Horizon II

Barging in Burgundy

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

2011 shoulder season rates

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

2011 shoulder season Dates

April 3 - 9	April 17 - 23	October 23 - 29
April 10 - 16	April 24 - 30	October 30 - November 5

2011 Value season rates

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

2011 Value season Dates

May 1 - 7	July 17 - 23	August 7 - 13
May 8 - 14	July 24 - 30	August 14 - 20
July 10 - 16	July 31 - Aug 6	October 16 - 22

2011 high season Rates

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

2011 high season Dates

May 15 - 21	June 12 - 18	August 21 - 27
May 22 - 28	June 19 - 25	August 28 - Sept 3
May 29 - June 4	June 26 - July 2
June 5 - 11	July 3 - 9

2011 Prime season rates

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

2011 Prime season Dates

September 4 - 10	September 18 - 24	October 2 - 8
September 11 - 17	September 25 - Oct 1	October 9 - 15

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 Pouillenay on the Canal de Bourgogne

Sunday: Paris to Tanlay
Welcome Aboard!
From Paris, you are escorted via private motorcoach to Tanlay where Horizon II is moored. Welcome reception and dinner on board.

Monday: Tanlay to Ancy-le-Franc
16th Century Chateau
Cruise on the Burgundy Canal to the village of Ancy-le-Franc. Afternoon visit to the 16th century chateau of Ancy-le-Franc, pictured at right, one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Burgundy. The interiors are furnished with a number of original period pieces.


Tuesday: Ancy-le-Franc to Ravieres
Winetasting in Chablis!
Morning drive to the vineyards of Chablis, where you will sample several vintages of these famous wines at the property of a private grower. Although widely imitated around the world, only the wines produced in this region can truly be labeled Chablis. Scenic afternoon cruise to the village of Ravieres.


Wednesday: Ravieres to Montbard
Explore Historic Auxerre
Morning visit to the medieval port city of Auxerre. Join the Horizon II's guide for a walking tour of the St. Etienne Cathedral and the historic quarter, where cobblestone streets fan out from a Renaissance clock tower, pictured at left. Afternoon cruise to Montbard.

Thursday:
Montbard to Veneray-les-Laumes
Tour Forges de Buffon
Tour the Forges de Buffon, founded by the 18th century naturalist, Georges-Louis de Buffon. You will be greeted by the present owners who are your hosts for a visit of the estate and gardens. Afternoon cruise to Venarey-les-Laumes. Dinner ashore at the renowned Michelin three-star restaurant, La Cote d'Or, in Saulieu.

Friday: Veneray-les-Laumes to Pouillenay
Visit Abbaye de Fontenay
Visit the splendid Abbaye de Fontenay, pictured at right, founded in 1118 by St. Bernard. This meticulously preserved site is a rare example of the distinctive architecture and industry typical of the early Cistercian orders. Cruise to the picturesque village of Pouillenay. Festive Captain's Dinner on board.

Saturday: Pouillenay to Paris
A Sad Farewell
After breakfast, you are chauffeured back to 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.