Call Special Places Travel 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743)
Outside US: 001.443.321.3614, email: info@specialplacestravel.com
Barges In France: Adrienne
Special Places Travel 
Logo.  EMAIL: info@specialplacestravel.com or PHONE: 1-877-642-2743 (001.443.321.3614 outside US/Canada). Click here to contact Barges in France, Barges in Europe

Cruise in France on the on the Aisne River and the Canal de l'Aisne a la Marne in Champagne aboard the Ultra Deluxe Hotel-Barge ADRIENNE

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 12-passenger Adrienne has been designed to offer the utmost in quality and comfort for its guests. With handcrafted French provincial furnishings throughout, she offers six generously-sized king or twin suites, sleek marble baths and custom made cabinetry and armoires in rich maple. It has a beautiful salon and dining area where passengers can relax and enjoy superb cuisine and vintage wines. The barge is fitted with a spacious canopied deck with comfortable furniture made for relaxing and enjoying the picturesque views.

The Adrienne returns to Champagne for 2010, cruising through the picturesque Marne River and Canal, in a region that produces the world's celebrated champagne and which has also witnessed centuries of history shaping events. During your cruise, you will have the opportunity to tour the Coronation city of Reims, the third century Roman cellars of the house of Ruinart, enjoy champagne tasting at Moët & Chandon, and an elegant dinner ashore at the one of France's most prestigious restaurants Michelin star restaurant Boyer Les Crayères in Reims. Visitors can discover a grand historical heritage, from the triumphant victories of Joan of Arc and Napoleon to the 20th century battles of the great World Wars. The extensive vineyards date to Roman times, but it was the discovery of effervescent wine in the 17th century that made Champagne recognized around the world as the symbol of celebration.

You are greeted at the meeting point hotel by our tour guide, who will escort you via private motorcoach to the mooring where your luxury hotel barge awaits. Once aboard, you are welcomed by our cordial, English-speaking crew, and ushered to your comfortably appointed stateroom, complete with private bath. Spend the first evening becoming acquainted with your fellow passengers who, like you, seek to experience France in a special way.

Each morning, your barge gets underway for the day's cruise. As it navigates the frequent locks on the canal, it is easy to step directly ashore for a leisurely stroll. If you feel adventurous, take one of the barge's bicycles to explore the quiet lanes and quaint villages nearby. Or, simply relax on the sundeck and watch the lovely French countryside slowly unfold before you. During the day, you are invited to join an excursion via private motorcoach to a nearby point of special interest. Each itinerary has been selected to include a varied sampling of the region ... romantic castles, historic towns, and renowned vineyards for wine tasting. At certain chateaux and estates, your tour will be conducted by the owner, whose family has been in residence for generations. Your Captain will also arrange for you to enjoy special local events which occur during your cruise, from lively farmers' markets to the fireworks on Quatorze Juillet. As an option to the cruise, you may also be able to experience the adventure of a hot air balloon flight, depending on the location and the weather.


Features

  • Size of barge: 128 ft
  • Number of Passengers: 12
  • Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 6
  • Crew: 6
  • Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
  • Salon: Elegant salon with comfortable sofas and chairs, separate dining room, picture windows
  • Bar: Open bar
  • Deck: Sundeck with canopy, deck chairs and 3 tables
  • Spa Tub: No
  • Cabin Features: 4 suites with king or twin beds 157 sq ft, 2 suites with king bed, including ensuite marble bathrooms with shower
  • Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned Mercedes 13 passenger mini-bus
  • Wheelchair accessible: No
  • Bicycles: 8
  • Dinner ashore: Dinner at a Michelin star restaurant included.



Adrienne's Deck Plan
Adrienne's Deck Plan



Passenger Comments:

Absolutely the finest of everything. The chef, crew, boat, attention to every detail were beyond comparison. The cabin was lovely - very well designed and surprisingly spacious. The bathroom was beautifully appointed, towels and linens very good quality, decor was very pleasing.

Incomparable service! Glenn was charming, always pleasant, helpful, informative and upbeat. Tom, Amelie and Michelle were equally wonderful, helpful, always ready to lend a hand or satisfy a request - all worked really hard but maintained a terrific disposition - pretty amazing group.

Cyril worked magic in the kitchen and we felt that he was every bit as talented as the chef at the 3 star restaurant we went to in Chagny. Each meal was a masterpiece of flavor, presentation, texture - a work of art. Dining was an experience and we eagerly anticipated each evening to see what Cyril would create. We were always thrilled with the outcome. The wines were magnificent, varied and totally enjoyable - a treat.

Excursions were very interesting - diverse. Loved the tastings, the information along the way, the towns, the history.

The barge and cabin surpassed my expectations. I was thinking it might be smaller and a little cramped, but found it to be luxurious and beautiful. The high points of the cruise? Dinner!
-- B.G. & D.G., TN, USA

SAMPLE ITINERARY:*
Champagne:
Canal de l'Aisne a la Marne, Marne River
Maizy to Epernay (2010 Season)
Sunday
You are escorted via private transfer from Paris to the Adrienne's mooring in Maizy. Welcome reception and dinner on board.

Monday
Scenic morning cruise on the Canal de l'Aisne a la Marne to Courcy. After lunch visit the historic Chemin des Dames or Ladies' Road.  This 18-mile stretch of road has been the site of many epic battles, from Julius Caesar in 57 B.C. to the Great War.

Tuesday
Morning cruise to the overnight mooring in Beaumont. Afternoon drive to Reims, the coronation site of French kings. Guided tour of the majestic Gothic cathedral, where brilliant stained glass windows by Marc Chagall adorn one of the chapels. Dinner ashore at the renowned Michelin two-star restaurant, l'Assiette Champenoise.

Wednesday
Morning visit to the champagne village of Ludes, for a private tour and tasting at the House of Ployez Jacquemart. This small, family owned champagne house is dedicated to preserving the special methods necessary to create extraordinary champagne. Return to Adrienne for a cruise to Conde-sur-Marne.

Thursday
After a morning cruise, drive to Epernay, the capital of Champagne. Tour the vast cellars of Moet & Chandon, followed by a champagne tasting. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.  Afternoon cruise to the village of Cumieres.

Friday
Morning cruise past vine-covered slopes along the winding Marne River. From historic Chateau-Thierry, drive to the American Cemetery and World War I battlefields at Belleau Woods. Festive Captain's Dinner on board.

Saturday
After breakfast, you are escorted via private motorcoach to Paris.

Note: Alternate cruise weeks will be in the reverse direction. This is only a sample itinerary. Actual itinerary can vary, depending on the preferences of guests and the captain's discretion. Water levels, waterway traffic, and maintenance of canals and locks all have a direct effect on canal and river cruising. Some waterways may be subject to occasional closure due to drought, storms, floods, canal or lock repairs or other unforeseen circumstances. For this reason, all routes are subject to change.



Adrienne
2010 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week Route Season
Apr 4 Maizy-Epernay Early/Late
Apr 11 Epernay-Maizy Early/Late
Apr 18 Maizy-Epernay Early/Late
Apr 25 Epernay-Maizy Early/Late
May 2 Maizy-Epernay Value
May 9 Epernay-Maizy Value
May 16 Maizy-Epernay High
May 23 Epernay-Maizy High
May 30 Maizy-Epernay High
Jun 6 Epernay-Maizy High
Jun 13 Maizy-Epernay High
Jun 20 Epernay-Maizy High
Jun 27 Maizy-Epernay High
Jul 4 Epernay-Maizy High
Jul 11 Maizy-Epernay Value
Jul 18 Epernay-Maizy Value
Cruise Schedule* ... continued
Week Route Season
Jul 25 Maizy-Epernay Value
Aug 1 Epernay-Maizy Value
Aug 8 Maizy-Epernay Value
Aug 15 Epernay-Maizy Value
Aug 22 Maizy-Epernay High
Aug 29 Epernay-Maizy High
Sep 5 Maizy-Epernay Prime
Sep 12 Epernay-Maizy Prime
Sep 19 Maizy-Epernay Prime
Sep 26 Epernay-Maizy Prime
Oct 3 Maizy-Epernay Prime
Oct 10 Epernay-Maizy Prime
Oct 17 Maizy-Epernay Value
Oct 24 Epernay-Maizy Early/Late
Oct 31 Maizy-Epernay Early/Late


*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.


ADRIENNE
2010 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
ACCOMMODATION EARLY/LATE
Apr 4 thru May 1
Oct 24 thru Nov 6
VALUE
May 2 thru May 15
Jul 11 thru Aug 21
Oct 17 thru Oct 23
HIGH
May 16 thru Jul 10
Aug 22 thru Sep 4
PRIME
Sep 5 thru Oct 16
Suite (per person, double occupancy)
$5,295
$5,795
$6,295
$6,295
Suite Single Supplement
$1,595
$1,595
$1,595
$1,595
Charter for up to 12
$61,140
$65,940
$70,740
$75,540


What's Included
- 7 days, 6 nights in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return
- All meals starting with Sunday dinner through Saturday breakfast
- Wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All side tours and excursions
- Use of bicycles
- Dinner ashore at a Michelin star restaurant

What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Optional hot air balloon flights
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent Euros



Special Places Travel, LLC
"Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™

For booking information,
Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743)
Outside of the U.S.: 001.443.321.3614
or E-mail: info@specialplacestravel.com



Return to TOP of PAGE
The images on this web page are Copyright © 2006, 2007, 2008 by Special Places Travel, LLC, Edgewater, Maryland, and text is Copyright © 2006-2007, 2008 by French Country Waterways. All rights reserved. Web design by Special Places Travel. The contents of this web page may not be reproduced without permission.
Last Update: December 8, 2009

Barges in France, A Division of Special Places Travel, LLC.
Barges in Europe, A Division of Special Places Travel, LLC.

Member: American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN). Bonded. Founded 1997. American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover accepted.

Member, ASTA-American Society of Travel Agents, CLIA-Cruise Lines International Association, OSSN-Outside Sales Support Network, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Cards Welcome