Elisabeth
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 4-6
Size: 100 feet long
Last Visited: 2008
Rating: First Class, A/C, Families

2009 rates

Whole Boat Charter:
$21,800 - 6 passenger charter
$19,500 - 5 passenger charter
$17,200 - 4 passenger charter
Individual Cabins:
$4,300 per person in a Twin-Cabin

(per cabin price of $8,200)

"The Chocolate and Wine Cruise" was so successful in 2008 that ELISABETH has added more in 2009. Book a delicious six-night "Chocolate Cruise" between April 4 through June 12 and between August 29 and October 30. Creative owners Pete and Sheena Jenner will arrange chocolate tastings, dessert-making demonstrations, and a cheese tasting - as well as divinely beautiful cruising and visits to abbeys, chateaux and lovely villages. See the itinerary section for the complete story on this DELICIOUS cruise!

In summer, 2009, ELISABETH will return to the Canal du Nivernais for their "Best of Burgundy Cruise," a lovely itinerary featuring a pre-historic cave and enchanting
villages - amongst numerous high points.  The "Family Cruise" will be offered on this canal and can be chartered between the weeks June 20 - August 21, 2009.

We visited ELISABETH in both 2007 and 2008.

In April, 2008 we boarded Elisabeth moored in the charming town of Tanlay on the Burgundy Canal. The barge looked fabulous. Sheena has upgraded many details in the cabins and bathrooms. As part of a delicious lunch, Sheena previewed the "Chocolate and Wine" cruise with not one, but two yummy desserts! We devoured minature white chocolate mousse and chocolate fondant - and were then treated to chocolate-orange fondue, complete with fresh fruit and cake to dip.

In April, 2007, it was a personal thrill to be among the first visitors aboard the newly and extensively renovated ELISABETH! The renovation began with rebuilding the cabins, making each identical and offering a choice of one Queen or two Twin beds. Upgraded bathrooms, lovely color schemes, and Deluxe amenities such as truly thick and fluffy towels and bathrobes impart a luxurious feeling! The Jenners then changed the configuration of the salon and refurnished it - and then, not content to stop there - doubled the size of the deck

The renovated ELISABETH continues to shine with warmth and personality. Sheena has always been talented. Now, most impressively she has become a top guide: sensitively informing and interpreting at such diverse sites as Chateau de Bazoches, Grottes d'Arcy with its prehistoric cave paintings and the Basilica at Vezelay. In addition, Elisabeth continues to be a top choice for private family charters. Owners Peter and Sheena Jenner at last have a vessel worthy of their considerable talents. When you cruise with the Jenners, you truly have "friends in France!"

Elisabeth

"Best of Burgundy Cruise"

CANAL DU NIVERNAIS

Six-night cruises between
June 20 - August 21, 2009

Auxerre to Clamecy on the Canal du Nivernais

Saturday: Paris to Auxerre

Welcome to Elisabeth!

You’ll be met mid-afternoon in Paris and chauffeured to Elisabeth at anchor in Auxerre - the Medieval town rising dramatically behind the Quai. After the traditional champagne welcome, there will be time to unpack and take a stroll before the first of many gourmet dinners on board.

Sunday: Auxerre to Vincelles
Auxerre to the Countryside
Begin the day with a “tasting” of local Cremes, wine to which fruit-based alcohol mixes have been added. Then tour Auxerre, a lovely cobblestoned town with buildings from many eras, including the Gothic Cathedral St. Etienne. Back on board, you’ll enjoy a lunch buffet on deck during your lazy afternoon cruise to Vincelles. Bicycle or walk the towpath - or just stay on board and watch the amazing scenery float by!

Monday: Vincelles to Vermenton
Wine, Wine, Wine!
An early morning start means a long and languid cruise to the charming port of Vermenton. Then it’s on to wine tasting, first in the 11th-century cellars of the Berson family in St. Bris, followed by a second tasting in the famed wine town of Chablis. Back on board, you’ll taste wines of the area at dinner.

Tuesday: Vermenton to Mailly-le-Chateau
Prehistoric Cave
Sheena leads a fascinating visit to the Grottes d’Arcy, caves used as shelter in the Stone Age and containing numerous paintings from the Neolithic and Mesolithic periods. (Sheena is the only outside guide allowed in the cave.) Then back to Elisabeth for a cruise to Mailly le Chateau and a walk in the village before dinner.

Wednesday: Mailly-le-Chateau to Lucy-sur-Yonne
Stunning Basilica
Cruise this morning to the pretty village of Lucy sur Yonne, followed by a magical tour of the Basilica de Marie Magdelene at the top walled city of Vezelay. Walk the winding cobblestoned streets, lined with old houses and boutiques. Then it’s back to Elisabeth in time to take a bicycle ride before another gourmet dinner.

Thursday: Lucy-sur-Yonne to Clamecy
Living Chateau
Following the morning cruise to Clamecy, you’ll depart for Chateau de Bazoches, a rare example of a fully furnished, working chateau. Then it’s back to the barge to prepare for the festive Captain’s dinner which ends your cruise in high style.

Friday: Clamecy to Paris
A Sad Farewell
You’ll depart at 9:00 AM and chauffeured back to Paris; estimated time of arrival is noon. We hope to see you back again on Elisabeth!

Note:This itinerary runs in opposite directions - Clamecy to Auxerre - on alternate weeks. Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Barge cruises in Burgundy Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071

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"Elisabeth family cruise"

CANAL DU NIVERNAIS

Six-night cruises can be chartered
June 20 - August 21, 2009

Auxerre to Clamecy on the Canal du Nivernais

Saturday: Paris to Auxerre
Family Welcome!
Pickup as usual in Paris or at the airport.  Then a drive down to Elisabeth moored in Auxerre.  On the way down we always stop for a short rest break.  On arrival the adult members of the party can enjoy the champagne while the younger group has fruit juice.  Time to wander in the town before dinner.  This is your first chance to shop.

Sunday: Auxerre to Vincelles
Winetasting and Ice Cream
This morning we will drive over to chablis for the local regional market, great fun for all.  After the market the adults can go for a wine tasting while Peter takes the children for ice creams.  Back to Elisabeth for lunch and our afternoon cruise to Vincelles.  Lots of good cycle paths for the whole afternoon.

Monday: Vincelles to Accolay
Tree Walking Adventure!
This morning we will cruise to Accolay on the Vermenton branch of the canal.  After an early lunch we depart for the Puisaye and the Chateau de Guerdelon.  This is a twenty five year project in which a Medieval chateau is being built using materials and methods of the period.  Great visit for all the family members.  From here we drive just a few kilometers to the Bois de la Folie and a fabulous "tree walking" park.  Those that wish to can carry the adventure upwards into the trees and the rest can stay on the ground to take photos and enjoy.  Back to Elisabeth early evening for dinner.

Tuesday: Accolay to Mailley-le-Chateau
Prehistoric Cave
This morning's cruise is to Mailly-le-Chateau.  After lunch we drive across to the Grottes D'Arcy sur Cure.  A visit that is fantastic for all the family.  Stalagtites, Stalagmites and amazing cave paintings.  We have found this is a favorite with adults and children alike.  Back to Elisabeth for dinner.

Wednesday: Mailly-le-Chateau to Lucy-sur-Yonne
Canoeing on the River
Today's cruise takes us to Lucy-sur-Yonne and from here we drive to the River Cure at St. Pere to pick up our canoes for an afternoon on the river.  The canoeing is very safe and passes through some beautiful scenery.  Half way one of the crew members will meet us with drinks and refreshments.  Any passenger who prefers not to canoe can meet us at the halfway point to take photos or to just relax and read a book.  After we arrive at base we will head back to Elisabeth for dinner.

Thursday: Lucy-sur-Yonne to Clamecy
Historic Chateau
This morning we take our final cruise into Clamecy.  After lunch we will drive to the chateau de Bazoches, the home of French architect Marechal de Vauban. It's history for the parents and a romp in a chateau for the children.  Back to Elisabeth for time in Clamecy before our final dinner.

Friday: Clamecy to Paris
A Sad Farewell
After breakfast we leave Elisabeth for the return to Paris.  We hope you have enjoyed your adventure with us!

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"chocolate and wine" cruise

Canal de Bourgogne

6 night cruises between April 4 - June 12, 2009
and August 29 - October 30, 2009

tanlay to pouillenay-On the Canal de Bourgogne

Saturday: Paris to Tanlay
Welcome to Elisabeth!
Pick up in Paris at 2pm. Drive to the Elisabeth moored in the delightful chateau village of Tanlay. Settle in after a champagne reception and maybe take a stroll around the village. We start our chocolate week with tonights dessert.

Sunday: Tanlay to Ancy-le-Franc
Divinely Beautiful Chateau
This morning we will cruise to Ancy-le-Franc where we will visit the chateau, beautifully restored and a real delight to visit. Back on board a wine tasting of the local Tonneroise wines is in order.

Monday: Ancy-le-Franc to Ravieres
Chocolate Tasting - YUM!
Today's cruise is to Ravierres and here we will depart for a pleasant drive through the villages to Chablis for our wine tasting and a visit to the chocolaterie to hear the history of and taste the chocolate Pillars of Chablis. Back to the barge via medieval Noyer, one of the top five prettiest villages of France.

Tuesday: Ravieres to Montbard
Cheesetasting, Winetasting and More Chocolate
Today starts with a leisurely cruise to Montbard. From here we will go to Eppoisse for a cheese visit and a wine tasting. For those that are interested we can arrange a cooking demonstration today. Back to Elisabeth for dinner and our second chocolate dessert.

Wednesday: Montbard to Venarey-les-Laumes
Gorgeous Cruising, Ancient Abbaye
This morning we will start to notice the climb up the valley to Veneray les Laumes. The cruising just gets prettier as we go. Our visit this afternoon is to The Abbaye de Fontenay, a Unesco World Heritage Site. This wonderful abbey is the last complete Cistercian monastery left in France. Tranquility and beauty describe it perfectly. Back at Elisabeth our chef will give a demonstration on the making of tiny chocolate petit fours.

Thursday: Venarey-les-Laumes to Pouillenay
Village where "Chocolat" was Filmed
Our last cruise takes us to Pouillenay, a climb up and fabulous views over the countryside. We finish our week with a lunch in the village of Flavigny (WHERE THE FILM CHOCOLAT was made ) and a walking tour of the village. From here we will drive the short distance to Alesia to see the site of the last great battle between the Romans and the Gauls. The Roman ruins and amphitheatre date back to 345bc. Returning to Elisabeth in time for a rest before Captains dinner and our last chocolate feast.

Friday: Pouillenay to Paris
A Sad Farewell
This morning we drive you back to Paris after breakfast. We hope you have enjoyed your cruise aboard the Elisabeth.

This itinerary runs in the opposite direction - Pouillenay to Tanlay - on alternate weeks.

Elisabeth
Guest Book

"We had a great time on the Elisabeth, and we had nearly perfect weather the entire time which added considerably to our enjoyment.  We found the cabins very comfortable, the crew most willing to please, and the cuisine delicious.  Sheena went out of her way to accommodate virtually all our menu requests.  Peter was also ready with commentary while passing sights along the Nivernais, and we appreciated his recommendations for good bike days and routes as well.  It was a perfect finale to my 5 weeks in France.  All of us enjoyed our experience immensely."
-Michael and Ruby Gore, 2009

"Elisabeth is unique!  A mixture of fine food, outstanding service, wonderful personalities, and exquisite countryside.  We laughed and luxuriated the entire week!"
-Hedy and Harold Ertman, 2009

"Having been on a barge in the 1970s, in France before and 17 trips on The Delta Queen, I'd say that Elisabeth was right on top of enjoyable days!  What I loved the most was sitting on deck, watching the serene world go by.  I heard my first nightingale on this trip!"
-Meredith S.S. Smith, 2009

"Our week on Elisabeth was just delightful from start to finish.  Sheena and Peter are so much fun.  The food and wine were divine!  Springtime is the perfect time for a visit.  Flowers were in bloom everywhere.  We highly recommend a barge cruise on Elisabeth."
-Pat and Bob Corless, 2009

"Our trip on the Elisabeth exceeded expectations in every way.  Peter's deft handling of the boat and amusing anecdotes were priceless, and Caroline's and Kirstie's attentiveness was the height of indulgence.  Sheena's exquisite cuisine was worth every ounce of the 5 lbs. I gained.  Caroline was so knowledeable about the places we visited, and we had the Chateau at Ancy le Franc all to ourselves!  Bring plenty of high powered sunscreen, because you will want to sit on deck for hours, watching the incomparable French countryside drift past.  The ideal weather made the Wine & Chocolate cruise as close to perfect as a vacation could be."
-Bonnie Wheaton, 2009

"We ate too much good food.  We drank too much.  Did I mention that we ate too much?!  The Jenners and crew made us feel like family."
-Bernard and Raz Tudor, 2009

"The crew were wonderful and made us feel like family.  We biked every day and saw lots of villages.  Our favorite excursion was to the Chablis Farmer's Market.  We totally enjoyed our cruise and would recommend it highly."
-Dr. Chris and Kathy Brigham, 2009

"If you want relaxation, nice surroundings, marvelous food, and a pace you can set for yourself, this is the trip to take."
-Dr. Charles and Ann Sanders, 2008

"Our week aboard Elisabeth was sheer heaven.  We enjoyed being with Sheena, Pete, Caroline and Chloe.  All of them did so much to make our first barge cruise memorable.  Ellen, if you need anyone to recommend Elisabeth, please refer them to us!"
-Beverly and Dan Arnold, 2008

"We had a perfectly wonderful time.  The food was great.  The tours were great and the staff was great.  We will certainly do it again."
-Paul and Elizabeth Motheral, 2008


"One of the most relaxing and enjoyable vacations ever.  We have been to Europe many times.  This was the best."
-Mr. and Mrs. Louis Zeitler, 2008

"First and foremost, I would like to thank Sheena and Peter for donating this trip to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  We are forever grateful for their generosity and hospitality.  Our trip through Burgundy was the most relaxing trip our family has ever taken.  Between Peter's incredible competence in navigating, Sheena's ability to accommodate not one, but two difficult dietary restrictions, the gorgeous natural landscape, and the ability to spend time with family we dearly love, this trip was one we never thought we could experience.  As we passed through each lock, not only did we marvel at the character of each stop, but we could see the respect and friendliness with which Peter and Sheena were welcomed and we were proud to be aboard the Elisabeth!"
-Stacey and Larry Wolin, 2008

"We just got to Paris and wanted to let you know what an incredible journey we had with Sheena and Peter - really exceeded all of our expectations and your recommendations could not have been more on the mark.  Thanks a zillion - I plan to let several of my friends know of the Elisabeth and think they will be interested.  If you ever need any references, we'd sing their praises - super hospitality, world class food, great wine, great biking, great tour guiding.  We're looking forward to our next barge tour!"
-David Satz, 2008

"We and our friends on board had a week-long slumber party - fine food and wine in abundance, fun excursions, delightful conversations, music and song, and lots and lots of laughter!"
-Diane Wayman and Kate McQueen, 2008

"The barge trip has redefined for us the concept of "luxury".  We've decided that true luxury means eliminating the usual stresses of travel (constantly making decisions, consulting guide books, finding transportation, choosing the right restaurants, etc.)  On the ELISABETH we experienced real luxury...we were completely taken care of from the first sip of champagne to the drop off in Paris.  The menus were varied and interesting, the food superb, the wines a daily delight, the excursions fun adventures.  We had the good fortune of perfect weather for daily walking, biking, or just relaxing on deck with a book.  Peter and Sheena and the rest of the crew made us feel like family.  With the ELISABETH, they have created a magical vacation for those of us lucky enough to experience it."
-Caroline Huff and Brenda Robertson, 2008

"It could not have been more perfect!! Sheena and Peter were the ones who made the whole trip so wonderful.  They are very personable and their knowledge of the daily wines and cheeses was extremely educational.  Not to mention perfect weather and perfect timing with France's spring flowers blooming everywhere!"
-George and Jan Jury, 2008

"Wine and Chocolate is a must.  A phenominal adventure!  We loved every minute.  We will return to ELISABETH for sure."
-Ed and Susie Ailor, 2008

"Peter and Sheena were charming.  We primarilly enjoyed sitting on deck watching the scenery go by and visiting the many villages. Ellen, we really appreciated your help with the hotel reservation."
-Mr. and Mrs. Calcaterra, 2008

Elisabeth Floor Plan

100 Feet long
-3 cabins, all 103 sq ft with twin beds or queen.
-Attractive barge with salon and dining area with high windows.
-Laptop on board for use of the guests.
-Extensively renovated and re-decorated in 2007