Barge Cruise: Colibri
Cruise In France on the Canal de Bourgogne in Southern Burgundy (2023) Aboard the Deluxe Hotel-Barge COLIBRI
BARGE CRUISES: SIX DAYS/FIVE NIGHTS
Colibri is SOLD OUT for the 2023 season.
The 4-passenger luxury hotel barge Colibri is one of the prettiest and most comfortable barges currently cruising the canals of France. Consider her your own private hotel with ever changing views. Come aboard and allow the crew to take care of every need and make you feel truly pampered. The Colibri offers private charters with full board (two meals at selected restaurants included) or half board cruises (five dinners not included) from Sunday noon to Friday morning. In 2023, Colibri cruises the classic Southern Burgundy wine route, including visits to Dijon and Beaune.
Colibri is a classic Dutch Luxemotor canal barge built in Friesland, Holland in 1931 and lovingly converted into a hotel barge from her cargo carrying days. Colibri was completely refitted in 2004 with added touches of luxury and elegance. Despite her generous size, Colibri takes only four guests, thus affording space and maximum comfort for everyone. Sleeping accommodations include two cabins with generous en-suite bathrooms with hairdryers and bathrobes. The beds are European king-size (equivalent to US queen size), or you may choose two twin beds to afford flexibility to guest's arrangements. The cabins are furnished with French oak furniture with ample hanging space and drawers to unpack your belongings and to feel at home. The interior is air conditioned to ensure your well-being. The dining area and salon are light and spacious, the perfect place to relax and feel at home, read a book, or chat over dinner and a glass of wine. There is a music system and collection of music, a small library of books, games and DVD's available to you. Guidebooks for the area are available for you to browse and help us to customise the cruise to your wishes.
On deck, there is the canopied wheelhouse where you will be shaded while chatting with the Captain. The large deck space also allows for shaded al fresco dining, and the chance to relax and find yourselves in awe of the scenery as you pass ancient villages and vineyards.There are lounge chairs for those who wish to take some sun while cooled by the gentle breeze. Four bicycles are at your disposal for riding the towpaths or exploring the villages and surrounding areas. The chauffeured and air-conditioned minibus will take you on excursions so that you can enjoy the sights in the area surrounding the canal.
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS: Owners Earl and Fiona worked for many years in the luxury yachting industry, cruising the Mediterranean, Caribbean, from Australia to Alaska and have now chosen to make the canals of France their cruising ground. They married in France and fell in love with the country, life style, food and wines. They cannot think of a better place to cruise.With a background in catering and luxury service including chief stewardess / head of household on yachts up to 75 metres, Fiona delights guests with her gastronomic tour of the region and the Mediterranean. Earl is Australian, and has cruised widely with many ocean passages as an officer on vessels up to 75 meters, but is delighted to be in command of his own vessel. With the knowledge and experience gained from his super yacht chartering days and his love of people, Earl is fulfilling his dreams in welcoming and entertaining guests aboard his own boat. His enthusiasm for life will be evident as soon as you meet him. Earl and Fiona offer their service to make your holiday a magnificent experience that you will remember for a lifetime. They believe that after spending a great deal of their lives working on luxury super yachts, everyone deserves to be pampered in the same way! The owners have a dog Toby on board, who is calm and friendly, less than a knee high, and is normally found lying in the shade, out of the way. We have visited Earl and Fiona on the Colibri several times and think it's a beautiful barge that has offered a great cruise in a variety of cruise areas.
Features
- Size of barge: 87 ft by 17 ft
- Number of Passengers: 4
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 2
- Crew: 3
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: Light and airy salon with three windows, glass
doors, two arm
chairs and a sofa, plus a game table.
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Canopied wheelhouse with guest seating. Partially shaded deck with dining table for al fresco dining and lounge chairs. Teak deck furniture.
- Spa Tub: No
- Cabin Features: Aft cabin 156 sq ft, Forward cabin 132 sq ft, both with twin beds or queen and large ensuite bathroom with shower.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned minibus seating for 4 passengers
- Accessibility: 6 steps from deck to salon, 3 steps up to sundeck, no steps from salon to cabins.
- Bicycles: Four 21-speed mountain bikes.
- Meal Plan: Full board includes all meals on board. For half board four dinners are not included.
- Wi-Fi: No - no internet access
- 6 day/5 night cruise: Sunday lunch through Friday breakfast
Colibri's Deck Plan
| COLIBRI 2021 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | |
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Colibri Sold Out for 2021 |
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| COLIBRI 2022 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | |
| TYPE | MAIN Apr 3 thru Oct 29 |
| Charter for up to 4 |
$22,000 |
| Half Board Charter for up to 4 |
$21,000 |
What's Included, Full Board
- 6 days and 5 nights on the barge in 2 cabins with private baths
- Transfers from Auxerre rail station or hotel to the barge and return, as agreed with the barge owner
- All meals on board beginning with lunch on Sunday through breakfast on Friday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (golf, etc at extra cost)
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included, Full Board
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transfers from Paris to the barge pickup point and return
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent Euros
What's Included, Half Board
- 6 days and 5 nights on the barge in 2 cabins with private baths
- Transfers from Auxerre rail station or hotel to the barge and return, as agreed with the barge owner
- All breakfasts, lunches and Sunday dinner on board, beginning with lunch on Sunday through breakfast on Friday
- All wines with lunches and Sunday dinner
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (golf, etc at extra cost)
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included, Half Board
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transfers from Paris to the barge pickup point and return
- Four dinners on shore at passenger's expense
- Any gratuities gratefully received
- Trip Cancellation Insurance
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Colibri 2021 Season Cruise Schedule* |
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Colibri Sold Out for 2021 See below for 2022 Route Map and 2022 Itineraries: Northern Burgundy: Canal du Nivernais Corbigny to Accolay and reverse |
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Colibri 2022 Season Cruise Schedule* |
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| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 3 | Corbigny-Accolay | Main |
| Apr 10 | Accolay-Corbigny | Main |
| Apr 17 | Corbigny-Accolay | Main |
| Apr 24 | Accolay-Corbigny | Main |
| May 1 | Corbigny-Accolay | Main |
| May 8 | Accolay-Corbigny | Main |
| May 15 | Corbigny-Accolay | Main |
| May 22 | Accolay-Corbigny | Main |
| May 29 | Corbigny-Accolay | Main |
| Jun 5 | Accolay-Corbigny | Main |
| Jun 12 | Corbigny-Accolay | Main |
| Jun 19 | Accolay-Corbigny | Main |
| Jun 26 | Corbigny-Accolay | Main |
| Jul 3 | Accolay-Corbigny | Main |
| Jul 10 | Corbigny-Accolay | Main |
| Jul 17 | Accolay-Corbigny | Main |
| Jul 24 | Corbigny-Accolay | Main |
| Jul 31 | Accolay-Corbigny | Main |
| Aug 7 | Corbigny-Accolay | Main |
| Aug 14 | Accolay-Corbigny | Main |
| Aug 21 | Corbigny-Accolay | Main |
| Aug 28 | Accolay-Corbigny | Main |
| Sep 4 | Corbigny-Accolay | Main |
| Sep 11 | Accolay-Corbigny | Main |
| Sep 18 | Corbigny-Accolay | Main |
| Sep 25 | Accolay-Corbigny | Main |
| Oct 2 | Corbigny-Accolay | Main |
| Oct 9 | Accolay-Corbigny | Main |
| Oct 16 | Corbigny-Accolay | Main |
| Oct 23 | Accolay-Corbigny | Main |
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne
Escommes to Fleurey-sur-Ouche 2023
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne
Escommes to Fleurey-sur-Ouche 2023
The Vallée de l’Ouche is a rural and beautiful section of the Burgundy Canal on the Dijon side of the summit. We cruised the Ouche Valley this autumn on our way back to the Nivernais Canal and were struck by its beauty. All of the locks are manual and there are plenty of them. The canal winds through the countryside, with the Ouche river tinkling away nearby.
Sunday
Earl will collect you from the arranged pick up point in Dijon at 12 o’clock, returning to Colibri for lunch. After lunch we will start our cruise from the "bief de partage", the summit of the canal and commence our descent towards Dijon. Our evening mooring will be below the village of Vandenesse-en-Auxois with views across the countryside to the hilltop village of Chateauneuf. The village is beautifully lit up in the evening sky to enjoy during dinner.
Monday
This morning's visit will be to the village and chateau of Chateauneuf. The last heiress was burnt alive for apparently poisoning her husband - another grisly history! After a fabulous lunch aboard, then it is back into winding locks and continuing our cruise towards the Pont d’Ouche, where the river Ouche joins the valley.
Tuesday
Our visit this morning is to the town of Beaune and the breathtaking Hospice de Beaune. Beaune is a beautiful town to explore and located in the heart of Burgundy's famous vineyards. There are numerous wineries to visit and the famous Fallot mustard is made in Beaune - so much to see. After the bustle of Beaune we return to Colibri for lunch and our cruise continues to the beautiful village of La Bussiere. A good place to stretch your legs before relaxing with an aperitif and dinner.
Wednesday
Today we will take la Route des Grands Crus through some fabulous scenery and visit a wonderful winery. The Château de Savigny-les-Beaune is a fabulous visit with its collection of old racing cars, bikes and planes. Another sumptuous lunch aboard Colibri and a leisurely afternoon cruise to a rural mooring for tonight.
Thursday
Les Halles market in Dijon is our excursion today. The building was designed by Gustave Eiffel and is stunning. The market is full of fresh wonderful products and a bustling joy to explore. The historical centre of Dijon is a delight to discover and is home to some very tempting shops. We continue our cruise down the Ouche valley to the village of Fleurey-sur-Ouche, our mooring for this evening and a splendid dinner aboard.
Friday
After a leisurely breakfast depart Colibri. Earl will take you to our agreed drop of point in Dijon to continue your travels.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and may vary as we make improvements and modifications. The cruise will be run in reverse direction on alternate weeks.
Dining Aboard The Colibri:
SAMPLE MENU
Lunches are an assortment of salads and platters served 'family style' so you may help yourselves
and enjoy the relaxed informal setting. Dinners are four course feasts, using the best ingredients to
produce fine dining. Desserts are a favorite course of Fiona's, they are all delicious and 'mostly fruit'!
- Caramelized pear and blue cheese salad
- Poussins (chicken) with crunchy country ham & sage butter
- Rosemary potatoes
- Mediterranean vegetables
- Lemon ricotta flan with berries
- Selection of local cheese and figs
Passenger Comments:
Each meal was presented with panache and the presentation was such that sometimes you didn't want to touch the food and spoil the artistry of it all. How she managed all that in her small little galley kitchen was beyond all of us. We marveled at each meal. I swear she outdid herself meal after meal until our final dinner which was so fantastic no one wanted to end it by going to bed.
M.O & L.M. SC USA
The high points were the wine and the food. Earl and Fiona were most accomodating and a very delightful couple. the excursions were well planned and private with good information from the leader. There was nothing that could have been improved. I want to do a repeat in another part of the Canal.
D.H., KS, USA
LINKS to Colibri Information
This page last updated December 25, 2023