Elisabeth

Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 4 - 6	Your Hosts: Peter and Sheena Jenner
Size: 100 feet long	English Speaking Crew of: 4
Last Visited: 2012	Bicycles: 6
Rating: First Class	Air Conditioned: Yes

Cruise Rate Includes: 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, chauffeured transfers from Paris to the barge & return, all meals, from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner, open bar, daily escorted excursions and use of onboard bicycles.

Cruise Rate Does NOT Include: Airfare to and from France, cancellation insurance and crew gratuity (suggested minimum amount is 5% of the cruise price)

2013 eARLY Season rates

Whole Boat Charter for 4 - $18,200
Whole Boat Charter for 5 - $20,500
Whole Boat Charter for 6 - $23,800
Individual Cabin - $4,500 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement - $1,200

2013 Early sEASON dates

March 30 - April 5	April 20 - 26	May 11 - 17	May 25 - 31
April 6 - 12	April 27 - May 3	May 18 - 24	June 1 - 7
April 13 - 19	May 4 - 10

2013 Regular Season rates

Whole Boat Charter for 4 - $20,200
Whole Boat Charter for 5 - $22,500
Whole Boat Charter for 6 - $25,800
Individual Cabin - $5,000 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement - $1,500

2013 RegulaR sEASON dates

June 8 - 14	July 13 - 19*	August 17 - 23	September 21 - 27
June 15 - 21	July 20 - 26*	August 24 - 30	September 28 - Oct 4
June 22 - 28	July 27 - August 2*	August 31 - Sept 6	October 5 - 11
June 29 - July 5	August 3 - 9	September 7 - 13	October 12 - 18
July 6 - 12	August 10 - 16	September 14 - 20	October 19 - 25

*Elisabeth will cruise on different routes on the following 2013 dates. Please contact us for exact itineraries.

July 13 - 19 Tanlay to Auxerre	August 17 - 23 Briare to Moret-sur-Loing
July 20 - 26 Auxerre to Clamecy	August 24 - 30 Moret-sur-Loing to Tanlay
July 27 - August 2 Clamecy to Lake Baye

"The Chocolate and Wine Cruise" on the Burgundy canal is an indulgent crowd pleaser! 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!

Visiting Elisabeth always feels like "coming home!" Maybe that's why we keep coming back: In 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 AND 2012!!! We look forward to both the warm hospitality and the chocolate desserts! The Barge Lady's very own Caroline Sack Klein (Director of Sales & Marketing) and Kelly Weiss (Creative Director) visited the Elisabeth in 2010. Read about their experience -

Caroline said, "My first impression of Elisabeth is how handsome and comfortable this barge was. After exploring a bit, I noticed a very unique and interesting feature of Elisabeth – the wheelhouse where Captain Pete navigates the barge is directly above the outdoor deck. This encourages conversations between guests and captain as Elisabeth cruises. Owners Pete and Sheena are your friends from the moment you board. Sheena explained that most guests select Elisabeth based on the premise of the casualness and friendliness of the barge and crew. Not to mention the sexy and indulgent “Chocolate and Wine” theme!

In addition to creative and inventive chocolate desserts and snacks, Pete and Sheena give chocolate soap to every guest, and have a copy of the movie “Chocolat” ready to watch on the DVD player the first night of the cruise. They even serve chocolate flavored wine…that’s right! Of course no visit to Elisabeth is complete without a customized DVD from Sheena of photos taken the week of your cruise. The crew is always thinking of new ideas to maintain the inviting and gregarious atmosphere. Elisabeth and her “Chocolate and Wine” theme is certainly a special experience for everyone.

Ellen said," Sheena is one of barging’s most creative guides. She is the only outside guide allowed at the Grottes D’Arcy, a series of mesmerizing limestone caves that represent a timeline of human evolution. Thirty thousand year old pre-historic paintings are still being discovered. Sheena also presents an underground site where the German occupiers manufactured airplanes during World War II. Assistant Guide Caroline Hurst leads some of the excursions. The basilica at Vezelay is one of her major interests. Our many guests adored Elisabeth and several parties have already booked a repeat cruise. "

Elisabeth Itinerary

"Chocolate and wine Cruise "

TANLAY to VENERAY-LES-LAUMES
CANAL DE BOURGOGNE

Barge owners/operators Peter and Sheena Jenner say: "Our decadent theme is 'Chocolate and Wine'. From our visits to our demonstration to our tastings, we hope to surprise and delight you. Plus we'll offer gorgeous cruising, walking and bicycling; adorable villages and a romantic chateau, too!"

Saturday: Paris to Tanlay
Welcome Aboard!
We'll meet you at one pickup location in central Paris at 2:00 pm and chauffeur your party to ELISABETH moored in the delightful chateau village of Tanlay. After the traditional Champagne Welcome, there is time to unpack and take a stroll around the village. The Chateau at Tanlay is romantic in nature. It is encircled by water-filled moats and entered across a stone-filled drawbridge. Tonight experience the first of many gourmet dinners on board, including a chocolate dessert, of course!

Sunday: Tanlay to Lezinnes
Chateau Ancy-le-Franc Excursion
Set an early start after breakfast featuring just-baked pastries from the village. This morning's cruise is to the village of Lezinnes. Now is the time to walk or bicycle on the towpath - or just relax on deck or in the wheelhouse, both prime spots to watch the countryside slip slowly by. This afternoon's excursion is to the Renaissance chateau Ancy-le-Franc, pictured at left, one of the week's high points. This is one of France's few chateaux built in the Italian Renaissance style - the same architect was then hired by the French King to work on Fountainebleau. Now owned by a private company dedicated to its restoration, Ancy-le-Franc is filled with gorgeous frescos and friezes, gilt and marble-set in its own romantic grounds complete with stable and a "folie" built in the middle of lake. Then it's back to ELISABETH for an on-board tasting of Tonnerroise wines and another delicious on-board dinner!

Monday: Lezinnes to Ancy-le-Franc
Taste Wine AND Chocolate!
We'll moor today right near the Chateau. Depart after lunch for a drive through glorious vineyard country to the village of Chablis. Here there is both a tasting of local vinatges and the local Chocolate, Pillars of Chablis. There will be time for a brief stop in Noyers, one of the five prettiest villages in France! Then return to the barge for dinner - and may we suggest a movie night?! We have many good films - but would suggest the movie "Chocolat," which anticipates our visit later this week to the actual village featured!

Tuesday: Ancy-le-Franc to Ravieres
30,000 year old Cave Paintings
Today begins with a leisurely cruise to Ravieres. After lunch, depart with Sheena for her tour of Grottes D'Arcy sur Cure, a pre-historic cave offering some of the oldest cave paintings in the world - with new works being uncovered all the time. Sheena is the only private guide allowed to lead tours here - and the visit is mesmerizing. Cro-Magnon man lived and worked here 30,000 years ago! Return to dinner on board, and a chocolate dessert or two!

Wednesday: Ravieres to Montbard
Gorgeous Cruising and More!
We'll cruise to Montbard this morning. The scenery just gets prettier as we go. Our afternoon visit is to Abbaye de Fontenay, pictured at left, the oldest complete Cistercian abbey in France. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are many beautifully preserved buildings. Save your appetite for tonight's demonstration on the making of tiny chocolate petit fours!


Thursday: Montbard to Veneray-les-Laumes
The "Chocolat" Village
Our last cruise takes us to Veneray-les-Laumes, as the canal climbs slowly upward for panoramic views over the countryside. Cruise right with Captain Peter Jenner in his comfortable and shaded wheelhouse - he and Elisabeth are warmly welcomed by local lock-keepers!
Lunch is off the barge in Flavigny, pictured at right, the village where the film "Chocolat" was filmed. If time, we'll taste some local wines before driving a short distance to Alesia, site of the last great battle between the Romans and the Gauls. The Roman ruins and amphitheater date back to 345BC. Then it's back to ELISABETH, where the Captain's dinner ends your cruise in style!

Friday: Veneray-les-Laumes to Paris
A Sad Farewell
Depart at 9:00am for your chauffeured transfer back to either central Paris or Charles de Gaulle Airport - Your entire party must go to the same location. Estimated arrival time is noon. (An earlier departure may be arranged. Please do not book a flight out of Paris before 2:00pm on the day of departure.) We look forward to seeing you back again on ELISABETH!

This itinerary runs in the opposite direction - Veneray-les-Laumes to Tanlay - on alternate weeks. 6 night cruises begin Saturday at mid-afternoon in Paris and end the following Friday at noon in Paris

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VENERAY-LES-LAUMES to TANLAY on the CANAL DE BOURGOGNE

Saturday: Paris to Veneray-les-Laumes
Welcome Aboard!
We’ll meet you at one central location in Paris at 2:00 pm and chauffeur your party to the village of Veneray-les-Laumes. After the traditional champagne welcome, there is plenty of time to unpack and take a walk around town – or explore a bit by bicycle. Tonight experience the first of many gourmet dinners on board, including a chocolate dessert, of course!

Sunday: Veneray-les-Laumes to Montbard
The Chocolat Village
There’s a lot of adventure today! First, we’ll visit Alesia, site of the last great battle between the Romans and the Gauls, fighting for the soul of what would become France. The Roman ruins and amphitheater date back to 345 BC. Then, it’s back to the present, with a walk and lunch in the enchanting village of Flavigny, where the movie “Chocolat” was filmed. This afternoon, we’ll cruise to Montbard, enjoying panoramic views over the countryside. Get right into the wheelhouse with Captain Peter Jenner – he and Elisabeth are warmly welcomed by local lock-keepers! Dinner on board ends a busy day – but there is always time for an after-dinner drink on deck.

Monday: Montbard to Ravieres
Cruise...then tour...then cruise!
Start out early with a short cruise to the Forges du Buffon. Take the time to relax or walk or bicycle… the choice is always yours. We are passing through especially pretty scenery. The depart for the Abbeye de Fontenay, the oldest complete Cistercian abbey in France. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are many beautifully preserved builings. Then it is back to your floating home for lunch and the afternoon cruise to Ravieres. What about another chocolate dessert tonight – yummy!

Tuesday: Ravieres to Ancy-le-Franc
30,000 year old Cave Paintings
Relax this morning on the cruise to Ancy-le-France. We’ll go out to lunch before one of the most remarkable excursions to be found anywhere in France: Sheena’s private tour of the Grottes D’Arcy-sur-Cure, a cave offering some of the oldest and most beautiful cave paintings in the world – and new art being discovered all the time. Sheena is the only outside guide allowed to lead tours – and the visit is mesmerizing. Cro-Magnon man lived and worked here over 30,000 years ago. Return to the barge for dinner.

Wednesday: Ancy-le-Franc to Lezinnes
Taste Wine AND Chocolate!
Cruise this morning to Lezinnes, a typical town of the region. Depart after lunch for a drive through glorious vineyard country to the village of Chablis. Here there is both a tasting of local vintages and the local Chocolate, Pillars of Chablis. There will be time for a brief stop in Noyers, one of the five prettiest villages in France! Then return to the barge for dinner - and may we suggest a movie night?! We have many good films - but would suggest the movie "Chocolat," which should bring back happy memories of the village we visited earlier this week!


Thursday: Lezinnes to Tanlay
Chateau Ancy-le-Franc Excursion
Set an early start after breakfast featuring just-baked pastries from the village. This morning's cruise is to the village of Tanlay. Now is the time to walk or bicycle on the towpath - or just relax on deck or in the wheelhouse, both prime spots to watch the countryside slip slowly by. This afternoon's excursion is to the Renaissance chateau Ancy-le-Franc, one of the week's high points. This is one of France's few chateaux built in the Italian Renaissance style - the same architect was then hired by the French King to work on Fountainebleau. Now owned by a private company dedicated to its restoration, Ancy-le-Franc is filled with gorgeous frescos and friezes, gilt and marble-set in its own romantic grounds complete with stable and a "folie" built in the middle of lake. Then it's back to ELISABETH for an on-board tasting of Tonnerroise wines and another delicious on-board dinner!

Friday: Tanlay to Paris
A Sad Farewell
Depart at 9:00am for your chauffeured transfer back to either central Paris or Charles de Gaulle Airport - Your entire party must go to the same location. Estimated arrival time is noon. (An earlier departure may be arranged. Please do not book a flight out of Paris before 2:00pm on the day of departure.) We look forward to seeing you back again on ELISABETH!

This itinerary runs in the opposite direction - Veneray-les-Laumes to Tanlay - on alternate weeks. 6 night cruises begin Saturday at mid-afternoon in Paris and end the following Friday at noon in Paris

Elisabeth Guest Book

"Elisabeth was truly wonderful. Sheena and Peter, Chef Giles and Hostess Albhay were wonderful to us. We all raved about Sheena’s insight and knowledge and her presentation. The weather was great on arrival and comfortable there on. I relaxed and totally enjoyed the carefree week. I will definitely do it again and refer my friends to The Barge Lady and Elisabeth!"
- Jaye Read, cruised September, 2012

"Our Elisabeth barge cruise was a "bucket list" trip. It met and exceeded our expectations. The canal's peaceful beauty, the cruising, the cuisine, the attention to detail, and the kindness of the Jenners, Chloe, and Armelle resulted in a the most relaxing trip we have ever had. Sheena's wine pairings highlighted the already excellent cuisine. Every dish was beautifully garnished. And the desserts! There usually were at least three different ones on the plate. In addition, the tablecloths, napkins, and decorations were changed at every meal. On the 4th of July we dined surrounded by red, white, and blue. At the end of the meal, Peter and Sheena poured champagne in honor of our country's birthday. So thoughtful! All week, we six "foodies" were in culinary paradise. We told Sheena we felt as if we were eating at one of the best restaurants in France. The mattress was a dream to sleep on and dream upon! We slept 8-9 hours every night--something we never do at home. The Jenners, Chloe, and Armelle were excellent. I had tears in eyes when I left because I felt so appreciative of all they did for us."
- Connie and Bruce Holmes, cruised July, 2012

"The food and service exceeded our expectations. I loved the companionship of Sheena and Peter, who were professional yet very friendly and knowledgeable. Sheena has a gift with regards to cooking! We thoroughly enjoyed absolutely everything! The wine pairings were excellent! They really were the best meals I have ever had. Sheena has a magic touch when it comes to cuisine! The beds were very comfortable as well as the pillows. Hostess Chloe did a great job as far as tidying up every day. The room was very clean and comfortable. I enjoyed all the excursions and thought that they were well structured and about the right amount of time. Thank you to Pete and Sheena and The Barge Lady!"
- Barbara and Thom Woosley, cruised July, 2012

"Our expectations were certainly met on the Elisabeth. The barge was comfortable, public areas were spacious and the cabins certainly adequate. The cruising was delightful - the weather was warm and sunny most days, which very lucky for us. Sheena and Peter were wonderful hosts, warm and friendly. The highlight was certainly the cuisine and wines. Sheena did a marvelous job with meal planning for us - providing, as is now a trend, comfort food with an amazing creative touch. With chocolate as a theme for the cruise, she outdid herself each evening with multiple desserts. All the wines were exceptional. The crew were friendly and service was likewise excellent.

The trip was simply great fun! The walking and bicycling was a nice change of pace during the cruise, especially in such beautiful country landscapes. Our special tours and excursions were great - nice variety of sights, excellent information and historical experiences. We especially loved the Abbaye de Fontenay and the Hotel Dieu and Hospices in Beaune. But of course the wine tastings were exceptional. Sheena shared with us her favorite wine tasting locales with an energy and exuberance we enjoyed - along with the wines. To sum up our experience on Elisabeth - I find it difficult to imagine a more personable, informative, historical, fun and especially delicious experience on any other barge cruise.

The pre-trip information, hotel recommendations, all documents and timely response to questions by The Barge Lady were exceptional. We would certainly refer others to book through you. Kudos to Peter, Sheena and their crew and likewise to The Barge Lady."
- Sondra Biller and Family, cruised June, 2012

"This was my second trip on the Elisabeth and it was just as enjoyable as the first one we did last year. As soon as you arrive you instantly feel like you are at home and visiting with family. The barge is beautifully decorated with comfort in mind. The lunch buffets give you so many choices of salads and cheeses that you have a hard time picking which one is your favorite dish! The dinners are in delicious courses that are unique and presented beautifully with wonderful flavors. The sightseeing excursions are a joy to go on. Sheena is knowledgeable about every where we go and adds so much information to the places you see. The cruise exceeded our expectations...again!"
- Sharon Ellingson, cruised April, 2012 (repeat Barge Lady guest)

"The cruise was wonderful and it was very nice to be picked up and delivered door to door. The Elisabeth is a well-run and beautiful barge-Peter's flowers are exquisite. Each day the crew asked what we wanted to do that day i.e. bike, walk, poke around in the villages, etc. They were open to assist us in all ways. We started the experience with a Sunday market experience and a wine tasting at the Chablis Winery. The cave paintings were extremely interesting as was the village of Noyers. We did a side trip to Beaune for the Hospice of Beaune and Marche aux Vin...highly recommend this!

Sheena is definitely a gourmet cook-very interesting presentations of everything from the aperitifs through dessert. Portions of the meals were great. We learned more about various wines and cheeses than we thought possible. The entire experience was a great way to see the countryside and villages, with some great side trips and out of this world cuisine!"

-Diane Wilson, cruised October 2011

"I had a very high expectation level, which can sometimes lead to disappointment...however, all of my expectations in every area were met and exceeded! We are still pinching ourselves over the cruise. This was truly our best vacation ever and I would do it again."

Peggi Van Doren, cruised September 2011

"We we had a fabulous time on Elisabeth! Peter and Sheena are wonderful hosts and the barge is so beautiful I would have a hard time ever going on a different one in the future. Thanks for all your help in also making our Paris hotel arrangements. We particularly enjoyed the Hotel Relais Bosquet that The Barge Lady booked for us. The trip of a lifetime- thank you!"

- John and Denise Morrison, cruised September, 2011

"This was the trip of a lifetime. We were traveling with out 12 year old grandson and the crew made sure each of us had a fabulous time. Captain Peter and the rest of the crew were wonderful. The extent of the crew's knowledge and experience enhanced the excursions. The food on the barge was the best we ate throughout our 3 week trip in France AND Italy!!!"

- Marika and Bill Glied, cruised June, 2011

"As someone in the travel industry, there are no better compliments than repeat costumers. All of us want to return next summer to cruise on the Elisabeth - again! The cruise exceeded my expectations in every way, and the cabins were excellent."
- Jackie and Nick Iavarone, cruised June, 2011(repeat Barge Lady/Elisabeth guest)

"This barge trip was memorable. The fact that it was owned and operated by such warm and outgoing personalities made us feel that we were invited onto a friends boat to share some fun. Sheena has great people skills and wonderful contacts in the area. Peter is a great personality liked by all on the canal. In our cabin, the mattress was wonderful and the bathroom terrific. The food was interesting and of the highest quality. Wines were great finds."
- Pam and Les Fleischer, cruised May, 2011 (repeat Barge Lady guest)

Elisabeth Floor Plan

100 Feet long
The interior of Elisabeth was extensively rebuilt for the 2012 season. EVERYTHING on this barge is new: The décor, furniture, light fixtures, window treatments, and tablewear. The efficient all-stainless steel kitchen is now a place where guests can be very comfortable visiting with the chef. But, we are pleased to report that Elisabeth has retained the “floating country inn” appeal which sets her apart from other barges!
3 Identical Cabins: 103 sq ft
Chablis
Choice of one Queen or two twin beds
Tiled bathroom with shower
Irancy
Choice of one Queen or two Twin beds
Tiled bathroom with shower
Coulanges
Choice of one Queen or two Twin beds
Tiled bathroom with shower
Also in the Cabins
-Individually-controlled air conditioning
-Hair dryer
-Brand new décor, carpets, mattresses, window treatments and bed linens
In the Salon
-Laptop for use of the guests
-Television, comfortable seating, library, bar
On the Deck
-Reclining chairs and table
In the Wheelhouse
-New guest seating
-New flooring
-New canopy
6 Bicycles
3-speed bicycles, brand new and easy to use on the towpath. Available upon request is a three-wheeler (perfect for guests with balance issues) and 21-speed bikes for those who want longer distance rides.