Barge Cruise: La Belle Epoque
Cruise In France On The Burgundy Canal in Northern Burgundy On The Deluxe Hotel-Barge LA BELLE EPOQUE
BARGE CRUISES: SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS
The 12-passenger La Belle Epoque cruises in Northern Burgundy and is the sister ship to L'Impressionniste that cruises in Southern Burgundy. It has been designed with both elegance and passenger comfort in mind, and offers a sun-deck spa pool, wood paneled salon and dining room, and is fully air-conditioned throughout. There are two larger Junior suites and four smaller cabins, with either twin or queen bed configurations. Each cabin has its own all marble en-suite bathroom. The Captain leads a crew of six, comprising of a master Chef, tour guide, housekeeper and two cabin stewards.
La Belle Epoque cruises on the Burgundy Canal in Northern Burgundy between Tanlay and Veneray les Laumes. The Burgundy Canal cruise week includes a wine tasting in Chablis, and visits to the Abbey de Fontenay, hilltop village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, and the Renaissance Chateau d'Ancy le Franc. There is also a special excursion to Champagne with a visit to a family-owned Champagne house for a private tasting, followed by a visit to the Château de Ricey-Bas for a Champagne aperitif and a gourmet lunch with the Baroness as well as a stroll through the gardens and the chateau interiors. A highlight is a visit to the moat-encircled Château de Commarin to be treated to a private demonstration of the medieval sport of falconry, weather permitting.
We have visited La Belle Epoque many times over the years and have found that it consistently provides a great cruise, great cuisine and wines and excellent excursions. It has cruised on the northern part of the Burgundy Canal for a number of years, and has found great places to visit and to cruise on this beautiful and peaceful canal. It also offers family cruises, wine appreciation and walking charters -- itineraries and rates are available upon request.
Features
- Size of barge: 126 by 16.6 ft
- Number of Passengers: 12
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 6
- Crew: 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; heated spa pool, 8 reclining chairs and large dining table with sun canopy
- Spa Tub: Yes
- Cabin Features: Nuits St. Georges stern junior suite 165 sq ft and Meursault bow junior suite 150 sq. ft., Santenay and Vougeot stern cabins 130 sq. ft., Chablis and Sancerre bow cabins 111 sq. ft, all with queen bed or twins and including ensuite bathroom with shower.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned 9-seater (including driver) long wheelbase Mercedes minibus and 6-seater (not including driver) Mercedes minibus.
- Accessibility: 3 steps from deck to salon, 11 steps from salon to cabins.
- Bicycles: 12 6-gear bikes
- Wi-Fi: Yes - limited in some areas
La Belle Epoque's Deck Plan
| LA BELLE EPOQUE 2021 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| TYPE | VALUE Mar 28 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) |
$5,350 |
$6,290 |
| Junior Suite (per person, double occupancy) |
$5,650 |
$6,590 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,950 |
$2,250 |
| Charter for 8 |
$54,900 |
$63,300 |
| Charter for 9 |
$56,600 |
$65,400 |
| Charter for 10 |
$57,900 |
$67,100 |
| Charter for 11 |
$59,200 |
$68,800 |
| Charter for 12 |
$60,500 |
$70,500 |
| LA BELLE EPOQUE 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) |
$5,590 |
$6,590 |
| Junior Suite (per person, double occupancy) |
$5,950 |
$6,990 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$2,050 |
$2,350 |
| Charter for 8 |
$57,900 |
$66,600 |
| Charter for 9 |
$59,600 |
$68,800 |
| Charter for 10 |
$60,900 |
$70,600 |
| Charter for 11 |
$62,200 |
$72,400 |
| Charter for 12 |
$63,500 |
$74,200 |
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 gourmet lunch on shore
- 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
|
La Belle Epoque 2021 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Mar 28 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Value |
| Apr 4 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Value |
| Apr 11 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Value |
| Apr 18 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Value |
| Apr 25 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Regular |
| May 2 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Regular |
| May 9 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Regular |
| May 16 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Regular |
| May 23 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Regular |
| May 30 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Regular |
| Jun 6 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Regular |
| Jun 13 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Regular |
| Jun 20 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Regular |
| Jun 27 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Regular |
| Jul 4 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Regular |
| Jul 11 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Regular |
| Jul 18 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Value |
| Jul 25 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Value |
| Aug 1 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Value |
| Aug 8 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Value |
| Aug 15 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Value |
| Aug 22 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Value |
| Aug 29 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Regular |
| Sep 5 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Regular |
| Sep 12 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Regular |
| Sep 19 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Regular |
| Sep 26 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Regular |
| Oct 3 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Value |
| Oct 10 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Value |
| Oct 17 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Value |
| Oct 24 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Value |
|
La Belle Epoque 2022 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Mar 27 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Value |
| Apr 3 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Value |
| Apr 10 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Value |
| Apr 17 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Value |
| Apr 24 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Value |
| May 1 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Regular |
| May 8 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Regular |
| May 15 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Regular |
| May 22 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Regular |
| May 29 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Regular |
| Jun 5 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Regular |
| Jun 12 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Regular |
| Jun 19 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Regular |
| Jun 26 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Regular |
| Jul 3 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Regular |
| Jul 10 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Regular |
| Jul 17 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Value |
| Jul 24 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Value |
| Jul 31 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Value |
| Aug 7 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Value |
| Aug 14 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Value |
| Aug 21 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Value |
| Aug 28 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Regular |
| Sep 4 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Regular |
| Sep 11 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Regular |
| Sep 18 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Regular |
| Sep 25 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Regular |
| Oct 2 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Regular |
| Oct 9 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | Value |
| Oct 16 | Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay | Value |
| Oct 23 | Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes | 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.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne
Venarey les Laumes to Tanlay 2023
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne
Venarey les Laumes to Tanlay 2023
Chateau-de-Commarin
Abbaye-de-Fontenay
Château d'Ancy le-Franc
Village of Chablis
Guests are met at the designated meeting point and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to La Belle Epoque. A full crew Welcome Aboard with champagne and canapés. After time to settle into your cabin you will enjoy your first dinner on board and an introduction to Burgundy's excellent cuisine.
Monday - Venarey-les-Laumes to Montbard
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then we cruise through woodlands and rolling fields with great towpath biking and walking opportunities past the tiny canalside villages of Nogent, Courcelles and Les Granges. After an early lunch, we visit the moat-encircled Château de Commarin to be treated to a private demonstration of the medieval sport of falconry (Weather dependent). The close up encounter with these majestic birds against the backdrop of the castle grounds is an amazing experience and afterwards, we meet Count Bertrand de Vogue, the current resident and 26th generation of the de Vogue family to maintain continuous residence since the 13th century, who will give a fascinating insight into the Château's history. This is followed by a private tour of the building. Dinner on board.
Tuesday - Montbard to Ravières
Morning cruise with excellent towpath walking or cycling, passing the 18th century Forges de Buffon. After lunch we escort you to the exquisite UNESCO World Heritage site of Abbaye de Fontenay founded by St Bernard in 1118. Representing a distinctive example of early Cistercian architecture and virtually intact, Fontenay allows an exceptional glimpse of Cistercian life and industry with its peaceful gardens and ponds and fascinating cloisters, dormitories and scriptorium. We return to the barge and cruise to Ravières. Dinner on board.
Wednesday - Ravières to Ancy-le-Franc
A truly unique day lies ahead. Following breakfast aboard we head to Les Riceys, the only wine growing area of the Champagne region to have 3 Appellation d'Origine Contrôlées. Here we visit the Maison Alexandre Bonnet for a private champagne tasting, a family owned Champagne house renowned for a stunning yearly harvest of Pinot Noir that leads to some exquisite vintages. After you've tasted an array of champagnes we take a short drive to Château de Ricey-Bas; with its 12th century vaulted cellars and thousand year history it's the ideal location to appreciate the rolling vineyards and enjoy a glimpse of family life in a rural château. Here we will be greeted for a Champagne aperitif and a gourmet lunch with the Baroness herself, which we take in either the private salon or the atmospheric vaulted 13th century kitchen. We will spend the remainder of the afternoon strolling the beautiful gardens or exploring the regal château interiors. We return to the barge and begin our cruise to Ancy-le-Franc, with plenty of opportunity to walk or cycle along the towpath, or sit on deck with another glass of bubbly. Dinner on board.
Thursday - Ancy-le-Franc to Lezinnes
This morning we visit Château d'Ancy-le-Franc. This beautifully symmetrical, 16th century masterpiece contains France's biggest collection of Renaissance murals and is set in magnificent gardens and parkland. In the afternoon, a gentle cruise as your hotel barge continues along the Burgundy Canal and descends through the picturesque locks to moor at Lezinnes. Dinner on board.
Friday - Lezinnes to Tanlay
After breakfast we enjoy a leisurely cruise to our final mooring at Tanlay, with the opportunity to cycle or walk into the picturesque village of Saint Vinnemer. Following lunch, we visit the town of Chablis, dating back to Roman times, and enjoy a private wine tasting at the prestigious Domaine Laroche. There, we also visit the 1000-year-old Obediencerie, originally part of the monastery of St Martin, the founders of Chablis, where for centuries, the domaine's wines have been aged. Later we return to the barge for the Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday - Tanlay
After breakfast, guests are transferred to the designated drop off point in Paris.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
Dining Aboard La Belle Epoque:
SAMPLE MENU
BREAKFAST
- Freshly baked croissants, pastries and breads
- Cereals
- Fresh fruits
- Fresh fruit juices
- Coffee and a selection of teas
LUNCH
- A selection of salads, pates and cold meat platters accompanied by a hot soup or entrée followed by dessert or regional cheese platter
- Cantal Cheese and mustard marinated tomatoes in a pastry crust with couscous salad
- Prosciutto Wrapped Melon
- Assorted cheese board that may include Papillon Roquefort, Delice de Bourgogne
DINNER
- Petite grilled sardines with basil and garlic sauce
- Tuna steak with potatoes and a classic olive oil, lemon juice, tomatoes and basil sauce
- Chicken liver pie with seafood sauce
- Fillet of lamb, glazed provencale vegetables and tomato confit
- Fried langostine rolls served with seafood bisque and a pumpkin jam
- Duck breast fillet with sweet mango relish and grilled bread
- Foie gras with apple compote and warm cinnamon vinaigrette
- Charolais beef fillet with red wine sauce, glazed vegetables and shallot confit
- Assorted cheese board
DESSERTS
- Chocolate molten cake with sugar crusted bananas
- Chilled strawberry soup with mint sorbet and orange segments
- Classic liquer souffle
- Plum tart
SAMPLE WINE LIST
Fers Saint Eloi Grande Cuvée Fleurie; Montagny Premier Cru; Domaine Jadot, Moulin à Vent; Domaine Michelo; Meursault
Passenger Comments:
The barge trip was fabulous in all respects. The cabin was comfortable, roomy, spotless, quiet, well appointed. The meals and wines were beyond fantastic. Each one special in its own way. And one of the best things was that the portions were perfect size so that my weight gain was not astronomical! The hight point was the personnel. Iolanda was a wonderful captain and the entire crew were lovely, efficient, friendly, skilled. The crew, especially Iolanda, went above and beyond in being helpful, friendly, available,. They all seemed to genuinely enjoy their work and being on the barge. And the passengers were a great group.
C.A. MA USA
It was the most AMAZING trip I have ever been on. I simply cannot put into words how great the service was. Everyone on that crew treated us like family and every request was granted immediately and with a smile. the meals were DELICIOUS! Selby met with us to determine likes/dislikes, portion size, everything. We all gained weight I am afraid because everything was so wonderful. The high points were the outdoor market, the castles, the winery.I give my highest regards and many sincere thanks to Perrine, Selby, Florian, Judith, Shona, and Andre for giving our family our best vacation ever. Not one thing went awry. The knowledge and professionalism this crew has is amazing. We all became friends and it was hard to leave. I wish this was something I could do every year!
L.H. ND, USA
One of the best trips I've taken! The meals were perfection! Chef Selby is a tremendous Chef. My husband and I are both professional chefs at 5 star/5 diamond properties and we were so impressed. The one night we had dinner off the barge, which was lovely, we all agreed that we enjoyed Selby's cuisine more! the excursions were Lovely. My favorite was the wine tasting in Chablis. Also such a special touch that they provided cocktails/refreshments and snacks upon our returns each time! Every staff member was amazing!!l Perrinne, Judy, Shauna, Selby, Florian, and Andre, made our trip even more memorable than we imagined. They each have such wonderful personalities, and as I mentioned previously, such professionalism without being stuffy. They catered to our every need without being intrusive, but also engaged with us when we asked them to. They were all incredible and I can't say enough about them!! Please thank them again for us!
M.W. CA, USA
LINKS to La Belle Epoque Information
This page last updated December 25, 2023