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GRAND VICTORIA

Grand Victoria

GRAND VICTORIA

Rhône River, Avignon, Arles & the Camargue itinerary

Cruise from Avignon to the Camargue aboard the Grand Victoria on a private luxury barge journey through Provence. Discover Roman landmarks, Provençal markets, Rhône Valley wines, the artistic legacy of Arles, and the wild natural beauty of the Camargue, all paired with gourmet dining and owner-led hospitality.

 

Sunday: Avignon - TVG Station

Your journey begins in Avignon, where your private driver will be waiting to welcome you on arrival at the TGV station. With easy rail connections from major cities across France, the journey into Provence is both simple and scenic. From here, you will be transferred to our mooring in Roquemaure, where your week on the water begins. Once aboard, settle into the relaxed rhythm of life on board with a chilled Champagne reception and time to unwind in the comfort of your cabin. As evening draws in, enjoy your first moments aboard in the welcoming salon or out on deck, before your private chef prepares the first of many memorable dinners.

 

Monday: Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon - Wine Tasting

This morning begins quietly, with breakfast served as the we cruise gently toward Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Once ashore, there is time for a stroll through this historic riverside town and an opportunity to admire the imposing Tour Philippe-le-Bel, a reminder of the region’s strategic importance in centuries past. Returning to the barge for lunch, the afternoon is devoted to one of the Rhône Valley’s most celebrated pleasures: wine. Travel to Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a private château tasting, where you will be introduced to the character and heritage of this renowned appellation. Later, back on board, the late afternoon invites you to relax with apéritifs in the bar, in the spacious salon, or out on deck as the light softens across the river. Dinner follows, freshly prepared by your chef and served in the calm, convivial atmosphere that defines life aboard Grand Victoria.

 

Tuesday: Avignon - Majestic Palace de Popes

After breakfast, the day is devoted to Avignon, the city that once stood at the very heart of papal power. A guided visit to the remarkable Palais des Papes reveals the scale and splendour of one of Europe’s most important Gothic monuments, while time in the old town allows you to browse its shops, pause in lively squares, and take in the atmosphere of this storied riverside city. A Michelin-starred lunch offers a memorable expression of Provençal cuisine, bringing together refinement, regional flavour, and a strong sense of place. Back on board, the pace shifts once more as Grand Victoria cruises onward to Aramon in the warm afternoon light. As evening approaches, there is time to unwind.

 

Wednesday: Aramon to Vallabregues - Art and Scenic Cruising

This morning’s excursion leads into the Alpilles to Les Baux-de-Provence, one of the region’s most striking hilltop villages. With its narrow stone lanes, dramatic setting, and sweeping views, it is a captivating place to explore. Or, nearby, the Carrières des Lumières offers an entirely different experience: set within a former limestone quarry, this immersive exhibition transforms walls, floors, and ceilings into a moving world of light, colour, and sound. Lunch is enjoyed in a local bistro before returning to the barge. By late afternoon, Grand Victoria sets off once again for a relaxed cruise to the small halte nautique at Vallabrègues. The day draws to a gentle close with time to gather for a quiet drink on board before dinner is served, accompanied by wines chosen to complement your chef’s evening menu.

 

Thursday: Vallabregues to Gallician - Van Gogh's Arles and the Wild Camargue

An early start brings one of the most scenic cruising days of the week. As the barge heads south, you pass the castles of Tarascon and Beaucaire, their stone silhouettes rising proudly above the riverbanks. From here, the route continues along the Rhône, into the Petite Rhône, and onward to the Canal du Rhône à Sète, as the landscape gradually changes on the approach to the Camargue. Lunch is served on board before arrival in Gallician, on the edge of this remarkable wetlands region. In the afternoon, a short drive takes you to Arles, a city rich in Roman heritage and forever linked to Vincent van Gogh. Explore its ancient theatre and arena, wander through its sunlit streets and café-lined squares, and take in the distinctive atmosphere that has inspired artists for generations. Later, return to the barge, where a relaxed aperitif on deck or in the bar leads naturally into another enjoyable dinner on board.

 

Friday: Gallician to Aigues-Mortes - The Scenic Village of Aigues Mortes

Fresh croissants and breakfast on board accompany a gentle final morning cruise to Aigues-Mortes, the fortified town that once served as France’s first Mediterranean port. Approaching its medieval walls by water provides a striking and memorable finale to the journey. Lunch may be enjoyed on deck, weather permitting, with the town forming a dramatic backdrop. During the afternoon, a choice of excursions offers different ways to experience the Camargue in greater depth: perhaps a private safari in search of its white horses and rich birdlife, a visit to a traditional “manade” known for its black bulls, a stop at a lavender farm, or a tasting at a local wine estate. Back on board, the final evening brings everyone together once more for cocktails and time to savour the atmosphere of Grand Victoria, before a memorable farewell dinner paired with the finest wines.

 

Saturday: Transfer tfrom Aigues Mortes - Departure

After one last breakfast on board, it is time to say goodbye to Grand Victoria and her crew. At 9:00 AM, your private chauffeur will transfer you to Avignon TGV Station, where first-class tickets will be provided for your onward journey to Paris Gare de Lyon. You leave with more than memories of the places visited: the flavours of the region, the stillness of the waterways, and the distinct character of Provence, from Avignon to the Camargue.

Please note that the cruise itinerary alternates direction each week.

 

 

Year 2026 Rates in US Dollars

ACCOMMODATION
VALUE
REGULAR
Charter 4 guests wholeboat $47,300 $53,000
Charter 5 guests wholeboat $49,500 $54,000
Charter 6 guests wholeboat $53,000 $57,900

2026 Departures

DATES
SHIP
ITINERARY
Mar 15, 22, 29; Apr 5 Value Canal du Midi
Apr 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10, 17, 24 Regular Canal du Midi
Jun 7, 14, 21, 28; Jul 5 Regular Canal du Midi
Jul 12, 19, 26; Aug 2, 9, 16 Value Canal du Midi
Aug 23, 30; Sep 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct 4, 11 Regular Canal du Midi
Oct 18, 26 Value Canal du Midi

 

Year 2027 Rates in US Dollars

ACCOMMODATION
REGULAR
Charter 6 passengers $57,000
Charter 5 passengers $54,000
Charter 4 passengers $53,000

2027 Departures

DATES
ITINERARY
April 11, 18, 25; May 2, 9, 16 Provence
June 6, 13, 20, 27; Jul 4, 11 Provence
Aug 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Sep 5, 19, 26 Burgundy
Oct 3, 10, 17, 24 Burgundy

** rates subject to chnage with rate of exchange

The price includes accommodation with ensuite bathrooms
All meals, sommelier-selected premier and grand cru wines and alcoholic beverages carried on board
All sightseeing tours and admittance fees as stipulated in the itinerary
Use of bicycles and other facilities, including light laundry service
A selection of Pinot and Chardonnay Grand Cru wines
Round-trip transfers from the specified meeting point in Paris in a new Mercedes Viano

The price excludes air transportation, airport taxes, visas, health or accident insurance, trip cancellation insurance
Special Chateaux vintage wines
Optional activities not included in the itinerary
10% crew gratuity

Grand Victoria Cruises Burgundy and Provence

Built as a private yacht in 1994 and totally refurbished and updated in 2015. All rooms have air-conditioning and heating, sat. TV, and email access is also available. New owners took over in 2016 and totally remodeled the barge adding in wi-fi, flat screen TV with CNN and new furnishings throughout.

The Grand Victoria is your luxury floating home. En-suite stateroom with US king size beds, cream tufted headboards are light and breezy traditional staterooms with white ceilings, damask comforter bedding offers several different layers of comfort. Neutral wallpaper and taupe flooring offer calm and inviting designs.  Our guests’ comfort is elevated when they slip between exceptionally soft Egyptian cotton to transform you into an indulgent oasis. The Grand Victoria offers an elegant and luxurious sleep experience with attention to detail.

We seek to bring our sense of adventure to our guests as we cruise the waterways of France. Our journeys present unique opportunities for the modern adventurer to explore all that France has to offer — wine, golf, cuisine, history, art — in luxurious comfort and style. 

Our commitment to our guests’ comfort does not end at our gangway. We personally lead guests on tours on excursions. Our itineraries are all inclusive and focus on the adventure. Lunches in off board are on us. We aim to provide an experience, not just a vacation, and our-hands on attention to detail will ensure our guests return home with a story to share.

'Roi Soleil' has more to do with luxury yachting than barging - hence the term 'River Yacht'. Her lines and mahogany and brass trim are inspired by the

The separate forward sun deck, the aft teak deck with Spa Pool, the outside dining area under the retractable canopy, are all pure luxury yachting.

FEATURES 3 spacious staterooms with en-suite bathrooms,  twin or king-sized beds (180 sq ft including bathroom)
*All cabins have 6' 6" ceiling height. All with king size bed (76 x 80) or two twin XL beds (39 x 80).
* Bathrooms feature walk in showers with glass doors, rain showerhead, double sinks and hair dryer,
extra towels, french soaps, comfortable robes and generous drawers and srorage
* 6 Passengers
* 4 Crew members
* 2 decks
* 42" flat TV wiith HD
* Inroom safe
* Air conditioning / Central Heating
* Bicycles on board with helmets
* Handicap Access - NO

 

 

Red cabin Red cabin Yellow cabin
Cabin Bath Cabin
Bar Lounge Bar
Bar Lounge Coffee Bar
Appitizer Appitizer Appitizer
Appitizer Appitizer Dining on the deck
cruising towpath balooning
Dinner on the deck Towpath Baloning