SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 8-passenger LONE STAR invites you to enjoy yourself as it cruises
through the centuries-old Burgundy canal in rural France, mooring at
picturesque medieval villages and meandering through miles of magnificent
countryside spotted with wineries and chateaux. Enjoy, also, the superb
wines, bountiful regional cheeses and sumptuous foods that are synonymous
with the good life in France and beyond. Sit back and unwind as it cruises
into the peace and tranquility of rural France with its ever-changing
vistas. Walk or jog or bike on the various paths along the way. Relax on the
sun deck and soak up the passing vistas. Explore by bicycle on the
riverbank, or roam the picturesque villages beside your route. Stroll along
the towpath and meet the boat at the next lock. After dinner, amble around
the nearby village. Or perhaps watch a traditional regional sport.
Created by dedicated Texan owners, Lone Star was originally conceived as a
barge for their family. It combines the best of U.S. style, space and
amenities with the charm of European-trained crew. The result is a very
welcoming vessel which feels and "lives" like a home - and now can be YOUR
floating home-away-from-home in France.
The window-lined salon and dining area is a place to really relax and watch
the world go by. It's decorated in warm shades of blue and white with
comfortable couches and beautiful wood bar. Colorful table settings continue
to reflect the warmth of Lone Star. The four spacious suites are paneled in
ash and cherry wood and offer such amenities as individually-controlled
heating and air conditioning, choice of Queen or Twin beds, 110 and 220 volt
electricity in the bedroom and bath, and ample storage as well as a writing
desk.
The crew is its great strength. Captain Olivier Megret is a 20-year industry
veteran (and hails from a prominent "barging family" which has crewed all
over France for generations). Captain Megret is a reliable guide and
companion in Burgundy, as he lives very close to the route. He is also a
licensed balloon pilot and has had culinary training. He is joined by a top
gourmet chef and additional experienced crew.
The 2008 itinerary was proposed by Captain Megret and combines the best of
canal and river cruising with outstanding excursions and dinner at the
Michelin 3-Star restaurant La Cote Saint Jacques. A new and outstanding
choice for Ultra-Deluxe cruising.
Cruise a brand new itinerary in beautiful Burgundy! Float on the meandering Burgundy Canal and scenic River Yonne. There is sightseeing at Renaissance chateaux, Chablis vineyards, Medieval towns - bicycling into the nearest village - walking the towpath - and dinner out at a Michelin-starred restaurant. This is Burgundy at its best aboard the Ultra-Deluxe Lone Star barge.
Sunday - Paris to Lezinnes
Passengers are met in central Paris at 3:00pm and chauffeured to Lone Star at anchor in Lezinnes, a typical village. Arrive in the late afternoon with plenty of time to enjoy the traditional Champagne welcome and the first of many gourmet dinners on board.
Monday - Lezinnes to Tonnerre
A lovely morning cruise to Tonnerre provides plenty of opportunities to bicycle or walk. Tonnerre is a very old city with buildings from many eras, including a Roman bath. After lunch we will drive to the gorgeous Renaissance Chateau Ancy-le-Franc. Known for its 16th century wall paintings and frescoes (which are said to rival Fontainebleau), Ancy-le-Franc has been extensively and sensitively renovated. Return to Lone Star for another dinner on board.
Tuesday - Tonnerre to Flogny-la-Chapelle
Cruise the Burgundy Canal lined with Poplar trees, a perfect morning to put on your walking shoes and explore the towpath. After lunch, head to the famed wine village of Chablis for a private tasting followed by a panoramic view of the vineyards. Dinner on board, perhaps featuring more wines of Chablis.
Wednesday - Flogny-la-Chapelle to Saint-Florentin
Relax today as we cruise through beautiful scenery to Saint Florentin, a town with a beautiful Renaissance church. Today we are taking a quick trip to the Champagne region. The Medieval city of Troyes looks like a film set for a period Tudor drama and has much to offer, from a pedestrian walkway showcasing half-timbered houses to an elegant Gothic cathedral. Return to Lone Star for another great dinner.
Thursday - Saint Florentin to Joigny
This morning take a short drive to the 12th century Cistercian Abbey of Pontigny, a memorable example of the beauty and simplicity of monastic life. Then it's back to the present as we leave the Burgundy Canal and cruise onto the River Yonne to Joigny. Tonight enjoy world class dining at the Michelin 3-star restaurant La Cote Saint-Jacques, elegantly located along the river.
Friday - Joigny to Sens
A morning river cruise passes the village of Villeneuve-sur-Yonne where actress Lesley Caron owns a restaurant. Then it's on to Sens and a visit to France's first Gothic cathedral. What about coffee in the square or a browse in the shops? Work up an appetite for the Gala Farewell Dinner which ends your cruise in style!
Saturday - Sens to Paris
After breakfast, our driver will take you back to Paris. Estimated arrival time is noon. We hope to see you again on Lone Star!
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change at the Captain's discretion. Alternate cruise weeks are in the reverse direction.
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
*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.
| LONE STAR 2008 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | VALUE Apr 6 thru Apr 19 Oct 19 thru Oct 25 |
REGULAR Apr 20 thru Oct 18 |
| Cabin (per person, dbl occ, 4 person min) |
$4,375 |
$5,625 |
| Charter for up to 8 |
$35,000 |
$45,000 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in suites with private baths
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return via private minibus
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday, through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- Dinner at the Michelin 3-star restaurant La Cote Saint Jacques
- 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
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent euros
 |
Special Places Travel, LLC "Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™
For booking information,
|