Barge Cruise: Paris - Chablis

Paris by night, 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). You'll begin with a spectacular evening cruise through Paris, followed by a tour of the Chateau of Fontainebleau. Then you'll be transported back to medieval times, with tours of Provins and the Cathedral of St Stephen - the first of the great Gothic cathedrals of France. And, of course, you'll be treated to wonderful local wines in Chablis.

This barge was substantially refurbished for the beginning of the 2005 season. Her 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 ITINERARY
(actual program may vary)

Day 1 - Sunday: Paris. You'll be picked up at a designated 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 in the 12th district. After a champagne welcome and time to settle in, you'll enjoy an exciting evening cruise through Paris, past Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre museum, the floodlit Eiffel Tower and illuminated bridges, followed by the first gourmet meal prepared by your onboard 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 begins to unfold. After lunch, visit the magnificent Chateau of Fontainebleau and explore the town. This evening the barge will moor in the center 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 peaceful cruise along the last stretch of the River Seine before joining the River Yonne heading south towards Burgundy. After lunch on board the barge, you will visit the medieval town of Provins, where you can explore ancient city walls, watch a falconry show and perhaps do a little shopping. Provins is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the better preserved medieval towns in France. Dinner on the barge and overnight in Moret-sur-Loing, home of the Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley.

Day 4 - Wednesday: Moret-sur-Loing to Labrosse. After breakfast, you will visit the magnificent 17th-century Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte and its formal gardens. Built for the finance minister of Louis XIV, this lavish castle made the king so jealous that he found an excuse to lock up his minister and then proceeded to use the same architect and landscape designer to build the Palace of Versailles. Return to the barge for a late lunch and cruise to a peaceful setting near the lock of Labrosse, where you can enjoy a barbecue.

Day 5 - Thursday: Labrosse to Sens. Your morning cruise will include the narrow bypass canal at Courlon-sur-Yonne, built to facilitate the transportation of wine and other merchandise to Paris. You may even see some commercial barges going through the locks. After lunch on the barge, you'll visit Sens with its Cathedral of St Stephen, the first of the great Gothic cathedrals of France, which was started in 1140. Enjoy a stroll through the town before cocktails and dinner on the barge.

Day 6 - Friday: Sens to Villeneuve-sur-Yonne. After breakfast, you can tour Villeneuve-sur-Yonne, which was founded in 1163 by King Louis VII. You'll see the 700-year-old city gate and the Church of Notre Dame, built between the 12th and 16th centuries. Following lunch, take a short drive to Chablis, home to some of the greatest wines in Burgundy. At the small family operation of Domaine Laroche, you will take an intimate tour of their cellar. A wine tasting rounds off this fascinating visit, of course. Return to the barge for your last gourmet dinner.

Day 7 - Saturday: Paris. After breakfast, transfer from the barge back to Paris.

On alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.

Note: special program for Jul 11-17 cruise will include Bastille Day gourmet picnic and fireworks show.

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Highlights

• Evening cruise through Paris
• Chateau of Fontainebleau
• Medieval town of Provins, a World Heritage site
• Chateau of Vaux-le Vicomte
• Early Gothic Cathedral of St Stephen in Sens
• Wine tasting in Chablis
  

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 specified meeting point

Not Included

• Transportation to and from beginning and end points
• 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
  

2010 Cruise Departures

Every Sunday from May 16 - Aug 15 and Sep 19 - Oct 10

This barge can be chartered for groups. Various themes and dates can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group.

Note: special program for Jul 11-17 cruise will include Bastille Day gourmet picnic and fireworks show. Special charter price of US$25,000 for up to 12 people.

Dates and Prices

Book Your Cruise!

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