Summary
Short description
Luxury barging from Belmond
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Highlights
- Discover gastronomy both gourmet and traditional in 18th century olive mills and world-renowned wineries
- Explore the medieval towns that dot the Rhône's storied banks
- Stop in to see Arles' Roman ruins and leafy squares where Van Gogh painted more than 200 works
- Discover picturesque villages as you sample the Rhone's finest wines
In Brief
- 1 Night Aramon
- 1 Night Avignon
- 1 Night Roquemaure
- 1 Night Nyons
- 1 Night Grignan
- 1 Night Tain-l'Hermitage
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Food & wine | History & culture | River cruise
With space for just 12 guests and a raft of activities that include everything from champagne receptions, lavish gala dinners and wine tastings to guided tours of fortified cities, truffle farms and olive mills, this Belmond canal cruise is among the most indulgent and exclusive ways to celebrate the beauty and bounty of southern France. You’ll sail from Avignon to Tain. There’s even time for a game or two of on-deck pétanque.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Paris to Avignon
Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord and transfer by train to your luxury Belmond barge, departing from Avignon. Begin life on board with a champagne reception and the chance to make the acquaintance of the private guide, crew and your fellow guests. Enjoy an early evening cruise to the rural mooring location of Aramon and the first of your on board gourmet dinners, accompanied by the region’s finest labels, of course.
Stay: Belmond Barge Napoleon (Deluxe)
Meals: D
Day
2
Arles
After breakfast, watch the landscapes of the Rhône Valley drift by as you cruise to Arles, famous for its Roman ruins. Van Gogh also stayed here from 1888 to 1889. Return to the barge for lunch, relax as you cruise to Avignon past the famous Pont Sant Benezet. Moor opposite the city gates, then visit the spectacular Pont du Gard aqueduct. Enjoy drinks on deck followed by dinner.
Stay: Belmond Barge Napoleon (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
3
Avignon
After breakfast, tour Avignon, home to the Popes of Avignon in the 1300s. Enjoy a guided walk around the city, and the Palace of the Popes. Take time to peruse the shops or sample cafe culture at your leisure. Return to the barge for lunch, then visit the famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape vineyard. Enjoy a wine tasting before continuing the cruise to Roquemaure.
Stay: Belmond Barge Napoleon (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
4
Nyons
Cruise to Viviers, passing through the Bolene lock, with is 23-metre drop, After lunch take a leisurely stroll around the medieval town with your private guide. In the afternoon visit Nyons, a typical village of Provence, and visit a lavender distillery.
Stay: Belmond Barge Napoleon (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
5
Grignan
This morning is spent at the picturesque village of Grignan, famed for its medieval chateau. Continue to a truffle farm to learn about and taste the world-renowned delicacy before lunch at a local restaurant. Rejoin the barge for dinner.
Stay: Belmond Barge Napoleon (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
6
La Voulte
Visit a colourful market in La Voulte with the barge chef, pick out ingredients for lunch, which will be prepared for you back on board, cruise past the vineyards of the Cotes du Rhone to Tain or Tournon. Visit Chez Ferraton, whose winery is a stroll away, and enjoy a tasting and tour. Back on board dine on a wonderful farewell gala dinner.
Stay: Belmond Barge Napoleon (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
7
Tain L'Hermitage to Paris to UK
After breakfast disembark in Tains L'Hermitage and board to train to Paris to catch your connecting flight.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
7-day luxury river cruise
from £8,430 pp incl. flights
Deluxe
Includes
- Return Eurostar in Business Premier between London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nore
- Return transfers between Paris and Avignon
- Double cabin
- Table d'hote meals and complimentary beverages
- All excursions including exclusive use of onboard bicycles alongside the river
- Private guides
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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Exclusive 2025 departure savings – Save up to £495pp
Book by: 31 December 2024
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