Cruise in Southern Burgundy on the Canal de Centre aboard the First-Class Hotel-Barge BONHEUR

SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS

The 4-passenger Bonheur is operated by its charming owners and offers private charters for up to four passengers with breakfast, lunch and three dinners included. The three remaining evening meals are to be taken ashore at guests own cost. Should guests wish to dine aboard on these evenings a nominal charge will be made. The advantage of chartering a whole barge for yourself and friends or family is that you do not have to adhere to a detailed itinerary. Each charter week can be adjusted to suit not only the interests of those chartering the barge but also to take advantage of what may be on offer at one of the many places we can stop and visit, this can be a market day, a festival or one of the many events that the French love to hold.

The Bonheur was once a traditional working barge but has now been converted to provide luxury accommodation for barge holidays. At 34 metres ( 110 feet) Bonheur is one of the largest barges you can charter that only takes 4 passengers. With large lounge, good sized cabins and huge deck space used for both alfresco dining and relaxing on the sunloungers, there is always plenty of space. Bonheur is a Luxemotor built in Holland 1926 as a working barge. Luxemotors have elegant hull shapes designed not only for the canals and rivers but also the inland seas of northern Europe. She has had a varied career from cargo vessel to passenger/restaurant boat in Paris and now after 18 months of restoration and improvements is a home and charter barge.

During the recent external renovation, earlier alterations have been reversed so that she now has a traditional layout with the wheelhouse and owner's cabin at the stern. Her graceful lines have been complemented with gentle steps up to the large deck area and emphasised with new paintwork and hardwood timber capping to the handrail. A new handsome iroko wheelhouse has been built, which can be dismantled for lower bridges on the canals. Internally the boat is light and airy due to the large picture windows with plenty of space to relax and unwind; the owners have tried to make her feel inviting with French oak floors and ceilings together with simple traditional furnishings. The guest cabins are comfortable with ensuite shower, toilet and washbasin, and can be furnished with either a queen size bed or standard twin beds. The cabins are spaced apart to provide maximum privacy.

The Bonheur cruises in the beautiful Burgundy region of France on the scenic Canal de Centre, taking you through some of the famous wine growing areas of France. During the week, as well as having the opportunity to explore by foot or bicycle towns and villages close to our route, the owners will organise a visit to one of the many chateaux in the area, a day out to the historic town of Beaune the wine capital of Burgundy and a private wine tasting at one of the villages we pass on route. Imagine a barge holiday in France where your days unfold discovering the peace, beauty and culture of a country while appreciating an ever changing scenery as you cruise along at a relaxing walking pace. During a barge holiday aboard Bonheur you will explore beautiful villages, have private viewings of chateau, see historical sites, enjoy wine tastings and eating local cuisine, all while experiencing the relaxing pace of life upon the picturesque waterways of France.

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Features

• Size of barge: 110 by 16 ft
  
• Number of Passengers: 4
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 2
• Crew: 2
• Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes; central air conditioning to be installed for 2011 season
  
• Salon: Large spacious salon with high ceilings and picture windows, three sofas and an armchair, TV/DVD and wood burning stove.
  
• Bar: Beer, wine and soft drinks available, no spirits.
  
• Deck: Sundeck with teak dining table, large umbrella and 4 loungers.
  
• Spa Tub: No
• Cabin Features: Two cabins about 80 sq. ft., each, with queen bed or two twin beds, each with private ensuite bathroom with shower
  
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: 7 seater air-conditioned Ford Galaxy mini-van.
  
• Accessibility: 4 steps with handrail from deck to dining area and one cabin. Four more steps from dining area to salon and other cabin.
  
• Bicycles: 4 21-speed bicycles.
  
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and three dinners on board included; three meals on shore not included.
  

Bonheur Deck Plan

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Passenger Comments:

Bonheur was absolutely wonderful. This has been a dream of mine for quite sometime. This more than fulfilled my wildest expectations. I have been in the hospitality industry for 40 years so I consider myself as knowledgeable and certainly as critical as the average traveler and I couldn't find fault with any of the experience. Cabins are very comfortable and beautifully appointed. Bed was fabulous. Amenities that Annie placed in the room were wonderful. The reading lights were bright enough to read in bed and the storage area was amazing for the size of the cabin. Air Conditioning was an added bonus that we loved. We have never felt more pampered. Truly our every need was anticipated and delivered. There is a fine art to service that seems so natural and seamless on such a small space. We are both put off by too much attention that borders on fawning. On the Bonheur with Paul and Annie it felt as if we were invited to stay with friends for a week. Of course we don't have friends that can cook like Annie, pilot a barge, be a tour guide and perfect host and wine steward, but they both make it seem easy. Paul introduced us to local wines made from the exact area we were cruising. From bar snacks right straight through espresso all the meals were wonderful and beautifully served. The hosted lunches off the boat were divine, very special experiences also. We got a great mix of sight seeing new and interesting things in each place we visited. Paul is a gifted tour guide with lots of anecdotal information. It is a joy to see something that is under promised and over delivered. I think the level of personal service that you give your clients is extraordinarily represented in that same measure of personal service by Paul and Annie and the Bonheur. This is an excellent addition to what I am sure is a delightful group of barges.
Bob & Linda P., California May 2011

Bonheur is a beautiful barge with excellent hosts and great itinerary. Meals and wines were some of the best we've had anywhere. The wine pairings were very well thought out and always delicious. Excursions were very interesting and gave a really good look at the Burgundy region, both historically and present day. We especially loved the local markets. Cabins are somewhat small but very well thought out and very comfortable. Besides who spends a lot of time in the cabin when you're cruising through some of the most beautiful countryside in the world.
Peter & Christine W., California May 2011

Just a brief note to tell you that we immensely enjoyed our barge cruise on the Canal de Centre in Burgundy on the Bonheur. Annie and Paul were marvelous hosts -- warm, welcoming, considerate and simply lovely folks. We could not imagine either how to have made the trip more pleasant or the barge more comfortable. Paul's knowledge of the area and wines was deeply appreciated and Annie deserves Michelin Guide recognition for her cuisine. All vacations should be this outstanding!
Charlie & Jeanette B., France April 2011

Bonheur far exceeded our expectations in all respects. Accommodations, food and hospitality were superb. Paul and Annie exude a warmth and ease which so enhances the experience that one soon feels they are long time friends with whom you are vacationing. Their goal of total relaxation for their guests seems to be paramount and is successfully achieved.