Napoléon overview
- Capacity 12 guests
- Crew members 6
- Booking type Private charter only
- Meeting point 1pm in Paris
- Price Starting from €6,084
“Napoleon can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests on three spacious levels as you cruise along the Rhône River, a thrilling journey to the grand cities and dramatic landscapes of Provence.”
Time melts away as you gaze on unsurpassed views of the French countryside. Endless vistas of tiled roofs, 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. Excursions lead to the wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the delightful towns of Avignon and Arles. Visit St Rémy, the birthplace of Nostradamus, and the ancient sites of Pont du Gard and Glanum.
After a morning tour, recline on deck or settle into the lavish salon and immerse yourself in the sun-drenched landscapes that inspired Cézanne and Van Gogh. The Belmond Napoleon displays the charm of the ever-popular Provencal décor. Rich fabrics in red, gold and green create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. A sun deck with Jacuzzi is located on the top deck. The main deck contains the living-room, dining room and the upper deck cabin. On the lower deck, you will find the remaining five ensuite cabins.
The 6 comfortable cabins are all located above the water line and have individually controlled air-conditioning. The double beds can be arranged as twins if desired. En-suite bathrooms, beautifully appointed with hand-made Provencal tiles, are fitted with a pedestal basin, a shower stall and a flush pumped WC.
Cabin
- Bed size: Double (5’4” x 6’3”) or Twin (2’7” x 6’3”)
Public area
- Lounge with piano keyboard
- Bose iPod docking station
- Satellite TV
- Selection of books, games, DVDs and CDs
- Dining room
- WiFi & Computer with internet access
- Sun deck area with Jacuzzi
- Sun loungers, plus a large canopy over part of the deck to provide a shaded dining area
- Size: 39m x 5.05m
Belmond Napoleon: Tain Hermitage to Chalon
TGV CHECK IN
A representative from Belmond Afloat in France will meet you at your hotel 60 minutes prior to the TGV departure. Your transfer pick-up time will be reconfirmed locally at your Paris hotel. After your check-in has been completed you will be escorted to your seats on board the TGV.
Train L’ Hermitage-Chalon sur Saone
Arrive: 09:00 Chalon sur Saone
Belmond Afloat in France Post Cruise Private Road Transfer to Paris
Transfer by road from the barge to Paris with fellow barge guests.
Route: Avignon to Tain
Region: Provence & Rhone Valley
Barges: Napoleon
Arrival mooring: Avignon
Nearest train station: Avignon Nearest Airport: Avignon Provence/ Nice or Marseille for International flights.
Departure mooring: Tain l’Hermitage OR Tournon
Nearest train station: Valence Ville Nearest Airport: Lyon St Exupery
Highlights
A walking tour of Arles, a perfect moment to discover this beautiful Roman city.
Pont du Gard: an incredible example of Roman architecture in peaceful surroundings, you can still swim in the river flowing underneath the bridge.
Visit the world-famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape, summer home of the popes from Avignon.
Pass through the Ecluse de Bollène, the second deepest lock in Europe with a drop of approximately 23 metres.
Grignan: learn about the black truffle, the aromas in this part of Provence are exquisite with lavender and herbes de Provence growing in the nearby fields.
Mr Ferraton’s winery: for a private wine tasting in this family domain, just a short walk from where the barge is moored.
Day One: Avignon, cruise to Aramon
Your cruise begins with a champagne reception to welcome you on board in Avignon and give you a chance to meet your crew, who will be with you for the duration of your fantastic voyage through the French countryside. An early evening cruise from Avignon to the Rural mooring of Aramon gives you your first delightful taste of life on the Rhône. 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 Two: Visit Arles. Cruise to Avignon
Your first day excursion takes you on a walking tour of Arles, famous for its Roman ruins and also where Van Gogh spent much of 1888 and ’89 painting. After your tour enjoy time at leisure in this charming town before returning to the barge for delicious lunch on board. Spend the afternoon on board as you cruise to Avignon and watch the scenery of the Rhône Valley drift by. Cruise past the Pont Saint-Bénezet (the famous Pont d’Avignon) before mooring up at the quay facing the gate to the walled city. Disembark to visit the Pont du Gard, part of the Roman aqueduct that transported spring water
from Uzès to Nîmes. Return to the Napoléon for drinks on the deck, followed by a sumptuous dinner.
Day Three: Cruise to Roquemaure Visit Avignon
A walking tour introduces you to the walled city of Avignon, home of the Popes from 1309-77. A guided tour of the Palace of the Popes is followed by free time to enjoy some shopping or perhaps order a drink in a pavement café and watch the world go by. Return to the barge where lunch is followed by an afternoon cruise. Visit the world-famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape, summer home of the popes from Avignon, for a delicious wine tasting experience, there after returning to the boat in Roquemaure to relax on top deck with a refreshing cocktail, watching the sunset in this magnificent rural mooring. Later on in the evening, enjoy dinner on board.
Day Four: Cruise to Viviers. 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 in Viviers, this evening’s mooring location, for a walking tour of this charming medieval town. Later, visit a local lavender farm before returning to the barge for dinner.
Day Five: Visit Grignan. Cruise to La Voulte
Today’s visit is to the delightful Provençal village of Grignan, famous for its wild roses and medieval château at the top of the town. Your guide takes you to visit a truffle farm to learn all about the world-famous black diamond and enjoy a tasting. Lunch is at a delightful local restaurant before returning to the barge and a cruise to the market village La Voulte. Enjoy dinner on board.
Day Six: Cruise to Tain l’Hermitage/Tournon
This morning your chef accompanies 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 specialties. 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 Mr Ferraton’s winery for your last dégustation. Enjoy a private tour and wine tasting just minutes from the barge. Back on board a farewell gala dinner, prepared by your chef, provides the perfect chance to reflect on the highlights of your memorable journey.
Day Seven: Tain
After breakfast the crew bids you farewell before you disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.
Please note route may be subject to change without prior warning as a result of unforeseen circumstances.
Rates 2019
- Private charter – Full board: from EUR €6,084 person based on 6passengers
- Open week – Full board – Twin/double cabin: from EUR €5,000 per person
- Single cabin supplement: €9,734
Availability is subject to change. Please contact us for current availability.
What is included?
- Six nights accommodation
- All gourmet meals prepared by your private chef
- All wines, bar, and refreshment drinks aboard
- Transfers to and from the barge from the designated meeting point
- Daily excursions with your tour guide in private vehicle
- Use of on-board facilities
Not included:
- Airfare to and from France
- Cancellation insurance and crew gratuity (suggested minimum amount is 5% of the cruise price
