The Picture Perfect Week aboard Napoleon, for up to twelve guests, will depart Tain l'Hermitage in the Rhône Valley and head towards Arles in Provence.
Hightlights of the trip include the Lock of Bolléne, one of the deepest in Europe, a visit to Châteauneuf-du-Pape and time to discover Arles. Van Gogh painted his famous Starry Night in this picturesque town and David will encourage guests to create their own masterpiece in the same spot. The journey will depart St Leger on the 29th July.
Cruise to Viviers
Painting at Viviers Relax on top deck and watch the beautiful scenery of the Rhône Valley glide by as the barge cruises downstream towards Viviers. Mid-afternoon, the boat moors in this charming medieval town. We find a wonderful position just down river from where the Napoleon will moor, this site looks up on to the village and then finally to the cathedral on the top of the hill. The sunlight in Provence is ideal for painting, and today is a perfect place to take your first art lesson.
Cruise to St Etienne des Sorts
Painting at Grignan After breakfast, we take a scenic drive through the countryside to Grignan. Here, we spend the morning painting, from a position that overlooks the entire town. Grignan is famous for its fields of purple lavender, which are so picturesque. Lunch is taken at a local restaurant. We return to the barge and continue our journey south. This afternoon we pass through the Lock (Ecluse) of Bollene, which is one of the deepest in Europe, measuring over 23 metres. Tonight we moor in the quiet village of Saint-Etienne-des-Sorts.
Cruise to Avignon
Painting at Avignon This morning we continue our cruise towards Avignon. We stop en route to visit Chateauneuf de Pape for a wine tasting at the magnificent Chateau la Nerthe. We return to the boat for a lunch cruise into Avignon, a walled city of great beauty. We cruise alongside the Pont-Saint-Bénezet (the famous Pont d'Avignon) before mooring at the quay opposite the gate to the walled city. We then transfer across the river to the Ile de la Barthelasse, for an amazing view of the Palais des Papes and the Pont-Saint-Bénezet for an afternoon of painting. There is simply an unbeatable view of thsi wonderful town and with David's assistance you are sure to paint a truly stunning picture.
Cruise to Arles
Visit Les Baux de Provence During the morning, the boat continues to cruise south towards the Roman city of Arles. After lunch you are transferred to the hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence, set in the heart of Provence. This is an outstanding village; with the beautiful church of St Vincent and a hilltop château overlooking the valley towards the Mediterranean Sea. There are pictures to be painted at every corner. We return to the boat, which has now moored in Arles. This is where Van Gogh painted his famous Starry Night. Perhaps take the same position by the wall, and create your own Starry Night painting!
Cruise to Vallebregues
Visit Arles and Painting at a Provencal bastide After breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Arles, best known because Van Gogh painted here between 1888 and 1890. Lunch will be served while cruising to Vallabrégues. Later that afternoon we visit a traditional 18th century Provencal bastide with 15,000 olive trees. There are plenty of scenes to paint in this location, choose either the beautiful property or simply a single olive tree. Meanwhile the chef is busy on board preparing your farewell gala dinner.
Saturday - Avignon After breakfast, disembark the barge.
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
* Contact us for more information, availability and prices of this special cruise.
Cabin Pricing
Ports
Viviers
Viviers consists of a lower town, where tradesmen and artisans once lived, and an upper or religious town that was the seat of a bishop during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance The upper walled town is an attractive warren of narrow cobbled streets with stone houses, a cathedral, and a castle terrace that offers spectacular views of the rooftops and river below.
Country - France Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 85kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest The House of the Knights, Roman Bridge, The Tower of the Michaelmas
Avignon
Take your time wandering about the streets of Avignon, The ancient streets, the courtyards of the private mansions, the renovated facades will all charm you! One of the most elegant streets is the rue Joseph Vernet, adjacent to the Calvet museum and the Requien Museum. Don't miss the Antiquaire quarter, the Place de l'Horloge or the Chemin de Ronde which will take you to the Rocher des Doms. From the top of the ramparts you can understand why the site was chosen for a fort: Avignon stands high above the immense plains of the Rhône River and is the strategic point of the whole valley.
Country - France Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 8kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest
Palace of the Popes, Opera House, Museum of Painting and Sculpture, Pont d'Avignon
Arles
Enjoying more than 300 days of sunshine a year Arles is regarded as the land of light. Both Picasso and Cezanne tested their artistic flair in Arles but it was Vincent Van Gogh who completely fell in love with this region and created over 200 pieces in just one year. Despite Van Gogh creating so many of masterpieces in Arles none of his works have remained in the area.
Country - France Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 35kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Van Gogh Foundation, Bullfighting Arena, Roman Baths
Afloat in France - Napoleon Barge Cabin Info
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Orient Express Trains & Cruises
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Afloat in France - Napoleon Barge
Europe's finest river cruiser, the Napoleon combines the luxury of a hotel by Orient-Express with the friendly ambience of a country inn. Voyage along the River Rhone while reclining on deck or seated in the lavish salon, then step out into sun-drenched landscapes that inspired Cezanne and Van Gogh.
Time melts away as you gaze on unsurpassed views of the French countryside. Endless vistas of tiled roofs, historic monuments, lavendar fields and olive groves are all typical of this part of Provence, a region with a sophistocated culture dating back to Roman times.
Excursions lead to the wine region of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and the delightful towns of Avignon and Arles. Visits to St Remy, birthplace of Nostradamus and the ancient sites of Pont du Gard and Glanum are also part of the action packed agenda.
The Napoleon can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests on three spacious levels. A sun deck with Jacuzzi and exercise equipment is located at the top deck. The main deck contains the salon, dining room and one state cabin. On the lower deck you will find the remaining five guest cabins. The boat is airconditioned throughout.
Facilities
Peaceful hours lounging by the sundeck can be interspersed with lively excursions ashore. Bikes are stored on board, ready for a gentle peddle to a nearby country market.
On board facilities include:
Air conditioning
Games
Bose iPod docking station
Bicycles and Maps
Tennis Rackets and Balls
Hifi/Stereo (in Salon)
Intercom
Piano (keyboard)
Shaver Socket 110-220V (converter available)
Hairdryer
Television (in cabin)
DVD (in cabin)
Writing desk
Guest computer with Internet access (in Salon)
Onboard Services
Mail Service/Stamps for sale
Newspaper
Photo film for sale
Souvenirs
Telephone
Guest Computer with Internet access (in Salon)
Safe - one central for Barge
Offboard Services
Dry Cleaning
Hair Dresser
Religious Services
Restaurants - reservations can be made
Doctor/Dentist/Nurse
