Esprit
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 18
Size: 128 feet long
Last: Visited: 2007
Rating: Deluxe, A/C

2010 Rates

ESPRIT will not operate for the 2010 Season.  Reservations are being taken for the 2011 Season.  Please call us at (800) 880-0071 for further information.

There is a new program, a new price-point and a new spirit aboard ESPRIT in 2011! ESPRIT's parent company, French Country Waterways, is known for the highest quality, Ultra-Deluxe rated cruises. ESPRIT continues this tradition - but adds the fun and flexibility of on-shore dining and a distinctly casual vibe on board this immaculately-maintained vessel. The resulting experience is affordable - and will open the French Country Waterways experience to a new generation of barge guests.

Passengers will dine on shore (at their own expense) three times during the cruise. On these nights, ESPRIT will be conveniently moored at larger and lively towns. Elect to join the locals in an authentic and casual auberge - or enjoy gourmet dining in a Michelin-rated restaurant. The choice is always yours! If you need guidance, there will be sample menus on board, and the crew is always ready to help, too.

On board, the usual French Country Waterways experience applies: Daily chauffeured and guided sightseeing, sumptuous cuisine, carefully-chosen regional wines and cheeses, and the services of senior crew.

We last saw ESPRIT in 2007 - and hope to re-visit in 2011. The public areas are spacious and super comfortable. The wood-panelled salon and dining room are separated by an elegant bar. The entire space is lined with picture windows, making ESPRIT the perfect barge on which to relax inside while watching the world go by! The large deck is partially covered. The nine cabins are cozy - but welcoming. Each features a dressing table and private bath.

The route includes canal cruising on the Canal de Centre and river cruising on the Saone. Burgundy in perhaps best known for its location at the crossroads of France has made it a region of great historic importance as well. Chateaux, rustic villages, and medieval wine towns punctuate the rolling terrain. Walk or bicycle through this scenic countryside, or simply sit back on the sundeck and watch as it gently unfolds before you. Whatever your choice, an insider's view of provincial France will be yours.

Esprit

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

Dijon to St. Leger-Sur-Dheune

In Southern Burgundy

It's the best of barging in Burgundy on two picturesque canals and a short stretch of the River Saone! Moor in lively port towns and enjoy the fun and flexibility of dinner on shore at your choice of restaurants.

Sunday: Dijon to Ouges

Start to Cruise!

Meet ESPRIT's guide late afternoon in the lobby of the Hotel Sofitel La Cloche, centrally located in this charming old town. (Why not spend the night in Dijon before your cruise? Let us book a TGV train from Paris, arrange a hotel and suggest gourmet dining choices.) Then transfer to ESPRIT moored in the port of Dijon, from where the barge immediately departs for an evening cruise to Ouges. On board, enjoy the Champagne Reception and Welcome Dinner as ESPRIT slips into the untouched French countyrside.

Monday: Ouges to Brazy-en-Plaine

Taste the Wines of Burgundy at Clos du Vougeot

The morning cruise take ESPRIT to the village of Brazy-en-Plaine. Now is the perfect time to explore by bicycle - experience the passing villages and little detours along the way! Or take a walk and catch up with ESPRIT at the next lock, pictured at left. After lunch our guide escorts you to the 12th-century Chateau du Clos de Vougeot, sitting majestically in the midst of Burgundy's finest vineyards. Monks made wine here in Medieval time, while later the Clos became headquarters of the Cheveliers du Tastevin whose special label is still awarded annually to the best regional vinatges. Tour the chateau and enjoy a winetasting. Return to ESPRIT for dinner on board.

Tuesday: Brazy-en-Plaine to Seurre

History and Charm in Dole

Depart after breakfast to Dole, birthplace of famed biologist Louis Pasteur. The town goes up a hillside from the water, and the buildings of the Old Town clustered around the 16th-century Church of Notre Dame are lovely. Tour this church, with its impressive bell tower and interior replete with Renaissance artworks. Return to ESPRIT for lunch on board and a relaxing afternoon cruise to Seurre. Now comes the fun of finding a cafe in this petite port town - and joining the locals for dinner on shore!

Wednesday: Seurre to Chalon-sur-Saone

13th-Century Hospice in enchanting Beaune

Here's a high point: Our tour of Beaune, a charming cobblestoned town encircled by its original walls. Visit the famous Hospice de Beaune, a magnificantly-perserved Medieval hospital complete with the wards, an apothecary and chapel featuring a gorgeous altarpiece by Dutch artist Roger van der Weyden, pictured at right. There will be time to shop, sit in the square with a coffee and pastry or sample local vintages in vaults built into the old fortifications. Then it's back to ESPRIT for lunch and cruise on the winding River Saone to the overnight mooring at Chalon-sur-Saone. This is a larger town (whose history goes back to Julius Caesar) with much to explore. Find an auberge in or near the Place St. Vincent with its 11th-century Cathedral and half-timbered houses. Or cross a bridge to a wonderful "party" island, an array of restaurants lining its main street, Rue de Strasbourg. Have a wonderful time in Chalon-sur-Saone!

Thursday: Chalon-sur-Saone to Chagny

Fairy Tale Chateau!

Today, ESPRIT steers back to the canals, entering the picturesque Canal de Centre. Cruise to Chagny in the morning and after lunch on board, tour the Chateau de la Rochepot, pictured below, perched in an enchanting setting which overlooks a quaint village and lush landscape. This castle has an intriguing history. In the 15th-century it was home to lords who were Knights of the Golden Fleece and counsellors to the Dukes of Burgundy; in the 17th-century it was destroyed by the French Revolution; and in the 19th-century, it was purchased and lovingly restored. Learn what life was like for several hundred lords, ladies, guards, servants and knights - all residents of this ancient property. Return to ESPRIT moored at Chagny. There are many restaurants from which to choose in this handsome ville.

Friday: Chagny to St. Leger-sur-Dheune

Private Winetasting

Cruise this morning through some of the most renowned vineyards in the Cote Challonnaise, known for famous wine-producing villages. Sit on deck and relax as one of barging's lovliest cruising route floats by - or take out the bicycles and explore. After lunch on board, we'll take you to the wine village of Santenay. Visit a local vintner for a private cellar tour and tasting of his wine. Return to ESPRIT where the gala Captain's Farewell dinner on board ends your cruise in style.

Saturday: Drive Back to Dijon

A Sad Farewell

Depart after breakfast for a chauffeured transfer back to Dijon, where you'll arrive in time for an early afternoon train back to Paris. Or elect to rent a car, stay in Dijon or take a train to Provence. We hope to see you back on ESPRIT.

Please note: This is a sample itinerary. However, moorings and excursions may vary depending on the season. The route will be run in reverse on alternate weeks.  Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Barging in Burgundy on the canals and waterways of France Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Esprit Guest Book

“There are no superlatives to describe the cruise. Everything was just perfect – the food, the wines, the cheeses, the crew, the company, the sightseeing and even the weather. And above all, our Captain, Anna, was absolutely extraordinary! My husband and I want to send you and the company’s owner our heartfelt thanks for what was the most marvelous of holidays – which started from our first contact with you by phone – giving us an intimation of the courteousness, efficiency and professionalism of the company. With sincere thanks, "
-P.L. June 2007

“Our crew was excellent. We were treated with the perfect combination of friendliness and deference. There was a real feeling that Anna cared deeply that all was of the highest quality – This was greatly appreciated. We all have stressful lives and being taken care of in this manner was delightful. Rarely do things exceed my expectations. This trip did that. Because I was paying for six people the cost seemed huge. Once on board, it was easily worth it. We will be one of your best advertisements – do not cut corners – the quality is definitely noticed and appreciated. Thank you!”
-S.D. June 2007

“Thank you for a dream holiday!”
-M.F. August 2007

“The entire experience was the best vacation we have ever had! We will be back!”
-T.D. May 2007

“We have been on many cruises & tours ---this was the best! Anna was great – everyone hired by the company was wonderful! We will repeat!”
-P.P. September 2007

“This was the best vacation we have ever taken. The sites, the crew, the wine, the food…Everything was over the top!”
-H.C August 2007

Esprit Floor Plan

128 Feet long
-Seven cabins with twin beds,
-Two cabins with double bed
(about 100 sq ft each).
-Large salon and dining room.
-Partially covered sundeck for shade.