The Flâneuse du Nil Between river and countryside, an intimate Egypt

On the Nile, nothing is rushed. Like the feluccas that follow the slow rhythm of the river, we invite you to take a journey at your own pace: to relax, socialise, discover, linger… Entry and exit points at Luxor and Aswan: in both cities, you stay at timeless accommodation venues that form an integral part of the legend of the Nile. And in between, you embark on a majestic voyage imbued with serenity and history, discovering the great myths of Ancient Egypt: the magic of the monumental Karnak complex, sunrise over the Valley of the Kings, passing through the Esna Lock, El Ramady Island, Gebel Silsileh, and the temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. A journey beyond time, for an unforgettable introduction to Egypt.

Aboard the Flâneuse du Nil

An elegant dahabieh, the Flâneuse is flanked at the bow and the stern by two lateen sails. Just seven cabins (including a large suite at the rear with a private terrace) in soft pastel tones enhanced with vintage finds, an intimate lounge for sharing a hibiscus infusion, and a sundeck lulled by the call of the muezzins - the ideal floating cocoon. This type of boat, combining comfort and intimacy, was already used by the pharaohs nearly 5,000 years ago. Your floating home glides over the water at a gentle pace, carried by the languorous winds, allowing you to fully enjoy the view of the banks, to bask without interruption on the deck, and to reach places where larger boats cannot go. Moreover, this requires some arrangements, notably the assistance of a tugboat when anchoring and in case of contrary winds.
The Flâneuse has just begun its energy transition by swapping its old generator for around 50 solar panels, which now provide almost all the energy needed for the boat’s smooth operation (air conditioning, hot water, lighting). In addition to being completely silent when the sails are unfurled, sailing is now greener.
You experience a cruise far from the crowds, punctuated by visits to temples as well as swimming breaks and wildlife viewing - white pelicans, Egyptian geese, and spoonbills, to name but a few. During sailing times, a range of various lectures and activities are offered. Not to mention the crew, in other words the soul of the boat: Sameh, the attentive and insightful manager; Chef Tayyeb, maestro of Egyptian cuisine; Abdul, the ever-smiling maître d’hôtel; the sailors in white galabiyas and their elegant agility during manoeuvres; the tugboat rais, who knows the winds and the river’s whims; the guide, who knows how to balance modern and ancient history to perfection. On request, you can privatise The Flâneuse, which can accommodate up to 14 people.

In Luxor and Aswan, your outstanding accommodation

As soon as you arrive in Luxor, you are drawn to the Nile like a magnet. Your hotel is the only palace on the Left Bank, set apart from the bustle of the city. Surrounded by gardens, you can savour the delightful silence of the countryside in a refined setting. The interiors give pride of place to Arab craftsmanship; the furniture was sourced from markets throughout the Near East. Guests savour garden produce and oriental cuisine from breakfast near the hibiscus and mandarin trees, and later by the beautiful pool or in the privacy of a charming patio. In Aswan, perched on its granite promontory facing Elephantine Island, your palace has been perpetuating the legend for more than a century. From Agatha Christie to François Mitterrand, and not forgetting Winston Churchill: the great figures of this world have succumbed to the spectacle of sunrise over the river, its rocks, and the ochre walls of the hotel. Many of the rooms in the historic wing have been transformed into suites, while the modern wing - this is where you set down your luggage - embraces contemporary elegance.