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Napoléon
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. 

The Napoléon cruises the Rhône between Arles and Tain l'Hermitage/Tournon; sun-drenched landscapes that inspired the great canvases of Cézanne and Van Gogh.  

A region full of sophisticated architecture dating back to the Roman civilization and ruins of fortifications, arenas and aqueducts that continue to amaze modern engineers.  The endless vistas of tiled roofs, lavender fields and olive groves are synonymous with Provence. 

Excursions are arranged to the wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the story book towns of Orange, Avignon, Arles, St Rémy, birthplace of Nostradamus and the ancient Roman and Greek ruins of Pont-du-Gard and Glanum.

The Journey Details

Napoléon  
Guests Twelve
Crew Six-Seven
 

Dimensions

 
Length 129 ft
Width (Beam) 17.5 ft
Decks 3
 
State Room 1 (upper deck)
Bedroom 12'5" x 7'2"
Bathroom (shower)   9'4" x 4'3"
 
State Rooms 2 - 6 (lower deck)  
Bedroom 14' x 7'4"
Bathroom (shower)   8' x 4'6"
    

Note : beds are changeable as double or twin

Facilities 

  • Air Conditioning
  • Games 
  • Hairdryer 
  • Hifi/Stereo (in salon) 
  • Intercom 
  • Piano (keyboard) 
  • Shaver Socket 110-220V (Converter available) 
  • Television (in cabin) 
  • Video (in cabin) 
  • Writing Desk

History
The Napoléon was converted from the hull of a commercial freight-carrying barge built in Belgium in 1963. She was one of the last commercial barges to have been built. 

The hull was purchased in Belgium and converted in a small shipyard in Bruges, in the north of Belgium. The woodwork was carried out by British ship's carpenters in Belgium. The various systems incorporated in the ship come from several European countries.

On board The Napoléon

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.

2007-08 Schedule
April-October, annual

Months Departure Dates

Journeys

Sep 2007

 02
09
16
23
30

Tain - Arles
Arles - Tain
Tain - Arles
Arles -  Tain
Tain - Arles

Oct 2007

07
14
21

Arles - Tain
Tain - Arles
St Jean - Lyon

Apr 2008  06
13
20
27

 Tain - Arles
Arles - Tain
Tain - Arles
Arles - Tain

May 2008 04
11
18
25

Tain - Arles
Arles - Tain
Tain - Arles
Arles - Tain

Jun 2008 01
08
15
22
29

Tain - Arles
Arles - Tain
Tain - Arles
Arles - Tain
Tain - Arles

Jul 2008

06
13
20
27

Arles - Tain
Tain - Tournus
Macon - St Jean
St Jean - Lyon

 Aug 2008

 03
10
17
24
31

Lyon - Avignon
Arles - Tain
Tain - Chalon
Chalon - Tain
Tain - Arles

 Sep 2008

  07
14
21
28

Arles - Tain
Tain -Arles
Arles - Tain
Tain - Arles

 Oct 2008

05
12
19
26

  Arles - Tain
Tain - Arles
Arles - Tain
Tain - St Jean



Prices

6 nights  2007  2008
12 passengers

£ 32,220

£ 33,460

10 passengers

£ 28,780

£ 29,920

8 passengers

£ 25,340

£ 26,380

Individual fare

 £ 2,720

 £ 2,830

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.

What's Included

  • Eurostar (Leisure Select Class) between London and Paris
  • First-class TGV train from Paris to the destination station
  • 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
  • All transfers     

Gratuities and Insurance are not included.

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

Sunday- Depart London by Eurostar for your journey to Paris. In Paris, take the TGV train and travel to the French city of Valence. On arrival, your Afloat in France guide escorts you to Tain l'Hermitage or Tournon where you board the Napoléon for a champagne reception.

Monday- Shortly after bread and croissants have been bought from the local bakery, set off and cruise to Viviers. Relax on board and watch the beautiful scenery
of the Rhône Valley glide by before taking a walking tour of this medieval town.

Tuesday- Take a guided visit to the Château de Grignan where the daughter of Madame de Sévigné resided. Today, you have the choice to have lunch off the barge, before a visit to a local truffle farm. Back on board, continue to St-Etienne-des-Sorts.

Wednesday- Morning excursion to Château la Nerthe for a tasting of the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.The afternoon cruise to Avignon is spectacular. Cruise past Le Pont St-Bénezet (the famous Pont d'Avignon) and then make an excursion to the Pont du Gard, a magnificent Roman aqueduct.

Thursday- Visit Avignon and enjoy a walking tour of the walled city, including a guided tour of the Palais de Papes. Later, cruise to Arles with an afternoon visit to the village of Les Baux which you can discover at your own pace.

Friday- After breakfast go 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. Lunch is served while cruising to Vallabrègues. Later, visit the lovely town of St-Rémy, the birthplace of the famous French physician/astrologer Nostradamus, before an olive oil tasting in a traditional 18th century Provencal Bastide.

Saturday- After breakfast, transfer to Avignon for your return train journey to London.