Napoleon: TAIN L'HERMITAGE TO AVIGNON

Board Napoléon 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 generous window, enjoy a private tasting and introduction to Northern Rhône Valley wines. Later, savour your first gastronomic experience on board, a perfect blend of seasonal delicacies, irresistible wines and balmy, bucolic views.

Unwind on deck this morning and drink in the captivating scenery of the Rhône Valley. After lunch on board, disembark with your guide for a walking tour of Viviers, a tiny medieval village brimming with historic charm. Explore its winding cobbled streets and impressive St Vincent Cathedral. Back at the barge, why not test your throwing skills in a traditional Provençal game of pétanque? Your efforts will be rewarded with refreshing cocktails and a sumptuous dinner on board.

Today's visit is to the delightful Provençal village of Grignan, famous for its wild roses and imposing medieval château. Madame de Sévigné stayed here 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. Rejoin the barge to continue your journey south, which takes you through the Ecluse de Bollène, a lock with one of the largest drops in Europe, measuring over 23 metres. Tonight, enjoy a scenic dinner on board in the rural mooring of Roquemaure. 

This morning's excursion is to Châteauneuf du Pape, summer home of the Avignon Popes but equally famous for its stunning wines. Enjoy a tour and a delicious tasting experience. Afterwards, return to the barge for a leisurely lunch and cruise to Avignon. Approaching the city, you pass the Pont Saint-Bénezet (the Last update: March 2023 famous Pont d’Avignon from the song) before mooring up at the quay opposite the gate to the walled city. Enjoy an afternoon 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. This evening, prepare for a wonderful dining experience in Avignon.

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 Napoléon for lunch and cruise further south to Aramon. From here, your guide leads you to Les Baux-de-Provence, considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. Perched on a rocky plateau, with a stone fortress and a host of architectural treasures, it’s a delight to explore at your own pace. Linger over the views of beautiful olive groves and the rugged Alpilles mountains before returning to the barge for dinner.

After breakfast, join your guide for a fascinating tour of Arles. With extraordinary Roman ruins, shady boulevards and colourful houses baking beneath the sun, Arles famously inspired the artist Van Gogh to paint hundreds of works here from 1888-9. Recently, the city skyline gained a striking, gleaming Frank Gehry tower, which houses the Luma Arles arts centre. Return to the barge for lunch as you cruise back towards Avignon. Later in the afternoon, visit the lovely town of Saint-Rémy, another Van Gogh haunt and the birthplace of Nostradamus. Meanwhile, your chef is busy 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.