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 en-suite 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.
The experienced owners on board, Jan and Diana Meijer, will ensure that everything is perfect for your cruise. Their 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 the cruise itineraries. Each itinerary has been arranged by season so that you may enjoy the very best of each region. Deluxe land transportation accompanies the barge so that you can enjoy excursions to great vineyards, famous fromageries and ancient chateaux and villages. Your knowledgeable and flexible tour guide will complement each visit and make the most of each day.
The 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 enjoy the luxury by 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 exceptional vintage from top local vineyards while sitting at a table replete with elegant Wedgwood china, Christofle silver and the finest crystal. On La Nouvelle Etoile, each meal is an event, carefully planned and prepared as an extraordinary culinary experience. The kitchen procures the finest local foods and freshest produce that are seasoned with herbs grown on board. Your Chef is happy to personalize your meals to meet any special requirements or specific dietary needs.
BREAKFASTSunday
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 to your departure destination.
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 Port d'Arsenal near the Bastille, 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 Courtaron 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 which will be moored in Nancy. After a wonderful champagne welcome we will set of for a short late afternoon cruise to Laneuville. Tonight, you will enjoy your first of many gourmet meals on board.
Monday
We will cruise during breakfast and then drive 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. Return to La Nouvelle Etoile for a leisure afternoon cruise to Lagarde.
Tuesday
After a morning cruise past tidy farms and pasturelands we will drive to one of the local Cristalleries where fine crystal is still blown by hand. Then continue Sarrebourg to have a look at the famous Chagal windows.
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. 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 vineyard to taste some of the best Alsacian wines.
Friday
Today we will finish the cruise in Hochfelden just outside 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.
Saturday
After an elegant breakfast you will be driven to either your hotel, train station or the airport.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. It runs in reverse on alternate weeks.
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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 2013 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | EARLY SPRING Mar 24 thru Apr 6 |
REGULAR Apr 7 thru May 18 Jun 2 thru Jul 20 Aug 18 thru Oct 19 |
VALUE Jul 21 thru Aug 3 Aug 11 thru Aug 17 Oct 20 thru Oct 26 |
BRUGES TO PARIS 12 DAYS/11 NIGHTS May 19 thru May 30 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$6,540 |
$7,290 |
$6,790 |
$12,000 |
| Single Occupancy Cabin |
$9,810 |
$10,935 |
$10,185 |
$17,900 |
| Charter for 8 |
$49,900 |
$55,900 |
$51,900 |
$93,000 |
| LA NOUVELLE ETOILE 2014 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | EARLY SPRING Mar 23 thru Apr 5 |
REGULAR Apr 6 thru May 17 Jun 1 thru Jul 19 Aug 24 thru Oct 18 |
VALUE Jul 20 thru Aug 16 Oct 19 thru Oct 25 |
BRUGES TO PARIS 12 DAYS/11 NIGHTS May 18 thru May 29 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$6,540 |
$7,290 |
$6,790 |
$12,000 |
| Single Occupancy Cabin |
$9,810 |
$10,935 |
$10,185 |
$17,900 |
| Charter for 8 |
$49,900 |
$55,900 |
$51,900 |
$93,000 |
| Please visit our Special Offers page to see potential discounts for this barge or many others. | |
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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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