Napoleon: LYON TO AVIGNON

After a breakfast of tempting pastries and local treats, alight with your guide for a walking tour of Lyon, France's second city, which is celebrated for its culture and gastronomy. Dominating the skyline is the splendidly ornate Basilica of NotreDame de Fourvière. Shoppers are sure to appreciate the top-quality stores and chic boutiques. Or you may prefer to relax in a sunny pavement café and simply watch the world go by. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the barge and cruising to Vienne. The River Rhône is a major, fast-flowing waterway, where you will pass a variety of barges and pleasure craft. Relax on deck and watch the beautiful scenery unfold before dinner is served. 

This morning, relish the thrill of cruising past the magnificent vineyards of the Côte-Rôtie and Côtes du Rhône, which seem to descend right to the river's edge. A dip in the on-deck pool is the perfect way to prepare for the adventures ahead. In the afternoon, a wine tasting has been organised for you at a local winery, just steps from where the barge moors. Take time to explore the delights of Tain l'Hermitage, including the famous Valrhona chocolate shop, before returning to the barge for dinner.

Relax on the top deck and admire the breathtaking scenery of the Rhône Valley as the barge glides towards Viviers in the morning. Mid-afternoon, your guide takes you on a walking tour of this tiny medieval city that brims with historic charm. Return to the barge to unwind – perhaps challenge the crew to a game of pétanque or pedal off to explore on one of the barge bikes. Your efforts will be rewarded with another epicurean dinner on board.

After breakfast, your guide escorts you on a scenic drive through the countryside. Stop at a truffle farm to learn about and sample the world-renowned delicacy before continuing to Grignan. This Provençal village, known for its wild roses and 12th -century château, is where Madame de Sévigné lived and wrote her witty and eloquent letters, first published in 1725. Enjoy lunch at a charming local restaurant before taking time to explore the quaint village with its cobbled alleyways. Back on board, the barge continues to cruise south to Roquemaure, passing through the Bollène-Écluse, a lock with a 23-metre drop, one of the longest in Europe. Dinner is served on board.

Relax on board this morning before accompanying your guide to the 14th -century summer home of the Popes of Avignon. Enjoy a tour of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and a private tasting of the region’s famous wines. Rejoin the barge for a lunch cruise to Avignon, during which you'll sail past the famous Pont Saint-Bénezet (otherwise known as the Pont d'Avignon). After reaching our mooring, which is opposite the gate to the walled city, alight for a guided tour of Avignon, including the soaring Palais des Papes, or papal palace. Afterwards, enjoy free time for shopping or relaxing in a café. Back on board, linger over a farewell gala dinner and exchange highlights of your journey with your fellow travellers.

Please check out this morning by 09:00.

After breakfast, your crew bids you farewell as you disembark for your onward travel arrangements. We look forward to welcoming you back on board soon.

Please note, in exceptional circumstances it may be necessary to alter the route without prior notice.