Cruise in France on the Burgundy Canal on the Deluxe Hotel-Barge LA BELLE EPOQUE

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

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

La Belle Epoque cruises on the Burgundy Canal between Veneray les Laumes and Tanlay. The cruise week includes a wine tasting in Saint Bris, and visits to the Abbey de Fontenay, hilltop village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, Renaissance Chateau d'Ancy le Franc and 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau de Tanlay.

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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 jr. suite 165 sq ft with queen bed or twin beds and Meursault bow jr. suite 150 sq. ft. with queen bed. Santenay and Vougeot staterooms 130 sq. ft. with twin beds or queen and Chablis and Sancerre staterooms 125 sq. ft. with twin beds. Single cabin with twin bed 90 sq ft. All include ensuite bathroom with shower.
  
• 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

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Passenger Comments:

We thought it was fantastic. It was more than hoped for. The barge was great. The crew was great. The food and wine were great. The other folks on the cruise were wonderful. The excursions were fun and informative. Biking along the canal was great. The staterooms were roomy. Meals and wines were top notch! We were treated to a wonderful assortment of gourmet dishes. We sampled every French dish I had hoped we would and then some. The wines were fantastic. I ate more cheese in that week than in the previous 2 years and enjoyed it all. Our chef, Sylvain, was exceptional. The wine hostess was very knowledgeable. The suites exceeded our expectations in every way. The cabin was roomier than our hotel room in Paris. The beds were comfortable. The barge and salon area were beautifully appointed. The dining area was cozy and beautifully set for each meal. We loved the deck area. We ate all of our breakfasts on deck.
-- R.C. NJ, USA

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

Sunday - Venarey les Laumes
Guests are met at the designated meeting point and transferred to the barge moored in Venarey les Laumes. A full crew Welcome Aboard with champagne and canapés. After time to settle into your cabin you are invited to join us for a first dinner aboard and introduction to Burgundy's excellent cuisine.

Monday - Venarey les Laumes to Montbard
Wake to the aromas of ground coffee and French patisseries, enjoy a leisurely breakfast followed by a visit the hilltop village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, where the film Chocolat was located. On the way from the summit of Mt Auxois, we look at Alesia, the last battle site between the Gaulles and Romans that took place in 52 BC. After lunch 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. Dinner on board.

Tuesday - Montbard to Ravieres
Morning cruise to the Forges de Buffon and then after lunch we escort you to the exquisite World Heritage Unesco site of Abbayé 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 early Cistercian life and industry with its peaceful gardens and ponds and fascinating cloisters, dormitories and scriptorium. Return to the barge and cruise to Ravieres. Dinner on board.

Wednesday - Ravieres to Ancy le Franc
Morning visit to medieval Noyers sur Serein to admire the local produce, colours and delights of the wonderful market, or to wander the town ramparts in this, one of the most beautiful villages in France. After lunch enjoy a lazy afternoon cruise past grazing Charolais cattle, with plenty of opportunity to walk or cycle along the towpath, to Ancy le Franc. Dinner on board.

Thursday - Ancy le Franc to Lezinnes
Gentle morning cruise as your hotel barge descends through the picturesque locks and past the beautiful 16th century Renaissance palace and gardens of Château d'Ancy le Franc. Lunch in a local auberge, followed by a visit to the vineyards and town of Chablis dating back to Roman times. We enjoy a private wine tasting at the Domaine Billaud Simon renowned for its Premier and Grand Cru wines popularized by Alexis Lichine in the 1950’s. Dinner on board.

Friday - Lezinnes to Tanlay
After breakfast we enjoy a leisurely cruise to our final mooring at Tanlay. After lunch we visit the 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau de Tanlay, nestling serenely within this picturesque village. Also time to wander Tanlay before returning to the barge for the Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday - Tanlay
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.