SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 6-passenger La Chouette is a traditional Dutch motor barge built in 1934 for carrying cargoes along the inland waterways of Europe. She has now been lovingly and professionally converted into a luxury charter barge for only six guests in the space often devoted to twice that number.
Discover France the quiet way. Come for a holiday cruise on La Chouette and we'll show you a unique way of experiencing France and the French.
La Chouette is a luxury charter barge immaculately fitted out for just six guests and run by her owners, Bob & Bobbie Marsland.
Our aim is to help you have a holiday to remember. Relax on board as we take you along the tranquil waters of a canal and river system steeped in history. Sleepy waterside villages will unfold their secrets to an enquiring explorer. Majestic chateaux will enthral the visitor. And the warmth of welcome you will receive from the friendly local people will captivate you.
If you feel the need to exercise we have mountain bikes on board. Go for a ride along the tow path, or further afield to discover an off-the-beaten track village or monument, or just take a gentle stroll. You can meet up with La Chouette further along the waterway. At the leisurely pace we cruise we are never far away.
MEET YOUR HOST AND HOSTESS
Bob and Bobbie Marsland took their first trip on a canal and riverboat back in 1967 and it was the first of many such holidays. Indeed, over the next twenty-five years they cruised a large part of the British canal system, as well as taking several sailing trips on charter yachts in the Mediterranean.
Bob's work has been in television. He was a TV Director with the BBC before setting-up his own Independent Television Production Company. Bobbie also worked for the BBC and it was there that they met while on different training courses at the BBC training school in 1964. Bobbie left the BBC to bring up their children, and later forged a new career as a Government Officer in the Department of Social Security.
It was their mutual desire to change direction and create a business they could work in together that led them to buy a Dutch barge and have it converted into a luxury charter boat ideally suited to the French waterways.
Bobbie's passion for cooking and Bob's love of boating, combined with their fascination with France and all that is French, will ensure that you have a holiday to remember!
What a delightful adventure! We wanted to taste French wines, eat good food, meet new people and relax! Mission accomplished!!
-- C.G., WY, USA
It was all I'd hoped for. I definitely know it was all Lucie hoped. Thanks for a wonderful week and for making a culture and cuisine less mysterious.
-- H.O., WY, USA
This is the first time in forty one years that Peter ever relaxed on a vacation! Simply the best time we've ever had. We've eaten and laughed our way through the entire trip - bravo!
-- P.C., NC, USA
Thank you so much for a wonderful week on your floating home. You are very gracious, knowledgeable and warm people and made us feel so welcome. The meals were memorable and selection of restaurants was perfect. It was so nice to have new friends and we will definitely see you again.
-- G.S., GA, USA
The high points of the cruise were leaving Paris under the bridges, playing dominoes in the rain on top of the boat at 3am, learning about champagnes and wines, just sitting on top with coffee in the morning as well as amazing service.
-- K.S., USA
Everything was fabulous. Bob and Bobbie were great! We had no idea the food was going to be such a gourmet experience -- it gave us a chance to do something we would never have done otherwise. That aspect might be emphasized to future clients -- the quality of the restaurant stops and the whole gourmet experience.
-- M.C., USA
Incredible experience! Bob, Bobbie and crew felt like family by midweek. They were high points for us as well as the food, wine and beautiful countryside. As for the meals and wines they were absolute perfection -- all 60 types of wines and champagnes! Meals on board and out were some of the best we have ever had.
-- W.M., RI, USA
We had a wonderful time and it was beyond our expectations. There are many such barge trips in France but The Marslands made the difference. Bob and Bobbie Marsland are the most gracious and warm hosts. They were knowledgeable and always willing to tell us the details. They were flexible as well, accommodating our requests for bike rides, menus and on-shore time. We also enjoyed spending time with Bob or Bobbie in the wheelhouse. They added a familial element to the trip yet at the same time you are treated like a very special guest. Service was excellent. The crew, Natalie and Olivia, were bubbly and polite. The food and wine were gastrononmic delights; admittedly a slight overdose on calories and fat for one week. So it was good to have the combination of spectacular restaurants and Bobbie's home cooked meals. There was never a moment of hunger! Bob's knowledge of champagne and wines added to the enjoyment. The excursions were well organized and the variety was sufficient.
-- V.C., CT, USA
From Paris, the City of Light, we cruise upstream on the River Seine then turn onto the River Yonne which leads us to Burgundy and the famed vineyards of Chablis, Irancy and Cote St. Jacques. On the way we may take in a chateau and visit the hometown of a famous Impressionist artist. The following is a suggested itinerary only. Alternative excursions may be made according to guests' wishes and availability.
Thursday
Your captain will meet you at your Paris hotel and escort you directly to La Chouette waiting in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Soon you will be cruising through the city of Paris, sipping champagne as you pass under those renowned bridges and on past the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay and the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral. As we leave the city the surroundings change to the smart country houses of suburbia. Barbecue supper on board or dinner at the delightful riverside restaurant, La Renommee at Le Coudray Montceaux.
Friday
The day starts when you feel like it. You are on holiday, after all. Breakfast can be taken before we leave or while we're cruising to Melun from where we can take an excursion to Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte. This is the first of the great houses to be built in the seventeenth century combining impressive architecture with beautifully designed gardens. After lunch on board we cruise further up river to the charming riverside village of Samois-sur-Seine made famous by the annual Jazz Festival in honor of Django Reinhardt. Dinner is taken in the delightful Country Club Restaurant overlooking a beautiful stretch of the river and just a short walk away from our mooring.
Saturday
This morning our mini-bus can take us on a trip through the Fontainebleau Forest to Barbizon, the charming village where the pre-Impressionist painters congregated and where in the Auberge Ganne we can see examples of their work. After lunch on board we cruise to Moret-sur-Loing where Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley lived and have time to explore this fascinating medieval town steeped in history. Dinner is taken in one of Moret's finest restaurants, Le Relais de Pont-Loup.
Sunday
An early morning visit to the street market in St Mammes. This is one of the "barge capitals" of France and where you will see many commercial barges tied up. The market is on the quay alongside these barges. We then cruise to our Sunday lunchtime stop at the Restaurant La Gaule on the river Yonne. Sunday lunch in France is special and needs to be savoured slowly. On through several of the Yonne's characteristic locks with sloping sides to our stop for the night near Champfleury. Supper on board.
Monday
Our first cruise stop today is Sens where we can visit the magnificent cathedral and museum containing a unique collection of ancient fabrics and priest's vestments. Lunch on board. An afternoon cruise to Villeneuve sur Yonne takes us through some of the most beautiful Yonne valley countryside. We moor right outside our restaurant for this evening's dinner. But before that we visit the vineyards of the Côte St. Jacques and enjoy a degustation, or tasting, of the local wine. We may also be able to see a winepress, which has been used since the 14th century. Dinner at La Lucarne Aux Chouettes, a riverside restaurant owned by Leslie Caron.
Tuesday
This morning we take a leisurely cruise to Joigny where, after a walk around the old town we take lunch on board. This afternoon's visit takes in Auxerre with its monumental architecture, Irancy for a tasting of its excellent red and rosé wines and Chablis and the villages around where we taste that world famous dry white wine. Dinner at Le P'tit Claridge.
Wednesday
After breakfast we will escort you to the rail station for your return journey to Paris.
Note: Itinerary is subject to change and may cruise in reverse on alternative weeks.
From the magnificent city of Paris we follow the River Seine towards Rouen, famed capital of Normandy, where Monet painted the cathedral in so many different lights and moods. The following is a suggested itinerary only. Alternatives may be made according to guests' wishes and availability. The following is a suggested itinerary only.
Thursday
Your captain will meet you at your Paris hotel. You will be escorted to La Chouette waiting for you at a nearby quay on the river Seine. Soon you will be cruising through the city of Paris, sipping champagne and soaking in the wonderful atmosphere.
As we head out of Paris we pass Asnieres and Argenteuil, names immortalised by the Impressionist painters like Monet and Renoir. Our mooring for tonight is at the very place these famous artists would meet for rest and relaxation. Maison Fournaise at Chatou was their favourite restaurant. And this is where you will enjoy your first evening meal of the cruise.
Friday
Breakfast is a relaxed affair on board La Chouette. Waken to the aroma of fresh coffee and croissants warming. A short early morning cruise takes us to La Grenouillere (The Froggery) It was here that Monet and Renoir worked side by side painting the floating cafe.We carry on as far as Bougival to see where other Impressionists set up their easels and compare the view today with the ones they painted. Some say Impressionism was born here.
We then take the van to visit the Marmottan Museum where over 100 of Monet's paintings are housed. Here you will also see work by most of the other Impressionists like Renoir, Sisley, and Caillebotte. There was great friendship among this school of artists and Monet worked alongside many of them during his lifetime.
Lunch is at the bustling restaurant Chez Clement after which we cruise to Conflans Ste. Honorine at the confluence of the Seine and the Oise rivers. We moor a little outside the town at a peaceful country village where we can enjoy a barbecue on deck.
Saturday
Our cruising area today takes us further up the River Oise to Auvers-sur-Oise where Van Gogh lived and which he introduced to the world through his painting 'L'Eglise d'Auvers', (Auvers' Church).
We take lunch in the Auberge Ravoux where Van Gogh spent his last days and visit the fascinating museum dedicated to him. A short walk or van ride takes us to the Chateau d'Auvers where we take a multi-media journey back in time into the Age of the Impressionists. We then return to La Chouette and cruise down river to re-join the Seine at Conflans Ste. Honorine where we moor for the night. Supper on board.
Sunday
An early start this morning to visit the local barges' street market and stroll along the quay to see the many barges moored here, up to seven abreast. Cruise to Limay then take the van through some stunning countryside to Le Moulin de Fourges for lunch. This afternoon we drive to Giverny to see Monet's home and garden and the American Museum of Art. Supper on board.
Monday
Our first cruise stop today is Mantes-la-Jolie. Free time to take a short walking tour of the town and visit the 12th Century Collegiate Church 'Notre Dame' which is one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture. We then cruise to Rolleboise where we have lunch on board. This afternoon's visit is to Chateau de la Roche Guyon, parts of which are hidden in the depths of the cliff face. All along here the caves, hollowed out by pre-historic man, are now used as barns and garages. We can also visit Vetheuil, another of Monet's homes.
Dinner tonight is at the restaurant of the Chateau de la Corniche which, as its name suggests, is poised high above the Seine with a fantastic panoramic view.
Tuesday
This morning's cruise is to the beautiful town of Les Andelys nestling under the impressive ruins of Chateau Gaillard built by Richard the Lionheart. After lunch on board we take the van to visit the stunning village of Lyon La Foret and Chateau Vascoeuil with its marvellous sculptures. Dinner at Le Mistral.
Wednesday
Depart after breakfast and on the way to Rouen rail station we make one last and lasting visit to Rouen Cathedral. No 'Monet Experience' would be complete without this. During 1892 and 1893 Monet painted many versions of this subject, always, more or less from the same angle, but under different light conditions which made the changing forms all the more striking.
Note: On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the opposite direction.
This route combines the splendor of Paris, capital of France, with the sparkle of Reims and Epernay, the twin capitals of the Champagne region. The following is a suggested itinerary only. We may substitute new and interesting excursions and restaurants as they become available and according to guests' wishes.
Thursday
Your captain will meet you at your Paris hotel and escort you directly to La Chouette moored nearby. Marvel at the sights of Paris from the magnificent River Seine. We will show you Paris in an unforgettable way, 'Under the Bridges of Paris' on board La Chouette with a glass of champagne in your hand. We cruise upstream out of the city for just a few miles before we leave the hustle and bustle of the Seine for the peace and tranquillity of the River Marne. Our mooring for the night is in the quiet town of Le Perreux and dinner tonight is at the Restaurant L'Aigle d'Or in Croissy Beaubourg.
Friday
Our morning cruise takes us into the narrow canal sections of this navigation which bypass parts of the river that are too shallow to navigate. We pause a while at Lagny, a bright market town on the bank of the river, where we can take a stroll around the market and where Bobbie can stock up with more fresh produce. On to the magnificent city of Meaux dominated by its impressive cathedral. After lunch on board we can take a guided visit of Meaux Cathedral and learn about the influence and importance of Bishop Bossuet. Then we can visit the Salle d'Exposition de Brie de Meaux to hear about the history and manufacture of this world famous cheese. You can take the opportunity of tasting the cheese with a fine Givry red wine. We rejoin La Chouette in plenty of time to enjoy an aperitif before dinner on another barge moored in Meaux, Restaurant de la Capitainerie a la Peniche.
Saturday
An early start to our day sees us cruising one of the most beautiful stretches of the Valley of the Marne. Breakfast can be taken as we wind around the meanders spotting grey heron and kingfisher as we go. Guests interested in industrial archaeology might care to take a short visit to see the giant waterwheel, which transports water from the river Marne to the canal de l'Ourcq. Lunch is taken on board and we arrive at our mooring spot for the night in Nanteuil sur Marne just a stones throw from our restaurant for dinner, the Auberge Lion d'Or. But before dinner we make our first champagne visit and learn from master champagne producer Gerbeaux how he puts the bubbles in the bottle and more!
Sunday
Today's cruise is to Chateau Thierry through idyllic countryside. On arrival at our mooring we can take a trip to Hill 204, and Belleau Wood, the scene of the last major engagement in World War I and where a massive American Monument stands and surveys the valley below. With appetites whetted by the walk, we repair to the Michelin starred Auberge le Relais for lunch. Sunday lunch in France is sacred and is to be savored. It is also very much a family affair. Our afternoon sailing takes us to Dormans where La Chapelle de la Reconnaissance stands above the town celebrating the two victories of the Battles of the Marne and where we moor for the night. From here we can make another champagne house visit, every one is different and each has its own unique quality. Supper on board.
Monday
After an early start, we cruise past mile after mile of champagne vineyards meticulously cultivated in their serried ranks up the hillsides. Next we see Hautvillers upon the hillside to our left. This is where Dom Perignon, reputed to have discovered the 'Methode Champenoise', lived and worked as the cellarmaster in the Benedictine Abbey for forty-seven years. This is where we leave the river and take to the canal, which runs alongside. With locks just large enough for La Chouette to squeeze into, we are now in a different waterway world. But still we are surrounded by vines. We choose a mooring convenient from where to take a van ride into Epernay where we can visit the 'champagne producer for the people', Mercier. Sister to Moet et Chandon, Mercier provides a fascinating visit and tasting and we follow this with lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, La Cave a Champagne. After lunch we can take a visit to the village of Hautvillers before returning to La Chouette to carry on up the canal towards Reims and moor at the confluence of two canals at Conde sur Marne. Supper on board.
Tuesday
We start when the locks open and the fresh croissants and pastries have been delivered to the barge and we pass through fifteen of these locks on our way to Reims. On the way we find a quiet country mooring to enjoyu lunch on the sundeck. Visits to Tattinger or Veuve Clicquot as well as Reims Cathedral and the shops are the order of the day which is capped by dinner in a bustling Remois brasserie, Le Boulingrin.
Wednesday
After breakfast transfer to the Reims railway station where high-speed trains depart for Paris.
Note: On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the opposite direction.
The river Meuse carves its winding path through some of the most striking countryside. It travels between the steep enclosing cliffs of Dinant and the narrow and hilly vale of Huy (formerly vineyards) to the industrious and cultural city of Liege. The following is a suggested itinerary, which may be varied according to guests' wishes and to the ever-changing supply of interesting excursions.
Thursday
We will meet you at the pre-arranged pick-up point in Liege and take you directly to La Chouette moored nearby. After a champagne reception and settling in we start engines and set off upstream on the magnificent Meuse. As we go, we will pass big ships, little ships, all set against a backdrop of the industrial architecture of this city built on steel. It was in Liege that the production of steel was invented. Three hours later we dock at Rorive, in the countryside, from where we take a short van ride to our charming restaurant for dinner, Li Cwerneu.
Friday
After breakfast we can pay a visit to the Chateau Val Saint-Lambert and take a tour of the Crystal Glass Works. Chateau Val Saint-Lambert is a world famous name in crystal glassware. We can enjoy an absorbing guided tour, which introduces us to the magical world of glass. Marvel at the skillful master glassmakers as they create their fabulous works in front of our eyes. Perhaps you may choose to buy a souvenir or two from the beautiful displays in their showroom. Back on La Chouette, we take a relaxing cruise up river to the market town of Huy where, after lunch on board, you can stroll through the old streets to the Grand Place or visit the Collegiate Church of Our Lady which dates back to the early 14th Century. Or, we can make a visit to the Chateau de Jehay. The Chateau de Jehay houses one of the most interesting archaeological collections in Belgium, in addition to noteworthy paintings, silverware collections, rare furniture, lace, tapestry, china, and crystal. On the site of a Romanesque castle, the present day chateau was built in the 16th Century in an L-shape with characteristic checkered facade, surrounded by parkland with ponds and lakes. An audio guide explains. A short late afternoon cruise, perhaps with a glass of wine on the sun-deck, brings us to our mooring for the night from where we take the van to dinner at: Les Jardins du Luxembourg.
Saturday
During breakfast we cruise into Namur, the Citadel city at the confluence of the rivers Meuse and Sambre which was one of the most important strongholds in Europe. Free time to explore the city with its shops and charming ancient streets. Parts of the historic centre originate from the 8th Century. After going our separate ways we all meet up to go by van to our restaurant at the river's edge, La Petite Marmite After lunch we stroll back to La Chouette past a fascinating antiques shop. Once on board we will take a leisurely afternoon cruise further up river along a most salubrious section of the river with beautiful homes either side, their gardens stretching down to the water's edge. And it is along here that we choose our place to moor for the night where we can enjoy a barbecue on deck.
Sunday
Breakfast time cruise into Dinant from where we can choose to visit the Citadel, arrived at by cable-car, and where we can learn about the history of the city. Another interesting and mouth watering visit is to a 'couquerie' to see the famous Dinant cookies being made. Just a taste is all we will want for the moment as lunchtime is approaching. We walk back to the restaurant Le Jardin de Fiorine to eat on a terrace overlooking the mooring of La Chouette. Our afternoon cruise takes us to the border with France and on to the town of Givet. Supper on board.
Monday
Our morning cruise, through breathtaking countryside, takes us to the small ex slate-quarrying town of Fumay, built on the traditions of the Ardennes slate industry. After lunch on board we can take an interesting visit to the Musee de l'Ardoise de Fumay which is a charming small exhibition demonstrating the life and struggles of the people of the Ardennes throughout eight centuries. The magnificent Meuse shows us her meandering best during this afternoon's cruise as we head for Revin and our mooring for the night. Dinner tonight is at the hunting lodge, La Ferme du Malgre-Tout. which is set in a commanding position at the top of the hill overlooking the Meuse valley.
Tuesday
Today is a day of cruising. The countryside is wonderful as the river swings this way then that on to Montherme past the Rochers des Dames de Meuse. Here, history tells us, the unfaithful wives of Hodieme, Berthe and Iges were turned to stone by divine wrath. This is one of the most beautiful sites in the whole Meuse valley. We pause for lunch on board then continue to the city of Charleville-Mezieres where, all being well, there will be time for a walk into town to explore, among others, the Place Ducal. After drinks on deck we take the short walk to our restaurant, La Clef des Champs, for our last dinner.
Wednesday
After breakfast we will escort you to the mainline rail station or car rental office for your onward journey. Alternatively, we can organise a van to take you back to Brussels.
Note: On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the opposite direction.
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*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.
| LA CHOUETTE 2009 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | |
|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | REGULAR May 7 thru Jul 1 Aug 27 thru Sep 30 |
| Charter for 4 |
$19,470 |
| Charter for 6 |
$23,100 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge, all cabins with private bath
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return to Epernay, Auxerre or Rouen, depending on cruise direction
- All meals beginning with dinner on Thursday through breakfast on Wednesday
- One meal ashore daily included
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar on board
- 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
- Transfers from the barge back to Paris, Epernay, Rouen or Auxerre, depending on cruise direction
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid to the captain in equivalent euros
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