L' Arte De Vivre
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 8
Size: 100 feet long
Last Visited: 2008
Rating: First Class, A/C

2009 Rates

Whole Boat Charter for 8:
$28,800 - Value Season
$33,000 - Regular Season
Individuals:
$3,850 - Value Season
$4,390 - Regular Season
Value Season dates are:  March 29-May 16, July 26-August 29, and October 18-November 14

L'Arte De Vivre

Barge Cruise Itinerary

Clamacy to Baye on the Canal du Nivernais

Sunday, Day 1
PARIS TO CLAMECY
Guests are met at the hotel at 1.30 pm and transferred to L'Art de Vivre. After a Champagne Welcome, wander the logging capital and raison d'etre of the Nivernais canal, enjoying the 13th century cathedral, old winding streets and views of the River Yonne. Dinner aboard.

Monday, Day 2
CLAMECY TO VILLIERS SUR YONNE
Morning cruise from Clamecy, with a stop at Chevroches for a visit to the 18th century model farm of Misery with the owner Mme Dhuick as our guide. Here we taste farm produce from jam to the famed Foie Gras, all of this accompanied by a fragrant Chablis. We continue our first day's cruise to the charming hamlet of Villiers sur Yonne. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday, Day 3
VILLIERS SUR YONNE TO TANNAY
Enjoy an early cruise and a fascinating stop in Asnois to visit "Le Bouc qui Fume" or the "Smoking Billy Goat," a chapel based antique/curiosity shop. After passing the impressive double lock at Tannay , we moor in the old logging port and visit the Château of Bazoches, home of Marechal Vauban, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart. Dinner aboard. La Basilique de Vezelay

Wednesday, Day 4
TANNAY TO CHITRY LES MINES
Morning visit to one of Burgundy's most picturesque hill-top settings - Vézelay. Discover the treasured Roman Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, lace and craft shops, superb views over the surrounding countryside and a delightful drive back to the barge before cruising to Chitry, passing through Dirol and its two Van Gogh style hand-operated lift bridges. Dinner ashore.

Thursday, Day 5
CHITRY LES MINES TO SARDY
After a morning stroll around the village of Chitry we visit Elise Villiers, a viticulture from Precy le Moult to taste some of the region's finest Chardonnays and the famed wine made from the "Melon" grape. Return to the barge and cruise to Sardy. Dinner aboard.

Friday, Day 6
SARDY TO BAYE
Today we begin our day making our passage through the 16 lock flight leading to the summit of the Nivernais canal. These locks are sometimes less than 200 yards apart! Alongside each lock is a pretty waterfall, maintaining the canal level. Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful canal reaches in France, some of the lock houses are now craft shops and you can embark and disembark as we ascend to the three tunnels of La Collancelle before the lake at Baye which marks the summit. Captains Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday, Day 7
BAYE TO PARIS
After breakfast return to Paris by coach.

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'Arte de Vivre
Guest Book

"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'Arte De Vivre Floor Plan

100 Feet long
-Four Cabins all approx 105 sq ft
-Three twin-bedded cabins and 1 double cabin
-Attractive barge with salon/dining area with large windows.
-Spa pool on deck.