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Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque

Cruise Burgundy through the Heart of France

Seven Days / Six Nights

Up to £400 per person discount on Burgundy Walking Cruise: 10-16 Oct 2010
Burgundy boasts some of the world's finest wines with almost 60,000 acres of sunlit vines and arguably the prettiest canal in France - the Nivernais canal. Medieval villages are surrounded by unspoiled countryside where gastronomic delights are a culture in themselves.

Taste the famous escargots, dine on a typical meal of poulet aux romarin en papillotes, or truite à la chablisienne accompanied by a full-bodied Burgundian red wine or lighter Chablis white. Each day brings new pleasures.


The Saloon

The 13 passenger La Belle Epoque is a state-of the-art hotel boat and the worthy flagship of our fleet. She has been designed with both elegance and passenger comfort in mind and offers a sun-deck, spa-pool, plus sauna and fitness studio, wood panelled saloon and dining room, together with other luxury facilities, all fully air-conditioned.

The spacious cabins offer a choice of twin or double beds with marble en-suite facilities. The Captain leads a crew of five comprising Master Chef, Tour Guide and two Stewardesses.

Cruise Highlights
  • All-inclusive - open bar, free wines,gourmet cuisine, entry
    fees to excursions
  • Explore enchanting Auxerre
  • Wine tasting of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in a 12th Century cellar
  • Visit St. Bris with its underground passages
  • Visit to Noyers-sur-Serein, one of the most beautiful villages in Burgundy
  • Visit Vézelay, a medieval hilltopvillage
  • Gastronomic dinner ashore
  • Optional hot air ballooning

    Culinary Notes
    Culinary Notes


    Regional Dishes

    Filet d'Agneau au Basilic
    Magret de Canard
    Poulet a L'Estragon
    Regional Wines
    Chablis, Vosne Romanée,
    Domaine Laroche,
    Nuit St-Georges, Epineuil
    Regional Cheeses
    Aisy Cendre
    Bouton de Culotte
    Epoisses
    Ami du Chambertin 

    Views from Saussois Cliffs

    Up to £400 per person discount on Burgundy Walking Cruise: 10-16 Oct 2010

    Please note: Sterling prices are for UK residents.
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    Double Cabin

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    France Hotel Barge Programme

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    France Hotel Barge Programme

    La Belle Epoque 2009 Itinerary
    Auxerre to Clamecy
    DAY 1
    Sunday
    PARIS TO AUXERRE
    Guests are met at Hotel Ampere in Paris at 1:30 pm and transferred to the elegant La Belle Époque 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
    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 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
    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 in Noyers village, 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 Hotel Ampere in Paris by about 1pm.
    NOTE: On alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
    La Belle Epoque 2010 Itinerary
    Pouillenay to Tonnerre

    Boat Features
  • 128 feet long
  • 13 passengers
  • 5 crew
  • 2 suites
  • 4 junior suites
  • 1 single cabin
  • Air-conditioned
  • Centrally heated
  • Spa-pool
  • Chart room TV/DVD
  • touring bikes
  • 2 Air-conditioned minibuses

    Meeting Points

    For 2009 cruises - Sunday, 1.30pm, Hotel Ampere, 102 Avenue de Villiers, 75017 Paris
    For 2010 cruises - Montbard TGV station, Sunday 18.00 or a Montbard Hotel, Sunday 18.30

       
     

    Deck Plan of La Belle Epoque

     
     
    La Belle Epoque Deck Plans
     
       
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