Barge Cruise: Prosperite
Cruise In France On The Canal de Bourgogne In Southern Burgundy Aboard The Ultra Deluxe Hotel-Barge PROSPERITE
BARGE CRUISES: SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS
The 8-passenger Ultra Deluxe Prosperite cruises on the picturesque Burgundy Canal through the heart of the Burgundy wine region. Prosperite has developed into one of the top barges in France, under the low-key but strategic leadership of veteran Captain Spencer Hayes. Debuting in 2003, Prosperite was created by a hands-on American hotelier and combines the best features of a relaxed, contemporary lifestyle that includes every luxury in traditional Ultra-Deluxe barging. Feel free to visit the comfortable enclosed wheelhouse to chat with the Captain or crew, relax in the hot tub or on the partially covered foredeck.
Expressly designed and constructed to meet the expectations of upscale travelers, it features a level of accommodations unmatched on France's inland waters. You will find some of the largest rooms with the most desirable amenities currently available in barge cruising in France. Each of the four 270 square-foot cabins have a roomy reading corner, and can be configured with an especially comfortable king or two twin size beds. Each cabin has its own huge, private ensuite bathroom that has both a shower stall and bathtub with heated towel racks. Stunning decor in the upstairs salon and separate dining room is evident with the Italian leather sofas and both contemporary and antique accent pieces. There is a demonstration kitchen where guests may watch and interact informally with the Chef at work, and an "open refrigerator" with drinks, snacks and desserts available 24 hours a day. Feel free to visit the comfortable enclosed wheelhouse to chat with the Captain or crew, or relax in the hot tub on the foredeck.
Imagine yourself on a journey with family or friends traveling quietly along ancient waterways as your barge cruise takes you through beautiful countrysides that lead to unspoiled medieval villages and charming vibrant towns. Burgundy -- the very name conjures up visions of grapes ripening under the warm August sun and luscious red wines. Even in a nation known for its devotion to fine cuisine, Burgundy stands apart for its outstanding food and drink. While best-known for its outstanding eponymous red wine, the province is also home to a number of other fine wine appellations -- Chablis, Cote-de-Nuits, Hautes Côtes, to name just a few -- as well as more than 32 fine restaurants bearing Michelin stars, including four 3-star establishments. Some 150 vineyards, cellars and wine traders in the region are open for sampling their delicious wares.
The region is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. The provincial capital, Dijon, once the seat of the Dukes of Burgundy, possesses a trove of preserved 14th century architecture, as well as the Musée des Beaux Arts, recognized as one of Europe's finest collections of medieval art. Everywhere you look, history lies before you. Resplendent chateaux dot the countryside, and are still a reminder of the grandeur of court life under the ancient regime. It is hard to imagine that amidst all of this beauty, the bustling city of Paris is only a few hours away.
Sophisticated European travelers have long known the pleasures of touring France's charming waterways aboard barges. Now, more travelers are discovering this idyllic way to see the beauty of the French countryside up close and personal. Time seems to stand still as the barge slowly floats by quaint stone churches and well-kept houses, periodically pausing at moss-covered locks, as it makes its leisurely journey from one town to the next. You can catch up on your reading on the sundeck, while relaxing to the gentle sounds of water lapping against the hull. Experience unique and delicious meals with beautfully paired wines while you simply enjoy the quiet sensation that comes with unplugging yourself from the 24/7 world. If you're feeling more adventurous, there are also daily excursions to interesting sights in the area. You will travel in air-conditioned comfort in an Mercedes minibus that accompanies your journey through the surrounding countryside.
We have stayed on board Prosperite and visited it many times and have always been impressed with its luxurious accommodations and exceptional cuisine and service! Our most recent visit was in April 2017 when we met with the owners and barge manager and found the barge to be as outstanding as ever.
Features
Prospérité's Deck Plan
| PROSPERITE 2022 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| TYPE | VALUE Apr 17 thru Apr 30 Jul 3 thru Aug 27 Oct 16 thru Oct 29 |
REGULAR May 1 thru Jul 2 Aug 28 thru Oct 15 |
| Charter for 6 |
$48,900 |
$56,400 |
| Charter for 7 |
$52,500 |
$58,100 |
| Charter for 8 |
$54,000 |
$60,000 |
| PROSPERITE 2023 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | |
|---|---|
| TYPE | REGULAR Apr 16 thru Oct 28 |
| Charter for 6 |
$56,400 |
| Charter for 7 |
$58,100 |
| Charter for 8 |
$60,000 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in suites with private baths
- Transfers from Paris, Lyon or Geneva to the barge and return via private minibus
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday, including dinner at a gourmet restaurant
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (hot air ballooning, golf, etc. at additional cost)
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris, Lyon or Geneva and return
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent euros
- Trip cancellation insurance
|
Prosperite 2022 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 17 | Vandenesse en Auxois - Plombieres-les-Dijon | Value |
| Apr 24 | Plombieres-les-Dijon - Vandenesse en Auxois | Value |
| May 1 | Vandenesse en Auxois - Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| May 8 | Plombieres-les-Dijon - Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| May 15 | Vandenesse en Auxois - Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| May 22 | Plombieres-les-Dijon - Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| May 29 | Vandenesse en Auxois - Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| Jun 5 | Plombieres-les-Dijon - Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| Jun 12 | Vandenesse en Auxois - Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| Jun 19 | Plombieres-les-Dijon - Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| Jun 26 | Vandenesse en Auxois - Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| Jul 3 | Plombieres-les-Dijon - Vandenesse en Auxois | Value |
| Jul 10 | Vandenesse en Auxois - Plombieres-les-Dijon | Value |
| Jul 17 | Plombieres-les-Dijon - Vandenesse en Auxois | Value |
| Jul 24 | Vandenesse en Auxois - Plombieres-les-Dijon | Value |
| Jul 31 | Plombieres-les-Dijon - Vandenesse en Auxois | Value |
| Aug 7 | Vandenesse en Auxois - Plombieres-les-Dijon | Value |
| Aug 14 | Plombieres-les-Dijon - Vandenesse en Auxois | Value |
| Aug 21 | Vandenesse en Auxois - Plombieres-les-Dijon | Value |
| Aug 28 | Plombieres-les-Dijon - Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| Sep 4 | Vandenesse en Auxois - Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| Sep 11 | Plombieres-les-Dijon - Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| Sep 18 | Vandenesse en Auxois - Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| Sep 25 | Plombieres-les-Dijon - Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| Oct 2 | Vandenesse en Auxois - Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| Oct 9 | Plombieres-les-Dijon - Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| Oct 16 | Vandenesse en Auxois - Plombieres-les-Dijon | Value |
| Oct 23 | Plombieres-les-Dijon - Vandenesse en Auxois | Value |
|
Prosperite 2023 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 16 | Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| Apr 23 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| Apr 30 | Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| May 7 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| May 14 | Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| May 21 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| May 28 | Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| Jun 4 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| Jun 11 | Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| Jun 18 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| Jun 25 | Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| Jul 2 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| Jul 9 | Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| Jul 16 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| Jul 23 | Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| Jul 30 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| Aug 6 | Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| Aug 13 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| Aug 20 | Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| Aug 27 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| Sep 3 | Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| Sep 10 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| Sep 17 | Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| Sep 24 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| Oct 1 | Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| Oct 8 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon | Regular |
| Oct 15 | Plombieres-les-Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Regular |
| Oct 22 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Plombieres-les-Dijon | 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.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne
Vandenesse-en-Auxois to Plombieres-les-Dijon 2023
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne
Vandenesse-en-Auxois to Plombieres-les-Dijon 2023
Hospice de Beaune
Chateauneuf en-Auxois
Abbaye-de-la-Bussiere
Dijon
In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Prosperite at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured in our immaculate vehicle to the Prosperite, moored in the tiny village of Vandenesse-en-Auxois. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first gourmet dinner onboard.
Monday - Vandenesse-en-Auxois to Pont d’Ouche - Private Tour of Hospice de Beaune
Your luxurious journey begins with a lazy morning cruise. Relax on deck in the hot tub, or explore the waterside towpath with a gentle stroll or leisurely bicycle ride. In the afternoon, a drive in your private vehicle through the Cote d’Or vineyards culminates in the charming town of Beaune, the region's wine capital. Your Tour Guide will accompany you through the Hospice de Beaune, a prestigiously preserved Medieval hospital built in the 15th century. Return to the barge where Chef is putting the final touches on tonight's dinner party onboard.
Tuesday - Pont d’Ouche to La Bussiere-sur-Ouche - Exclusive Family-Owned Vineyard Visit
Begin the day with a leisurely morning cruise. Visit your Captain in his wheelhouse, or join Chef in the open kitchen for an informal culinary demonstration. Then drive through glorious countryside to Domaine Amiot-Servelle, a small family-owned producer of Premier Cru vintages made exclusively with organically-farmed grapes. Amble amidst the vineyards as the secrets of growing the most delicious French fruit is revealed, then enjoy a private hosted winetasting. Return to the Prosperite for a festive evening of drinks and dinner onboard.
Wednesday - La Bussiere-sur-Ouche to Gissey-sur-Ouche - Quaint Medieval Village Overlooking the Canal
This morning, your Tour Guide escorts you to Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, a castle perched atop a hill overlooking the Canal. A walking tour through the Chateau reveals the architectural details and timeworn relics which speak to the deprivations and decadence so prevalent in France’s history. Return to the Prosperite for an afternoon cruise on the serene canal. Freshen up in the early evening, as tonight's meal is taken ashore tonight at Abbaye de la Bussiere, an ancient Cistercian abbey now converted to a luxury inn with an award-winning gourmet bistro.
Thursday - Gissey-sur-Ouche to Fleurey-sur-Ouche - Destination Dijon
A morning cruise through pastoral countryside is the perfect time to sip a cup of coffee on deck. This afternoon, exploring the urbane town of Dijon offers a pleasurable excursion ashore. Preserved palaces and beautiful churches recalling the reign of the Dukes of Burgundy vie for attention with specialty boutiques, small stores, and serene gardens. Shop, stroll, and sip your way through this small city brimming with authentic Burgundian life. Return to the Prosperite for cocktails and canapes as Chef prepares tonight’s dinner served onboard.
Friday - Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Plombieres-les-Dijon - It’s All Yours: Private Chateau Experience!
Revel and relax in the tranquil ambiance of the French countryside during the final cruise this morning. In the afternoon, your Tour Guide presents an insider’s visit to Chateau d’Arcelot, the first neoclassical castle of Burgundy. After being personally welcomed by the castle's owner, Madame la Comtesse de Loisy, take a tour of the beautiful grounds and then savor a taste of the house-made gourmet specialties. Return to the Prosperite for appetizers and aperitifs, followed by the Captain’s Dinner, ending your small ship luxury cruise in style.
Saturday - Plombieres-les-Dijon - A Sad Farewell
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.
Note: This is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. Cruise will run in reverse direction on opposite weeks.
Dining Aboard The Prosperite:
SAMPLE MENU
DINNER- Pan roasted duck breast on a sweet potato puree, served with duck confit, foie gras and fig tortellini
- Spinach, ricotta and pine nut valigette with wild asparagus and crispy pancetta
- Lamb wellingtons with baby spring vegetables and slices of braised lamb poitrine
- Young asparagus, avocado and quail egg with truffle dressing garnished with parmesan tuiles
- Duo of sea bass and John Dorry fillet with coconut and lemongrass sugar snap peas and sweet potato mash
- Desserts may include chocolate ganache slice (pate) with white Creme de Menthe ice cream, orange and vanilla panna cotta with vanilla poached rhubarb crumbles and basil sorbet, molten chocolate cake with Bushmill's caramel beurre Salé, honey & saffron crème brulée
SAMPLE WINE MENU
- Dinner White Wines
- Puligny Montrachet 1er cru les referts, V. Girardin
- Chablis Grand Cru 'Bougros,' Domaine du Colombier
- Meursault 'Charmes' 1er Cru, Prieur-Brunet
- Pernand Vergelesses 'Clos Berthet'-1er Cru, Dubreuil Fontaine
- Sancerre, Henri Bourgois
- Lunch White Wines
- Sauvignon de Saint Bris
- Saint Véran
- Pouilly Fuisée
- Santenay 1er cru
- Rully
- Dinner Red Wines
- Beaune clos du Roy 1er cru, Prieur-Brunet
- Gevrey Chambertin 1er cru Cazetiers, Phillippe Leclerc
- Nuits St Georges 1er cru 'Les Damodes,' Manière
- Châteauneuf du Pape, Château Mont Redon
- Margaux 5eme Grand Cru Clasée, Chateau Dauzac
- Lunch Red Wines
- Chinon
- Fixin
- Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Les Bons Bâtons
- Brouilly, Château La Chaize
- Graves 2009
Passenger Comments:
The cabins far exceeded our expectations. Lots of room to move around. Comfortable beds, pillows. The bathroom was very comfortable, a tub and shower and all the hot water we needed! Housekeeping was excellent. Food and wine EXCELLENT!!! The lounge was a great gathering place for coffee in the morning and cocktails before dinner ... any time in fact. Excursions: Rejane is a gem and an excellent driver! We enjoyed every minute with her. She is extremely knowledgeable about the Burgundy area and its history.A.&C. G., MA, USA
A wonderful trip with a magnificent crew. Outsatnding food and superb wine. Rejane was great in accomodating our tour requests and provided plenty of interesting information and historical facts about every places we visited. She was a great tour guide. I do not know if we can ever top this experience... so maybe we will have to repeat with other friends or family members... The service was Superb First Class, discrete, attentive, friendly and always with a smile. That crew can rival any Michelin or Relais & Chateaux crew. The meals and wines were out of this world, including the cheese selection which was outstanding. We took pictures of each serving of each meal, they were like art pieces.... so delicious. The service from SPT was excellent, enjoyed the booklet you sent us about the trip and the many tips it included. We used Cell-Hire which was the best way to go, and went for dinner at the restaurant "Le Christine" in Paris which was great.
P & C L. SC, USA
It was wonderful - luxurious, beautiful scenery, leisurely pace, fabulous food, Rejane and her staff were all lovely, attentive, organized, physical environment on the barge was beautifully maintained and comfortable. The high points were the beauty of the landscape - rich green plots, dotted with clutches of white cows - when we drove; the charm of the small villages we walked in (even more time to walk in them would have been great); the calm of the canal and the opportunity to walk between locks; the wonderful meals, elegantly served, the attentive and lovely crew.
D.T. VA, USA
Outstanding barge, crew, and activities. The high points were the food/wine/cheese, the barge itself, our tour guide/owner, the crew, the excursions -- everything!
L.S. & SN, MD, USA
Loved it! Spencer (Spence) and his wife Rhajan were incredible! The food and wine was everything we hoped for and more. Rhajan's knowledge during the tours we went on was top notch. Tom was a perfect first mate and couldn't have been more friendly. The high points were the food in the barge, wine, excursions, Beaune, Dijon, and Biking. the barge route was everything we hoped for.
T.G. FL, USA
LINKS to Prosperite Information
This page last updated December 25, 2023