Bonheur
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 4
Size: 110 feet long
Rating: Casual Class
Air conditioning will be installed in the cabins for the 2011 season.
Last Visited : 2009

2011 Rates

Whole Boat Charter Price
2, 3, or 4 guests: $12,000
This rate does not include transportation to/from the cruise route at Le Creusot and three dinners off the barge at the expense of the guest (Captain Roberts will make reservations and provide transportation.)

2011 Sunday Start dates

April 24 - 30	July 3 - 9	September 4 - 10
May 1 - 7	July 10 - 16	October 2 - 8
May 29 - June 4	August 28 - Sept 3	October 9 - 15
June 5 - 11

2011 Wednesday Start dates

May 11 - 17	July 20 - 26
May 18 - 24	July 27 - August 2
June 15 - 21	September 21 - 27
June 22 - 28

"Bonheur" in French means "happiness," and oh, boy, is this the right name! Created and operated by one of the most attractive young couples in barging, Captain Paul Roberts and Chef Annie Roberts, Bonheur is a top choice for Casual Class cruising with charm, flair and an especially warm welcome. The Roberts bring interesting professional backgrounds: Paul in tourism and historic architectural preservation, Annie in retail management, most notably with Laura Ashley for many years.

Annie's "eye" and attention to detail are evident from the moment one boards. Never have I seen such extensive or beautiful on-deck floral displays! Going into the barge, one then encounters the salon, a warm and comfortable room with several sink-in couches, and partially open to the green and white tiled kitchen. Thoughtful touches abound. In one corner is a writing desk, complete with postcards and stamps; in another, a help-yourself fridge; there is an extensive library and even art supplies at the ready for those inspired to paint or draw! Entertainment is provided by a DVD with movie selection as well as an IPOD with at least 150 albums.

The adorable and cozy cabins continue the theme of comfort married to charm. One "blue" and one "yellow." They are painted in clear and beautiful colors, with large and comfortable beds, soft fabrics, area rugs and gorgeous tiled bathrooms. (In the blue cabin where I stayed, there is a separate shower-sink room and toilet room.) Storage is adequate but limited.

The itinerary on the Canal du Centre has a lot of high points: Among them are remarkable Roman ruins in Autumn; Beaune with its 15th centurey hospice Hotel Dieu; and the medieval chateau of Couches with its impressive drawbridge and keep. Paul approaches sightseeing in an informed and personal way. For instance he makes sure that guests will attend a weekly outdoor market. And he has found a vineyard presided over by a wonderful winemaker, who gives the tour in English.

Annie's cuisine is fresh, light and delicious! Please go to the Menu section for a writeup of the dinner I enjoyed on board. For a change of pace, three dinners are scheduled off the barge at the expense of the guests. Paul can recommend authentic, local auberges and will make reservations and provide transportations.

Bonheur is a wonderful addition to our fleet

Bonheur
Burgundy Cruise Itinerary

Le Creusot to Fragnes on the Canal du Centre

Sunday: Le Creusot
From the Paris Gare de Lyon train station, take TGV #6617 - departing Paris at 1:54 pm, arriving Le Creusot TGV station at 3:15 pm. (The cost of rail tickets or any transfer to and from the cruise route is additional to the price and must be booked separately.) As you alight, Captain Roberts will be on the platform and will drive you to Bonheur, moored on the tranquil Canal du Centre. Welcome drinks and dinner in the evening gives us the opportunity to chat about the coming weeks itinerary, while you gently unwind from your journey.

Monday: Visit Autun, then cruise to
St Julien-sur-Dheune
The day begins with a visit by car to the historic town of Autun, pictured at left. This town founded in about 15AD has remarkable remains of its Roman beginnings including Amphitheatre and original sections of defensive walls and entrance gates, together with later medieval buildings and of course the 12th century cathedral of Saint Lazare. After lunch aboard Bonheur we commence our cruise where a chain of seven locks announces the beginning of the canals decent from the summit level (300m) to the river Saone. We work our way through the locks and continue through the village of Ecuisses before arriving at St-Julien-sur-Dheune where we moor and have dinner aboard this evening.

Tuesday: Cruise to St Leger-sur-Dheune, visit Chateau Couches
We depart St-Juliene-sur Dheune for a leisurely cruise to the village of St Leger-sur-Dheune, which will be our mooring for the evening. After lunch aboard, a visit to Chateau Couches with a private guided tour is a short drive away. A magnificent 12th century fortress it has an impressive Keep and Drawbridge, reminders of a rich and feudal military past. After the tour we will also have a tasting of wines grown in the Chateau’s private vineyards. Return to the barge for an aperitif ( perhaps a refreshing Kir Royale. A regional speciality made with Crème de Cassis, a garnet-red blackcurrant liqueur from Dijon and Burgundian Champagne ‘Cremant’ ). Dinner will be taken ashore at a nearby canal side restaurant.

Wednesday: Cruise to Satenay, Chateau Rochepot and winetasting in Rully
We depart St Leger-sur-Dheune for a cruise to the village of Santenay, which nestles amongst the famous vineyards and preserved landscape of the Southern Cote de Beaune. After lunch we can visit the famous Chateau Rochepot, pictured at right. This fairytale like chateau was restored after being ransacked during the revolution and is now one of the finest examples of chateau for the period. On the drive back to Bonheur we can take a detour to the village of Rully for a private wine tasting. This is another evening when guests have the opportunity to sample local cuisine.

Thursday: Cruise to Chagny, visit Beaune
We start the day after a relaxing breakfast with a short cruise to the town of Chagny where we will moor for the evening. Today the captain will take you for lunch at the beautiful village of Volnay after which we depart for the historic town of Beaune along the Route de Grande Cru. The walled town of Beaune is the wine capital of Burgundy and our visit will include a visit to the historic hospice, Hotel Dieu, built in the 15th Century. We return to Bonheur through the vineyards for a restful evening and dinner on board.

Friday: Visit Chalon-sur-Saone, then cruise to Fragnes

This morning we take a short car ride to the town of Chalon-sur-Saone. Chalon has a Cathedral with a lovely square surrounded by medieval buildings. As it is market day today, pictured at left, the square is filled with fruit and vegetable stalls and the other streets littered with all sorts of market traders selling a plethora of goods. A real insight into french life. We return to Bonheur for lunch and a leisurely cruise to the charming village of Fragnes. This evening your farewell meal is taken ashore at the Fleur de Sel a restaurant on the edge of the canal overlooking the port.

Saturday: Return to Le Creusot
After a leisurely breakfast, guests are taken to Le Creusot TGV Railway Station to board TGV #6612, departing Le Creusot TGV station at 10:41 am, arriving back to the Paris Gare de Lyon at 12:03 pm. Or you may pick up a rental car or arrange another rail journey from Le Creusot.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. The route will run in reverse on alternate weeks. Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Barge cruises on the Waterways of France - Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Bonheur

Guest Book

"The cruise was better than we could have imagined.  The best trip ever.  Thank you, Ellen, your recommendations were perfect!"
-James and Caroline Betz, 2010

"The cruise was better than expected.  The barge was beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed meeting Paul and Annie.  We relaxed, dined on delicious food and felt completely pampered."
-Michael and Laurie Snow
Peter and Betsy Snow
2009

"There is neither enough time nor words to express our thanks and appreciation for this unforgettable week aboard your Bonheur. Barging had been a brand new travel experience for us, but we can't imagine how it could be any better. You both have been ideal hosts - charming, helpful, patient, organized, efficient, knowledgeable, generous of heart and spirit, and fun! We can't say enough wonderful things about your cooking, Annie - one perfect meal after another - all the special touches (the fresh flowers for instance), and your "mi casa es su casa" approach with always-open bar and kitchen. Paul, we thank you for the land tours, bicycles, good taste and advice, and expert navigation. We leave you thoroughly spoiled and we won't hesitate to recommend you 110% to our friends and relatives back home."
-2009 Guests
Barge Guestbook

Bonheur Floor Plan

-110 feet long
-BLUE CABIN is situated at the bow
Approx 100 square feet
2 picture windows and 2 portholes
Separate tiled shower-sink and toilet rooms
Lots of shelving for storage
King size bed or 2 twin beds
-YELLOW CABIN is situated mid-ship
Approx 90 square feet.
1 picture window
Built-in tiled sink-vanity in the cabin.
Separate tiled shower-toilet room
Built- in wardrobe closet
King size bed or 2 twin beds
-Split-Level Salon
Comfortable couches, fireplace, dining area, library and entertainment
-Large Deck
With flower and herb gardens
Plus dining table and chairs, loungers
and a barbeque