The Napoléon is Europe’s finest river cruiser, combining all the amenities of a luxury hotel with the friendly ambience of a country inn. She is beautifully appointed with large picture windows that provide unsurpassed views of the countryside, accommodates up to 12 passengers. 

I T I N E R A R Y
SUNDAY, Day 1
Paris to Tain l’Hermitage 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 who transfers you to Tain l’Hermitage or Tournon where you board the barge. A champagne reception welcomes you and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening enjoy a wine tasting before your first delicious dinner on board.

MONDAY, Day 2
Tain l’Hermitage to Viviers Shortly after today’s bread and croissants have been bought from the local bakery the boat sets off and cruises to Viviers. Relax on the top deck and watch the beautiful scenery of the Rhône Valley glide by. Your guide has wine tasting on the agenda. Returning to the boat, continue your cruise and moor for the evening in Viviers, a charming medieval town. A walking tour of Viviers is a delight.

TUESDAY, Day 3
Viviers to St Etienne des Sorts Today your guide takes you to visit the Château de Grignan where the daughter of Madame de Sévigné resided. The collection of letters by the marquise de Sevigne to her daughter is considered a masterpiece of literature. A light lunch is taken at a local restaurant before the afternoon visit to a local truffle farm. Back on board you continue your cruise to St. Etienne des Sorts.

WEDNESDAY, Day 4
St Etienne des Sorts to Avignon This morning‘s excursion is to Château la Nerthe for a tasting of the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe. The afternoon cruise to Avignon is spectacular. Cruise past Le Pont St. Bénézet (the famous Pont d’Avignon) to the evening’s mooring at the quay opposite the gate to the walled city. Take an afternoon excursion to the Pont du Gard, part of the Roman aqueduct that transported spring water from Uzès to Nîmes.

THURSDAY, Day 5
Avignon to Arles Accompanying the chef to Avignon’s market for breakfast is a great opportunity to sample the produce before the market is really open for business. Following this is a walking tour of the walled city which includes a guided tour of the Palace of the Popes. Return to the boat where lunch awaits. The barge cruises to Arles for this evening’s mooring. This afternoon’s visit is to the cliff-top village of Les Baux.

FRIDAY, Day 6
Arles to Vallabrègues After breakfast your guide takes you on a walking tour of Arles, best known in modern times because Van Gogh spent much of his time painting here between 1888 and 1890. A late lunch is followed by a cruise to Vallabrègues. Later that afternoon you visit the lovely town of St Rémy also synonymous with Van Gogh and the birthplace of the famous French physician/astrologer Nostradamus. Meanwhile the chef is preparing a gala feast for the farewell dinner.

SATURDAY, Day 7
Avignon to Paris After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Avignon TGV station. Return to Paris (Gare de Lyon) on the TGV where you are met by our Afloat in France representative to assist you with your luggage.

On alternate weeks the itinerary is reversed and the meeting point changed.  This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change without notice.

From $4,840* per person based on double occupancy

From $6,050* per person based on single occupancy

Whole boat charters are available, please inquire for prices.

Accommodation with private bath or shower All meals with selected regional wines Liqueurs and bar drinks on board All sightseeing tours and admittance fees as stipulated Use of vessels’ bicycles and other facilities First Class TGV from PAris All transfers as specified

*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.  Seasonal supplements and blackout dates apply.