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A new itinerary in Northern Burgundy on the newly renovated Nenuphar leads the slate of offerings from French Country Waterways in 2008
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A new itinerary in Northern Burgundy on the newly renovated Nenuphar leads the slate of offerings from French Country Waterways in 2008
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(11-12-2007) A new itinerary in Northern Burgundy on the newly renovated Nenuphar leads the slate of offerings from French Country Waterways in 2008 French Country Waterways is introducing a new itinerary in 2008 aboard the newly-renovated luxury barge, Nenuphar, with highlights that take in many of the best features of Northern Burgundy: historic Auxerre, the 12th-century Abbaye de Pontgny, wine tasting in Chablis and dinner at the three-star Michelin-rated La Côte Saint-Jacques. The two-year-old Adrienne will now be sailing the Champagne itinerary. The five-barge fleet carries eight to 18 passengers on leisurely six-night cruises that give an intimate view of the changing landscapes, culture and history of Champagne, Burgundy, and Alsace-Lorraine. Weekly departures run from March 30 to Oct. 26.  Tiny stone villages, flower-bedecked canal locks, wonderful Chablis wines and Epoisses cheese are some of the highlights of the new itinerary on the all-suite 12-passenger Nenuphar as it plies the canals of Northern Burgundy. She was totally renovated and rebuilt with custom cherry paneling and furniture; a choice of king-size, queen-size or twin beds; and marble bathrooms that are the largest in the fleet, and launched at the start of the 2007 season. Excursions include the cathedral and historic old quarter of the medieval city of Auxerre; the 17th-century Château de Tanlay, known for its remarkable moats, tapestries and Illusionist paintings; and the 16th-century Ancy-le-Franc, with its extensive Renaissance paintings and period architecture. A visit to Chablis offers magnificent vistas of the Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards and a tasting of these famous wines at a private vintner's property. Fares are $5,595 to $6,595 per person, double. A tastefully decorated, all-suite barge with king-size beds is based in every cruise region. The 12-passenger Adrienne, launched in 2005, will be sailing the Champagne region, showcasing the private champagne houses, and historic battlefields dating back to Julius Caesar; the eight-passenger Horizon II takes in historic Burgundy on the Canal de Bourgogne; the 18-passenger Esprit explores the heart of Burgundy's Côte d'Or wine region; and the eight-passenger Princess, formerly the private barge of shipping magnate Daniel K. Ludwig, makes it way between Strasbourg and Nancy, capitals of Alsace-Lorraine. French Country Waterways, which owns and operates the entire fleet, treats guests to a member-of-the-family atmosphere while setting the highest standard in personal service, quality, comfort and safety for luxury barge cruising. The very attentive and friendly crews, averaging one crewmember to 1.8 passengers, are fluent in English and French and happily pass on their extensive knowledge of the wines, cheeses and history of the regions. Signature characteristics of the cruises are a dinner ashore at a Michelin-starred restaurant; creative cuisine prepared by talented young chefs, who blend classic cooking techniques with the trend to lighter cuisine; four-course candlelit dinners accompanied by Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines; daily sightseeing excursions to nearby medieval towns and churches, châteaux and famous vineyards; time for relaxing on the sun deck, walking or bicycling along canal towpath and shopping in nearby villages; and no smoking inside the barges and coaches. Elegant dinners ashore with a special menu gourmand prepared by some of France's leading chefs are held at Boyer Les Crayéres in Reims, Lameloise in Chagny, Le Relais Bernard Loiseau in Saulieu, La Côte Saint-Jacques in Joigny and Le Cerf in Marlenheim.  The barges are immaculately maintained and refurbished annually to insure they are in mint condition -- each with its own character. All offer a comfortable lounge and dining room, well-stocked bar, a sundeck to relax, read books and mingle with other guests, bicycles and library of books, music and games. Suites and staterooms feature full-sized beds, generous storage space, individual climate controls, private bath, hair dryers and fresh flowers. The all-inclusive cruises range from $4,295 to $6,795 per person, double occupancy. The rates are $1,000 below high-season prices on the first five and last two departures. Savings of $500 are offered during value season sailings: May 4 and 11, July 13, 20 and 27, and Aug. 3, 10 and 17. Cruise rates include suite or stateroom accommodations, all meals, estate-bottled Grand and Premier Cru wines at lunch and dinner, one dinner ashore at an acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant, open bar, tours and excursions, private wine tasting, bicycles, services of the bilingual crew and escorted transfers between Paris or Strasbourg and the barges. Hot-air ballooning is an option. The barges are available for individual bookings and for charter by families, friends and groups of six to 18 persons. Special room rates are offered at several deluxe hotels in Paris and in Strasbourg. (Source: French Country Waterways) |
