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.

Sunday - Paris to Dijon.
Depart Paris, Gare de Lyon, on the TGV train in the afternoon. On arrival at Dijon station you will be met by the Napoleon guide who will escort you on your transfer to St Jean de Losne where you will board the barge for your cruise through Burgundy and down the River Saône. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. A cocktail cruise introduces you to the delights of cruising. Later enjoy your first dining experience on board.

Monday - Visit Clos de Vougeot. Cruise to Chalon sur Saône.
Your guide has planned a visit to the ‘Clos de Vougeot’, a medieval chateau surrounded by vineyards. This is the headquarters of the Chevaliers de Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Côte d’Or vintages. You will have the opportunity to see a family run winery and to sample wines that may never reach your corner of the world. This afternoon you will have the chance to take a walking tour of the pedestrian area of Chalon-sur-Saône and maybe even visit the museum of photography.

Tuesday - Visit Beaune. Cruise to Tournus.
Today your guide will escort you to Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy, and a visit to the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. After another delicious lunch on board while cruising, you will visit Tournus and the Romanesque church of St. Philibert on the banks of the Saône.

Wednesday - Cruise to Mâcon. Visit Cluny and Château de Cormatin.
This morning’s visit is to the Château de Cormatin, notable for its painted, sculpted and gold-leafed interiors from the reign of Louis XIII. After lunch your guide will take you to the Benedictine Abbey of Cluny. The abbey church is a masterpiece of Romanesque art whose influence spread throughout the western Christian world. Our mooring this evening will be Mâcon, a thriving market town bordering both the Mâconnais and the Beaujolais vineyards.

Thursday - Visit Solutré. Cruise Montmerle. Visit Beaujolais Region.
In the morning, you’ll visit Solutré, a typical village of the Mâconnais region. The Roche du Solutré is a picturesque site with a superb view of Mâcon, the River Saône and the Pouilly-Fuissé vineyards. After lunch, we’ll visit Beaujolais, a region known for its vineyards and gastronomy.

Friday - Cruise to Lyon. Visit Lyon
Today’s visit is Lyon. Lyon is one of the three Roman capitals of Gaul and the second city of France. It is a cultural, historic, gastronomic, and commercial centre, comparatively little known outside of France. Dominating the city is the splendidly ornate Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière. The standard of Lyon's shopping facilities is renowned for its quality and includes many chic boutiques and a market hall devoted entirely to antiques. Back on board the chef is preparing a feast for your farewell dinner.

Saturday - Lyon -Paris.
After breakfast will disembark the barge and transfer to the Lyon rail station. Return to Paris (Gare de Lyon) on the TGV where you will be met by our representative who will assist you with your luggage.