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~
Barge Cruises in France ~
Chablis
- Paris
Paris,
Gothic cathedrals, and Chablis wines Cruise
the rivers of France
in the region south of Paris and into northern Burgundy aboard a luxury 12-passenger
barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). This twice-a-year-only cruise includes a
spectacular late afternoon cruise through Paris and a tour of the Chateau of Fontainebleau.
You'll be transported back to medieval times, with tours of Provins and the Cathedral
of St Stephen in Sens - the first of the great Gothic cathedrals of France. And,
of course, you'll be treated to wonderful local wines in Chablis. This
barge's six staterooms offer luxurious accommodation for 12 passengers. The salon,
dining area, and bar are finished in mahogany, teak and brass, decorated with
antiques and paintings. Two spacious decks offer magnificent views of the countryside.
TYPICAL
BARGE CRUISE ITINERARIES
(actual program may vary)
May
27, 2012 Departure Day
1 - Sunday:
Paris.
You'll be picked up at your hotel in Paris after lunch and and taken to the barge,
which will be moored at the Port de l'Arsenal, near Place de la Bastille. After
a champagne welcome and time to settle in, you'll enjoy an exciting pre-dinner
cruise through Paris, past Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre museum, and the Eiffel
Tower, followed by the first gourmet meal prepared by your personal onboard master
chef. Day
2 - Monday: Paris to Melun.
Begin cruising south along the River Seine towards Burgundy. Once past the outskirts
of Paris, the tranquil landscape dotted by luxury villas begins to unfold. After
lunch, visit the opulent royal Chateau of Fontainebleau with your tour guide and
explore the shops and boutiques in the town. This evening the barge will moor
in the thriving market town of Melun. You'll have time to walk along the river
bank before dinner on the barge. Day
3 - Tuesday: Melun to Moret-sur-Loing.
Begin the day with a tour of the medieval town of Provins, where you can explore
ancient city walls, watch a falconry show and perhaps do a little shopping. Provins,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the better preserved medieval towns in
France. Overnight in picturesque Moret-sur-Loing, home of the Impressionist painter
Alfred Sisley. Time for a walk along the tree-lined river banks before another
delicious dinner on the barge. Day
4 - Wednesday: Moret-sur-Loing to Sens.
Next, a peaceful cruise along the last stretch of the River Seine before joining
the River Yonne heading south towards Burgundy. After lunch on the barge, your
tour guide will walk with you into Sens for a private guided tour of the Cathedral
of St Stephen, the first of the great Gothic cathedrals of France, which was started
in 1140 AD. This magnificent building houses one of the richest treasuries in
France. You will also tour the museum in the 13th-century synodal palace, the
former archbishop's residence, which houses a fascinating exhibition of Gallo-Roman
mosaics and works of art from the cathedral. Explore the charming streets of Sens
before returning to the barge for dinner. Day
5 - Thursday: Sens to Joigny.
A tranquil cruise after breakfast towards the riverside town of Joigny, where
cobbled streets and timbered-framed buildings transport you back in time. Today
is the perfect opportunity for those who wish to bicycle alongside the barge.
After lunch, take a drive to Chablis, home of some of the best-known wines in
Burgundy. Enjoy an intimate tour of the small family operation of Domaine Laroche,
a visit to their cellar, and an insightful introduction to the secrets of the
wine-making art, followed by a wine tasting. After dinner on the barge, you can
take a stroll around the lamp-lit streets of Joigny. Day
6 - Friday: Joigny to Auxerre.
Your final cruise takes you along the upper Yonne to Auxerre, a beautiful river
town with 16th-century half-timbered houses. The town's magnificent monuments,
which include a splendid 15th-century clock tower, all bear witness to a remarkable
historical past. The town center, which is classified as a protected area, is
best visited on foot.This afternoon your tour guide will escort you through the
town and take you to the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne, one of the finest examples
of Gothic architecture in France. Relax before dinner with a drink from the bar
and enjoy the view from the deck of the barge. Tonight your chef prepares a special
Farewell Dinner. Day
7 - Saturday: Auxerre to Paris.
After a hearty breakfast, transfer from the barge back to Paris.
Aug
26, 2012 Departure Day
1 - Sunday:
Paris to Auxerre.
You are picked up at your Paris hotel for the scenic drive to Auxerre, the capital
of lower Burgundy, located in the heart of the Chablis wine region. There you
will board the barge and enjoy a champagne reception and an introduction to your
crew. After settling in, take your camera and join your tour guide on a leisurely
walk through one of the prettiest towns in France, with its ornately painted 15th-century
clock tower, the majestic Gothic cathedrals of Saint Germain and Saint Stephen,
and elegant Renaissance-style houses. While your onboard chef prepares your first
elegant candlelit dinner, relax with a drink and enjoy the view from the deck
of the barge. Day
2 - Monday: Auxerre to Joigny.
This morning the cruise follows the upper Yonne River downstream to Joigny, with
its cobbled streets and timbered-framed buildings. You can cycle alongside the
barge or just sit on deck and watch the countryside go by. After lunch, take a
drive to Chablis, home of some of the best-known wines in Burgundy. Tour the small
family operation of Domaine Laroche, take an intimate tour of their cellar and
enjoy an introduction to the secrets of wine-making, followed by wine tasting.
Rejoin the barge in Joigny, where you can enjoy the sunset over the Burgundian
vineyards. Dinner on board the barge.
Day
3 - Tuesday: Joigny to Sens.
Cruise to the busy market town of Sens. After lunch, your tour guide will take
you on a walking tour of Sens, including a private guided tour of the Cathedral
of St Stephen, the first of the great Gothic cathedrals of France. Begun in 1140
AD, this magnificent building houses one of the richest treasuries in France.
You will also tour the museum in the 13th Century synodal palace, the former archbishop's
residence, which houses a fascinating exhibition of Gallo-Roman mosaics and works
of art from the cathedral. Afterwards you will have time to explore the charming
streets of Sens before returning to the barge for dinner. Day
4 - Wednesday: Sens to St Mammes.
Today the barge will cruise along the final stretch of the Yonne River before
entering the Seine, which flows north through Paris. After lunch, your tour guide
will take you to the medieval town of Provins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where
you can explore ancient ramparts, watch a falconry show and perhaps do a little
shopping. Return to the barge for another delicious dinner. Overnight in St Mammes,
made famous by the Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley. Day
5 - Thursday: St Mammes to Melun.
After breakfast, begin cruising toward the town of Melun, past the elegant villas
once occupied by the King's courtesans. Following lunch, your tour guide will
take you to the Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte (the setting for the film "The
Man In The Iron Mask"). Explore the magnificent formal gardens, which are
widely regarded as some of the best in France. Built between 1656 and 1661 for
finance minister Nicolas Fouquet, the chateau was a major construction project.
Famous architects, painters and landscapers were commissioned to reflect Fouquet's
refined tastes. So lavish was the housewarming party that King Louis XIV threw
a jealous fit and found a pretext to put Fouquet in jail. Then the king borrowed
Fouquet's ideas and hired the same architect to design the even grander Palace
of Versailles. Day
6 - Friday: Melun to Paris.
Today your tour guide will take you to the Palace of Fontainebleau. Every French
monarch from Francois I to Napoleon III has left his mark upon this magnificent
chateau, with its spendid inner sanctuaries reflecting the tastes of kings and
queens. Return to the barge for lunch and continue your cruise into Paris. Sit
on the deck and enjoy a drink while you glide past the magnificent church of Notre
Dame, the imposing Louvre art museum, and the famous Eiffel Tower. After a special
Farewell Dinner prepared by your chef and served by candlelight, you'll moor overnight
at the Port d'Arsenal, near the Place de la Bastille. Day
7 - Saturday: Paris.
After breakfast, transfer from the barge to your final destination in Paris.
Itineraries
are subject to change without notice. Note:
This barge will cruise in Burgundy from Jun 3 - Aug 25, 2012. See Chablis-Tanlay.
[top] Highlights -
Late afternoon cruise through Paris
- Chateau
of Fontainebleau
-
Medieval town of Provins, a World Heritage site
- Chateau
of Vaux-le Vicomte (Oct 9 only)
- Early
Gothic Cathedral of St Stephen in Sens
- Wine
tasting in Chablis
- Auxerre,
capital of Lower Burgundy
Included - Accommodations
with private bath or shower and all meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on
day 7
- Wine
with lunch and dinner and selected alcoholic beverages consumed aboard the barge
- Sightseeing
tours and entrance fees as specified
- Round-trip
transfers from/to Paris
Not
Included - Transportation
to and from Paris
- Health
and travel insurance
- Barge
crew gratuities (suggested 5% of cruise price)
- Superior
vintage wines
- Personal
expenses
- Optional
activities when available
- Other
items not specifically listed under "Included" above
Barge
Features - Cabins:
6 staterooms that can be set up with two twin beds or one queen bed (12 passengers)
- Stateroom
1 has a large bathroom with toilet and shower. Staterooms 2 through 6 each have
a separate toilet and shower. All staterooms have DVD players, screens and wireless
headsets.
- Internet
access and in-house blog to share your cruise experience with friends and family
at home
- 6
crew members
- Size:
128 ft. long
- Air
conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned
coach for excursions
2012
Cruise Departures
May 27 and Aug 26 Note:
This barge will cruise in Burgundy from Jun 3 - Aug 25, 2012. See Chablis-Tanlay.
This
barge can be chartered for groups. Various themes and dates can be arranged to
fit the specific interests of each group. DEPARTURES
AND PRICES BOOK
YOUR CRUISE [top]
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