Cruise in the South of France on the Canal du Midi and in Southern Burgundy on the Canal de Bourgogne aboard the Deluxe Hotel-Barge FANDANGO
SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 4 to 6-passenger Fandango is one of France's most beautiful boutique hotel barges and is the sister ship to the Tango. Once famous as a showcase for Provencal tile and L'Occitane bath products, early in the 2010 season -- through the end of May -- the barge floats through Languedoc, and the picture-perfect 300-year-old Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From mid-June to the end of the season, Fandango cruises the Canal du Bourgogne between Fleurey sur Ouche and Vandenesse. Known for her beautiful décor and fine gourmet cuisine and wine served on board, Fandango is one of the best ways to sample local delicacies, both on board and at local restaurants, a unique feature of the cruise program. The Fandango's chef focuses on the rich culinary tradition of the cruising area, the Languedoc or Burgundy regions. Guests enjoy a fantastic choice of fine cheeses and, to complement each lunch and dinner, the finest of the regional wines are carefully selected for the barge by wine expert,
Brendon Moore, who is also tourguide for the Grand Cru wine tasting day out in Burgundy.
A barge cruise on Fandango means relaxed luxury plus a chance for up-close contact with a stimulating local culture. Each day will be a flowing experience of cruising for a few hours and enjoying a daily sightseeing excursion in our air-conditioned mini-van. This can be to visit local sites of historic or cultural interest, shop at open-air markets, and enjoy wine tastings. While the barge cruises at a leisurely pace you can walk alongside, ride a bicycle into the countryside or simply put your feet up on our Provencal tiled decks while the chef prepares your next delicious meal. An English-speaking crew of four pampers you all week long.
Owner Hazel Young, a graduate of the French National Cooking School in Beaune, Burgundy, provides the inspiration for the preparation of your meals when aboard Fandango. (Hazel or an alternate talented chef is aboard each week.) Guests with a strong interest in cooking are invited to share recipes, techniques and philosophy on fine dining with the chef. All of the meals prepared on board Fandango are made with garden market produce bought daily, along with the best quality meats and poultry from local farms and fresh Mediterranean seafood and fish when cruising in the South.
Fandango comfortably accommodates four passengers. Two additional passengers may also be accommodated in the cozy Matisee cabin (at 50 sq ft, about 40% of the size of each of the other two cabins), supporting charters from four to six passengers.
Features
- Size of barge: 100 ft. by 16 ft.
- Number of Passengers: 4 to 6
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 3
- Crew: 4.
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: Salon with beautiful Provencial furnishings, antiques, skylight, and comfortable sofas. Galley/dining area with table for 6.
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Tiled sundeck with spa tub, chairs, dining table and large parasols.
- Spa Tub: Yes
- Cabin Features: Two cabins with twin beds or king bed, each about 128 sq. ft.. One smaller double cabin (Matisse) about 50 sq. ft. Skylight in Monet & Degas cabins. Each cabin has an ensuite Provencal-tiled bathroom with shower.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: VW minivan seating 9.
- Accessibility: Steps to galley and to salon. No steps to cabins.
- Bicycles: 6 aluminum frame Scott mountain bicycles with gel seats (3 mens, 3 womens).
Fandango's Deck Plan
Dining Aboard the Fandango
SAMPLE MENU
Continental Breakfast:
- Breads
- Orange Juice
- Yogurts
- Fruit
- Cereals
Evening Meals:
- Roasted and succulent leg of Spring lamb from the Pyrenees
- Brandade de Nimes ( a local specialty of pureed potatoes mixed with cod, and flavoured with a touch of garlic and olive oil, browned in the oven and as tasty as elegant, served in separate ramequins or stuffed in tiny red peppers, this week a passenger was allergic to bell peppers)
- 'Coquelets' young little chickens roasted in the oven
- Baby artichokes prepared 'a la Tango' with butter and garlic
- Confit de canard, which is duck cooked for hours until melt in the mouth tender, served with new potatoes and fresh spinach just stirred in a little garlic butter.
- Escargots in their shells with garlic butter
For a great sample recipe from Hazel Young, see:
http://bargesinfrance.blogspot.com/search/label/Cuisine%20Aboard%20Barge%20Fandango
Passenger Comments:
We had a wonderful time. The Fandango was very comfortable and I loved the fabrics and interior design. The crew was fantastic. They could not have been nicer or more professional. We all hated to get off the barge as we all thought Sara's meals were better than any we had at the restaurants. This is not a criticism of the restaurants, they were all very good. I own a small cooking school and would be proud to serve any of Sara's recipes to our classes. Thank you again for a wonderful cruise.
-- J.K., IL
It was a lot of fun and certainly met our expectations. High points were having fun with the crew and seeing the scenery.
-- S.L., ME
Had Pierre Paul Riquet only realized that the Canal du Midi that he created 200 years ago would allow us to experience leisure travel befitting King Louis XIV! The Tango and Fandango are the two most exclusive of the twelve premier boutique hotel barges quietly plying the canals of France. Thank you, Capts. Danielle and Thomas, chefs Marcus and Yanika, and the entire crew for providing a gastronomic/cruising experience available only to a privileged few.
-- G.H., Missouri
Loved it! Great scenery, interesting side trips and more food than one could possibly consume!
-- L.D.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Canal du Midi:
Beziers to Carcassonne
Sunday - Agde
Your tour guide meets you at your designated meeting point and accompanies you to the barge moored on the edge of the Mediterranean in the Phenicien port town of Agde. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and provides the occasion to meet your Captain and the rest of the crew. You will enjoy the first of many wonderful feasts with dinner on board.
Monday - Cruise to Villeneuve les Beziers.
A morning cruise through Camargue landscapes; black bulls and white horses graze alongside in canal side pastures. You will quickly settle into the rhythm of relaxing on board. While the scenery changes before your eyes, the barge heads inland shaded by the famous sycamore trees. A wine tasting follows at the cellars of Noilly Prat, creators of the famous Vermouth, and a visit to Marseillan's oyster beds for some fresh oysters to enjoy on the barge.
Tuesday - Cruise to Foncerannes Locks
There are excellent biking and walking opportunities during this morning's cruise towards the aqueduct and seven staircase locks of Beziers, the most exciting of Paul Riquet's engineering feats. You can get off at the locks and take advantage of the easy exercise while the barge cruises leisurely alongside. After ascending the locks, there is a minivan visit to Pezenas, renowned for the magnificent architecture of its elegant and historical town houses. On the return journey, we can stop for a glass of cold white Picpoul de Pinet in a local vineyard before dinner on board.
Wednesday - Cruise to Regismont le Haut
Morning visit to Narbonne, once Roman capital of the region, where you can walk on the rutted paving stones of the Via Domitia. Now a bustling and attractive Languedoc town, Narbonne has something for all visitors, a stunning Cathedral and cloisters, a 100 year old covered Les Halles market where guests help the chef fill the shopping baskets to take back to the barge, and for those that need designer boutiques, there are plenty of them. A relaxing afternoon cruise takes us to a delightful countryside mooring with spectacular views.
Thursday - Cruise to Pigasse
Morning cruise to the canal side village of Capestang. You can stroll into the village for a pastis at a terrace cafe and buy some postcards before lunch on deck. After navigating through the tiniest stone bridge as we leave Capestang, breathtaking vistas of vineyards as far as the eye can see, and views of the snow capped Pyrenees make this afternoon's cruise exceptionally beautiful. Enjoy a visit to L'Oulibo, our local olive mill boasting gold medals for both their oil and olives. You will end the day with a drive up to the ruins of Minerve, defeated by Simon de Montfort. The Cathars made their last stand here due to the natural protection of the canyons. Time to savor some fine wine of the Captain's selection before dinner on board.
Friday - Cruise to Le Somail
After a short morning cruise, the tour guide takes you to Carcassonne to discover Europe's largest medieval fortress city, including the Cathedral famous for its rose stained glass windows. You are invited out to lunch for a succulent cassoulet, confit of duck, and special white beans simmered for hours, by far the most famous of Languedoc dishes. A late afternoon cruise takes you to the most picturesque canal village of Le Somail, where you will enjoy a farewell dinner in this exquisite peaceful setting.
Saturday
After breakfast, your tour guide will take you to the departure point for the continuation of your journey.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change and may run in reverse on alternate weeks.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Canal du Bourgogne:
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne, Fleurey sur Ouche to Vandenesse
Sunday - Meeting point Dijon 4p.m.
The Fandango tour guide will either be on the platform to meet your train or pick you up at your Dijon hotel to escort you to the barge by minivan. A champagne welcome provides the perfect moment to meet the rest of the crew and preview the week ahead to be sure to include your preferences. After acquainting yourselves with your cabins, your first dinner will be the start of your gourmet journey.
Monday - Cruise to Gissey sur Ouche
While you enjoy your first delicious breakfast of warm croissants and crispy baguettes from the canalside village boulangerie, the barge is readied for departure. Your morning cruise introduces you to the peaceful green pastoral setting of the river Ouche Valley where you will spend your week relaxing into the slow pace of the barge's progress at walking speed. You may get on and off at the locks, to walk or bike ride if you feel you want more exercise. At lunchtime we shall moor up at the most charming flower bedecked village of St. Marie sur Ouche. The first day usually feels fine not to leave the barge and enjoy the afternoon cruising to the evening mooring of Gissey and dinner on board.
Tuesday - Cruise to La Bussiere
It's market day in Dijon and perfect for stocking up with all the wonderful produce, cheeses and meats that make Burgundy the great destination for traditional French cuisine. You will choose the favorite cheeses, pates and any thing that catches your eye in fact as the chef makes the rounds of Les Halles covered market. A stop at the marvelous Maille mustard shop mustn't be missed. A historic tour will be included but time is given to exploring the ancient streets of this busy town full of smart boutiques and even boasting a Galeries Lafayette. A feast of market spoils will be laid out back at the barge for lunch. A restful cruise to our evening mooring in La Bussiere, with a view to the paddocks of a riding stable, an opportunity for riders. Dinner on board
Wednesday - Cruise to Veuvey sur Ouche
Time for an up-close look at the vineyards with a minivan visit through the great grand cru wines of Burgundy. A guided tour of Clos de Vougeot is followed by a winetasting at the cellars of a grower of the Nuits St. Georges, one of the barge's favorite red wines. This will build up a serious appetite for the Michelin star lunch at the Abbey de la Bussiere. The magnificent setting of this restored Abbey within its private park including a lake, invites a walk after lunch. Then there is a wonderful siesta cruise to Veuvey sur Ouche, a village worth the stroll before a light dinner on board.
Thursday - Cruise to Pont d'Ouche
A morning cruise taking in the cream-colored cows grazing in their pastures, more attractive lockhouses decorated with beautifully tended gardens full of flowers, and the rhythm of cruising is well installed. But after lunch on board, one of the most exciting minivan tours beckons, to Beaune. The beautiful drive through the woods to this favorite Burgundy wine capital town is lovely. Beaune is charming as a typical French town unspoiled and flower bedecked, also a gastronomic destination with great winetasting opportunities at cellars who do ship wines. Another delicious dinner will be waiting for tired travellers at their cozy barge.
Friday - Cruise to Vandenesse
The captain will be warming the engine while coffees are being enjoyed as it's another full day ahead viewing chateaux. After a couple of hours cruising, the barge will be moored up to enable the tour to begin of the local chateaux of Commarin, Chateauneuf en Auxois, and on up to visit Flavigny, of the film Chocolat fame. At "Le Grange" local farmer's wives lay on a delicious array of quiches which go down well with an ice cold Auxois white wine. Succulent fruit tarts, and coffee and we're on our way past two more moated castles on the way back to the barge. A late afternoon cruise to our last mooring, where you savour for the last time the wonderful smells from the galley as the chef prepares your festive farewell dinner.
Saturday - Departure for Dijon
After breakfast the tour guide will transfer you to a Dijon hotel or the train station.
Note: This is a sample cruise and is subject to change. It runs in reverse on alternate weeks.
Fandango
2010 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Apr 4 |
Marseillan-Le Somail |
Regular
|
| Apr 11 |
Le Somail-Marseillan |
Regular
|
| Apr 18 |
Marseillan-Le Somail |
Regular
|
| Apr 25 |
Le Somail-Marseillan |
Regular
|
| May 2 |
Marseillan-Le Somail |
Regular
|
| May 9 |
Le Somail-Marseillan |
Regular
|
| May 16 |
Marseillan-Avignon |
Regular
|
| May 23 |
Avignon-Dijon |
Regular
|
| May 30 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Jun 6 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jun 13 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Jun 20 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jun 27 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Jul 4 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jul 11 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 18 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jul 25 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Aug 1 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Aug 8 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Aug 15 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Aug 22 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Aug 29 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Sep 5 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Sep 12 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Sep 19 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Sep 26 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Oct 3 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Oct 10 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Oct 17 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Oct 24 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
|
