Cruise In France On The Canal de Bourgogne In Northern Burgundy Aboard The Ultra Deluxe Hotel-Barge NENUPHAR
SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 12-passenger Nenuphar offers the ultimate in luxury. Its main deck provides a richly paneled salon, and furnished in an old world provincial style. There are six deluxe suites on the lowere level that can be configured with either a king or two twin size beds, each with its own private ensuite bathroom.
Upon your arrival, you will be greeted at the meeting point hotel in Paris and escorted via private motorcoach to the barge mooring in Burgundy, where you will be welcomed by your English-speaking crew. Spend the first evening becoming acquainted with your fellow passengers while enjoying your first gourmet meal aboard. Each morning, the barge gets underway for the day's cruise that will also include an excursion via private motorcoach to a nearby point of interest. The itinerary has been created to provide a sampling of the region which may include romantic castles and historic towns and vineyards for wine tastings. At some of the chateaux and estates you may visit, your tour may be conducted by the owner of the estate, whose family has been in residence for generations. Your Captain will also arrange for you to enjoy special local events which might occur during your cruise, such as the lively farmers markets.
As the barge navigates the frequent locks on the canal, you can step directly ashore for a leisurely stroll along the canal towpath or take one of the barge's bicycles to explore the quaint villages nearby. If you choose to quietly spend the day relaxing and watching the every-changing scenery slowly go by, you can do that on the beautiful flower-lined sundeck that is shaded by an awning for your comfort.
In 2013 the Nenuphar will be cruising on a new route in picturesque Northern Burgundy, passing through a region rich in history, commerce, art, and religion. Enjoy a private wine tasting in Chablis, a visit to the 12th century Abbaye de Fontenay and the 16th century château of Ancy-le-Franc, and an elegant dinner ashore at the prestigious Michelin star restaurant Le Relais Bernard Loiseau in Saulieu. As an option, you may also be able to take a hot air balloon flight, depending on the location and the weather.
Features
- Size of barge: 128 ft by 16 ft
- Number of Passengers: 12
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 6
- Crew: Crew: 6
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: Salon with comfortable seating, bar, separate dining room, and large picture windows
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Sundeck with canopy and tables and deck chairs
- Spa Tub: No
- Cabin Features: Six suites approx 155 sq ft, three with with twin beds or king and three with queen bed, all with large bathroom with shower.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned motor coach
- Accessibility: Steps to cabins
- Bicycles: Yes
- Dinner ashore: One dinner ashore at a Michelin star restaurant included.
Nenuphar's Deck Plan

Passenger Comments:
The trip was fabulous! The crew were thoughtful, capable, helpful...could not ask for more!
The meals and wines were first class!
B.C., Australia, June 2011
The overall trip was incredible! Excursions were awesome and the staff really made the trip...the food/chef were excellent. The trip exceeded my expectations!
J.M.H., CA, USA, June 2011
The trip was fabulous! Great food, mainly great wines, relaxing, well proportioned and designed barge...wonderful staff!
D.S., England, June 2011
Nenuphar was EXCELLENT - definitely exceeded all expectations. The staff, led by Anna, were excellent; the food fantastic; the wines delicious. The staff were all extremely professional and service oriented. I couldn't recommend their team more highly. Excursions were well-timed and interesting. Anna was a very good guide, with a great knowledge of history and France in general. I couldn't recommend all of the staff highly enough.
D.V., Australia, June 2011
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne
Tanlay to Veneray-les-Laumes 2013
Cruising the picturesque Canal de Bourgogne, NENUPHAR passes through a region rich in history, commerce, art and religion. Centuries of diverse cultures have left their distinct imprints on this peaceful, gentle, rolling landscape.
Sunday
Our guide will meet you at the hotel and escort the transfer from Paris to Tanlay, where the NENUPHAR is moored. Champagne Reception and Welcome Dinner on board.
Monday
Morning cruise on the Canal de Bourgogne to the quaint village of Lézinnes. In the afternoon drive to the charming village and vineyards of Chablis, where a dramatic overlook offers sweeping vistas of the Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards. In the village, sample these famous wines at the property of a private vintner.
Tuesday
Morning visit to the port city of Auxerre, the medieval capital of Lower Burgundy on the Yonne River. Accompanied by NENUPHAR's guide, tour the cathedral and the historic old quarter. Scenic afternoon cruise to the village of Ancy-le-Franc.
Wednesday
Morning walking tour of the town of Noyers, named one of the most beautiful villages of France. Return to the barge for lunch, and an afternoon cruise to Ravières. Later in the day, enjoy a visit to the privately owned, 16th century renaissance Château of Ancy-le-Franc.
Thursday
Morning visit to the 18th century Forges de Buffon, built by the celebrated naturalist, Georges-Louis de Buffon. After the tour, you will be greeted by the present owner who will be your host for a glass of wine in her home. Afternoon cruise to Montbard. Dinner ashore at the Michelin three-star restaurant, Le Relais Bernard Loiseau, in Saulieu.
Friday
Morning visit to the open-air market in Montbard followed by a tour of a UNESCO World Heritage site, the 12th century Abbaye de Fontenay. Founded in 1118 by the abbot of Clairvaux, St. Bernard, the remarkable abbaye is one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in France. Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise to the final mooring in Venarey-les-Laumes. Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday
Depart at 9:00 AM for the escorted transfer to Paris, arriving at the hotel by approximately 12:30 PM.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. The Captain will schedule Hot Air Ballooning during the cruise upon request. Balloon flights are dependent on favorable wind conditions and a minimum of four passengers.
Nenuphar
2013 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Mar 31 |
Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes |
Early/Late
|
| Apr 7 |
Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay |
Early/Late
|
| Apr 14 |
Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes |
Early/Late
|
| Apr 21 |
Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay |
Early/Late
|
| Apr 28 |
Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes |
Value
|
| May 5 |
Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay |
Value
|
| May 12 |
Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes |
High
|
| May 19 |
Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay |
High
|
| May 26 |
Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes |
High
|
| Jun 2 |
Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay |
High
|
| Jun 9 |
Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes |
High
|
| Jun 16 |
Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay |
High
|
| Jun 23 |
Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes |
High
|
| Jun 30 |
Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay |
High
|
| Jul 7 |
Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes |
Value
|
| Jul 14 |
Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay |
Value
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 21 |
Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes |
Value
|
| Jul 28 |
Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay |
Value
|
| Aug 4 |
Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes |
Value
|
| Aug 11 |
Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay |
Value
|
| Aug 18 |
Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes |
High
|
| Aug 25 |
Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay |
High
|
| Sep 1 |
Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes |
Prime
|
| Sep 8 |
Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay |
Prime
|
| Sep 15 |
Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes |
Prime
|
| Sep 22 |
Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay |
Prime
|
| Sep 29 |
Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes |
Prime
|
| Oct 6 |
Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay |
Prime
|
| Oct 13 |
Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes |
Value
|
| Oct 20 |
Venarey-les-Laumes-Tanlay |
Early/Late
|
| Oct 27 |
Tanlay-Venarey-les-Laumes |
Early/Late
|
|

The Nenuphar's route through the Central Burgundy, from Tanlay to Venarey les Laumes on the Canal de Bourgogne. For a more detailed look at the cruise route, view our map of the Canal de Bourgogne.
*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.
NENUPHAR
2013 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
EARLY/LATE Mar 31 thru Apr 27 Oct 20 thru Nov 2
|
VALUE Apr 28 thru May 11 Jul 7 thru Aug 17 Oct 13 thru Oct 19 |
HIGH May 12 thru Jul 6 Aug 18 thru Aug 31
|
PRIME Sep 1 thru Oct 12
|
|
Queen Suite (per person, dbl occupancy) |
$5,095 |
$5,595 |
$6,095 |
$6,095 |
|
King Suite (per person, dbl occupancy) |
$5,295 |
$5,795 |
$6,295 |
$6,295 |
|
Suite Single Supplement |
$1,595 |
$1,595 |
$1,595 |
$1,595 |
|
Charter for up to 12 |
$59,940 |
$64,740 |
$69,540 |
$74,340 |
What's Included
- 7 days, 6 nights in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return
- All meals starting with Sunday dinner through Saturday breakfast
- Wines with lunches and dinner
- Open bar
- All side tours and excursions
- Use of bicycles
- Dinner ashore at a Michelin star restaurant
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Optional hot air balloon flights
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent Euros
| Please visit our Special Offers page to see potential discounts for this barge or many others. |
 |
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Last Update: March 28, 2013
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