Clair de Lune

river yacht ROI SOLEIL

'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 classic motor yachts of the 1920's while her interior brings you the best of contemporary design and comfort. The stylish saloon with its fireplace, bar and panoramic views through no less than 20 windows, and the elegant dining area offer you a level of comfort equivalent to that of luxury motor yachts.

Spacious, air conditioned

staterooms (you can actually walk around your bed) and en-suite bathrooms in provençal style, equiped with thermostatically controlled showers and heated towel racks, hand-made Provençale tiles, lava stone in the bathrooms, and the rich hues of stylish Pierre Frey fabrics decorate the interior.

The highly accclaimed recent addition to the staff of the Roi Soleil is chef Jeremy Horner. He not only receives kudos from "Terre de Vins" magazine as well as recent guests, but his interactive, fun-loving personality adds even more sparkle to a cruise on the Roi Soleil.

The magnificent Canal du Midi has remained virtually unchanged in over 300 years with its breathtaking flights of locks and stone bridges. This prodigious engineering feat, commissioned by Louis XIV (the 'Sun King'), finally achieved the dream of linking the Mediterranean with the Atlantic Ocean. Now classed on the World Heritage List of Conservation, the Canal du Midi encompasses untainted regions of history and beauty that reflect the vast influences of all major Mediterranean civilizations. From prehistory, through the Roman occupation, followed by the turbulent Middle Ages, the exceptional architecture captures the atmosphere of time revisited.

On the tree lined route between Béziers and Carcassonne, 'Roi Soleil' will glide through the scenic landscape that changes dramatically from the rugged, rural Languedoc regions to the sun-drenched, azure blues of the Mediterranean. To experience this kaleidoscope of colour and history we will take you back into the time of the Romans in the city of Narbonne - the first Roman colony outside of Italy. You will follow the Crusades of the Cathares in the fortified medieval villages of Minervois and the majestic walled city of Carcassonne and witness at Fontfroide one of the best preserved Cistercian abbeys. And you can even go back a few centuries BC by visiting the Greco-Iberian Oppidum of Ensérune.

Within this vast region also lies a land of poetry, and of proud people devoted to the soil and of course the vine - and whose passion they will share with you in private tastings of the local Minervois and Corbières wines. At the end of the afternoon, you will experience the warmth and aroma of the earth as it shimmers in the setting sun.

As you sail down the Rhone River, you enter a region that reflects the diversity of culture, history and natural riches brought to the Mediterranean since ancient Greek times. From celebrated Provence to the wilderness of Camargue and on to the shores of the Mediterranean.

In Avignon, what better way to appreciate the rich, golden glow of the ancient ramparts of the 14th Century Palace of the Popes, set against the renowned blue sky of Provence, than at sunset on the deck of 'Roi Soleil'. while sipping the tantalizing wines of Chateauneuf du Pape straight from the vineyard.

The 15th Century castles of Tarascon and Beaucaire tower majestically over the Rhone River as we approach the city of Arles - founded by the Greeks in VI BC - a bastion of Provençale culture and tradition. Arles was also the home of Van Gogh, who, like scores of artists and bon-vivants, was drawn by the extraordinary light and golden pastel hues of Provence.

In the Gard and Vaucluse you follow the threads of your choice - from shopping for a treasure in the Antique Houses of Isle sur Sorgues to the inspiration of redecoration from the local arts and crafts of St.Quentin de la Potterie, Uzès and St.Remy. Or, simply taking in the beauty and tranquillity midst the refreshing Fontaines de Vaucluse and the sweeping views of ancient Beaux de Provence - not to mention a leisurely stroll across the 40 AD Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard.

From the Rhone River you enter the heart of the Camargue, a region of sand dunes and salted marshland, where you will encounter magnificent flocks of pink flamingos amongst the numerous species of birds; wild white horses that drink idly from the banks of the canal; and the prized black bulls which are watched vigilantly by the famous Cowboy Guardians. In the fortified village of Aigues-Mortes, where the Crusaders of King St Louis embarked in the 13th Century, you will enjoy the lively ambience of outdoor cafés and terraces where the Gypsy Kings continue to inspire the local musicians.

Alfresco restaurants flank the quays of Sète. Pastel coloured houses with wrought iron balconies face the lively canals on which the fishermen dry out their coloured nets after distributing their catch of fish and seafood. And to taste the best local oysters and mussels, you will cruise through quaint little fishing villages on the large lagoon of the Bassin de Thau. Cruising along the Canal du Midi, you reach Agde, founded by the Phoenicians in VII BC and later named by Marco Polo ' The black pearl of the Mediterranean ', impressive for its black lava buildings.

Frequent flights to Montpelier, Beziers/Agde and Toulouse operate from Paris. TGV (express) trains operate from Paris to Montpelier (4h, 30m); Toulouse (5hr); and Perpignan (6hr).

Travel and cancellation insurance (strongly recommended); ballooning and other activities not stipulated; gratuities for the crew; and personal expenses such as use of the cellular telephone.