THE BARGE: Constructed in 2000 as a hotel barge/river yacht Measures 98 ft. long by 16.5 ft. wide Three (3) onboard cabin accommodations Six (6) passenger capacity Onboard climate control PERSONNEL: Four (4) crew members consisting of Tour Guide, Chef, Hostess, and Captain. This is a bilingual French/Anglo-Saxon crew. PUBLIC ROOMS: Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck ONBOARD LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT: Jacuzzi Bose sound system Touring bikes DVD library Fireplace MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS: Roi Soleil has no wheelchair access. The barge has three (3) different levels, several stairs, and narrow passageways which may be difficult to navigate for those with extremely limited mobility. DECK PLAN: Roi Soleil's lines and mahogany and brass trim are inspired by the classic motor yachts of the 1920's while her interior brings you the best of contemporary design and comfort.

CABINS: There are three (3) spacious, airy suites on board Roi Soleil: Blue Cabin Red Cabin Green Cabin All are air-conditioned with opening skylights and private en suite bathrooms. For optimal comfort, the suites occupy a majority of the lower deck, maximizing privacy and living space. Isolating the suites in this manner also allows for the most breathtaking views from each quarters and from the Main Deck. CABIN SIZE: Each suite measures approximately 160 sq. ft. which is more than enough room in which to move comfortably. BEDDING CONFIGURATION & SIZE: The suites are fitted with comfortable queen beds, but may also be configured as two (2) twin beds. When the suites are in twin bed configuration, the beds will be parallel with a space in between them. BATHROOMS: All cabins have private bath facilities in Provençal style, equipped with thermostatically-controlled showers with glass doors, heated towel racks, wash basin, and toilet. Hand-made Provençale tiles line the entire bathroom and the rich hues of stylish Pierre Frey fabrics decorate its interior. The bathrooms are stocked with bath products, complete towel sets, and elegant bathrooms for luxurious comfort. AMENITIES: Climate Control Hairdryer Built-in Closet Heated Towel Racks Bathrobes & Full Towel Sets Electricity (220V, French two pin plugs)

Green Cabin Red Cabin En Suite Bathroom

SALON/DINING ROOM: The stylish Salon/Dining Room with its fireplace, bar and panoramic views through no less than 20 windows, offer guests a level of comfort equivalent to that of luxury motor yachts. Drenched in natural light and bright colors, its interior is warm and inviting, a charming place to pass time on board. In the Salon, guests are welcome to browse the DVD library and watch their selections on the TV. They may also enjoy a drink next to the fireplace. The Salon/Dining Room furniture includes: Banquette couch Coffee table Well-stocked bar Dining table with seating for six (6) Fireplace ON DECK: The Sun Deck is a spacious open-air gathering area with plenty boasting a heated sunken Jacuzzi. Located at the aft of the barge, the deck has wrap-around seating under a retractable canopy and a teak table for 12 with roll-down sides for protection from the elements. There is a separate Sun Deck area at the forefront of the barge which is perfect for sunbathing or greeting each new landscape. OFF BOAT: Passengers are welcome to walk or cycle using the onboard bicycles as often as they like.  Most People choose to disembark the barge at a lock to visit local villages, then return to the canal and meet the barge further along (the barge travels slowly; therefore, this is not a problem). An air-conditioned VW minibus and resident tour guide are also available to accompany guests throughout the cruise.

Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck Off Boat Experiences

Roi Soleil offers you a unique vantage point as we sail down the ancient border between the Kingdom of France and the Holy Roman Empire of Charlemagne, the river Rhone. When we step ashore to discover the land within, the richness of culture, history, architecture, and arts and crafts begins to reveal itself. Roi Soleil will then follow a tributary of the Rhone, to enter into the mysterious region of the Camargue. Any available date may be booked for any of these cruise routes until an adjacent booking date dictates otherwise. Please contact us for current availability and possible cruise route on a specific date. Click below for more information on Itineraries Canal du Midi Provence

Highlights: Provence: Cruising along the rivers of the Rhone through Provence, "Roi Soleil" glides along a tributary of the Rhone through wild nature, then onto the Lagoon of Thau dotted with sailing boats and oyster beds and eventually along the Canal du Midi - which opens the doors to the wilderness of the Camargue and takes you to the shores of the Mediterranean Canal du Midi: As you drift along the magnificent Canal du Midi you will step back into the time of Louis XIV- the "Sun King" or "Roi Soleil" - who commissioned this prodigious engineering feet; thus finally achieving the dream of linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean

Roi Soleil's highly professional crew includes: Pilot Chef Hostesses Guide

Tracey & Guillaume de Perthuis Prior to launching the barge cruises on board "Roi Soleil" in 1999, Guillaume (born in Paris) and Tracey (originally from Australia) spent several years as Skipper & Chef team on luxury charter yachts worldwide. They first met and married in Australia where Guillaume had a successful marketing company and Tracey was pursuing her nursing career & running a gourmet club in Sydney, before they decided to follow their mutual passions. Despite many sea miles of adventurous sailing and gastronomic traveling, they have been consistently drawn back to the canals and rivers of France where they were cruising on their previous barge. With Guillaume’s family being tied to the history of Provence and Tracey’s Gourmet Chef skills, creating “Roi Soleil" was more than merely combining skills – it enabled them to live their respective passions. Today Guillaume & Tracey closely supervise the crew of “Roi Soleil” through their frequent visits and constant liaising with the crew onboard.

	During the course of your barge trip, your private chef will cater to your preferences daily while surprising you with an imaginative cuisine, taking on the best accents of the Mediterranean.  Cooking demonstrations are open to all who wish to learn the chef's tricks. The galley was designed with an open plan and a bar so you can watch with glass in hand and the chef will be happy to explain. The wines are carefully selected by the owner with the best sommeliers of the region. They represent the quintessence of Languedoc & Provence as well as the top appellations of the whole of France. You will also find the bar stocked with your favorite drinks.
DINNER MENU Petits Canapés aux Œufs de Cailles Quail Egg Canapés Aperitif : Muscat de Baumes de Venise, Domaine de Bernadin Tatin de Coquilles St Jacques sur un lit de chicorée, Fumet d'Orange et Basilique Roasted Scallop & Chicory Tartlet's, Orange & Basil Fumet Wine: Domaine de La Jeanne, Cuvée Pistral, 1998 Sauvignon Chardonnay Viognier - a complex aromatic white wine Agneau Braisé et Farcie aux Petits Légumes de Luberon Braised, de-boned Lamb, Stuffed with miniature vegetables from the Luberon Valley Red Wine: Chateauneuf-du-Pape - Château Mont-Redon 1995 St Marcelin Rôti, Salade à l'Huile de Noix A local Soft Cheese Roasted in the oven & served with Walnut Oil Soufflé aux Fraises, servi chaud avec sa Glace aux Amandes Grillés Hot Strawberry Soufflé with Roasted Almond Ice Cream Dessert Wine: Maury, 1998 Vintage Mas Amiel Naturally sweet dessert wine, Grenache from Languedoc Coffee - Fine Chocolates from St Remy de Provence - Fine Liquers

2010 SCHEDULE

2010 PRICING

Price includes:

A 7-day/6-night cruise in a cabin on board Roi Soleil
Transfer from Beziers, Carcassonne, Montpellier or Avignon to the barge & return
All meals
All wines with meals
Open bar
All escorted side excursions
Use of onboard bicycles

Price does not include:

Roundtrip flight to Paris & return
Transportation from Paris to Beziers, Carcassonne, Montpellier or Avignon & return
Gratuities
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JOINING AND LEAVING THE CRUISE

Cruise Passenger Meeting Point Canal du Midi: Hotel or Train Station in Beziers, Montpellier, or Carcassonne - 4pm Provence: Hotel or Train Station in Avignon - 4pm Canal du Midi: To begin the cruise, passengers will be picked up from a hotel or train station in Beziers, Montpellier, or Carcassonne at 4pm. If you choose to stay in Beziers, Montpellier, or Carcassonne prior to your cruise, please contact our Reservation Team for more information. At the end of your cruise, you will be transferred back to a hotel or train station in Beziers, Carcassonne or Montpellier by 10am. Provence: To begin the cruise, passengers will be picked up from a hotel or train station in Avignon at 4pm. If you choose to stay in Avignon prior to your cruise, please contact our Reservations Team for more information. At the end of your cruise, you will be transferred back to a hotel or train station in Avignon by 10am. Alternative pre- and post-cruise transfer points can also be arranged. Recommended Trains Between Paris and Beziers Beginning Sunday: TGV6209 Departing Paris Gare de Lyon at 11:20am and arriving Beziers at 3:30pm. Returning Saturday: TGV6210 Departing Beziers at 12:25pm and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 4:40pm. Recommended Trains Between Paris and Montpellier Beginning Sunday: TGV6209 Departing Paris Gare de Lyon at 11:20am and arriving Montpellier at 2:41pm. Returning Saturday: TGV6208 Departing Montpellier at 10:21am and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 1:49pm. Recommended Trains Between Paris and Avignon

Beginning Sunday: TGV6113 Departing Paris Gare de Lyon at 1:15pm and arriving Avignon at 3:56pm. Returning Saturday: TGV6112 Departing Avignon at 10:05am and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 12:45pm. There is no direct train between Paris and Carcassonne.  Please contact us for details on the most convenient transportation. TGV Trains between Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport And Montpellier are also available. Please inquire for details.

	WINE If you are looking for a rare or particular vintage of wine we can help you find it, have it waiting onboard for you when you arrive and even help you find others that might suit you as well. Find out more!
	FAMILY We welcome children on our barge cruises and offer a wide range of activities to suit your children's age group. Find out more!