ROI SOLEIL

With a vast hospitality experience ranging back to 2008, UK born Chef Toby is passionate about his cuisine. As a young entrepreneur, together with his life partner, also a chef, he founded a Chalet and Catering Company in the French Alps that won yearly Awards for Excellence in Best Food and Hospitality. An assignment on Canal du Midi drew Toby to Roi Soleil where he has been a mainstay for many seasons. Toby knows how to cater to any taste and will make a creative, gourmet experience that only his abounding passion could create. His caring and involvement runs deep, not just for our guests but also in volunteering for NGOs.

Incredibly creative, artistic and dynamic, Chef Damian epitomizes the standard of cuisine fit for a King. Having developed his skills in top restaurants in his homeland of New Zealand, Damian’s destiny took him all around the world, be the Caribbean islands such as Mustique or elite hunting lodges in America and private vineyards in Burgundy. His other passion took him as a competitor to the world championship for mountain-biking in the French Alps, a couple of broken bones later, he settled there in Morzine and established his own private-dining business, he is also a sought-after photographer. This keeps him busy during the Ski Season – and Roi Soleil has welcomed Damian in the summer since 2012. So, when you cruise with us, be prepared to be taken to the next level of dining, all together with a warm and friendly attitude. Either of our chef will be happy to demonstrate from our open kitchen/bar. PILOT SEPPE Introducing highly skilled, kind and jovial Seppe, who was born by a Belgium shipyard where his father worked as an engineer. Seppe has established his own boat repair business and lives happily with his young family by the Canal du Midi. With over 20 years of experience as captain onboard both private and hotel barges, Seppe chose the Roi Soleil in season 2023 as he was attracted by both the boat and crew. We are very glad that he did and even more so are our guests.

Aiste was a most welcomed addition to Roi Soleil in season 2023. With a BA in Contemporary Dance from Lithuania, Aiste exudes poise and elegance as well as kindness and attention to details. Having managed and hosted for luxury villas in the Côte d’Azure for many years and then also for luxury Hotel Barges in Burgundy, Aiste is highly experienced with caring for discerning guests. She is a wonderful addition to a dynamic, professional crew who enjoys working together. CHARTER REVIEW – 1st Charter of Season 2024 – April 7-13 – Courtesy of French Waterways 1. The staff was amazing. The boat manager/tour guide, chef, pilot and hostess fulfilled their roles with utmost professionalism and fun. Better yet….they worked so well as a team. They were constantly helping others when they had a bit of down time. They were kind, courteous, helpful and fun!!! Our group wanted to take all of them back to the US with us…haha! 2. The food was out of this world! Our group contains big “foodies” and they couldn’t say enough wonderful things about chef Toby and his awesome creations! 3. Becky, boat manager and tour guide was so fun. She was always willing to seek out options for us for sightseeing and took into consideration our likes and dislikes. She went above and beyond to ensure we had a spectacular cruise!! 4. Pilot, Seppe and Hostess Aiste were both equally wonderful to be with. They both were so accommodating and made sure our rooms were always tidy, etc. Seppe is an amazing pilot going through many locks with a vessel that barely fits!!! He was willing to dock when we wanted to bike, etc. 5. Boat is so very lovely!! It was quite cold when we started the cruise and quite warm by the time we ended. Nothing but wonderful things to say!!