Itineraries

Vallée du Rhone - Saône - Provence (Central and Southern France)

The Napoléon cruises the Vallée du Rhône between Arles and Tain l’Hermitage a region full of sophisticated architecture dating back to the Roman civilization and ruins of fortifications, arenas and aqueducts. 

The endless vistas of tiled roofs, lavender fields and olive groves are all synonymous with this region. Excursions are arranged to the wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Avignon, Arles, St Rémy, birthplace of Nostradamus and the ancient Roman and Greek ruins of Pont-du-Gard.

Schedule
April-October, annually

Prices

Quoted prices are from and may vary depending on the season.
Private hire for up to 12 passengers or individual bookings, based on double occupancy. 


More about the barge  |  Info & Booking Request

What’s Included

• 6 nights accommodation on board your péniche-hôtel
• Breakfast, lunch and candlelit dinner each day
• Refreshments on board after excursions
• Wine with meals, liqueurs and bar drinks on board
• Sightseeing excursions, including entrance fees
• Use of bicycles
• Air-conditioned mini-van with driver for sightseeing    

Gratuities and Insurance are not included.


Sample a Journey
Tain L’Hermitage To Arles aboard The Napoléon 

Sunday - Paris to Tain l'Hermitage/Tournon
Depart Paris Gare de Lyon in the afternoon on the TGV train. On arrival at Valence, you are met by the Afloat in France guide and transferred to the barge at Tain l'Hermitage or Tournon. A champagne reception gives you a chance to meet the crew. Once settled on-board, enjoy your first wine tasting at Mr Ferraton's winery. 

Monday - Cruise to Viviers
Relax on the top deck and watch the beautiful scenery of the Rhône Valley glide by as the barge cruise to Viviers. Mid-afternoon, your guide takes you on a walking tour of this charming medieval town before returning to the boat to play traditional Provençal game "Petanque".

Tuesday - Visit Nyons. Cruise to St. Etienne des Sorts 
After breakfast, a scenic drive takes you through the countryside to visit Nyons, a typical Provencal village, with a working lavender distillery and an 18th century olive mill.  Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the scenic Grignan.  Before rejoining the barge, stop at a truffle farm to learn all about The Black Diamond and taste this expensive mushroom.  Back on board the barge continues cruising to St. Etienne des Sorts.

Wednesday - Visit Châteuneuf-du-Pape. Cruise to Avignon. Visit Pont du Gard. 
This morning's excursion is to the charming village of Châteuneuf du Pape for a wine tasting.  Return to the barge for lunch and cruise to Avignon, past Le Pont St. Bénézet (the famous Pont d' Avignon) before mooring at the quay opposite the gate to the walled city.  Take an afternoon excursion to the magnificent Pont du Gard, part of the Roman aqueduct that transported spring water from Uzès to Nîmes.

Thursday - Tour of Avignon. Cruise to Arles. Visit les Baux.
Avignon was home of the Popes between 1309 and 1377 and is magnificent.  Enjoy a walking tour of the walled city, including a guided tour of the Palace of the Popes.  There will be free time to visit the many shops, or perhaps just to sit in one of the numerous pavement cafes and simply watch the world go by.  Return to the boat where lunch awaits.  During the afternoon the barge cruises to Arles while your guide takes you to the village of Les Baux for you you to discover at your own pace.

Friday -  Visit Arles.  Cruise to Vallabrègues.  Visit St Rémy. 
After breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Arles, best known because Van Gough painted here between 1888 and 1890.  Lunch is served while cruising to Vallabrègues.  Later this afternoon visit the lovely town of St Rémy, also synonymous with Van Gough and the birthplace of Nostradamus.  On your way back to the boat enjoy an olive oil tasting in a traditional 18th century "Provencal Bastide" where 15,000 olive trees are growing.  Meanwhile the Chef is busy back on board preparing youe farewell gala dinner.

Saturday - Lyon to Paris.
After breakfast disembark and transfer to Avignon station. Board the TGV to Paris, Gare de Lyon, where you are met by the Afloat in France representative who will assist you with your luggage.

More about the barge  |  Info & Booking Request