Paris Luxury Barge In Provence and The French Riviera

Welcome at Paris airport and VIP transfer to your hotel.

Dinner on your own at the hotel’s restaurant or we recommend this “bib Michelin” restaurant “le Pantruche”.  “Pantruche”, it’s Paris in slang… A fitting name for this bistro with a retro-chic decor, which happily cultivates the lively and mischievous atmosphere of the 1940s-1950s. On the palate, the chef and his small team concoct beautifully executed seasonal dishes, right in line with the bistronomic trend. An example? The Grand Marnier soufflé, creamy and light, worthy of a grand dining experience. From the sidewalk, this place may seem like any other: don’t miss out! We book for you.

HOTEL LE BALLU – 4**** (superior room). Hôtel Le Ballu is a chic and elegant four-star hotel located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, close to the vibrant Montmartre district and the iconic Opéra Garnier. The hotel combines modern comfort with historical charm, creating an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere.

Features and Services

Unique Design: The hotel stands out with its Art Deco design, featuring refined interiors and custom-made furniture that create a warm and welcoming ambiance.

Rooms and Suites: Spacious and luxurious, the rooms and suites offer high-end amenities such as king-size beds, marble bathrooms, and private balconies in some rooms.

Restaurant and Bar: The hotel’s restaurant serves contemporary French cuisine, crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The bar is an ideal spot to unwind with a cocktail or a glass of wine.

Wellness Facilities: Le Ballu also boasts a spa, an indoor pool, and a fitness room, allowing guests to relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploring Paris.

Prime Location: Situated in a lively yet peaceful neighborhood, the hotel provides easy access to major tourist attractions, luxury shops, and numerous Parisian cafes and restaurants.

Guest Experience
Guests at Hôtel Le Ballu particularly appreciate the attention to detail and the quality of service. The staff is known for being welcoming and attentive, ensuring a memorable stay for all visitors.

Breakfast.

VIP guided tour to discover the headlights of Paris.  Climb to the Eiffel Tower.

For lunch we recommend restaurant 20 Eiffel: We recommend this Michelin bib restaurant located near the Eiffel Tower. We book for you.

In a residential street just steps away from the Eiffel Tower, this restaurant welcomes you in a simple and bright setting. On the plate, you’ll find traditional cuisine, with a touch of more contemporary recipes. Today, a generous deer terrine, and a classic “Mont-Blanc” made according to tradition. Even though the sweet soufflé still holds its position as the signature dessert here… almost.

Visit le Louvre.  It is the world’s largest art museum and a historic monument. It houses a vast collection of artworks, including the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and thousands of other pieces spanning from ancient civilizations to the 19th century. The museum is situated in the former royal palace on the Right Bank of the Seine and is known for its iconic glass pyramid entrance.

Return to your hotel.

For the dinner, we recommend the restaurant Le comptoir Canailles. A small typical Parisian restaurant with a nice current typical French cuisine. We book for you.

Over night at your hotel LE BALLU.

Breakfast.

Departure to Montmartre: Visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart for a panoramic view of the city, then explore the artistic streets of Montmartre. “Place du Tertre”: Watch the street artists and enjoy a coffee.

Transfer to railway station.

For lunch, we recommend the station’s restaurant “le Train Bleu”. Le Train Bleu restaurant, located in Paris’ Gare de Lyon, is an iconic venue offering refined French cuisine in a luxurious setting. With its ornate ceilings, stunning frescoes, and Belle Époque decor, it provides a unique dining experience that blends history and gastronomy. We book for you.

Bording on the TGV to Lyon

Transfer to your boat.

Board Napoléon for your cruise along the Rhône. Toast the start of your adventure with chilled champagne as you meet your dedicated crew and guide. After settling into your plush cabin, admiring the views through your generous window, enjoy a private tasting and introduction to Northern Rhône Valley wines. Later, savour your first gastronomic experience on board, a perfect blend of seasonal delicacies, irresistible wines and balmy, bucolic views.

Unwind on deck this morning and drink in the captivating scenery of the Rhône Valley. After lunch on board, disembark with your guide for a walking tour of Viviers, a tiny medieval village brimming with historic charm. Explore its winding cobbled streets and impressive St Vincent Cathedral. Back at the barge, why not test your throwing skills in a traditional Provençal game of pétanque? Your efforts will be rewarded with refreshing cocktails and a sumptuous dinner on board.

Today’s visit is to the delightful Provençal village of Grignan, famous for its wild roses and imposing medieval château. Madame de Sévigné stayed here on many occasions and wrote some of her wittiest and most eloquent letters there, first published in 1725. Accompanied by your guide, visit a truffle farm to learn all about the world-famous black diamond and enjoy a precious tasting. Linger over lunch at a charming local restaurant. Rejoin the barge to continue your journey south, which takes you through the “Ecluse de Bollène”, a lock with one of the largest drops in Europe, measuring over 23 meters. Tonight, enjoy a scenic dinner on board in the rural mooring of Roquemaure.

This morning’s excursion is to Châteauneuf du Pape, summer home of the Avignon Popes but equally famous for its stunning wines. Enjoy a tour and a delicious tasting experience. Afterwards, return to the barge for a leisurely lunch and cruise to Avignon. Approaching the city, you pass the Pont Saint-Bénezet (the famous Pont d’Avignon from the song) before mooring up at the quay opposite the gate to the walled city. Enjoy an afternoon excursion to the magnificent Pont du Gard, part of the Roman aqueduct that transported spring water from Uzès to Nîmes. You can still swim in the tranquil waters that flow beneath this remarkable piece of Roman architecture. Back on board, dinner and a chilled evening under the stars awaits.

This morning, a walking tour introduces you to the walled city of Avignon, home of the Popes from 1309-77. Visit the magnificent Palais des Papes, the former papal palace, and enjoy free time to shop, sit in a gorgeous square watching the world go by or sample Avignon’s café society. Return to Napoléon for lunch and cruise further south to Aramon. From here, your guide leads you to Les Baux-de-Provence, considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. Perched on a rocky plateau, with a stone fortress and a host of architectural treasures, it’s a delight to explore at your own pace. Linger over the views of beautiful olive groves and the rugged Alpilles mountains before returning to the barge for dinner.

After breakfast, join your guide for a fascinating tour of Arles. With extraordinary Roman ruins, shady boulevards and colourful houses baking beneath the sun, Arles famously inspired the artist Van Gogh to paint hundreds of works here from 1888-9. Recently, the city skyline gained a striking, gleaming Frank Gehry tower, which houses the Luma Arles arts centre. Return to the barge for lunch as you cruise back towards Avignon. Later in the afternoon, visit the lovely town of Saint-Rémy, another Van Gogh haunt and the birthplace of Nostradamus. Meanwhile, your chef is busy preparing an epicurean farewell feast. Relish the enchanting ambience as you exchange stories of your extraordinary trip.

Please check out this morning by 09:00. After breakfast, your crew bids you farewell as you disembark.

Departure to Aix-en-Provence. Lunch on your own in Aix-en-Provence. We recommend the restaurant “Ama Terra”. A tough choice awaits you at the restaurant of this magnificent hotel, where Chef Pierre Gagnaire has crafted the menu! You will find yourself torn between the dining room with its Second Empire glass roof, its crystal chandeliers, its immense dresser, or… the irresistible terrace, lulled by the gentle murmur of the ponds and fountains, and filled with typically Mediterranean scents. On the plate, the chef presents a gastronomic cuisine with Provençal accents, featuring original and striking combinations inspired by his mentor. We book for you.

In the afternoon, discover and visit Aix-en-Provence. Visit this historic city famous for its ancient thermal baths, its Saint-Sauveur cathedral, and the workshop of the painter Paul Cézanne. Known for its festivals, bustling markets, and cobbled streets lined with cafes and shops, Aix-en-Provence offers a unique immersion into Provencal culture.

Visit the Granet Museum. Home to an impressive collection ranging from classical painting to modern art, it exhibits works by great masters such as Cézanne, Rembrandt, and Picasso. Housed in a historic building, the museum also offers internationally renowned temporary exhibitions.

Continuation towards Nice.

Dinner on your own. We recommend the hotel’s restaurant. The restaurant at Hôtel Amour in Nice offers a chic and vibrant dining experience, perfectly reflecting the artistic and playful spirit of the hotel. Set in a charming and eclectic ambiance, the restaurant features a stylish interior with vintage decor, colorful artwork, and a lush outdoor terrace that provides a serene escape from the bustling city. The menu is a delightful mix of French and Mediterranean cuisine, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can savor a variety of dishes, from classic French favorites to inventive, contemporary creations, all crafted with a touch of creativity. inviting atmosphere. We book for you.

AMOUR HOTEL 4**** – (classic room)

The AMOUR hotel in Nice is a one-of-a-kind destination that beautifully blends artistic flair with the relaxed elegance of the French Riviera. Situated just a short stroll from the iconic Promenade des Anglais, this boutique hotel offers an experience that is both intimate and evocative, perfect for those who appreciate a blend of creativity and comfort.

Each room at the AMOUR hotel is individually designed, making every stay unique. The interiors are a curated mix of vintage charm, contemporary touches, and local influences, creating a space that feels both stylish and welcoming. From handpicked furniture to eclectic art pieces, every detail contributes to the hotel’s distinct character. The ambiance is reminiscent of a chic artist’s retreat, where modern design meets the timeless appeal of the Mediterranean.

The hotel’s hidden gem is its enchanting interior garden, a peaceful oasis where guests can unwind amidst lush greenery. The on-site restaurant is a culinary delight, offering inventive French cuisine that emphasizes fresh, local ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast, a romantic dinner, or a casual lunch, the restaurant’s menu is designed to satisfy both the palate and the senses.

Breakfast.

Accompanied by your guide, start the day with a visit to the Cours Saleya market, a vibrant and colorful open-air market offering a wide variety of fresh produce, flowers, and local specialties. Stroll through the aisles and indulge in the scents and flavors of Provence.

Next, delve into the history of Old Nice by walking through its picturesque streets lined with pastel-colored buildings. Admire the charming architecture and soak in the lively atmosphere of this historic district. Tasting of the famous socca, a thin and crispy flatbread made from chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt. The dough is baked in a large wood-fired oven, usually on a copper or iron plate, until it is golden brown and slightly charred around the edges. Tasting pan bagnat a traditional Niçoise sandwich made with a round loaf soaked in olive oil and filled with tuna, hard-boiled eggs, raw vegetables, olives, and anchovies.

For the hungry, we recommend the restaurant “La Merenda”.  La Merenda in Nice is a charming, no-frills restaurant known for its authentic Niçoise cuisine. Owned by renowned chef Dominique Le Stanc, who left a Michelin-starred career to focus on traditional, local dishes, La Merenda offers a truly intimate dining experience. The menu features classic specialties like “pissaladière,” “socca,” and “daube.” With its tiny space, no phone, and cash-only policy, it’s a hidden gem that embodies the culinary soul of Nice, attracting food lovers seeking genuine regional flavors.

The Lascaris museum, located in Old Nice, is a gem of Baroque art. Housed in a magnificent 17th-century palace, it provides a fascinating glimpse into Niçoise aristocratic life. The museum features a rich collection of antique musical instruments, one of the finest in France, as well as frescoes, tapestries, and period furniture. Visitors can admire the palace’s sumptuous architecture, including its grand staircase, painted ceilings, and ornately decorated salons, reflecting the splendor of a bygone era.

Then, climb up to Castle Hill to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Nice and the Mediterranean Sea. Also explore the historic ruins of the old fortress overlooking the city. 

For dinner we recommend the restaurant “Le Canon”. Le Canon is a celebrated bistro in Nice known for its dedication to organic and natural wines, as well as its focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant offers a warm, unpretentious atmosphere where the menu changes frequently to highlight the freshest produce available. With a commitment to sustainability, Le Canon serves up dishes that blend traditional French flavors with a modern twist, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors. The wine selection, heavily featuring biodynamic wines, complements the simple yet refined cuisine perfectly. We book for you.

Overnight at the hotel Amour.

Breakfast.

Departure to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a medieval gem perched on a hill that captivates visitors with its timeless charm and cultural richness. Nestled between Nice and Cannes, this picturesque village offers stunning views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding mountains. Its cobbled streets, lined with stone houses adorned with flowers, invite leisurely strolls and exploration. Visit and shopping in art galleries and craft shops. Saint-Paul-de-Vence is also renowned for its historic ramparts, its medieval church, and its cemetery where famous artists like Marc Chagall are buried. Finally, gourmets can indulge in refined Provencal cuisine at the Michelin-starred restaurants of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where regional gastronomy takes center stage.

For lunch, we recommend at the Maeght Foundation “under the pines” restaurant. We book for you.

Visit to the Maeght Foundation renowned for its exceptional collection of works by contemporary painters and sculptors such as Miró, Giacometti, and Chagall. It offers a unique setting where art harmoniously interacts with architecture and nature.

Then, continue to discover the perfume capital, Grasse. We’ll visit the Fragonard perfumery for a 1.5-hour workshop where each person will create their own perfume guided by a master perfumer. At the end of this workshop, you’ll leave with your creation in an elegant personalized 100ml bottle. This service includes a guided tour of the “Flower Factory” factory. If the tour offers the opportunity to discover the major stages of perfume production, this very functional installation relies on the most modern production tools. The visit to the packaging workshops allows you to witness the transformation of perfumed products from the factory into refined products ready to be marketed to an audience of enthusiasts. In addition to production lines, it houses the laboratory where raw materials are mixed after being analyzed, to obtain concentrates for future perfumes.

Return to Nice via Cannes, which has been the city of cinema since 1939. The Cannes Film Festival is now a globally recognized event. Thus, we’ll pass by the Palais des Festivals, its legendary steps, and its famous red carpet during the festival. A short walk along “La Croisette,” the famous boulevard of Cannes, if you wish to take a break at a café terrace facing the Mediterranean Sea.

Return to Nice. Dinner on your own and overnight at the Amour Hotel.

For dinner, we recommend the restaurant “Racines*”. Chef Bruno Cirino and his trusted right-hand man, José Vidal, serve a unique, great-value menu in this small restaurant, featuring only organic or sustainably grown fruits and vegetables from the region. Their garden-to-table cuisine uses produce harvested at optimal ripeness, cooked with skill to highlight the unique flavors of the Côte d’Azur, especially garlic, olive oil, and basil. Delight in dishes like a coal fish soup with red spring onions and basil, violet artichoke with cheese emulsion and grilled Ligurian spiny artichoke, a root vegetable terrine inspired by “César Baldaccini,” and oven-baked apple with burnt barley ice cream. All this is complemented by fine wines at attractive prices, served with a smile. We book for you.

Breakfast.

Free time and meals in Nice according to your flight schedule, transfer to the airport

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL ON THE BARGE NAPOLEON A BELMOND BOAT & PAX L’UX PROGRAM

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE AND HANDLING

We have limited space on board. If you’re travelling with more than one piece of hand luggage, one suit carrier or overnight bag and one suitcase per passenger, please advise your reservations agent before travelling and we’ll make every effort to accommodate your luggage.

PASSPORT & VISA

All visitors from overseas must be in possession of a current passport, with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your journey stay date. This applies to both adult and child passports. Additional months added to any new passport, where the document was renewed prior to its previous expiry date, may not count towards the minimum 6 months required. Depending on which country issues your passport, you may need a visa for entry into France. Please check with your travel agent or government agency before travelling.

YOUR CABIN

CABINS

The most expansive barge in our fleet, Napoléon accommodates 12 guests and six crew. Its six sizeable guest cabins are relaxing sanctuaries offering home-from-home comforts. Facilities include:

– King-size beds (configured as twins if desired)

– En-suite bathrooms with a WC, washbasin, shower and 110-220-volt shaver socket

– Bedside tables

– Dressing/desk table with stool

– Wardrobe

– Safe

– Hairdryer

– Sockets suitable for two-pin 220-volt plugs

In each cabin, there’s an intercom and an individually controlled airconditioning/ heating unit so you can adjust the temperature to your liking. Ask a crew member for assistance if you need help operating it.

CABIN AMENITIES
We’ve provided everything for your comfort during the cruise – slippers and bathrobes, towels and face cloths and a comprehensive range of L’Occitane toiletries. Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, body lotion and hand cream are replenished as required. You’ll also find shower caps, cotton buds and cotton wool. If you’ve forgotten to bring any essential items, please speak to your Guide.

ONBOARD FACILITIES
Relax, spread out and and make the most of life on board. Enjoy:
– Lounge and dining room: piano keyboard, Bose iPod docking station. Internet and WiFi access, selection of books, games, DVDs and CDs.
– Sun deck: large canopy over part of the deck provides a shaded dining area; jacuzzi, sun loungers.
Cabins:
Capacity: 12 guests, 6 crew
Hire: Private hire or per cabin basis

Deck 1
Sun deck with 360-degree views

Deck 2
Cabin (1) 12’ 5” x 7’ 2”
Bathroom 9’ 4” x 4’ 3” (shower)

Deck 3
Cabin (2) 14’ x 7’ 4”
Bathroom 8’ x 4’ 6” (shower)

Cabin (3) 14’ 4” x 7’ 5”
Bathroom 7’ 5” x 4’ 6” (shower)
Cabin (4) 14’ x 7’ 5”
Bathroom 8’ x 4’ 6” (shower)
Cabin (5) 13’ 9” x 7’ 8”
Bathroom 7’ 9” x 4’ 6” (shower)
Cabin (6) 14’ x 7’ 5”
Bathroom 8’ x 4’ 4” (shower)

LIFE ON BOARD 

COMPLIMENTARY MAIL SERVICE

Leave any outgoing post on the desk in the main Lounge and a crew member will ensure it’s mailed at the next opportunity.

CREW

Our expertly trained, often multilingual crew will pamper you from the moment you arrive. Your team for this sailing is:

– Captain: navigates the barge and looks after your safety

– Chef: prepares your delicious onboard cuisine and picnics

– Two Hosts: responsible for your comfort throughout the journey

– Guide: your wealth of knowledge regarding the region’s best

vineyards, landmarks, activities and customs

– Deck-hand: maintains the barge’s exterior

DRESS

Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere on board. We advise wearing flat or low-heeled shoes on deck. For dinner, smart/casual attire is suitable, such as an open-necked shirt or a blouse. No formal wear is needed. Spring and fall (autumn) may be cool at times, so a sweater and a light raincoat may be needed.

ELECTRICITY

Our barge operates on a 220-voltage system. Two-pin plugs are standard and plug adapters/converters are available on request.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In the event of an emergency, please follow the instructions and guidance of your Captain and crew.

EXCURSIONS/SHORE ACTIVITIES

During your cruise, you’ll alight with your Guide to visit places of interest, some of which are exclusively open to Belmond guests. You’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle. Customise your cruise and enhance your adventure. Below is just a small selection of the tailor-made activities we can arrange for you. Additional charges may apply – please ask your Guide for details.

BICYCLES Borrow our barge bikes and pedal off into the verdant countryside. We’ll provide maps to help you find your way. Ask one of the crew for assistance.

BOULES Fancy a go at the popular French pastime? We carry a set on board – why not challenge the crew to a match beside the towpath.

CANOEING Embark on an unforgettable ride down the crystalline waters of the Gorges du Gardon. Navigate your way through breathtaking scenery and steer beneath the historic Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard. We can tailor your session to your level of experience. All equipment is provided.

GOLF If we’re passing close to a great golf course, your Guide can usually organise a round for you. Hire clubs at the clubhouse or bring your own.

HOT-AIR BALLOONING Soak up breathtaking bird’s-eye views as you soar over the vibrant lavender fields, picture-perfect hillsides and majestic châteaux of Provence. Minimum of four people required.

LAVENDER MASSAGE A massage al fresco is a fabulous way to indulge the senses. Enjoy a soothing treatment surrounded by fragrant lavender and be welcomed into the private home of your host, Odile, at Bleu Lavarde in Clansaye, who will reveal the wonderful properties of this very Provençal plant.

TRUFFLE HUNTING Unearth one of gastronomy’s most soughtafter ingredients on a fun forest adventure. Learn how truffles are cultivated and special dogs trained to sniff them out, then join an expert harvester on a hunt for the elusive ‘black gold’. The final thrill is a degustation of this most aromatic prize.

GRATUITIES

These are totally at your discretion and not included in your fare.

HAIRDRESSER

Fancy a spruce-up? Your Guide can arrange an appointment for you in a nearby town.

LAUNDRY

We don’t offer a laundry service but can wash a few garments if needed.

MEDICAL FACILITIES

Please contact your Guide if you need any medical attention, day or night.

MOBILE PHONES

We ask that you use your mobile (cell) phone with consideration for your fellow guests. In the event of an emergency, an onboard phone is available.

ONBOARD DINING

Your journey begins with a welcoming champagne reception on deck. All lunches and dinners are accompanied by regional French wines while complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are available throughout the day. When you fancy a drink, either ask your Host or help yourself from the bar. Table d’hôte meals on board are included in your fare. Enjoy Continental breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining room or on the sun deck, weather permitting. Feel free to request a cooked breakfast if preferred. Your daily menus will include both original recipes devised by your chef and specialities of the region. Your chef will be delighted to discuss your dining preferences with you when you first arrive. Dining times may vary to fit in with excursions, but are generally:

Breakfast: 08:00-10:00

Lunch: 12:00-14:00

Dinner: 19:30 onwards

If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us in advance so we can make sure we have the right ingredients on board. We regret we are unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in their preparation.

ONSHORE DINING

Naturally, this being France, there are many outstanding restaurants close to your cruise route. If you’d like to dine ashore, please ask your Guide to make a reservation, giving as much notice as possible. For Michelin-starred restaurants, which tend to book up well in advance, you’ll need to make a request at your earliest opportunity. Restaurant dining is at your own expense.

SAFETY & SECURITY

On arrival, your Captain will review the safety and emergency procedures with you, including the location of life jackets and muster points. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

SMOKING

We request that you only smoke outside on the barge deck with consideration for your fellow guests. Smoking is not permitted indoors for safety reasons; this includes electronic cigarettes.

UMBRELLAS

Just ask your Guide if you wish to borrow one of our umbrellas.

VALUABLES

All cabins are fitted with a safe so you can keep small items secure during your journey.

WAKE-UP CALL

If you’ve got an early start or would simply like to see the dawn rise over the water, ask your Guide for a wake-up call the night before.

Mercedes Sprinter