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Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque

Cruise Burgundy through the Heart of France

Seven Days / Six Nights

Save up to £200pp off cabins and 10% off charters on selected departures*
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.

Historic buildingsTaste 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.


La Belle Epoque and a stateroom.

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.

Boat Features
  • Explore enchanting town of Auxerre
  • Wine tasting of Chablis and Petit Chablis in a 12th century cellar
  • Visit St Bris with its underground passages
  • Visit Vézelay, a medieval hilltop village
  • Excellent walking and bicycling
  • Gastronomic lunch ashore
  • Optional hot air ballooning
  • Delightful blend of river and canal cruising

    Culinary Notes
    Culinary Notes


    Regional Dishes

    Filet d'Agneau au Basilic
    Magret de Canard
    Poulet a L'Estragon
    Regional Wines
    Domaine Jafflin, Vosne-Romanée
    Domaine Jafflin, Nuits-St-Georges
    Saint Veran Cuvee Prestige 2005
    Domaine Michelot, Mersault 2004
    Regional Cheeses
    Aisy Cendre
    Bouton de Culotte
    Epoisses
    Ami du Chambertin 

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    France Hotel Barge Programme

    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
    A leisurely morning cruise to Mailly la Ville. After lunch, 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 is taken at L'Esperance, a renowned Michelin restaurant in Vezelay, 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 Cathedral 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.

    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 Point

    Sunday, 1.30pm, Hotel Ampere,
    102 Avenue de Villiers, 75017 Paris

       
     

    Deck Plan of La Belle Epoque

     
     
    La Belle Epoque Deck Plans
     
       
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