Paris - Chablis Barge Cruise

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, the Cathedral of St Stephen - the first of the great Gothic cathedrals of France - and the Basilica Sainte-Madeleine in Vézelay. And, of course, you'll be treated to wonderful local wines in Chablis.

This river boat 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 Hotel Ampere in Paris at 2 pm and transferred to the river boat moored at the Port de l' Arsenal, near Place de la Bastille in the 12th district, for a champagne welcome. You will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area before departing for an exciting evening cruise through Paris, past Notre Dame Cathedral, le Louvre, the floodlit Eiffel Tower and illuminated bridges.

Day 2 - Monday: Paris to Samois. Begin cruising south along the River Seine towards Burgundy. Once past the outskirts of Paris, the tranquil landscape begins to unfold. Your excursion today is to the magnificent Chateau of Fontainebleau. Virtually every royal family has added their architectural signature to this sprawling construction, resulting in an unrivalled display of opulence. This evening the river boat will moor beneath the hilltop town of Samois-sur-Seine, a favorite of painters and poets. You'll have time to stroll along the shaded river bank before dinner on the barge.

Day 3 - Tuesday: Samois to Sens. Begin the day with a peaceful cruise along the last stretch of the River Seine before joining the River Yonne heading south towards Burgundy, the land of counts and fine wines. This morning you'll be able to explore villages along the river. After lunch on board the barge, your guide will escort you to the medieval town of Provins where you can explore ancient ramparts, watch a falconry show and browse around the boutiques and shops. Provins is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the better preserved medieval towns in France.

Day 4 - Wednesday: Sens to Joigny. This morning the barge will cruise the River Yonne towards the town of Joigny, where cobbled streets and timbered-framed buildings take you back to a bygone era. After lunch on board the barge at Villeneuve-sur-Yonne, you'll visit the Cathedral of St Stephen, the first of the great Gothic cathedrals of France. Started in 1140, this magnificent building houses one of the richest treasuries in the country. You will also tour the museum. Located in the former archbishop's residence in the 13th-century palace, it houses a fascinating exhibition of Gallo-Roman mosaics and works of art from the cathedral.

Day 5 - Thursday: Joigny to Gurgy. On to the riverside hamlet of Gurgy. Today is the perfect opportunity for a bicycle ride alongside the barge as she glides gently by. After lunch we 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. Afterwards, drive through the wine villages of Irancy and on to St Bris, where we visit the 12th-century underground cellars of Bersan et Fils before returning to the barge

Day 6 - Friday: Gurgy to Auxerre. The final cruise follows the upper part of the River Yonne to Auxerre, one of the most beautiful river towns in Burgundy. After lunch, visit the world famous hilltop town of Vézelay, a 40-minute drive from Auxerre. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, Vézelay has been a place of worship since the Middle Ages and is a meeting point for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. It is from there that the second and third crusades were launched, the latter by Richard the Lionhearted. Dominating this medieval town is the Basilica Sainte-Madeleine, one of the most impressive churches in France, with its combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles. This evening, you will be joined by your hosts for pre-dinner cocktails and the farewell captain's dinner on the barge that promises to be a meal to remember.

Day 7 - Saturday: Paris. After breakfast, transfer from the river boat back to Hotel Ampere in Paris.

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

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Highlights

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

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 shower. Staterooms 2 through 6 each have a separate toilet and shower.
• 6 crew members
• Size: 128 ft. long
  
• Air conditioning and central heating
• Air-conditioned coach for excursions
  

Cruise Departures

2008: May 18, Aug 17, Sep 21 & 28, Oct 5 & 12

2009: May 17, Aug 16, Sep 20 & 27, Oct 4 & 11

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

Standard/Individuals	Charters/Groups

We have personally visited the Paris and Burgundy regions of France where this cruise takes place. See pictures from our trips:

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