L' Art De Vivre
Barging in Burgundy

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

2012 Value Season Rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 6 or less: $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

2012 Value Season dates

April 1 - 7	July 15 - 21	August 19 - 25
April 8 - 14	July 22 - 28	October 7 - 13
April 15 - 21	July 29 - August 4	October 14 - 20
April 22 - 28	August 5 - 11	October 21 - 27
April 29 - May 5	August 12 - 18	October 28 - November 3

2012 regular Season rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 6 or less: $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

2012 regular Season dates

May 6 - 12	June 3 - 9	July 1 - 7	September 9 - 15
May 13 - 19	June 10 - 16	July 8 - 14	September 16 - 22
May 20 - 26	June 17 - 23	August 26 - Sept 1	September 23 - 29
May 27 - June 2	June 24 - 30	September 2 - 8	September 30 - Oct 6

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.

Ellen said: “We last visited L’Art de Vivre in 2009 and came away very enthusiastic about this barge. We found L'Art de Vivre moored deep in the countryside near an ancient stone bridge. This "floating country inn" style vessel fits very well into such idyllic scenery. The deck is large and boasts blue-striped chairs and a hot tub, while inside the skylit lounge is French in feel, with comfortable couches, soft color scheme, delicate wallpaper and a beautiful area rug. The cabins were gutted and rebuilt for the 2009 season and are now identical with wonderful tiled baths. New cabins are the perfect way to upgrade this adorable vessel!

L'Art De Vivre

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

Auxerre to Chevroches on the Canal du Nivernais

Sunday: Paris to Auxerre
Welcome Aboard!
You’ll be met at 2:00 pm in the lobby of the Warwick Westminster Opera, elegantly located on the Right Bank near to major tourist attractions and shopping and chauffeured to the barge moored in Auxerre. Estimated transfer time is 3 hours. Following a Champagne Welcome, you are free to explore the medieval town of Auxerre or take a stroll along the banks of the River Yonne before returning for dinner on board.

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 aged cellars will introduce you to some of the local Petit Chablis and Chablis wines. Dinner on board.

Tuesday: Vincelles to Mailly la Ville
A Gorgeous Medieval Town
After breakfast, our excursion is to the medieval town of Auxerre. Originally the capital of Lower Burgundy, the town prides itself on its fine churches and particularly its magnificent cathedral. We then return to the barge for a cruise southwards through rich pasturelands past grazing Charolais cattle to the town of Mailly la Ville. Dinner on board.

Wednesday: Mailly la Ville to Le Saussois
Cruise Past Spectacular Scenery
This morning, we visit the charming 14th century medieval market village of Noyers one of the most beautiful villages in France, on an excursion through delightful countryside. In the afternoon we cruise past the Saussois cliffs where an international climbing centre creates a spectacular setting. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy spectacular walks before dinner ashore

Thursday: Le Saussois to Lucy sur Yonne
Historic Basilica, Lunch on Shore
In the morning we enjoy an excursion to the town of Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous treasures with the Romanesque Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside. Lunch on board followed by an afternoon cruise through the Yonne valley to arrive at Lucy sur Yonne. Dinner on board.

Friday: Lucy sur Yonne to Chevroches
Chateau of Bazoches
A morning cruise through beautiful countryside then takes us to Chevroches. In the afternoon, we visit the Chateau of Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart and which was later remodeled by Maréchal Vauban. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday: Clamecy to Paris
A Sad Farewell
L'Art de Vivre will be moored in Chevroches. Depart after breakfast for your chauffeured transfer back to the Westminster Hotel in Paris. Estimated driving time is 4 hours. The services of L'Art de Vivre end at the hotel, where cabs will be lined up to take you to your next destination in Paris. Breakfast is your last on-board meal.

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Chevroches to Auxerre on the Canal du Nivernais

Sunday: Paris to Chevroches
Welcome Aboard!
You’ll be met at 2:00 pm in the lobby of the Warwick Westminster Opera, elegantly located on the Right Bank near to major tourist attractions and shopping and chauffeured to the barge moored in Chevroches. Estimated transfer time is 4 hours. The Captain and crew welcome you aboard with a glass of Champagne. Dinner on board.

Monday: Chevroches to Lucy sur Yonne
Chateau of Bazoches
This morning we leave Chevroches and enjoy a gentle cruise to Clamecy. We depart the barge and visit the Le Château de Bazoches-du-Morvan, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart and which was later renovated Maréchal Vauban. Lunch on board and then we continue our cruise to Lucy sur Yonne with wonderful cycling and walking opportunities. Dinner on board.

Tuesday: Lucy sur Yonne to Le Saussois
Historic Basilica
This morning we visit the town of Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous treasures with the Romanesque Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside. We then cruise to the renowned Saussois cliffs with their international climbing centre and then on to Le Saussois. There is ample opportunity for walking and cycling today. Dinner on board.

Wednesday: Le Saussois to Mailly la Ville
Cruise Past Spectacular Scenery, Lunch on Shore
We start the day with a tour of the charming medieval village of Noyers sur Surein on market day, one of the most beautiful villages in France. After lunch we cruise to the sleepy village of Mailly la Ville, through delightful countryside. Dinner ashore tonight at a local auberge

Thursday: Mailly la Ville to Vincelles
Winetasting Chablis
This morning’s cruise takes us through some delightful locks and past vineyard-clad hillside to Vincelles. The afternoon excursion is to St Bris with its extraordinary network of subterranean medieval passages. A wine tasting in Chablis introduces us to outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. Dinner on board.

Friday: Vincelles to Auxerre
A Gorgeous Medieval Town
This morning we take in the rustic beauty of vineyard-clad slopes as we cruise to Auxerre. In Auxerre visit the cathedral of St Etienne and wander the streets lined with half-timbered houses. Shopping opportunities abound in Auxerre. A sumptuous Captain's Farewell Dinner completes the day.

Saturday: Auxerre to Paris
A Sad Farewell
L'Art de Vivre will be moored in Chevroches. Depart after breakfast for your chauffeured transfer back to the Westminster Hotel in Paris. Estimated driving time is 3 hours. The services of L'Art de Vivre end at the hotel, 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 have completed our trip on the Art de Vivre......Had a wonderful time and the food and wine was outstanding. We really liked the crew consisting of Laurant, Sara, Bonnie and Elie, and they made us feel at home and were excellent hosts.....We hope to do this again, especially if we can hook up with Sara and Laurant in 2012, where ever they are cruising....We would try to fill a small barge with a group."
-Bill and Rosie Long, 2010

"We had a most delightful experience.  The food and wine pairing  was consistent and the best in our 50 years of travels.  The other barge guests were congenial, and we loved the bike rides.  We have nothing but kudos for our first but not last barge experience.  Art de Vivre was truly the ART OF LIVING!!!"
- Skip and Linda Bowling, 2010

"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

L'Art De Vivre Floor Plan

100 Feet long
- Four cabins @ 105 square feet that were completely rebuilt in
  2009
-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.