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French Country Waterways renovates and Converts Horizon II to luxury all-suite barge for eight passengers in Burgundy
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French Country Waterways renovates and Converts Horizon II to luxury all-suite barge for eight passengers in Burgundy
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French Country Waterways renovates and Converts Horizon II to luxury all-suite barge for eight passengers in Burgundy
French Country Waterways has renovated and converted the Horizon II from a 12-passenger barge to a luxurious all-suite barge for eight passengers. The 128-foot vessel was gutted to the steel shell, rebuilt and decorated with cherry paneling and traditional French cherry furnishings with antique brass accents and a smart nautical style. Four suites have a king-size bed, armoire and large bathroom. Leisurely six-night cruises are scheduled from March 27 to October 30 on the tree-lined Canal de Bourgogne between Tanlay and Pouillenay in Burgundy. The all-inclusive cruise price of $4,095 to $4,795, which includes one dinner ashore at the three-star La Côte d'Or in Saulieu, is guaranteed when a deposit is given. The Horizon II has a unique split-level design without a full flight of stairs, new custom-made furniture, spacious suites and bathrooms, an expansive sundeck and outstanding service with six crew members serving eight guests. The nautical blue, red and camel color scheme is carried out in upholstered and leather furniture, draperies in stylish plaids or stripes, the bed linens and wallpaper in suites and the sundeck chairs and umbrellas.  Campaign-style cherry furniture has ribbed wood and brass details; the comfortable leather camelback sofa is red, the chairs are a mix of leather and tapestry. The lounge has a well-stocked bar with a granite top and a library of books, games and music. A new air-conditioning system and water tanks were installed. Smoking is not permitted inside the barge. During the renovations six staterooms were reconfigured to four suites, the ceiling raised, the floor lowered and portholes enlarged to the legal limit. Bathrooms have cream Marfil marble tiles with a white granite accent, a cherry vanity with granite top, shower with sliding tours, toilet, heated towel bar, hair dryer and teak floor. Suites, large enough for an armoire and a king-size bed that can be split into twin beds, are equipped with generous storage space, individual air-conditioning and heating controls, extra pillows and fresh flowers. Electrical outlets with 110 and 220 volts were installed in the suites and bathrooms. Four-course French dinners that blend classic cooking techniques and the trend towards lighter, healthier dishes are served with Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines from Burgundy and other French regions. More than two dozen wines and 33 cheeses are offered during a cruise. Daily sightseeing excursions include a walking tour of Auxerre, the charming capital of Lower Burgundy; Forges de Buffon, the 18th-century estate and gardens created by naturalist Georges-Louis de Buffon; Abbaye de Fontenay, one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries; the splendid Renaissance château of Ancy-le-Franc; and the vineyards, a cellar tour and private tasting of Chablis, Burgundy's most famous white wine, at Domaine La Roche. During free time guests can relax on the sundeck and walk or bicycle along canal towpaths; hot-air ballooning is an option. Cruise rates cover one dinner at a three-star Michelin restaurant, open bar, all meals, estate-bottled wines at lunch and dinner, all tours and excursions, bicycles, suite accommodations, services of the English- and French-speaking crew, and escorted transfers by TGV train and motorcoach between Paris and the barge. (Source: French Country Waterways) |
