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Barges In France: Le Papillon
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Cruise in France on the Canal de Bourgogne in Southern Burgundy on the Deluxe Hotel-Barge LE PAPILLON

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 6-passenger Le Papillon cruises in Southern Burgundy, where you step into the past. Here is a country rooted deep in history and legend, carrying us back to the dawn of Western civilization. Here Caesar came and saw and conquered. Here the Dukes of Burgundy held dominion in the golden Middle Ages. For the most part our voyages are on the Canal de Bourgogne. Sometimes we venture a field on the Canal du Nivernais or the River Saône.

Wherever we are, we can choose our moorings together - town, village or open countryside? Then maybe head out in the minibus to a private tasting with a local wine grower or ride a bicycle and explore the countryside. There’s no agenda other than your own. We’ll make sure, however, that you don’t miss any sights that are really special - we want you to grow to love Burgundy as much as we do! Something beautiful is around every bend. The canals and rivers interchange throughout Burgundy. We cruise on both, through fields, woods, villages and towns. Along the water’s edge trees overhang, herons stand watching and fishermen sit patiently.

While it’s very much France at a snail’s pace, there’s always something to catch the eye. Best of all there’s always plenty of time to look and sketch or take pictures. And all the time, the waters slide by, gurgling behind the bow. We can honestly say we know nothing so easy on the eye, so gentle on the soul, or so inspiring for the spirit than a few days losing yourself along these once highways, now old backwaters of France.

Le Papillon began life in 1902, built to ply the commercial waters of the river Rhine. Discovered in 1980 by two of New York’s top interior designers, she was rescued and lovingly converted into the luxury canal boat she is today. She sleeps only six, in three cabins, one double, two twins, all forward of the main saloon. Each cabin has full ensuite facilities with air-conditioning and central heating. Her living quarters are spacious and well appointed, the comfortable saloon complete with library, music and a well furnished open bar. The dining room is traditional and slightly more formal in style, a perfect background for the chef’s extravagance.

A crew of four - skipper, chef, housekeeper and matelot - live in the aft quarters, and ensure you lack for nothing. Le Papillon was designed with serious pampering firmly on the agenda, and that’s exactly how we’d like to treat you. Should, by chance, you ever miss the outside world we also have a phone.

To a man and a woman the Burgundians consider themselves gastronomes. From dawn until dusk the culture revolves around the pleasures of the palate, the fruit of field and forest, the juice of the vine, the delights of the dairy. Breakfast is traditionally French and starts when you do - freshly squeezed orange juice, coffee, croissants and baguettes plus yogurt, fruit and cereal. In France everything stops for lunch and most days we eat light under a parasol on deck. Come evening, apéritifs and hors d’oeuvres lead nicely to the table. Papillon cuisine is considered by many to be something of a legend along these waterways. We never forget Burgundy’s wealth and prosperity was based on wine and you’ll never forget the fine wines we serve with lunch and dinner.


Features

  • Size of barge: 100 ft x 16.5 ft
  • Number of Passengers: 6
  • Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 3
  • Crew: 4.
  • Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
  • Salon: Salon with 2 comfortable sofasand 2 club chairs. Separate dining room. All with picture windows.
  • Bar: Open bar
  • Deck: Sundeck with deck furniture, parasols and sun mats.
  • Spa Tub: No
  • Cabin Features: Double cabin 107 sq ft, twin starboard cabin 180 sq ft, twin port cabin 93 sq ft, with porcelain sink in cabin and separate bathroom with shower with colored Provencal tiles.
  • Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: VW/Audi luxury Caravelle minibus, seating for 7 passengers.
  • Accessibility: Steps from deck to salon and cabins
  • Bicycles: Road bikes, suitable for towpaths, are provided.
  • Half board charter (3 dinners not included): Also available upon request


Papillon's Deck Plan
Le Papillon's Deck Plan



Dining Aboard the Papillon
SAMPLE MENU

    Lunch:
  • Warm salad of scallops & carrots in a Sauternes sauce
  • Plateau of local cheeses and green salad


  • Evening Meals:
  • Roast fillet of lamb with asparagus and a warm vinaigrette of fresh tomato and basil


  • Desserts
  • Homemade peach ice cream with fresh fruits
  • Coffee, chocolates and digestifs


Passenger Comments:

...the greatest vacation we've ever had.

Here's to the crew of Le Papillon for a truly wonderful, captivating week in Burgundy. You have given us an experience of a lifetime, spoiled us for the real world, and enlightened our culinary senses.

...five stars for everything.

Fantastique! Beyond our wildest dreams - the best impromptu decision we've ever made.

This has been a slice of heaven for all of us!

Nineteen years and 7 barges later we have found the best!

Dear Bill, Gareth, Emma and Sarah,

Life without you is a bit of a shock. There is no one explaining the two scrumptious cheeses and red and white wines at lunch. What else do I miss? The French-pressed coffee, delectable croissants, jaw-dropping scenery, your delightful British accents, immaculate accommodations, Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries, the gentle breeze up on deck, reading under the umbrella and fascinating side trips with Gareth. I miss Emma saying, "Would you care for an aperitif?" and bringing out amazing hors d'oeuvres. I miss the creative napkin folding and gorgeous flower arrangements - each time I walked into the dining room I sighed with happiness. I even looked forward to the way the butter was decorated each day.

My body is in withdrawal from being deprived of Sarah's out-of-this-world kitchen productions. Poached eggs in wine sauce for lunch now that I'm home? In my dreams.

My husband, who is not known to exaggerate, recently described the barge trip to friends as "stupendous". It was stupendous, and I want to thank each of you for the many ways you made our stay luxurious and joyful. I can't imagine a crew more pleasant, kind and thoroughly competent at what they do. Whether Gareth was trying to find us a newspaper in English or arrangements were being made for a French singer to accompany us through the tunnel, you made your guests feel special. Bill, what a master choreographer you are to make it all look so effortless. I can only imagine the hard work and sweat going on behind the scenes. And while you had the difficult job of maneuvering Le Papillon through countless locks and a tricky tunnel, you remained unruffled and always had time for our questions/requests. I can see why there's no suggestion box or post-trip survey; how could life get any better than this? You have given us a family vacation that eclipses all other family vacations, and we've had some exceptional adventures. We're grateful to all of you, and we miss you.

SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne
Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Pont Royal

Sunday
You will be met by a Papillon crew member at your hotel in Paris at 1pm and driven to the Papillon moored near Dijon in the village of Fleurey-sur-Ouche. On the way we can visit the fabulous Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte - a mini rival to Versailles. Alternatively, you can take the fast TGV train from Paris and a Papillon crew member will meet you at the railway station in Dijon. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed aboard Le Papillon with a Champagne reception and introduced to the crew of four - time to settle in before dinner.

Monday
After breakfast we will start cruising along the Canal de Bourgogne. There will be ample opportunities to take a bike ride or walk along the canal tow path. By mid-afternoon we shall be moored in the delightful village of Gissey-sur-Ouche. A short drive in the minibus will take us to the medieval quarter of Dijon for a walking tour followed by a visit to the Musee des Beaux Arts in the ducal palace. Our drive back to Papillon will include the Route des Grands Crus through the vineyards of the Cote de Nuit passing by Clos Vougeot.

Tuesday

Food lovers can make an early start and accompany our chef to the busy morning food market in Dijon. This is an opportunity to meet our cheese, fish, meat and vegetable suppliers, of whom we are very proud. Maybe take a coffee with the chef and discuss some of your favorite dishes. There will be some free time for shopping - the Rue Verrerie with its famous antique shops is nearby. Lunch back on board and then cruise to the village of Veuvey-sur-Ouche.

Wednesday

This morning's cruise will take us to Pont d'Ouche where we cruise over the Ouche river. After lunch we will drive through the nearby hills and descend into the Cote d'Or vineyards and visit Beaune - a thriving little town and proud capital of the wine trade. By far the most famous sight is the hospice with its multicolored roof tiles which was built in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, chancellor to the dukes of Burgundy. Next door in the spectacular cellars of the Marche aux Vins we can taste some of Burgundy's finest wines or alternatively stop at one of the vineyards on our way back to Papillon. During the afternoon Papillon will have cruised on to La Repe where she will be moored for the night.

Thursday

A 5 minute drive from Papillon will take us up to the hilltop village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois. Highly restored and very picturesque, the village also offers a fine aerial view of the canal. Back on board, we will climb the remaining locks before reaching the summit level of the canal - the highest point on this water route from the Mediterranean to the English Channel. After lunch we can visit the little Chateau of Commarin with its fine tapestries. And then on through one of the wonders of the canal system - a two-mile tunnel leading to the town of Pouilly-en-Auxois. Nearby the Chateau of Chailly has a fine golf course.

Friday
Today's cruise will take us through lovely rolling countryside to Pont Royal. From there, a pleasant circular trip in the minibus could include visits to the hilltop village of Flavigny where 'Chocolat' was filmed, the Cistercian abbey of Fontenay (UNESCO world heritage site) and the virtually undiscovered medieval town of Semur-en-Auxois.

Saturday:
After breakfast, minibus transfer to Dijon train station or your hotel or airport in Paris.

Note: The above description of a week on Le Papillon, cruising from Fleurey to Pont Royal contains similar points of interest as a cruise in the opposite direction from Pont Royal to Fleurey, although times for excursions will clearly differ between the two routes. No two cruises on Le Papillon are ever exactly the same since we always mold each voyage to fit the interests of our passengers. Whatever your passion - golf, tennis, biking, walking, side trips in the minibus, just relaxing on deck, or a little of everything - we'll make sure you do it.


SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Champagne: Seine River, Marne River:
Paris to Epernay
Sunday
You will be met by a Papillon crew member at your hotel in Paris at 1:30pm. Visit to Claude Monet's house and garden at Giverny with a private guided tour in English. Transfer to the barge moored in Paris. Champagne welcome aboard and meet the four crew members.

Monday
This morning we cruise along the Canal St. Martin through the heart of Paris. We will pass the "atmospheric" Hotel du Nord and sail underneath the Place de la Bastille before joining the river Seine and cruising around Notre Dame and l’Isle de la Cite. During lunch we will cruise onto the river Marne and start our journey towards Champagne. In the afternoon, our driver will propose a minibus excursion to the gorgeous chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte; this is the one that inspired Louis XIV to build Versailles partly out of jealousy and to show that his wealth was greater than that of his finance minister, Nicolas Fouquet. Our overnight mooring will be near an island in the fashionable leafy suburbs.

Tuesday
This morning we will step ashore in the bustling little market town of Lagny-sur-Marne to explore the medieval quarter and take on fresh supplies. Much of today's cruising is canal, offering the chance to bike and walk. After lunch we will arrive in Meaux with time to explore its cathedral which took over 300 years to build; construction started about 1180 and was halted during the Hundred Year war with the English. This is the center of Brie cheese and no visit would be complete without a tasting of this "King of Cheeses" formerly known as the King's Cheese before the French Revolution. We will embark on another two or three hours of lovely cruising before mooring for the night.

Wednesday
After a short morning cruise we will moor in the village of La Ferte-sous-Jouarre. There are beautiful riverside walks to be had here. Alternatively hop into the minibus and just 10 minutes away is the Benedictine Abbey of Jouarre, portions of which still date back to the 7th century. After lunch enjoy a leisurely afternoon of cruising the most impressive section of the Marne valley -- stunning! We will tie up in time for you to explore some of the pretty villages and cycle amongst the vines before dinner.

Thursday
By mid-morning we will have cruised into the center of Chateau-Thierry; the town where Jean de la Fontaine wrote his fables. On the edge of the town we can visit Belleau Wood, Hill 204 and the American Monument remembering the courageous fighting of American troops during the First World War. Back on board and the cruising will take us past acres and acres of immaculately tended vines, producing the most famous drink in the world, Champagne! We shall be sure to fit a tasting in before dinner.

Friday
Our final day of cruising will take you through rolling countryside to Epernay, capital of the Champagne region. We shall offer you more tastings although we believe our "house champagne" from the sister house of Salon is hard to beat. Our minibus will also make a visit to Reims cathedral during the day as everybody should see this UNESCO world heritage sight.

Saturday
After breakfast, minibus transfer to your hotel or airport in Paris.

Note: The above description of a week on Le Papillon, cruising from Paris to Epernay, contains similar points of interest as a cruise in the opposite direction, although times for excursions will clearly differ between the two routes. No two cruises on Le Papillon are ever exactly the same however, since we always mold each voyage to fit the interests of our passengers. Whatever your passion is - golf, tennis, biking, walking, side trips in the minibus, just relaxing on deck, or a little of everything - we'll make sure you do it.

SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Alsace: Canal de la Marne au Rhin:
Lagarde (Nancy) to Strasbourg
Sunday
You will be met by a Papillon crew member at your arranged meeting point in Nancy during the afternoon and driven to the Papillon moored in Lagarde. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed aboard and introduced to the crew of four. Time for a stroll before dinner.

Monday
We start cruising along the Marne-Rhin canal after breakfast. During lunch the Papillon will moor near one of the locks. In the afternoon, there will be an excursion in the minibus to Nancy to visit the Musee de l'Ecole de Nancy. Here you may see the exhibits in the reconstructed Art Nouveau setting include furniture, fabrics, and jewelry.
Afterwards we can wander through the magnificent Place Stanislas which was built in the 1750's. There will be time for any shopping before returning to the barge. Our evening cruise will take us up and onto the 20 mile summit section of the canal.

Tuesday
An early start and a chance to accompany the chef to the open-air market in Sarrebourg. The 13th century Franciscan chapel has an immense stained-glass window by Marc Chagall. This morning's cruise takes us to the village of Hesse. In the afternoon we will cruise through a canal tunnel which is over a mile long. Shortly after we arrive at the highlight of France's canal system, the Arzviller inclined plane. This moving tank or 'mobile bath-tub' will transport Papillon and her passengers 150 feet down the hillside in less than 5 minutes! Our evening mooring is in the picturesque village of Lutzelbourg.

Wednesday
This morning could be spent taking a short hike up through the pine trees to the ruined castle of Lutzelbourg or alternatively playing tennis on a court beside the canal. Later, our cruise down the beautiful Zorn valley through the Vosges mountains will take us to the small town of Saverne, where we can visit the rose gardens with over 1500 varieties. Our mooring opposite the Rohan palace is within walking distance of the center of town. This evening we invite you to dine ashore at the delightful Michelin-rated restaurant in Phalsbourg.

Thursday
Today's cruise will take us to Waltenheim-sur-Zorn. All along the way there is an excellent path for biking. In the afternoon, there will be the option of taking the minibus along some of the Alsace Route du Vin - an open-air museum of cobbled streets, medieval timber-framed houses and Renaissance fountains as we pass through villages such as Molsheim, Obernai and Barr. We will have an opportunity to taste some of the local wines before returning to the Papillon.

Friday
Morning cruising to Souffelweyersheim where we will tie up for lunch. From here it is a short drive into the beautiful center of Strasbourg. There will be a guided tour around the old town and the magnificent Notre-Dame cathedral, after which you can explore the excellent shops on your own time. Having returned to the Papillon, we will cruise through the port of Strasbourg before dinner.

Saturday
After breakfast, we will drive you to your hotel or train station.

Note: The above description of a week on Le Papillon, cruising from Lagarde to Strasbourg, contains similar points of interest as a cruise in the opposite direction, although times for excursions will clearly differ between the two routes. No two cruises on Le Papillon are ever exactly the same however, since we always mold each voyage to fit the interests of our passengers. Whatever your passion is - golf, tennis, biking, walking, side trips in the minibus, just relaxing on deck, or a little of everything - we'll make sure you do it.


Le Papillon
2008 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week Route Season
Apr 6 Pont Royal-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Regular
Apr 13 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Pont Royal Regular
Apr 20 Pont Royal-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Regular
Apr 27 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Pont Royal Regular
May 4 Pont Royal-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Regular
May 11 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Pont Royal Regular
May 18 Pont Royal-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Regular
May 25 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Pont Royal Regular
Jun 1 Pont Royal-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Regular
Jun 8 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Pont Royal Regular
Jun 15 Pont Royal-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Regular
Jun 22 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Pont Royal Regular
Jun 29 Pont Royal-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Regular
Jul 6 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Pont Royal Regular
Jul 13 Pont Royal-Fleurey-sur-Ouche Regular
Cruise Schedule* ... continued
Week Route Season
Jul 20 Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Pont Royal Regular
Jul 27 Pont Royal-Tonnerre Regular
Aug 3 Tonnerre-Paris Regular
Aug 10 Paris-Epernay Regular
Aug 17 Epernay-Paris Regular
Aug 24 Paris-Epernay Regular
Aug 31 Epernay-Vitry le Francois Regular
Sep 7 Vitry le Francois-Langres Regular
Sep 14 Langres-Vitry le Francois Regular
Sep 21 Vitry le Francois-Nancy Regular
Sep 28 Nancy-Strasbourg Regular
Oct 5 Strasbourg-Nancy Regular
Oct 12 Nancy-Strasbourg Regular
Oct 19 Strasbourg-Nancy Regular
Oct 26 Nancy-Strasbourg Regular


*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.


LE PAPILLON
2008 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
ACCOMMODATION REGULAR
Apr 6 thru Nov 1
Cabin (per person, double occupancy)
$3,833
Charter for 6
$23,000
Half Board Charter for 6
$22,000


What's Included

- 7 days, 6 nights on the barge in cabins with private bath
- All meals beginning with Sunday dinner and ending with Saturday breakfast (except for half board)
- Wines with meals and open bar
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return
- All escorted side excursions
- 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 caaptain in equivalent euros
- For half board charter 3 dinners not included

Special Places Travel, LLC
"Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™

For booking information,
Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743)
Outside of the U.S.: 001.443.321.3614
or E-mail: info@specialplacestravel.com



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Text and images Copyright © 2001-2007, 2008 William Higgs; "Photo Gallery" cabin, deck, and exterior photos of Papillon Copyright © 2001-2007, 2008 by Special Places Travel, LLC.
Last Update: March 15, 2008