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Barges In France: Belle Epoque
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Cruise in France on the Canal du Nivernais in Northern Burgundy on the Deluxe Hotel-Barge LA BELLE EPOQUE

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 13-passenger La Belle Epoque in Burgundy is the sister ship to L'Impressionniste in Provence. It has been designed with both elegance and passenger comfort in mind, and offers a sun-deck spa pool, chartroom, wood paneled saloon and dining room, together with other luxury facilities, all fully air-conditioned. There are two spacious suites and four junior suites, with twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite bathrooms, plus a single cabin with bathroom. The Captain leads a crew of six, comprising Master Chef, Tour guide, Housekeeper and two Stewardesses.


Features

  • Size of barge: 126 by 16.6 ft
  • Number of Passengers: 13
  • Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 7
  • Crew: 5-6.
  • Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
  • Salon: Two built in sofas, bar, dining area with dining table and picture windows,
  • Bar: Open bar
  • Deck: Two sundecks; sunken jacuzzi, steamer chairs, reclining chairs, parasols, and large dining table.
  • Spa Tub: Yes
  • Cabin Features: Nuits St. George stern suite is 165 sq ft with double bed or twin beds. Meursault bow suite is 150 sq. ft. with double bed. Santenay and Vougeot junior suites are 124 sq. ft. with twin beds or double. Chablis and Sancerre junior suites are 110 sq. ft. with twin beds. Chart Room changed to single cabin with bathroom for 2008.
  • Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned 9-seater (including driver) long wheelbase VW Caravelle minibus and 6-seater (not including driver) VW Sharan minibus.
  • Accessibility: Steps to salon and cabins.
  • Bicycles: 10 mountain-bicycles, 21-speed

    La Belle Epoque's Deck Plan
    Belle Epoque's Deck Plan



    Passenger Comments:

    Absolutely super. Just wonderful. The crew was wonderful. Enjoyed gourmet cooking and kidding the chef. They took us on tours daily, and all were very, very good. Scenery was beautiful and had gorgeous weather. Cabins were very good.
    -- M.G. WI, USA

    High points: food, duck farm visit, St Eugenie. Excellent: food, excursions, service, route. I'll never be the same again. Chef was great!
    -- D.R., VA, USA

    We thoroughly enjoyed it. Very first class treatment by the staff, very well informed about the region, towns, history, wines, etc.; excellent cuisine; quite interesting cobargers, and quite good side trips.
    -- P.J., MA, USA

    Barge was well laid out and plenty of space. It made it easier that we had the whole barge for our party as we could really take over. Not having to lift a finger for a week was wonderful. The whole atmosphere was relaxing and enjoyable. The excursions had a good balance between history, current lifestyle, shopping and wine.
    -- R.V., Australia

    SAMPLE ITINERARY*
    Burgundy:
    Canal du Nivernais, Auxerre to Clamecy
    Sunday - Paris to Auxerre
    Guests are met at Hotel Ampere in Paris at 1:30pm and transferred to the elegant La Belle Epoque 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 aboard.

    Monday - Auxerre to the Caves de Bailly
    Our morning cruise takes us past vineyard clad hillsides to our rural mooring below the Caves de Bailly. The afternoon excursion is to St. Bris with its extraordinary network of medieval passages beneath the town. A wine tasting introduces you to the outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines produced in Monsieur Bersan's 12th century cellars. Dinner aboard.

    Tuesday - The Caves de Bailly to Accolay
    An excursion to the town of Auxerre allows us to discover the medieval town center. Originally the capital of Lower Burgundy, Auxerre prides itself on its fine churches. We cruise through rich pasture lands and past grazing Charolais cattle to Accolay. Dinner ashore in a local auberge.

    Wednesday - Accolay to Mailly la Ville
    This morning, we visit the charming medieval village of Noyers, one of the most beautiful villages in France, on an excursion through delightful countryside. We then return to the barge for a cruise southwards through the Yonne valley past dramatic steep cliffs to the market town of Mailly. Dinner aboard.

    Thursday - Mailly la Ville to Lucy sur Yonne
    In the morning we cruise past the Saussois cliffs where an international climbing center creates a spectacular setting. Mooring at Lucy sur Yonne, we visit the Chateau of Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors include Richard the Lionheart and which was later renovated by Marechal Vauban. Dinner aboard.

    Friday - Lucy sur Yonne to Clamecy
    In the morning we enjoy an excursion to the town of Vezelay, one of Burgundy's most famous treasures with the Romanesque Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene, craft shops, and fine views of the surrounding countryside. A cruise through beautiful countryside then takes us to Clamecy. Take a short walk into Clamecy to visit the town, the cathedral, and also the Logging and Barging Museum. The narrow streets lined with ancient buildings also present an opportunity for shopping. Captain's Farewell Dinner aboard this evening.

    Saturday - Clamecy to Paris

    Passengers disembark after breakfast and arrive back at the Hotel Ampere in Paris by about 1pm.

    Note: This is a sample itinerary and it is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise runs in reverse direction.



    La Belle Epoque
    2008 Season Cruise Schedule*
    Week Route Season
    Mar 23 Clamecy-Auxerre Early and Late Season Charter Only
    Mar 30 Auxerre-Clamecy Early and Late Season Charter Only
    Apr 6 Clamecy-Auxerre Value
    Apr 13 Auxerre-Clamecy Value
    Apr 20 Clamecy-Auxerre Value
    Apr 27 Auxerre-Clamecy Regular
    May 4 Clamecy-Auxerre Regular
    May 11 Auxerre-Clamecy Regular
    May 18 Clamecy-Auxerre Regular
    May 25 Auxerre-Clamecy Regular
    Jun 1 Clamecy-Auxerre Regular
    Jun 8 Auxerre-Clamecy Regular
    Jun 15 Clamecy-Auxerre Regular
    Jun 22 Auxerre-Clamecy Regular
    Jun 29 Clamecy-Auxerre Regular
    Jul 6 Auxerre-Clamecy Value
    Jul 13 Clamecy-Auxerre Value
    Cruise Schedule* ... continued
    Week Route Season
    Jul 20 Auxerre-Clamecy Value
    Jul 27 Clamecy-Auxerre Value
    Aug 3 Auxerre-Clamecy Value
    Aug 10 Clamecy-Auxerre Value
    Aug 17 Auxerre-Clamecy Value
    Aug 24 Clamecy-Auxerre Value
    Aug 31 Auxerre-Clamecy Regular
    Sep 7 Clamecy-Auxerre Regular
    Sep 14 Auxerre-Clamecy Regular
    Sep 21 Clamecy-Auxerre Regular
    Sep 28 Auxerre-Clamecy Regular
    Oct 5 Clamecy-Auxerre Regular
    Oct 12 Auxerre-Clamecy Regular
    Oct 19 Clamecy-Auxerre Regular
    Oct 26 Auxerre-Clamecy Value
    Nov 2 Clamecy-Auxerre Early and Late Season Charter Only
    Nov 9 Auxerre-Clamecy Early and Late Season Charter Only


    *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.


    LA BELLE EPOQUE
    2008 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
    ACCOMMODATION EARLY AND LATE SEASON CHARTER ONLY
    Mar 23 thru Apr 5
    Nov 2 thru Nov 15
    VALUE
    Apr 6 thru Apr 26
    Jul 6 thru Aug 30
    Oct 26 thru Nov 1
    REGULAR
    Apr 27 thru Jul 5
    Aug 31 thru Oct 25
    Junior Suite (per person, double occ)
    NA
    $3,990
    $4,590
    Suite (per person, double occupancy)
    NA
    $4,250
    $4,850
    Single in Single Cabin
    NA
    $4,350
    $4,990
    Suite Single Supplement
    NA
    $1,550
    $1,750
    Charter for 10
    $43,200
    $43,200
    $49,500
    Charter for 11
    $44,500
    $44,500
    $51,000
    Charter for 12
    $45,800
    $45,800
    $52,500
    Charter for 13
    $47,100
    $47,100
    $54,000
    Cycling Charter Supplement for up to 13
    $5,000
    $5,000
    $5,000
    Wine Cruise Charter Supplement for up to 13
    $5,000
    $5,000
    $5,000


    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
    - 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
    - suggested 5-7% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent Euros to the captain

    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: March 2, 2008