Horizon II

Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 8
Size: 128 feet long
Last Visited: 2007
Rating: Ultra Deluxe, A/C, Families

2012 shoulder season rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 8: $42,360
Individuals: $5,495
per person double occupancy

2012 shoulder season Dates

April 1 - 7	April 15 - 21	October 21 - 27
April 8 - 14	April 22 - 28	October 28 - November 3

2012 Value season rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 8: $45,560
Individuals: $5,995
per person double occupancy

2012 Value season Dates

April 29 - May 5	July 15 - 21	August 5 - 11
May 6 - 12	July 22 - 28	August 12 - 18
July 8 - 14	July 29 - Aug 4	October 14 - 20

2012 high season Rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 8: $48,760
Individual: $6,495
per person double occupancy

2012 high season Dates

May 13 - 19	June 10 - 16	August 19 - 25
May 20 - 26	June 17 - 23	August 26 - Sept 1
May 27 - June 2	June 24 - 30
June 3 - 9	July 1 - 7

2012 Prime season rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 8: $51,960
Individuals: $6,495
per person double occupancy

2012 Prime season Dates

September 2 - 8	September 16 - 22	Sept 29 - October 6
September 9 - 15	September 23 - 29	October 7 - 13

The Barge Lady and husband "Monsieur le Barge Lady" enjoyed a luxurious week-long cruise on Horizon II in July 2007.

The route between Pouillenay and Tanlay on the Canal de Bourgogne is divinely beautiful - cruising through fields, forests and wonderful towns and villages. It is rural, chic and interesting - all at the same time - and just a 90-minute drive from Paris. We boarded to find Horizon II a very handsome and classic barge. The salon reminds of an English gentleman's club, decorated in rich colors, comfortable furniture and antique accent pieces. The cabins are spacious and extremely well- arranged with ingenious storage space and brand new baths with full-size shower.

Horizon II is one of five vessels owned and operated by French Country Waterways. As on all of them, the greatest strength is especially experienced crew and depth of programming. For instance, our sharp and congenial guide Michael was able to arrange a viewing of the Tour de France on a day's notice. Included in the cruise price was a first-rate dinner at the Michelin-starred Le Relais Bernard Loiseau in Saulieu.

Sightseeing on the route is varied. Here again, we saw the advantage of personalized planning when we were guided through the Forges de Buffon by the current owner, a charming French woman who also welcomed us into her home. For me, the most outstanding sight is the Renaissance Chateau at Ancy-le-Franc. Now owned by a consortium of American investors, much of it has been extensively and gorgeously renovated.

Our chef Gregoire presented delicious meals and we drank many Grand Cru wines. At the end of the cruise we were presented with color copies of every wine label, a list of cheeses and the dinner menus.

Horizon II

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

Tanlay to Veneray-les-Laumes

on the Canal de Bourgogne

Sunday: Paris to Tanlay
Welcome Aboard!
You will be met in mid-afternoon (exact time to be advised) in the lobby of the Hotel Raphael, an elegant property well located at the top of the Champs Elysees. Chauffeured via private motorcoach, you are will arrive in Tanlay where Horizon II is moored.Champagne Reception and Welcome Dinner on board.

Monday: Tanlay to Lezinnes
Wine-tasting in Chablis
Morning cruise on the Canal de Bourgogne to the quaint village of Lézinnes. In the afternoon drive to the charming village and vineyards of Chablis, where a dramatic overlook offers sweeping vistas of the Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards. In the village, sample these famous wines at the property of a private vintner.

Tuesday: Lezinnes to Ancy-le-Franc
Explore Historic Auxerre
Morning visit to the port city of Auxerre, pictured at right, the medieval capital of Lower Burgundy on the Yonne River. Accompanied by HORIZON II's guide, tour the cathedral and the historic old quarter. Scenic afternoon cruise to the village of Ancy-le-Franc.




Wednesday: Ancy-le-Franc to Ravieres 
16th Century Chateau
Morning walking tour of the town of Noyers, named one of the most beautiful villages of France. Return to the barge for lunch, and an afternoon cruise to Ravières. Later in the day, enjoy a visit to the privately owned, 16th century renaissance Château of Ancy-le-Franc, pictured at left.

Thursday: Ravieres to Montbard
Tour Forges de Buffon
Morning visit to the 18th century Forges de Buffon, built by the celebrated naturalist, Georges-Louis de Buffon. After the tour, you will be greeted by the present owner who will be your host for a glass of wine in her home. Afternoon cruise to Montbard. Dinner ashore at the Michelin three-star restaurant, Le Relais Bernard Loiseau, in Saulieu.

Friday: Montbard to Veneray-les-Laumes
Visit Abbaye de Fontenay
Morning visit to the open-air market in Montbard followed by a tour of a UNESCO World Heritage site, the 12th century Abbaye de Fontenay, pictured at right. Founded in 1118 by the abbot of Clairvaux, St. Bernard, the remarkable abbaye is one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in France. Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise to the final mooring in Venarey-les-Laumes. Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday: Veneray to Paris
A Sad Farewell
After breakfast, you are chauffeured back to the Hotel Raphael in Paris. Estimated arrival time is 11:00 AM to Noon.

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.

Horizon II Guest Book

"The Horizon II was marvelous!  Chef Catherine was great, and Captain Anna was exceptional.  The barge exceeded our expectations in every way."
-Mary Lou and Don Shearn, 2010

"This was my fourth barge cruise experience.  It was the best!  Even the weather was good!"
-Sam and Mary Alice Hall, 2010

"From the moment we met our driver, Mark, in Paris until we said good-bye six days later, it was an experience of a life-time.  The food, wine, flowers, excursions, conversations with fellow passengers and staff, lounging on deck, leisurely walks on tow paths, colorful lockkeepers, walks into town, hot air balloon ride, and enjoying the beautiful scenery were all PRICELESS!"
-Diane Williams and Philip Piser, 2009

"Our trip was fantastic, from start to finish.  The crew on Horizon II was extraordinary; wonderful people with a real commitment to service, but not ostentatious.  The food was superb.  Jean-Yann, our chef, created meals that were among the best we've ever had, rivaling our off-the-boat dinner at one of France's finest restaurants, a Michelin 3-star.  The wine on the barge was magnifique, as was the opportunity to sample six different excellent French cheeses each day.  Matthew, the Captain and our tour guide, was knowledgeable, affable and engaging.  Our visit to the Forge at Buffon and our parlor discussion with Jacquline was one of the highlights of our trip.

We quickly lost any apprehension we might have had about spending a week on a small boat with two couples we didn't know.  We now have new friends in Kansas City and Connecticut!"
-Rick Knapp and Ellen Mattingly, 2009


"Excellent salon area, excellent deck to lounge on and excellent wine and cheese!  Since it travels slowly and has to go through so many locks, it was great to be able to get off and walk along the canal and through the villages and then get back on."
-Gail Wyman and Bob Barker, 2008

Horizon II Floor Plan

128 Feet long
-Four large suites (average approximately 170 sq ft) with twins or king beds
-Beautiful salon and dining room with large windows and classic English decor
-Large sundeck.