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Hotel
Barge L'Art De Vivre
Cruise the Upper Nivernais in Burgundy
Seven Days / Six Nights
Save up to £600 per cabin and 25% off charters in Aug, Sep, Oct 2010
 The
Upper Nivernais simply oozes charm and the
cruise is a journey back in time along a
magical waterway. The Upper Nivernais remains
an undiscovered region, well off the beaten
track on the edge of the Morvan hills. The
sleepy hamlets, white grazing Charolais
cattle and woods and forests are typical
of the scenery we cruise through. During
the summer months we visit the Valley of
Sardy, a canal section with smaller locks,
where time seems to have stood still for
over two hundred years.
The hand swung bridges are a delight and
we pass old logging sites which are now
an almost forgotten memory for the local
people. This is the original home of hotel
barging and yet today, a barge is a rarity
welcomed by all and every journey is a great
event.
The 8 passenger L'Art de Vivre started
life as a Scottish munitions carrier and
survived long enough to be transformed by
a team of skilled craftsmen into a floating
celebration of the Burgundian 'good life'.
During Winter 08/09 L'Art de Vivre had a
full refurbishment. Her staterooms are larger
and all will have a choice of a double bed
or two single beds and ensuite bathrooms.
 Your
crew of four comprise Captain, Tour Guide,
Master Chef and Hostess, all with a love
for the Nivernais canal and all secure in
the knowledge that their vessel represents
L'Art de Vivre itself.
| Cruise
Highlights |
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| All-inclusive open bar, free
wines,gourmet cuisine, entry
fees to excursions |
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Medieval town
of Clamecy and 13th century cathedral |
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16 lock flight
at valley of Sardy |
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Visit the 17th
century home of Maréchal
Vauban |
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Tour the hill-top
basilica of Vézelay |
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Wine tasting at Tannay |
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Optional Hot Air
Ballooning |
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Culinary Notes |
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Regional Dishes
Terrine de Pecheur façon
maison
Tourte Chaude d'Escargots
a la Ciboulette
Filet de Rouget au Safran
Regional Wines
Sancerre, Chablis, Pouilly
Fumé,
Cote de Nuits,
Hautes Côtes de Beaune
Regional Cheeses
Brie
Maroilles
Pont L'Eveque
St Marcellin
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Meeting
Point |
| Guests are
met at Laroche Migennes train
station at 16:45 or Hotel Maxime
in Auxerre at 17:15. |
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Alternative Itineraries |
We also offer alternative itineraries, including a cycling cruise, family cruise, and walking cruise.
Please contact us for details.
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Check
availability of this cruise
France Hotel
Barge Programme |
|
Check
availability of this cruise
France Hotel
Barge Programme
| Itinerary
Auxerre to Clamecy |
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DAY 1
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Sunday
PARIS TO AUXERRE
You will be met at Laroche Migennes
train station at 16:45 or Hotel Maxime
in Auxerre at 17:15. and transferred
to the elegant L’Art de Vivre
in Auxerre, Burgundy. Following a Champagne
Welcome, you are free to explore the
medieval town of Auxerre or take a stroll
along the banks of the River Yonne before
returning for dinner aboard. |
DAY 2
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Monday
AUXERRE TO VINCELLES
Our morning cruise takes us past vineyard-clad
hillsides to our rural mooring at Vincelles.
The afternoon excursion is to Chablis,
home of one of the most famous white
wines in the world. A tasting in one
of the town’s aged cellars will
introduce you to some of the local Petit
Chablis and Chablis wines. Dinner aboard. |
| DAY 3 |
Tuesday
VINCELLES TO MAILLY LA VILLE
After breakfast, our excursion is to
the medieval town of Auxerre. Originally
the capital of Lower Burgundy, the town
prides itself on its fine churches and
particularly its magnificent cathedral.
We then return to the barge for a cruise
southwards through rich pasturelands
past grazing Charolais cattle to the
market town of Mailly la Ville. Dinner
aboard. |
| DAY 4 |
Wednesday
MAILLY LA VILLE TO LE SAUSSOIS
This morning, we visit the charming
14th century medieval village of Noyers,
one of the most beautiful villages in
France, on an excursion through delightful
countryside. In the afternoon we cruise
past the Saussois cliffs where an international
climbing centre creates a spectacular
setting. There will also be the opportunity
to enjoy spectacular walks before returning
for dinner aboard. |
| DAY 5 |
Thursday
LE SAUSSOIS TO LUCY SUR YONNE
In the morning we enjoy an excursion
to the town of Vézelay, one of
Burgundy’s most famous treasures
with the Romanesque Basilica of St Mary
Magdalene, craft shops and fine views
of the surrounding countryside. Lunch
ashore today at a wonderful auberge
Les Millesimes., followed by an afternoon
cruise through the Yonne valley to arrive
at Lucy sur Yonne. Dinner aboard. |
| DAY 6 |
Friday
LUCY SUR YONNE TO CLAMECY
A morning cruise through beautiful countryside
then takes us to Clamecy. Take a short
walk into Clamecy to visit the town,
the Collegiale de St Martin and also
the Logging and Barging Museum. The
narrow streets lined with ancient buildings
also present an opportunity for shopping.
In the afternoon, we visit the Chateau
of Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors
included Richard the Lionheart and which
was later remodelled by Maréchal
Vauban. Captain’s Farewell Dinner
aboard. |
| DAY 7 |
Saturday
CLAMECY TO PARIS
Disembark after breakfast and arrive
at Laroche Migennes train station by
10am. |
| NOTE: |
On alternate weeks, cruise will
be in reverse direction. This is
a sample itinerary and is subject to
change. |
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Boat Features |
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100 feet long |
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8 passengers |
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4 crew |
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4 Twin or Double
Staterooms |
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Air-conditioned |
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Centrally heated |
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Spa-pool |
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8 touring bikes |
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Air-conditioned
minibus |
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Save 25% off 8 pax charter price in Aug, Sep, Aug 2010.
Book by 31 Jul 2010
Save £600 per cabin on
11,18 Jul departures and
save £300 per cabin on
22 Aug departures
Save 5% off 2011 charters.
(Call for prices and book by 31 Aug)
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