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Barges In France: Fleur de Lys
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Cruise in France on the Canals and Rivers of Southern Burgundy aboard the Ultra-Deluxe Hotel-Barge FLEUR DE LYS

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 6-passenger Fleur de Lys is one of the most impeccably appointed barges in the world, with a gracious elegance and amenities that epitomize the concept of ultimate luxury. Similar in size to a large hotel barge carrying up to 22 passengers, the Fleur de Lys is completely air-conditioned and accommodates six guests in 2500 square feet of living space.

Her three staterooms (240-320 sq ft) each feature a canopied king bed or two twin beds, dressing area and full ensuite bathrooms with twin basins; two have a bathtub/shower and are on the lower deck and one has a shower and is on the main deck, perfect for those with difficulty with stairs. The stately salon with its grand piano and large picture windows is rich in texture and comfort and the separate dining room has been tastefully decorated to host the most elegant five course candlelight dinners. The Fleur de Lys has a heated plunge pool on its main deck.

The Fleur de Lys cruises the classic Burgundy Canal bordering France’s famous Côte d’Or – composed of the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune – where the legendary wines that are permitted to bear the Grands Crus and Premiers Crus labels can be discovered. You’ll recognize names like Meursault, Montrachet, Gevrey-Chambertin, Clos de Vougeot, Pommard and Santenay and sample wines that are rarely available outside the borders of France. She also cruises the River Saône and the Canal du Centre (built 1783-1791 to link the Loire and Saône rivers) visiting towns and villages enroute such as Beaune, Dijon, St Jean de Losne, and Chalon-sur-Saône.


Features

  • Size of barge: 129 ft by 16.6 ft
  • Number of Passengers: 6
  • Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 3
  • Crew: 6
  • Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
  • Salon: Elegant salon with comfortable sofas and chairs, grand piano, library, writing desk, separate dining room, picture windows, BOSE ipod docking stations
  • Bar: Open bar
  • Deck: Sundeck with canopy for shade, table and chairs and swimming pool
  • Spa Tub: heated plunge pool 12.8 by 14.8 ft
  • Cabin Features: Upper deck suite 320 sq ft including dressing room 103 sq ft and bathroom 64 sq ft with large shower; lower deck: suite #2 239 sq ft including dressing room 47 sq ft, bathroom 59 sq ft with bathtub, suite #3 258 sq ft, including dressing room 70 sq ft, bathroom 66 sq ft. with bathtub. All bathrooms with double sinks. Suites have twin beds or king canopy bed.
  • Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned 8 seater mini bus
  • Accessibility: One cabin on upper deck, two on lower deck
  • Bicycles: Yes


Fleur de Lys's Deck Plan
Fleur de Lys's Deck Plan



Passenger Comments:

Superb, excellent, magnific, do not begin to describe the experience from top to bottom, stern to stern. One does not attempt to improve on perfection, therefore, our only suggestion can be - "don't change anything"
-- Pam & Duke V.

It has been several years since I cruised on the FDL. I have never seen her look so beautiful, maintained with pride and TLC. The crew are top drawer, very professional, lots of humour and not too bad at petanque!
-- Bob & Jodi M.

Excellent vacation, friendly, attentive and knowledgeable crew, really enjoyed! The crew were simply fantastic, nothing too much trouble for them.
-- name withheld.

SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne, Saone River, Canal du Centre
Dijon to St. Leger

Sunday - Paris to Dijon.
Board the barge at Dijon's Port du Canal for your cruise through Burgundy.  A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening, experience your first dinner on board.  
 
Monday - Cruise to Longecourt. Visit Château de Longecourt.  

This morning enjoy your first cruise on the canal.  Once moored in Longecourt visit the Chateau de Longecourt which has been owned by the same family since 1631.  It has been beautifully decorated through the centuries and is rich in history. Some 'graffiti' can be found in the stables, left behind by the American pilots who stayed there during World War II.  If the count is in residence, he will give you a personal tour of his property.
 
Tuesday - Visit Dijon. Cruise to St. Jean de Losne.
 
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Dijon including a visit to the market, the Grey Poupon mustard shop and the Ducal Palace.  There will be some free time for shopping or perhaps, to sit in one of the numerous pavement cafés and simply just watch the world pass by.  Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon cruise to St. Jean de Losne, the barging capital of France.  Take some time this evening or early tomorrow to stroll around the port and see the many working and pleasure barges.  
 
Wednesday - Visit Beaune. Cruise to Chalon-sur-Saône.  
Continue to cruise the peaceful valley of the River Saône downstream to Seurre. Today, lunch is taken at the Loiseau des Vignes in Beaune. In the afternoon, discover Beaune, the capital of the wine region of Burgundy. Enjoy a visit to the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune and a wine tasting. Later, your guide takes you on a walking tour of the pedestrian area in Chalon-sur-Saône, the last of the Burgundian style river towns.  
 
Thursday - Cruise to Rully. Visit Château de Germolles.  
The barge cruises leaves the River Saône by clearing the lock to enter the Canal du Centre. Back in the canal environment you may disembark the barge at a lock, bicycle alongside or walk and keep up with the pace of the barge. After lunch, visit the Château de Germolles, the only remaining residence of the Dukes of Burgundy. Tonight it is back to a countryside mooring in Rully.  
 
Friday - Visit Couches and the Château Marguerite de Bourgogne. Cruise to St. Léger.

A leisurely cruise to St. Léger, another quaint village along the Canal du Centre which is our final destination.  Your guide takes you to the stunning 11th century Château Marguerite de Bourgogne in Couches, for a tour of the magnificent buildings, surrounded by their own vines, followed by a wine tasting in their cellar. Meanwhile the chef is busy preparing your Farewell gala dinner on board.
 
Saturday - Dijon - Paris.
After breakfast disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.

Note: The day-to-day itinerary described above is a typical cruise and is subject to change. On any one cruise, the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and the passenger preferences.

SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne:
Dijon to Escommes
Sunday - Dijon.
A champagne reception welcomes you on board the barge moored at Dijon's Port du Canal for your cruise through Burgundy, and gives you a chance to meet the crew.  A delicious dinner is served later that evening.
 
Monday - Cruise to Fleurey-sur-Ouche. Visit Clos de Vougeot.

Leaving Dijon, the canal follows the river Ouche where small-unspoiled villages and green, forested hills provide exceptional views from the deck. Spend the morning walking, or perhaps cycling along the tow path. This afternoon's excursion is a dégustation in Vougeot and a visit to "Clos de Vougeot", a medieval château and the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Côte d'Or vintages. The barge moors for the night in the small village of Fleury-sur-Ouche.
 
Tuesday - Cruise to Gissey.  Visit Dijon.
After a wonderful French style breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon including a visit to the Ducal Palace, the market and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. Enjoy some free time for shopping at the many wonderful shops in town, or perhaps just sit in one of the numerous pavement cafés and simply watch the world go by.  Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon's cruise to the charming village of Gissey.  This is a truly stunning part of the canal, sit back and watch the ever changing scenery glide by.
 
Wednesday - Cruise to La Bussière. Visit Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune

Mid-morning, disembark the boat for a visit to l'Abbaye de la Bussière, which was built in the 12th century under the guidance of the Cistercian monks from Citeaux. Enjoy a tour of the grounds and have lunch in the one Michelin star restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the 15th  century Château de Savigny-lès-Baunes set in its own vineyard and housing a huge collection of antique motorbikes, cars and planes.
 
Thursday - Cruise to Pont d'Ouche.  Visit Beaune.
Relax with a morning cruise through the rolling hills of the Ouche Valley to Pont d'Ouche. After lunch visit Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy and the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. There is free time for shopping or strolling through the cobbled streets of this lovely town.  Sample some of the local wines before returning to the barge.
 
Friday - Cruise to Escommes.  Visit Châteauneuf-en-Auxois.
Our final cruise of the week takes us to the countryside mooring of Escommes, then after lunch visit Châteauneuf-en-Auxois.  This medieval village with its commanding views over the plains is a wonderful place for a visit.  Both the village and the château have a long and interesting history. This is followed by a tour of  the surrounding countryside.  Meanwhile the chef is preparing your farewell gala dinner on board.
 
Saturday - Dijon.
After breakfast disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.

Note: This day-to day-itinerary described is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise, the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.



Fleur de Lys
2010 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week Route Season
Apr 4 Escommes-Dijon Regular
Apr 11 Dijon-Escommes Regular
Apr 18 Escommes-Dijon Regular
Apr 25 Dijon-Escommes Regular
May 2 Escommes-Dijon Regular
May 9 Dijon-Escommes Regular
May 16 Escommes-Dijon Regular
May 23 Dijon-St Leger Regular
May 30 St Leger-Dijon Regular
Jun 6 Dijon-St Leger Regular
Jun 13 St Leger-Lyon Regular
Jun 20 Lyon-St Leger Regular
Jun 27 St Leger-Dijon Regular
Jul 4 Dijon-Escommes Regular
Jul 11 Escommes-St. Leger Regular
Cruise Schedule* ... continued
Week Route Season
Jul 18 Escommes-St. Leger Regular
Jul 25 Dijon-Escommes Regular
Aug 1 Escommes-Dijon Regular
Aug 8 Dijon-St Leger Regular
Aug 15 St. Leger-Dijon Regular
Aug 22 Dijon-St Leger Regular
Aug 29 St. Leger-Dijon Regular
Sep 5 Dijon-Escommes Regular
Sep 12 Escommes-Dijon Regular
Sep 19 Dijon-Escommes Regular
Sep 26 Escommes-Dijon Regular
Oct 3 Dijon-Escommes Regular
Oct 10 Escommes-Dijon Regular
Oct 17 Dijon-St Leger Regular
Oct 24 St Leger-Dijon Regular


Fleur de Lys
2011 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week Route Season
Apr 3 Dijon-Escommes Standard
Apr 10 Escommes-Dijon Standard
Apr 17 Dijon-Escommes Standard
Apr 24 Escommes-Dijon Standard
May 1 Dijon-Escommes Standard
May 8 Escommes-Dijon Standard
May 15 Dijon-Escommes Standard
May 22 Escommes-Dijon Standard
May 29 Dijon-St Leger Standard
Jun 5 St Leger-Dijon Standard
Jun 12 Dijon-St Leger Standard
Jun 19 St Leger-Dijon Standard
Jun 26 Dijon-Escommes Standard
Jul 3 Escommes-Dijon Standard
Jul 10 Dijon-Escommes Standard
Cruise Schedule* ... continued
Week Route Season
Jul 17 Escommes-Dijon Standard
Jul 24 Dijon-Escommes Standard
Jul 31 Escommes-Dijon Standard
Aug 7 Dijon-Escommes Standard
Aug 14 Escommes-Dijon Standard
Aug 21 Dijon-St Leger Standard
Aug 28 St Leger-Dijon Standard
Sep 4 Dijon-St Leger Standard
Sep 11 St Leger-Dijon Standard
Sep 18 Dijon-St Leger Standard
Sep 25 St Leger-Dijon Standard
Oct 2 Dijon-Escommes Standard
Oct 9 Escommes-Dijon Standard
Oct 16 Dijon-Escommes Standard
Oct 23 Escommes-Dijon Standard


*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.


FLEUR DE LYS
2010 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
ACCOMMODATION REGULAR
Apr 4 thru Oct 30
Charter for 4
$39,400
Charter for 5
$43,000
Charter for 6
$46,600
Optional Train Ticket (per person round trip)
$300


FLEUR DE LYS
2011 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
ACCOMMODATION STANDARD
Apr 3 thru Oct 29
Charter for 4
$40,100
Charter for 5
$43,750
Charter for 6
$47,400


What's Included

- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Dijon to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursions (hot air balloon flights, golf, etc at extra cost)
- Use of bicycles

What's Not Included

- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Train transfers from Paris to Dijon and return (available at extra cost)
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid to the captain in equivalent Euros


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Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743)
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or E-mail: info@specialplacestravel.com



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Last Update: August 6, 2010

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CLIA-Cruise Lines International Association, OSSN-Outside Sales Support Network. 
Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Cards Welcome