Fleur de Lys
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 6
Size: 129 feet long
Last Visited: 2011
Rating: Ultra-Deluxe, A/C

2012 Rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 4: $38,300
Whole-Boat Charter for 5: $41,800
Whole-Boat Charter for 6: $45,300
Open Sailing per person: $7,550 based on double occupancy
** Open sailing weeks may be limited, please call us for more information.

2012 dates

April 1 - 7	May 27 - June 2	July 22 - 28	September 16 - 22
April 8 - 14	June 3 - 9	July 29 - Aug 4	September 23 - 29
April 15 - 21	June 10 - 16	August 5 - 11	September 30 - October 6
April 22 - 28	June 17 - 23	August 12 - 18	October 7 - 13
April 29 - May 5	June 24 - 30	August 19 - 25	October 14 - 20
May 6 - 12	July 1 - 7	August 26 - Sept 1	October 21 - 27
May 13 - 19	July 8 - 14	September 2 - 8
May 20 - 26	July 15 - 21	September 9 - 15

At the very last minute, Ellen Sack - The Barge Lady, and her party were invited to cruise on Fleur de Lys, France's original Ultra Deluxe vessel. This unexpected opportunity quickly became the "trip of a lifetime" as we were lavished with creative and congenial hospitality by a crew of six (including our own Independence Day celebration); the most divine food we have ever enjoyed on the French canal; and spacious comfort in our canopy-bedded suites - the only accommodations in barging which qualify as true multi-room suites.

Decor is sophisticated - a sort of British Raj dream of color, pattern and entirely original accessorizing - a one-of-a-kind feast for the eyes that will never be duplicated. We swam in the pool, biked and depended on our guide to introduce us to the best sights, including private chateau visits and truly special wine tastings.

We have welcomed many parties onto Fleur de Lys, and based on our guest feedback and our own experience, still consider this as France's "ultimate barge." However, even the ultimate can be improved! The bathrooms were renovated and upgraded for the 2007 season. Fleur de Lys status as a true luxury "boutique" barge has been enhanced by Orient Express.

Fleur de Lys

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

Dijon to St. Leger-Sur-Dheune

On the Canal du Centre

Sunday: Paris to Dijon
The Ease of a Chauffeured Transfer!
Fleur de Lys chauffeur will meet your party at mid-afternoon in the lobby of your Paris hotel and drive you directly to the barge moored in the port of Dijon.  Estimated travel time is three hours.  Once on board, you will meet the crew at a champagne welcome, then have time to unpack and relax before the first of many gourmet dinners on board.

Monday: Dijon to Longecourt
Visit Chateau de Longecourt
This morning, enjoy your first cruise on the canal.  Once moored in Longecourt visit the Chateau de Longecourt which had been owned by the same family since 1631.  It has been beautifully decorated through the centuries and is rich in history.  Some 'graffiti' can be found in the stables, left behind by the American pilots who stayed there during World War II.  If the count is in residence, he will give you a personal tour of his property.

Tuesday: Longecourt to St-Jean-de-Losne
Visit Dijon
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Dijon including a visit to the market, the Grey Poupon mustard shop and the Ducal Palace.  There will be some free time for shopping or perhaps, to sit in one of the numerous pavement cafes and simply watch the world pass by.  Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon cruise to St.-Jean-de-Losne, the barging capital of France.  Take some time this evening or early tomorrow to stroll around the port and see the many working and pleasure barges.

Wednesday: St-Jean-de-Losne to Chalon-sur-Saone
Visit Beaune
Continue to cruise the peaceful valley of the River Saone downstream to Suerre. Today, lunch is taken at Loiseau des Vignes.  In the afternoon, discover Beaune, the capital of the wine region of Burgundy.  Enjoy a visit to the famous Hotel-Dieu, Hospice de Baune and a winetasting.  Later, your guide takes you on a walking tour of the pedestrian area in Chalon-sur-Saone, the last of the Burgundian style river towns.

Thursday: Chalon-sur-Saone to Rully
Visit Chateau de Germolles
The barge cruise leaves the River Saone by clearing the lock the enter the Canal de Centre.  Back in the canal environment you may disembark the barge at a lock, bicycle alongside or walk and keep up with the pace of the barge.  After lunch, visit the Chateau de Germolles, the only remaining residence of the Dukes of Burgundy.  Tonight it is back to a countryside mooring in Rully.

Friday: Rully to St. Leger-Sur-Dheune
Visit Couches and the Chateau Marguerite de Bourgogne
A leisurely cruiseto St. Leger, another quaint village along the Canal du Centre which is our final destination.  Your guide takes you to the stunning 11th century Chateau Marguerite de Bourgogne in Couches for a tour of the magnificent buildings, surrounded by their own vines, followed by a wine tasting in their cellar.  Meanwhile the chef is busy preparing your farewell gala dinner on board.

Saturday:  St. Leger to Paris
A Sad Farewell
Fleur de Lys will be moored in St. Leger-sur-Dheune.  Departure is scheduled at 9:00am for your chauffeured transfer back to either one location in central Paris or one location at Charles de Gaulle airport.  Estimated arrival time is between noon and 1:00pm.  Pleas make all onward travel plans for the day of departure on the basis of this timing.  Breakfast is your last on-board meal.  We hope to see you on another Orient-Express barge soon!  What about a cruise into the heart of Provence on the Napoleon?

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 Barging in Burgundy on the canals and waterways of France Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Fleur de Lys

Guest Book

"The food was spectacular, cheese and wine excellent and beautifully presented, as were French breads and pastries.  I gained four pounds, but I consider that a self-inflicted negative!  The barge staff went out of their way to accommodate us and were always friendly and gracious.  Our guide Michael was extremely knowledgeable and personable, which greatly enhanced our trip.  He was well-received on all visits, including at vineyards and restaurants."
-Chris and Cindy Black, 2010

"This was a trip of a lifetime for our family!  The beauty of the countryside was only exceeded by the warmth and hospitality of the crew.  All our expectations were exceeded including accomodations, food, ambiance and great fun.  A can't miss experience for families!"
- Rick Menti Family Charter, 2009

"Delightful, casual, relaxed - paced travel through the scenic agricultural landscape and canals of France. Walking, biking, visiting castles and villages, enjoying fabulous food, cheese and wine all while being tended to by a terrific and friendly crew. What more could you ask for?"
-Charles and Fran Jacoby, 2007

"The Fleur de Lys was luxurious without being stuffy. The food was beyond compare, the scenery magnificent and the wine extraordinary. However, the best part of the Fleur de Lys was the wonderful staff! We have never felt so taken care of. Bob and I will be taking the Fleur de Lys again and we can't wait!"
-Jodi and Bob Capps 2007

"Too much wine, too much cheese, too much history, too much beauty, too much luxury... all in all, too wonderful!"
-Harry and Susan Seigle 2003

Fleur de Lys Floor Plan

129 Feet long
-One Upper Deck Suite, 318 square feet
-Two Lower Deck Suites, approximately 250 square feet
-Twin or Queen canopy bed, dressing room and bath with shower
-Gorgeous Salon with grand piano
-Heated swimming pool on deck
-On board computer with internet access