SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 8-passenger La Nouvelle Etoile sets a new standard for elegance and sophisticated technology in barge cruising, with four spacious suites boasting internet access with flat-screen monitors, satellite television and video. Each suite has a luxuious bathroom with double sinks and an oversized shower. The barge is one of the few that is wheelchair accessible, with a wide gangplank, elevator to the cabins, and a suite with a wheelchair accessible bathroom. A state-of-the-art exercise room and hot tub on the upper deck are also available for your use.
Meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout -- from the selection of the linens to the fresh flowers and fruit in each suite. The warm, elegant teak interiors, subtle color schemes and pleasant furnishings invite you to relax and enjoy. On deck, comfortable patio furniture in the shade or sun lets you float through the countryside.
The seasons decide our cruise itineraries. Each itinerary has been arranged by season so that you may enjoy the very best of each region. Our deluxe land transportation accompanies the barges. Excursions to great vineyards, famous fromageries, ancient chateaux and villages are complemented by your personable tour guide whose knowledge and flexibility makes the most of each day.
Our tours are designed to let you do what interests you most. Go for a morning walk, bicycle along the towpath, jog in the countryside or simply luxuriate, sunbathing on the deck as the barge slips down the lazy river. Pursue your interest in art at fine local museums or visit architectural marvels dating back to the Renaissance or Roman times. The possibilities, like the memories you return home with, are endless.
Imagine dining on exquisite gourmet cuisine, drinking fine wines of super vintages at a table replete with elegant Wedgewood china, Christofle silver and the finest crystal. On La Nouvelle Etoile, each meal is an event, carefully planned and prepared as an extraordinary culinary expirence. Enjoy superior wines from top local vineyards. Our kitchens procure the finest local foodstuffs, and freshest produce, seasoned with herbs grown on board. Your chef is happy to personalize your meals to meet any special requirements or specific dietary needs.
Breakfast
A selection of village-baked pastries and breads, fresh fruit, cereals, yogurt, eggs cooked to order, juices, tea and coffee.
Lunch
An ever changing buffet presentation featuring salads, quiches, pates, breads, fruit, cheeses and desserts.
Dinner
Fresh Foie Gras Grilled with Grapes in Wine Sauce
Rack of Lamb In Herb and Pine Nut Crust
Panache of Fresh Vegetables
Rosemary Potatoes
Stuffed Zucchini Flowers
Warm Goat Cheese and Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese on Toast, Bed of Crispy Salad
Sticky Toffee Pudding with Creme Anglais and Strawberries
Beyond expectations. The services provided by Capt. Jan and crew, the cuisine, the champagne tours, the comfort of our accommodations, the tranquility of just cruising along the Marne, the US/French military monuments to WWI and WWII, daily Bloody Marys before lunch (self hosted) and the cocktails before Dinner including updates for the next day sailing and destination by our Capt. Hardest part of the trip was knowing we would soon disembark and return to reality. I highly recommend barging with Capt. Jan on his and Diana's Le Nouvelle Etoile to anyone who is looking for something that is ahead of the curve in vacationing. Capt. Jan and crew could not have been more accommodating, enthusiastic or caring about the welfare of its passengers...it's more like being with family. The great thing about La Nouvelle Etoile is that there are more great cruises to enjoy along the waterways of Europe to sample...and we will.
-- G.S. USA
[One of the highlights of the trip was] enjoying lunch on the deck under the awning while drifting along the river - absolutely the most perfect part of the trip.
-- R.H. USA
Food and wine were outstanding, especially the presentation and descriptions of the food, cheeses, and wines. It was very educational. I was in charge of organizing this trip for four couples of special friends. I was nervous that the barge and experience might not live up to expectations, especially given that it's rather expensive. Within ten minutes of arriving on the barge all the others were congratulating me on the excellent choice and the kudos got better as the week went on. Thanks
for all your help in this event. We all are singing the praises of La Nouvelle Etoile and also Special Places Travel.
-- J.R. USA
The staff was wonderful! Accommodations very comfortable and spacious, great showers. Food exceptional. Scenery and landscape serene, breathtaking at times. The barge was impeccably clean and decorated beautifully. Everything seemed first class, including the bicycles which we had great use for and much fun riding through the countryside and villages (probably my favorite part of the trip).
-- M.S.
A comfortable lounge area made it feel very inviting and a staff were well informed and great to be with. Jan and Dianna were marvelous as were Ann, Nick and Marina, which made the tour even more enjoyable!
The high points of the cruise were the vodka factory, gouda farm, flower market and gardens.
Our barge and cabin exceeded our expectations. Accommodations and service were excellent.
The onboard meals were excellent and accompanied by very good wines.
-- F.A.
We think the owners, Jan and Diana, have this down to a science. The atmosphere on the barge is very homelike and Jan & Diana were most gracious hosts - as were all of the staff members. We knew the meals and wines were going to be good, but we didn't know they were going to be of 5 star quality. The chef was very creative and spoiled our palates every day. Our expectations were EXCEEDED!
-- A.C., MI, USA
'Chablis Cruise': Despite the many imitations, there is only one true Chablis - the fine, dry white wine from this small area of Burgundy that has been making wine since pre-Roman times.
Sunday
After being met by our driver you will be taken to the barge moored in the heart of Paris for a wonderful champagne welcome. We have the afternoon to relax and cruise past Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. We will moor that night in the Latin Quarter where you will enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board.
Monday
Scenic cruise out of Paris to Samois sur Seine. After lunch we will take an excursion to Chateau of Fontainebleau. To walk through Fontainebleau is to walk through the history of France. Every royal family has added its own architectural signature. Go on the charming village of Moret, where the Impressionist Sisley painted, and then rejoin the barge for an evening cruise to Montereau.
Tuesday
A morning cruise on the upper part of the Seine to Montereau, where the smaller river the Yonne meets us. After lunch we will take a drive out to the Medieval town of Provins, also called the 'City of Roses'. Here we will watch the magnificent show of the birds of prey. Return to the barge moored in a beautiful country setting.
Wednesday
A pleasant cruise along the beautiful river Yonne to the town of Sens, the oldest town in France. Visit the first great Gothic cathedral, a magnificent building that dominates the main square. Time to shop, visit the museum, or stroll around the town.
Thursday
Winding up on the Yonne River we reach the pretty riverside town of Joigny. The beautiful narrow cobblestone streets stretching their way up to wonderful churches perched on top of the town takes you back to another era. In the afternoon we will take a drive out to Chablis. We select one of the small family operations for an intimate tour of their vineyards and cellar.
Friday
Cruise along the upper reaches of the Yonne River to Auxerre, the most beautiful of all river towns whose skyline is punctuated by church spires and its streets lined with timbered 16th century houses. Time for shopping, visiting the old port or the 15th century clock tower. Farewell celebration on board enjoying your last elegant gourmet dinner.
Saturday
After your last wonderful breakfast you will either be transported to the airport or your hotel.
Note: On alternate weeks the cruise is in the opposite direction. Itinerary is subject to change.
Sunday
You're met by our driver at your Paris hotel and driven to La Nouvelle Etoile moored in St Mammes in the heart of the Fontainebleau forest. After a Champagne welcome you can take a stroll through the medieval walled town of Moret-sur-Loing, known to many as the home of the famous Impressionist painter, Alfred Sisley. Tonight you can enjoy your first of many gourmet meals on board.
Monday
Today we begin our cruise into the Upper Loire region. Affectionately known as the ''Garden of Paris," this little known region gently reveals its secrets. After lunch, we visit the Palace of Fontainebleau. To walk through this palace is to walk through the history of France. Every royal family has added its own architectural style. On our drive back to the barge it may be possible to visit the artist community of Barbizon. We will moor for the night in Nemours.
Tuesday
Today we will have a full day's cruise on the canal to Montargis with plenty of opportunity to bike or walk along the side of the canal. After lunch we will visit Montargis, also called ''Little Venice of the Gatinais'' because its numerous canals. Visit one of the many museums or shop at the famous Mazet Praline shop with its exquisitely packaged delicacies.
Wednesday
After breakfast, we will set off for a leisurely cruise to the charming village of Chatillon Coligny. This afternoon, we will take a drive out to the splendid 16th century Chateau Fargeau. The chateau is over a thousand years old and the most important historical site of Puisaye Forterre. In the evening there is time to stroll around the ramparts that surround the village of Chatillon-Coligny.
Thursday
Continuing our cruise uphill we will reach Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses (the seven locks of Rogny). This ''staircase'' of seven locks was built in 1648 and is an impressive tribute to the engineers of the past. After another gorgeous lunch we will take a short drive out to the beautiful town of Gien, built on the river banks of the Loire. Gien is famous for its faience earthenware and we will visit the faience factory and museum.
Friday
After passing the locks of Rogny, we have reached the highest summit of the canal and we will now start to descend down towards the river Loire. In Briare, we will cross the Loire valley on a canal bridge. This magnificent structure was designed by Gustav Eiffel in 1890. This afternoon we will take the opportunity to drive out to the Sancerre wine region to sample some of this delicious wine and maybe taste some of the local Crottin de Chavignol cheese on our way back to the ship. Tonight will be your farewell dinner on board.
Saturday
After your last elegant breakfast you will be driven back to your hotel in Paris.
Note: On alternate weeks the cruise is in the opposite direction. Itinerary is subject to change.
Sunday
After being met by our driver you will be taken to La Nouvelle Etoile, which will be moored in the heart of Paris, for a wonderful champagne welcome. You will have the afternoon to relax as we sail down the Seine past Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. We will moor the first night in the Latin Quarter where you will enjoy the first of many gourmet meals on board.
Monday
A morning cruise out of Paris onto the Marne River where we will have lunch and then visit the magnificent Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte. We will rejoin the barge in Meaux in time to stroll around the town and visit the cathedral.
Tuesday
Morning cruise from Meaux to La Ferte with an afternoon visit to Coulommiers, one of the centers of Brie cheese making. You will enjoy a tasting of the various Brie cheeses with a master cheese maker, along with wines from his excellent cellar.
Wednesday
We are now in Champagne and on our way to Charly-sur-Marne. Stop to enjoy the wonderful champagne of a small family vineyard before an afternoon cruise to Chateau Thierry, the scene of American battles during World War I. There will be an optional trip to visit Belleau Wood Battlefield.
Thursday
The Marne River takes us through vine-covered hills dotted with small wine villages to the delightful little town of Damery. Here we will visit the vast cellars of Moet Chandon and a private tasting of the champagne.
Friday
We leave the Marne River for a small canal leading to Epernay. We will visit the Abbey of Hautvilliers where the monk Dom Perignon first made champagne. Afternoon drive to Reims Cathedral and then back to La Nouvelle for your last gourmet dinner on board and a farewell party.
Saturday
After your last elegant breakfast on board you will be driven to either your hotel or the airport.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and it is subject to change if deemed necessary by your Captain.
Sunday
After being met by our driver you will be taken to La Nouvelle Etoile, which will be moored in Nancy, for a wonderful champagne welcome. You will have the afternoon to relax. The barge will stay in Nancy tonight where you will enjoy your first of many gourmet meals on board.
Monday
We will enjoy a leisurely morning cruise to Einville and then return to Nancy for a walking tour of the city beginning at the elegant Place Stanislas. Flanked by handsome Baroque palaces and enclosed by ornate gold and wrought iron entry gates, the square is considered one of the grandest in all of France. The Art Nouveau movement originated in Nancy. We may visit the Musee de l'Ecole De Nancy to see its fine collection.
Tuesday
After a morning cruise past tidy farms and pasturelands we will drive to the privately owned Chateau de Fleville. This graceful Renaissance residence adjoins a 14th century castle keep. The interiors are richly furnished with 18th century antiques. We then return to the barge moored in the peaceful village of Schneckenbush for the night.
Wednesday
Each day we travel on the canal we have been gradually climbing to the crest of the Vosges Mountains. After navigating two tunnels carved into the mountaintop, we will encounter the Inclined Plane at Arzviller. This unique lock allows a barge to glide effortlessly up or down the mountainside using a system of weights and balances. A short drive along the way will take us to the Christallerig of Harz village where fine crystal is still blown by hand. We continue the cruise through the Zorn Valley where the surrounding hilltops are dotted with ruins of feudal castles. Our overnight stay will be in Lutzelbourg.
Thursday
This morning we wind our way through the heart of Saverne, past the regal 18th century Bishop's Palace. From Saverne we will take an afternoon drive along the Route du Vin d'Alsace to the old fortified town of Obernai where we will visit the Market Square and the 14th century ramparts that surround the city. We will stop along the way at a vintner to taste some of the best Alsatian wines.
Friday
Today we will finish the cruise in the busy port of Strasbourg. Our afternoon tour of Strasbourg includes the folk museum and the 11th century Gothic cathedral, leaving enough time to stroll around to explore the fine shops. Returning to the barge late in the afternoon, you will enjoy your last gourmet dinner on board and a farewell party.
Saturday
After your last elegant breakfast you will be driven to either your hotel, train station or the airport.
Note: This cruise runs in reverse on alternate weeks. Itinerary is subject to change.
Sunday
After being met by our driver we will take to La Nouvelle that will moored in the heart of Koblenz for a wonderful champagne welcome. There will be a short late afternoon cruise to Winningen, one of the oldest and largest wine growing villages in the area where we will stop and you will experience the first of many gourmet meals on board.
Monday
A morning cruise guides us through the lowest part of the Mosel River up to the charming town of Cochem. In the early afternoon we will drive you to the castle of Burg Eltz, also called the 'Queen of the German Castles' as it is one of the few that was not destroyed by the French King Louis XIV in 1689. A guided tour takes us through this fascinating 12th century castle. We return to La Nouvelle in Cochem in time to stroll through this delightful little village.
Tuesday
After breakfast we will take a leisurely cruise past numerous vineyards in beautiful scenery. This is one of the most beautiful towns on the Mosel and is famous for its wines. Visit the cellars of Dr Josef Weiss, just outside of town for our first wine tasting.
Wednesday
Cruising up this very picturesque part of the Mosel we reach Bernkastel, another famous wine village. Here you will find the 'crème de la crème' of Mosel wines. In the afternoon visit the private cellars of Pauli Bergweiler for a sampling of his superb wines. Finish our day with a stroll around the village of Bernkastel.
Thursday
This morning we will cruise to the oldest town in Germany, Trier. Trier will take you back to the old Roman times from hundreds of years before Christ. Visit the Porta Nigra, part of the old town wall and the magnificent St. Peters Cathedral, or stroll the old town to shop or browse.
Friday
This morning we will cruise our last part on the Mosel into Luxembourg to the small village of Remich. In the afternoon, there will be time to visit the nearby capital of Luxembourg. Tonight, captain Jan Meijer and his wife Diana will join you for a farewell dinner on board.
Saturday
After your last elegant breakfast on board you will be taken to either you hotel or the airport.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and it is subject to change if deemed necessary by the Captain.
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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 NOUVELLE ETOILE 2010 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | EARLY SPRING Apr 4 thru Apr 10 |
REGULAR Apr 11 thru May 15 May 30 thru Jul 17 Aug 22 thru Oct 16 |
BRUGES TO PARIS Belgium, France (12 days) May 16 thru May 27 |
VALUE Jul 18 thru Aug 14 Oct 17 thru Oct 23 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$6,150 |
$6,900 |
$11,500 |
$6,500 |
| Single Occupancy Cabin |
$9,225 |
$10,350 |
NA |
$9,750 |
| Charter for 8 |
$46,900 |
$52,900 |
$88,500 |
$48,900 |
| LA NOUVELLE ETOILE 2011 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | EARLY SPRING Apr 3 thru Apr 9 |
REGULAR Apr 10 thru May 14 May 29 thru Jul 16 Aug 21 thru Oct 15 |
BRUGES TO PARIS 12 DAY-11 NIGHTS, MAY 15-26 May 15 thru May 28 |
VALUE Jul 17 thru Aug 13 Oct 16 thru Oct 22 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$6,150 |
$6,900 |
$11,500 |
$6,500 |
| Single Occupancy Cabin |
$9,225 |
$10,350 |
NA |
$9,750 |
| Charter for 8 |
$46,900 |
$52,900 |
$88,500 |
$48,900 |
What's Included
- 7 days, 6 nights in a cabin with private bath (12 days, 11 nights for Bruges-Paris cruise)
- Transfers from pickup and drop point in Paris, Amsterdam, Strasbourg/Nancy or Frankfurt (depending on cruise route) to the barge and return
- All meals from dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- Open bar and wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursions
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Europe (Paris, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt) and return
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid to the captain in equivalent euros
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Special Places Travel, LLC "Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™
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