Cruise In France On The Canal du Nivernais In Northern Burgundy Aboard The First Class Hotel-Barge L'ART DE VIVRE.
SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 8-passenger L'Art de Vivre was renovated in 2009 and now offers four reconfigured cabins, each one between 100 - 110 sq ft that also includes newly tiled ensuite bathrooms. Each cabin can be configured with two twin beds or a queen bed. The barge has a comfortable salon with dining table and a sundeck with jacuzzi and lounge chairs. The barge began its' life as a Scottish munitions carrier and survived long enough to be transformed by a team of skilled craftsmen into a floating celebration of the Burgundian "good life". 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.
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: 4
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: Salon with picture windows, two sofas and a dining table seating 9.
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Deck with jacuzzi, eight chairs, large dining table and two parasols
- Spa Tub: Yes
- Cabin Features: Four identical staterooms about 100 sq ft each with twin beds or queen, including fully tiled ensuite bathroom with shower.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned 9-seater (including driver) long wheelbase Mercedes minibus.
- Accessibility: Steps to salon and cabins
- Bicycles: 8 touring (mountain) bikes
L'Art de Vivre: Deck Plan
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
Passenger Comments:
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, April 2012
Overall the trip was excellent, we loved the barge, the places it visited and especially the staff. This trip will always be a good one, but this was SUPER good!
B & B A., KS, USA, April 2012
Excellent barge. Food exceptional. Service above and beyond. Excursions were nicely arranged and well planned. If you have not done a barge trip and it is on your bucket list, why are you waiting? It is fabulous!
S & D R., NM, USA, August 2011
Superb service! While the sleeping portion of the cabin was small, the bathroom and especially the shower were a very nice size. Surprisingly there was adequate storage space in the cabin. Meals and wines were memorable – all preparations were outstanding!
L & B S., CA, USA, May 2011
The barge trip was great, the staff was excellent, and the barge cozy and well-appointed. Food was excellently prepared and we enjoyed the British hostess and chef as well as the cheerful and conscientious captain and first mate.
R.F., CA, USA, May 2010
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal du Nivernais
Auxerre to Chevroches 2013
Sunday - Auxerre
Guests are met at the designated meeting point and transferred to the barge moored in Auxerre. 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 takes us past vineyard-clad hillsides to our rural mooring at Vincelles. The afternoon excursion is to Chablis, home of one of the most famous white wines in the world. A tasting in one of the town's aged cellars will introduce you to some of the local Petit Chablis and Chablis wines. Dinner on board.
Tuesday - Vincelles to Mailly la Ville
After breakfast, our excursion is to the medieval town of Auxerre. Originally the capital of Lower Burgundy, the town prides itself on its fine churches and particularly its magnificent cathedral. We then return to the barge for a cruise southwards through rich pasture lands past grazing Charolais cattle to the town of Mailly la Ville. Dinner on board.
Wednesday - Mailly la Ville to Le Saussois
This morning, we visit the charming 14th century medieval market village of Noyers one of the most beautiful villages in France, on an excursion through delightful countryside. In the afternoon we cruise past the Saussois cliffs where an international climbing centre creates a spectacular setting. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy spectacular walks before dinner ashore.
Thursday - Le Saussois to Lucy sur Yonne
In the morning we enjoy an excursion to the 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. Lunch on board followed by an afternoon cruise through the Yonne valley to arrive at Lucy sur Yonne. Dinner on board.
Friday - Lucy sur Yonne to Chevroches
A morning cruise through beautiful countryside then takes us to Chevroches. In the afternoon, we visit the Chateau of Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart and which was later remodeled by Maréchal Vauban. Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday - Chevroches
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the designated drop off point.
NOTE: On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. This itinerary is subject to change.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal du Nivernais
Auxerre to Chevroches Cycling Itinerary 2013
Sunday - Auxerre
Guests are met at the designated meeting point and transferred to the barge moored in Auxerre, Burgundy. 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
This morning cyclists head off through the cherry orchards up to Vallan, Escamps and Chastenay. Enjoy a cooling break while visiting the subterranean caverns at Taingy, from which the famous Burgundian limestone was extracted to build monuments such as the Pantheon and la Madeleine in Paris, and even the first water tower in Chicago! Buffet Lunch. Return to the barge via Molesmes and Charentenay with optional wine tasting at chez Mr. Bon, in the hamlet of Migé. Dinner on board.
Tuesday - Vincelles to Mailly la Ville
Our itinerary today takes cyclists up though the narrow streets of Irancy, the latest wine village to be awarded its own appellation-controlée. Continue on a narrow track straight up through the vineyards and plunge down to St Bris where a short break is spent in the 12th century cellars of Mr. Bersan. Cross country on the ‘Grande Randonnée track 13’ follows with buffet lunch/barbecue in the grounds of a 17th century watermill. An afternoon cycle circuit takes in Accolay, and Fontenay sous Fouronnes before rejoining the barge at Bazarnes for a short evening cruise to Mailly la Ville. Dinner on board.
Wednesday - Mailly la Ville to Le Saussois
As the barge leaves Mailly la Ville, cyclists disembark at the first lock and follow the GR 13 along the banks of the River Cure through Bessy and Arcy sur Cure. An old Roman road leads back over the hill down to Pregilbert where L’Art de Vivre is mooring up. Lunch ashore. Afternoon cycling to Mailly le Chateau and The Rochers du Saussois, with perhaps a stop at the 14th century tower, studio of local artist M. Rose, before rejoining the barge at Le Saussois. Dinner on board.
Thursday - Le Saussois to Lucy sur Yonne
As the L’Art de Vivre slips its mooring, this morning’s ride traverses the Bois d’Arcy and climbs to one of Burgundy’s most picturesque hilltop settings, Vezelay. After discovering the world famous Romanesque Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene, a swoop downhill takes us through St. Père sous Vezelay to meet our chef, setting up a buffet luncheon on the banks of the River Cure, alongside the medieval bridge at Pierre Perthuis. Our afternoon ride is through Fontenay and the forest of Chauffour-Ferrières to the village of Lucy sur Yonne where the barge is moored for the night. Dinner on board.
Friday - Lucy sur Yonne to Chevroches
A morning cruise through beautiful countryside then takes us to Chevroches. Later we cycle to Dornecy through the Fôret de Champôrnot. We enjoy a buffet lunch somewhere in the greenery, and then back to the barge, along the towpath, moored at Chevroche. Captains Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday - Chevroches
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the designated drop off point.
NOTE: On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
L'Art de Vivre
2013 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Mar 31 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Value
|
| Apr 7 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Value
|
| Apr 14 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Value
|
| Apr 21 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Value
|
| Apr 28 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Value
|
| May 5 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Regular
|
| May 12 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Regular
|
| May 19 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Regular
|
| May 26 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Regular
|
| Jun 2 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Regular
|
| Jun 9 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Regular
|
| Jun 16 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Regular
|
| Jun 23 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Regular
|
| Jun 30 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Regular
|
| Jul 7 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 14 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Value
|
| Jul 21 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Value
|
| Jul 28 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Value
|
| Aug 4 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Value
|
| Aug 11 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Value
|
| Aug 18 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Value
|
| Aug 25 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Regular
|
| Sep 1 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Regular
|
| Sep 8 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Regular
|
| Sep 15 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Regular
|
| Sep 22 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Regular
|
| Sep 29 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Regular
|
| Oct 6 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Value
|
| Oct 13 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Value
|
| Oct 20 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Value
|
|
L'Art de Vivre
2014 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Mar 30 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Value
|
| Apr 6 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Value
|
| Apr 13 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Value
|
| Apr 20 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Value
|
| Apr 27 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Value
|
| May 4 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Regular
|
| May 11 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Regular
|
| May 18 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Regular
|
| May 25 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Regular
|
| Jun 1 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Regular
|
| Jun 8 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Regular
|
| Jun 15 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Regular
|
| Jun 22 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Regular
|
| Jun 29 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Regular
|
| Jul 6 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Regular
|
| Jul 13 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Value
|
|
| 2014 Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 20 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Value
|
| Jul 27 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Value
|
| Aug 3 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Value
|
| Aug 10 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Value
|
| Aug 17 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Value
|
| Aug 24 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Regular
|
| Aug 31 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Regular
|
| Sep 7 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Regular
|
| Sep 14 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Regular
|
| Sep 21 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Regular
|
| Sep 28 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Regular
|
| Oct 5 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Value
|
| Oct 12 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Value
|
| Oct 19 |
Chevroches-Auxerre |
Value
|
| Oct 26 |
Auxerre-Chevroches |
Value
|
|
The L'Art de ViVre's route through Northern Burgundy, from Auxerre to Chevroches on the Canal du Nivernais. For a more detailed look at the cruise route, view our map of the Canal du Nivernais.
*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.
L'ART DE VIVRE
2013 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
VALUE
Mar 31 thru May 4
Jul 14 thru Aug 24
Oct 6 thru Oct 26 |
REGULAR
May 5 thru Jul 13
Aug 25 thru Oct 5
|
|
Stateroom (per person, double occupancy) |
$4,150 |
$4,790 |
|
Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,550 |
$1,750 |
|
Charter for 6 |
$29,000 |
$33,100 |
|
Charter for 7 |
$30,000 |
$34,300 |
|
Charter for 8 |
$31,000 |
$35,500 |
|
* Cycling Charter Supplement for up to 8 |
$3,000 |
$3,000 |
|
** Walking Charter Supplement for 6-8 |
$2,200 |
$2,200 |
|
*** Wine Cruise Charter Supplement |
$3,000 |
$3,000 |
Walking cruises include daily walking with a professional Walking Guide.
Cycling cruise includes daily cycling with a professional Cycling Guide and an upgrade of bicycle for duration of your cruise.
Wine cruise includes a comprehensive and customisable wine itinerary, an upgrade of all wines served on board to include more Premier and Grand Cru wines and the services of a professional Wine Guide.
L'ART DE VIVRE
2014 SEASON PRICES IN US DOLLARS* |
| ACCOMMODATION |
VALUE* [2013 RATES]
Mar 30 thru May 3
Jul 13 thru Aug 23
Oct 5 thru Nov 1 |
REGULAR* [2013 RATES]
May 4 thru Jul 12
Aug 24 thru Oct 4
|
|
Stateroom (per person, double occupancy) |
$4,150 |
$4,790 |
|
Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,550 |
$1,750 |
|
Charter for 6 |
$29,000 |
$33,100 |
|
Charter for 7 |
$30,000 |
$34,300 |
|
Charter for 8 |
$31,000 |
$35,500 |
|
Cycling Charter Supplement for up to 8 |
$3,000 |
$3,000 |
|
Walking Charter Supplement for 6-8 |
$2,200 |
$2,200 |
|
Wine Cruise Charter Supplement |
$3,000 |
$3,000 |
*2013 rates will be honored for 2014 bookings placed before the announcement of 2014 prices (expected in late Spring 2014).
What's Included For 2013 & 2014 Cruises
- 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
- 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 For 2013 & 2014 Cruises
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Suggested 5-7% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent Euros to the captain
| Please visit our Special Offers page to see potential discounts for this barge or many others. |
 |
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
|
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Last Update: May 13, 2013
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