise to the rural mooring of Vallabregues. There, anticipate your first gastronomic experience on board, a perfect blend of seasonal delicacies, irresistible wines and balmy, bucolic views.

After a delicious breakfast of tempting pastries and local treats, alight with your guide for a walking tour of Arles. With extraordinary Roman ruins, shady boulevards and colourful houses baking beneath the sun, Arles famously inspired the artist Van Gogh, who painted hundreds of works here from 1888-9. Return to the barge for lunch as you cruise back to Avignon, mooring up close to one of the gates of the walled city. Enjoy an afternoon excursion at 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. This evening, a sumptuous dinner in a local restaurant awaits.

This morning, a walking tour introduces you to the walled city of Avignon, home of the Popes from 1309-77. Visit the magnificent Palais des Papes, the former papal palace, and enjoy free time to shop, sit in a gorgeous square watching the world go by or sample Avignon’s café society. Return to the barge for lunch and an afternoon cruise to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, summer residence of the Avignon popes, but equally famous for its stunning wines. Disembark for a tour and a private wine tasting before returning to the boat in Roquemaure to relax on deck. Sip a cocktail as you watch the sun set in this magnificent rural mooring. Later, enjoy dinner on board.

Unwind on board this morning and soak up the scenery on a leisurely cruise that passes through the Bollène-Écluse, a lock with a 23-metre drop, one of the longest in Europe. Savour a lunch of seasonal delicacies on board before arriving in Viviers. Alight 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 a chilled evening under the stars.

Today's visit is to the delightful Provençal village of Grignan, famous for its wild roses and 12th -century château at the top of the town. Madame de Sévigné stayed on many occasions and wrote some of her wittiest and most eloquent letters there, first published in 1725. Accompanied by your guide, visit a truffle farm to learn all about the world-famous black diamond and enjoy a precious tasting. Linger over lunch at a charming local restaurant before returning to the barge and cruising to La Voulte. Tonight, dinner is served on board.

This morning, your chef escorts you to a traditional French market in La Voulte, where you have the chance to pick out some local produce and discover more of the region's specialities. Enjoy a leisurely lunch back on board featuring the ingredients from your visit today. During this part of the cruise, the river valley is flanked by the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône and has a completely different perspective. Mooring in Tain or Tournon, you are escorted to a distinguished local winery, just a few steps from the barge, for a private tour and wine tasting. Back on board Napoléon, Chef is preparing an epicurean farewell feast. Relish the enchanting ambience as you exchange stories of your extraordinary trip.

Please check out this morning by 09:00. 

After breakfast, your crew bids you farewell as you disembark for your onward travel arrangements. We look forward to welcoming you back on board soon. 

Please note, in exceptional circumstances it may be necessary to alter the route without prior notice.