L' Art De Vivre
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 8
Size: 100 feet long
Last Visited: 2009
Rating: First Class, A/C

2011 Value season Rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 6: $28,000
Whole-Boat Charter for 7: $29,000
Whole-Boat Charter for 8: $30,000
Individuals: $3,990
per person double occupancy
Single Supplement:$1,500

2011 Value season Dates

March 27 - April 2	May 8 - 14	August 28 - Sept 3
April 3 - 9	July 24 - 30	October 16 - 22
April 10 - 16	July 31 - August 7	October 23 - 29
April 17 - 23	August 7 - 13	October 30 - November 5
April 24 - 30	August 14 - 20	November 6 - 12
May 1 - 7	August 21 - 27

2011 regular season Rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 6: $31,600
Whole-Boat Charter for 7: $32,800
Whole-Boat Charter for 8: $34,000
Individuals: $4,550
per person double occupancy
Single Supplement:$1,700

2011 regular season dates

May 15 - 21	June 26 - July 2	September 18 - 24
May 22 - 28	July 3 - 9	September 25 - Oct 1
May 29 - June 4	July 10 - 16	October 2 - 8
June 5 - 11	July 17 - 23	October 9 - 15
June 12 - 18	September 4 - 10
June 19 - 25	September 11 - 17

The cruise rate does not include the cost of train transfers between Paris and the route in Burgundy. We can help you book and pre-pay train transfers before departure.

L'Art De Vivre

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

Auxerre to Clamecy on the Canal du Nivernais

Sunday: Paris to Auxerre
Welcome Aboard!
From Paris Bercy Station, take TER# 91019, depart at 3:20pm, arrive Laroche-Migennes at 4:38pm. (Train transfers to and from Paris and the cruise route are additional to the cruise fare and must be purchased separately. A representative of L'Art de Vivre will be in the station from 2:45pm on to help you board.) As you alight in Laroche-Migennes, L'Art de Vivre crew will be on the platform and will escort you to the barge, moored quayside in Auxerre. Following a Champagne Welcome, you are free to take a stroll along the banks of the River Yonne before returning for dinner aboard.

Monday: Auxerre to Vincelles
Taste Wine in Chablis
Our morning cruise takes us past vineyard-clad hillsides to our rural mooring at Vincelles. The afternoon excursion is to Chablis, home of one of the most famous white wines in the world. A tasting in one of the town’s ancient cellars, pictured at left, will introduce you to some of the local Petit Chablis and Chablis wines. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday: Vincelles to Mailly la Ville
A Gorgeous Medieval Town
After breakfast, our excursion is to the medieval town of Auxerre, which prides itself on its fine churches, and particularly its magnificent cathedral. Take a few minutes to explore the ancient alleyways and browse in the shops. Then return to the barge for a cruise southward through rich pastures. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday: Mailly la Ville to Le Saussois
Cruise Past Spectacular Scenery
This morning, we visit the charming 14th century medieval village of Noyers, famed as being among the five prettiest villages in France! In the afternoon, cruise past the Saussois cliffs, pictured at right, where an international climbing centre creates a spectacular setting. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy spectacular walks before returning for dinner aboard.

Thursday: Le Saussois to Lucy sur Yonne
Historic Basilica, Lunch on Shore
In the morning we enjoy an excursion to the town of Vézelay, pictured at left, one of Burgundy’s most famous walled towns with the Romanesque Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops, and fine views of the surrounding countryside. Lunch ashore today at a wonderful auberge Les Millesimes, followed by an afternoon cruise through the Yonne valley to arrive at Lucy sur Yonne. Dinner aboard.

Friday: Lucy sur Yonne to Clamecy
Shopping and a Chateau Visit
A morning cruise through beautiful countryside then takes us to Clamecy. Take a short walk into Clamecy to visit the town, the Collegiale de St Martin and also the Logging and Barging Museum. The narrow streets lined with ancient buildings also present an opportunity for shopping. In the afternoon, we visit the Chateau of Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart and which was later remodelled by Maréchal Vauban. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday: Clamecy to Paris
A Sad Farewell
L'Art de Vivre will be moored in Clamecy. Depart at 8:45am promptly for your chauffeured transfer back to the Laroche-Migennes Station in time for TER# 91156, depart 10:24am, arrive back at Paris Bercy Station at 11:44am. The services of L'Art de Vivre end at the station, where cabs will be lined up to take you to your next destination in Paris. Breakfast is your last on-board meal.

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 Barge cruises in Burgundy Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

L'Art de Vivre
Guest Book

"We never expected to be as pampered as we were.  The crew was fantastic and worked so well together.  The crew was very versed in their positions and as tour guides in the small villages.  We cannot say enough good things about our barge cruise.  It was a trip of a lifetime!"
-Ron and Rhonda Schlupp, 2010

"This trip was very relaxing..after a long cold winter, just what we needed. The balance between cruising and activities was perfect. The hospitality of the staff was exceptional! We had wanted to take a barge trip in France for several years and are thrilled that we went on L'Art de Vivre throughout this beautiful part of France!"
-Bruce and Edwina Simpson, 2008

"It was a very good experience - very relaxing after three days in Paris and the stress of a Trans-Atlantic flight. The crew was exceptional, very supportive and pleasant to all of us. It was a delightful time of year to be barging - the countryside was at its best!"
-Kathryn Skidmore, 2008

"We had an amazing time. The Captain could not do enough for us. The food was outstanding. We already miss the crew and thank them for making this our best cruise ever!"
-2006 Guests

"We spent a thoroughly enjoyable week on L'Art de Vivre. Captain Julian, chef Wayne, Pilot Xavier and Hostess Laura were outstanding. I think that all four couples agree that we would like to barge again, hopefully with the same crew."
-2006 Guests

L'Art De Vivre Floor Plan

100 Feet long
- Four cabins were completely rebuilt in
  2009 - Scroll down for pictures.
-They are now identical with a choice of
  two twins or one Queen bed. 
-The all-new bathrooms are elegantly
  tiled with full-size shower.
-Attractive barge with a "Floating
 Country Inn" look and skylit salon/dining
  area with large windows.
-Spa pool on deck.
-We visited in July, 2009, and were very
  happy with the new cabins.