Cruise In France On The Canal du Nivernais In Northern Burgundy Aboard The First Class Hotel-Barge L'ART DE VIVRE.
BARGE CRUISES: SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS
The 8-passenger L'Art de Vivre was built in England during World War One as a munitions carrier and was transformed into a hotel barge in 1998. There are four identical cabins which may be configured with a queen bed or two twins, and all include an ensuite bathroom. The barge has a comfortable salon with dining table and a sundeck with jacuzzi and lounge chairs. Your crew of four comprises a Captain, tour guide, master Chef and hostess, who each share a love for the Nivernais canal.
L'Art de Vivre cruises the lower Nivernais and the Yonne Valley between Chevroches and the medieval town of Auxerre. The region simply oozes charm and the cruise is a journey back in time along a magical waterway. The Upper Nivernais remains an undiscovered region, well off the beaten track on the edge of the Morvan hills. The sleepy hamlets, white grazing Charolais cattle, woods and forests are typical of the scenery the barge cruises through. The Canal du Nivernais region is where time seems to have stood still for over two hundred years. The hand-swung bridges are a delight and we pass old logging sites which are now almost a forgotten memory for the local people. Luxury barging is a rarity that is welcomed by all, and every journey is made into a great event that is shared and enjoyed by everyone.
We have visited L'Art de Vivre many times over the years and think it provides an excellent cruise on the beautiful and secluded Canal du Nivernais in Northern Burgundy. We most recently visited the barge in April 2017 with its new banquette seating and bar in the salon.
Highlights include:
- Auxerre and its magnificent cathedral
- Wine tasting of fine Chablis wines in a 12th century cellar
- Chateau de Bazoches, home of Maréchal Vauban
- Noyers, one of the most beautiful villages in Burgundy
- Picturesque Vézelay and its hilltop basilica
- The medieval town of Clamecy
- Optional hot air ballooning
Features
- Size of barge: 100 ft by 16.6 ft
- Number of Passengers: 8
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 4
- Crew: 5
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: Banquette seating, bar and dining table with picture windows
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Deck with jacuzzi, eight chairs, large dining table and sun canopy
- Spa Tub: Yes
- Cabin Features: Four identical cabins about 102 sq ft each with twin beds or queen, including ensuite bathroom with shower.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned 9-seater (including driver) long wheelbase Mercedes minibus
- Accessibility: 6 steps from salon to deck plus one down onto the deck, 6 steps from salon to cabins, 2 steps from hall to bow cabins
- Bicycles: 5 bicycles
- Wi-Fi: Yes - limited in some areas
L'Art de Vivre: Deck Plan
| L'ART DE VIVRE 2021 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| TYPE | VALUE Apr 4 thru Apr 24 Jul 18 thru Aug 28 Oct 3 thru Oct 30 |
REGULAR Apr 25 thru Jul 17 Aug 29 thru Oct 2 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$4,750 |
$5,550 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,750 |
$2,000 |
| Charter for 6 |
$33,100 |
$38,200 |
| Charter for 7 |
$34,300 |
$39,600 |
| Charter for 8 |
$35,500 |
$41,000 |
| L'ART DE VIVRE 2022 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| TYPE | VALUE Mar 27 thru Apr 30 Jul 17 thru Aug 27 Oct 9 thru Oct 29 |
REGULAR May 1 thru Jul 16 Aug 28 thru Oct 8 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$4,950 |
$5,790 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,850 |
$2,100 |
| Charter for 6 |
$34,600 |
$40,000 |
| Charter for 7 |
$35,800 |
$41,500 |
| Charter for 8 |
$37,000 |
$43,000 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge, all cabins with private bath
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday, including one lunch at a local restaurant
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (hot air ballooning, golf, etc. at additional cost)
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Suggested 5-7% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent Euros to the captain
|
L'Art de Vivre 2021 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 4 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Value |
| Apr 11 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Value |
| Apr 18 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Value |
| Apr 25 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| May 2 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| May 9 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| May 16 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| May 23 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| May 30 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Jun 6 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Jun 13 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Jun 20 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Jun 27 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Jul 4 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Jul 11 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Jul 18 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Value |
| Jul 25 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Value |
| Aug 1 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Value |
| Aug 8 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Value |
| Aug 15 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Value |
| Aug 22 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Value |
| Aug 29 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Sep 5 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Sep 12 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Sep 19 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Sep 26 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Oct 3 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Value |
| Oct 10 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Value |
| Oct 17 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Value |
| Oct 24 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Value |
|
L'Art de Vivre 2022 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Mar 27 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Value |
| Apr 3 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Value |
| Apr 10 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Value |
| Apr 17 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Value |
| Apr 24 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Value |
| May 1 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| May 8 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| May 15 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| May 22 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| May 29 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Jun 5 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Jun 12 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Jun 19 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Jun 26 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Jul 3 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Jul 10 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Jul 17 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Value |
| Jul 24 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Value |
| Jul 31 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Value |
| Aug 7 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Value |
| Aug 14 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Value |
| Aug 21 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Value |
| Aug 28 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Sep 4 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Sep 11 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Sep 18 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Sep 25 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Oct 2 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Value |
| Oct 9 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Value |
| Oct 16 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Value |
| Oct 23 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Value |
*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.
Burgundy: Canal du Nivernais
Auxerre to Chevroches 2023
Auxerre Clock Tower
Chablis vineyard
Vezelay Village
Chateau Bazoches
Sunday - Auxerre
Guests are met at our meeting point in Paris and transferred by private
chauffeured minibus to the pretty L'Art de Vivre. Following a champagne welcome,
you are free to explore the medieval town of Auxerre, or take a stroll along the
banks of the River Yonne before returning for dinner on board.
Monday - Auxerre to Vincelles
Our morning cruise starts early and takes us through some delightful locks and
past vineyard-clad hillsides to our rural mooring at Vincelles. Following lunch
on board, we head to the quarry of Aubigny, a subterranean wonderland of
stonework which is famous for the limestone used on buildings such as the Paris
Opera House. Here we explore this uniquely atmospheric underground space.
Afterwards, we visit the cellars of Bailly-Lapierre, also carved out of the
rock, to taste some their sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne. Dinner on board.
Tuesday - Vincelles to Mailly-la-Ville
Following an early breakfast, we head to the medieval town of Auxerre to wander
the morning produce market. Later, we tour the centre of what was originally the
capital of Lower Burgundy, with its lavish Renaissance houses, fine churches and
particularly its magnificent cathedral situated close to the river. We then
return to the hotel barge for a cruise southward through rich pasturelands and
past grazing Charolais cattle, to the sleepy village of Mailly-la-Ville. After
your relaxed lunch on board, perhaps this is a good time to enjoy a walk or
bicycle ride along the towpath. Dinner on board.
Wednesday - Mailly-la-Ville to Le Saussois
This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, we head to the celebrated wine
village of Chablis. After viewing the vineyards, we make a private visit to the
prestigious Domaine Laroche for a wine-tasting, followed by a tour of the 1000
years old Obédiencerie; originally part of the monastery of St. Martin, this is
where the monks developed the craft of winemaking in the Middle Ages and to this
day it remains the location for aging the wines. Lunch will be served by a
private chef in the Domaine's dining hall. Later in the afternoon we return to
the barge to cruise past the cliffs at Le Saussois, a stunning natural setting
with an international climbing centre. There will also be the opportunity to
enjoy delightful walks or bicycle rides along the towpath. Dinner on board.
Thursday - Le Saussois to Lucy-sur-Yonne
Our morning cruise is through the picturesque Yonne Valley to our mooring at
Lucy-sur-Yonne. After lunch on board, we enjoy an excursion to the pilgrimage
town of Vézelay, one of Burgundy's most famous treasures with the Romanesque
Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding
countryside. Dinner on board.
Friday - Lucy-sur-Yonne to Chevroches
A morning cruise through beautiful countryside takes us to our final mooring at
the pretty canalside village of Chevroches and again this is a perfect time for
a walk or a bicycle ride. In the afternoon, we visit the elegant Château de
Bazoches, built in the 12th century and whose illustrious visitors included
Richard the Lionheart. The château was later remodelled by Maréchal Vauban and
there are wonderful views from its elevated hillside setting. Captain's Farewell
Dinner on board.
Saturday - Chevroches
After breakfast, guests are transfered to Paris.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks
the cruise is in the reverse direction.
Dining Aboard L'Art de Vivre:
SAMPLE MENU
BREAKFAST
- Cereals
- Fresh Fruit
- Yogurt
- Freshly baked croissaint, pastries and breads
- Eggs and pancakes cooked to order
- Fresh fruit juices, coffee and a selection of different teas
LUNCH
- Sea bass with creamed leeks & tartar sauce
- Assorted quiche
- Selection of cured, cold meats
- Guinea fowl with green papper sauce
- Assorted cheese tray that includes selections such as Comté, Beaufort and Chaource
- Assorted salads such as Greek salad and mixed green salad
- Desserts include chocolate and orange tart and pineapple carpaccio
DINNER
- French onion soup
- Smoked salmon and celeriac salad
- Beef fillet with potato rosti and red wine jus
- Chicken filo parcels
- Duck confit with orange jus, wilted spinach and cherry tomatoes
- Goat cheese tart
- Salmon with avocado salsa & beurre blanc sauce
- Chili garlic prawns
- Lamb loin with ratatouille and red wine jus
- Escargots and foie gras en croute
- Pork loin with Dijon mustard, roasted yellow carrots
- Assorted cheese trays that may include Valencay, Epoisses, Roquefort, Brie
de Meaux, St Maure,
Soumaintrain, Bleu de Chevre, Morbier, Régal de Borgogne with Garlic and Herbs, Forme D'Ambert and Camembert
DESSERTS
- Chocolate molten cake
- Chocolate truffle cake
- Poached pears
- Raspberry crème brulée
SAMPLE WINE LIST
Domaine Ferrari, Irancy 'Les Palottes'; Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils; Pouilly Fuissé; Domaine Borgnat; Coulanges la Vineuse
Passenger Comments:
Excellent trip, outstanding crew, great food & wine. Enjoyed the other passengers. the high points were the peaceful countryside, Chablis winery, cathedral in Auxerre. the cruise route was perfect for a relaxing cruise though peaceful countryside, small villages..
D.M, MA, USA
It was a great success, and everything we had hoped for in celebration of our 80th birthdays (5 of us). The service was excellent. Beyond what we might have expected. The high points were the meals and wine certainly, the excursions, bicycling along the tow path. Perhaps above all the great sense of humour of all the crew members. This goes a long way to making the cruise relaxed and enjoyable!.
R&M.O., Canada
The overall experience was excellent, especially the service, meals and excusions. The high points were the experience, the crew, the scenery.
G.P., FL, USA
The service was outstanding. I can't say enough about the crew. They all contributed to my enjoyment of the cruise. They weren't intrusive but were always there to help when needed. The meals and wines were even better than we expected. We enjoyed them all. The dinner out was also good. The excursions were interesting. The wine tasting in Chablis was good, and the historical visits to Auxerre, Vezalay and the Chateau Bazoches interesting. We really liked becoming familiar with rural France, both through the excursions and the barge route. We left with a good feel for the area.
D.H., WA, USA
It was a spectacular week! The barge route was beautiful, the crew was wonderful, the food beyond belief, the wines excellent and the tours fun and informative. Our trip was beyond our expectations!
D.A., TX, USA
LINKS to L'Art de Vivre Information
This page last updated December 25, 2023