L'Etoile~ A new barge

in Provence

Guests:  6 - 7
Size: 111 feet
Rating: First Class, A/C, Families

2008 Prices

Whole Boat Charter
$23,000 - Up to 7 guests
$21,000 - Up to 6 guests
$18,000 - Up to 4 guests
Individuals
$2,950 - Cabin
$3,400 - Junior Suite
$3,800 - Suite
$1,500 - Suite Single Supplement

L'Etoile is a cozy and informal vessel which reflects the philosophy of charming Dutch-born owner and chef Cobie Lagerburg. Cobie has lived in France for many years along both of her routes, one in southwest France and one in Burgundy. This in-depth knowledge together with a complete service orientation allows Cobie to offer very personalized cruises aboard L'Etoile. The barge carries 6 to 7 passengers. The accommodations are very flexible to welcome parties of three couples as well as families. Two cabins are King-bedded; one is Double-bedded; and another has bunk beds. Each cabin has a private bath. The extremely comfortable lounge with firepalce adjoins the dining area and open kitchen from where Cobie enjoys chatting wth the guests while she cooks!

We have known the sparkling and attractive Cobie for many years. She recently visited us in Chicago. Cobie operates L'Etoile with a pilot and hostess. She takes the jobs of both tour guide and chef. However, it is in her role as independent owner that allows her to set the tone aboard L'Etoile. "I love my work," she says. "As owner, I'm free to offer an extremely flexible program. It is my pleasure to welcome private family charters. Children love the plunge pool on deck. We can take them horsebackriding or into the town square to ride the merry-go-round!"

L'Etoile Barge Cruise Itinerary

Avignon to Montpellier On the River Rhone, Petit Rhone and Canal du Rhone a Sete
March through July and October - November, 2008

Your cruise combines well-known sites of Provence with intimate and unusual moorings in Camargue and on the Mediterranean - for an entirely personalized experience. Highlights Include: Visit of Pont du Gard, Avignon - Pope's Palace, les Baux de Provence - Saint Rémy de Provence, Arles- Café van Gogh - Amphitheatre, walled city of Aigues Mortes, Maguelone Abbey Church

Sunday
You will be met at the location of your choice in Avignon, which is easily accessible by TGV train from Paris or Nice, or as a rental car return point. You will be transferred to your charming barge home, moored in the nearby port of Villeneuve-les-Avignon/Beaucaire. You will be welcomed aboard with a champagne toast and the first of many gourmet dinners.

Monday
A whole day out in fabulous Provence! In the morning we are off to visit the impressive roman aqueduct - Pont du Gard; then back to the barge to have lunch. Next, you will have the opportunity to tour the largest gothic palace in Europe, the Palais du Pape in Avignon with a possible wine tasting before returning to the barge. Dinner will be back at your cozy home, still moored in Villeneuve-les-Avignon/Beaucaire.

Tuesday
This morning you begin your cruise. We float on the scenic Canal du Rhone a Sete to moor in Bellegarde, a typical, charming Provencal village. After lunch you will visit the famous and enchanting hilltop village of Les Beaux, known for its gorgeous views over the Provencal landscape and its artisans colony. Dinner on board with a view of the river will be memorable.

Wednesday
A morning cruise on the "Petit Rhone" to our mooring in the picturesque village of St. Gilles. After lunch you will have an opportunity to visit Arles, where van Gogh fell in love with the lights and colors of this fascinating countryside. Heading to the heart of town we will see les Arenes, a roman amphitheater built in the first century AD. Dinner back on board rounds out a wonderful day.

Thursday
We start our day cruising on the canal du Rhône a Sète through the stunningly beautiful Camargue National Park, home to various wildlife including black bulls and the beautiful white Camargue horses. We moor at the gates of the amazing 13th century walled town of Aigues-Mortes, an embarkation port for the crusades. There are many historical sites to visit and there will be time to walk along the walls, shop for souvenirs or relax in one of the many outdoor cafés. A relaxing gourmet dinner awaits you back on board.There will be time to walk along the walls, shop for souvenirs or relax in one of the many outdoor cafés. A relaxing gourmet dinner awaits you back on board.

Friday
We set out this morning to the most peaceful and romantic mooring of this cruise located at the 6th century Maguelone Cathédral on a peninsula, with the canal on one side and the beautiful blue of the Mediterranean on the other! Lunch will be served during the cruise. Spend your afternoon walking or biking to this Cathédral, observing flamingos and other wildlife, lounging away the afternoon at the beach. You will enjoy your final gourmet dinner on board.

Saturday
You'll say "Au Revoir" and depart after breakfast for transfer to Montpellier. There are TGV train departures to Paris and Nice. If you prefer, you may also be transferred to the airport, rental car office, or hotel of your choice.
Our sightseeing schedule is flexible and can be customized to reflect your interests. Occasionally an itinerary will be changed due to canal closures or inclement weather. The Captain will substitute an equally interesting route. Change in itinerary will not be accepted as a cause for cancelling your cruise.

Aigues Mortes to Beziers On theCanal du Rhône a Sète, Etang de Tau, Canal du Midi
April 6 - July 5, 2008

This exciting cruise combines the beauty of the Camargue with the relaxed and intimate setting of the Canal du Midi for a truly once in a lifetime experience.Highlights Include:Visit to the walled city of Aigues Mortes, the Maguelone abbey church, Frontignan with its muscat wines, Mont Saint Clair in Sète, Etang de Tau, Agde and Beziers

Sunday
You will be transferred to your charming barge home, moored right at the heart of the ‘petite Camargue.’ L'Etoile sits at the gates of the amazing 13th century walled town of Aigues-Mortes, an embarkation port for the crusades. You will be welcomed aboard with a champagne toast and the first of many gourmet dinners.

Monday
This morning there will be time to walk along the city walls, shop for souvenirs or relax in one of the many outdoor cafés in Aigues Mortes. (Horseback riding on the beach can also be arranged for an additional charge.) After lunch we will cruise to the most peaceful and romantic mooring of this cruise - the 6th century Maguelone cathedralon a peninsula with the canal on one side and the Mediterranean on the other! Your dinner will be onboard with an incomparable view of the Mediterranean, the Alps and Camargue all at the same time!

Tuesday
You can start your day with a morning walk or bike ride to observe the flamingoes and other wildlife, visit the Maguelone cathedral and her vineyards, or just lounge away at the nearby beach. You will have lunch as we cruise. There will be an afternoon trip to Frontignan for a tasting of the sweet white aperitif wine ‘Muscat.’ If you would like, we will have specially prepared mussels as a part of your dinner on board this evening.

Wednesday
This morning our excursion is into the town of Sète, France's largest Mediterranean fishing town. Enjoy watching its picturesque fishing boats and yachts maneuver through the old port. We then tour the open-air market and if you are up for a challenge, climb the Mont St-Clair for a great view of Sète, its canals and the sea. Highlights include a visit to the Church of Saint Paul, built in the 12th century. We will cruise this afternoon on the Etang de Thau alongside the oyster beds lined up all the way to the entrance of the Canal du Midi.

Thursday
Enjoy our morning cruise to Agde. We will pass the famous round lock, built by Pierre-Paul Riquet, who masterminded the construction. Our mooring is right in the city. History is waiting for you; we can visit the museum Agatois, walk or bike through thisancient town founded by the Phoenicians 2500 years ago. Discover ‘Les Halles,’ the covered market or visit the excellent shops. A stop is possible at the Chateau of Picpoul de Pinet to taste their delicious white aperitif wine. Dinner is onboard.

Friday
Today we will enjoy a morning cruise to the town of Beziers, perched on a hill at the foot of which you will see the sprawling river Orb and the Canal du Midi. A visit to the 13th century fortifiedcathedral of Saint Nazaire, with its commanding view across PyreneesMountains will prove to be one of the high points of your trip. Later we can explore the English-style garden - Le Plateau des Poètes, the 19th century market hall, or the museum of fine arts. We return to the barge for dinner.

Saturday morning
You'll say "Au Revoir" and depart after breakfast for transfer to Beziers. There are TGV train departures to Paris and Nice. If you prefer, you may also be transferred to the airport, rental car office, or hotel of your choice.

Dole to Chagny On the Canal du Rhone au Rhin, River Saone and Canal du Centre
July 27 - September, 2008

The “good Life” in Burgundy means wine tasting, enchanting towns, historic châteaux, and gorgeous scenery. Your trusted guide and creative chef will personally introduce you to their friends and their favorite places. Highlights include: visits to Dole, Beaune - the wine capital of Burgundy, Chalon sur Saone, a wine tasting in Meursault, tours of Chateau La Rochepot and the town of Nolay.

Sunday afternoon
You will be met at the location of your choice in Dole, which is easily accessible by TGV train from Paris or as a rental car return point. You will be transferred to your charming barge home, moored in Dole, a flower-filled town built on a hill overlooking the River Doubs. A champagne welcome will be followed by your first evening meal on the barge.

Monday
This morning you we go on a walking tour of Dole, the birth place of Louis Pasteur. His home - now a museum - is within walking distance. We will return to the barge for lunch and in the afternoon we'll cruise down the Canal du Rhone au Rhin towards Saint Symphorien. Passing the last lock of this canal, we enter the wide and spacious river Saone and cruise to Saint-Jean de Losne, where we will moor for the night. The charming little town is within walking distance.

Tuesday
In the morning we continue our cruise to Seurre, where we depart with the minibus to visit Beaune - the wine capital of Burgundy. The 15th century Hospice (hospital) is one of the most fascinating sites in Burgundy. Then it is on to wine tasting at the famous Marché aux Vins. If you wish, you can buy wine here; these experts will ship your purchases back home safely. We then return to the barge where dinner awaits us.

Wednesday
We start our day cruising to Chalon sur Saone. Chalon is the birthplace of photography. In 1822 Nicephone Niepce managed to capture an image on glass; there will be time to visit the photographic museum commemorating this event which is right opposite our mooring. This afternoon you are free to browse in the picturesque shopping area for regional products (Dijon mustard, wine accoutrements, and unique kitchen products) or to relax in a café on the town square. Dinner will be served onboard the barge.

Thursday
We leave Chalon in the morning, cruising up to the entrance of the Canal du Centre, the first lock is over 50 feet high! We moor in Fragnes, a tranquil mooring, to have lunch. This afternoon we go for a tour of the Burgundy wine country, followed by in wine tasting in the Chateau of Meursault. The chateau has been tastefully restored and today is one of the biggest and most beautiful estates in Burgundy.

Friday
This morning we continue our leisurely cruise to Chagny. We pass through thirteen locks, spaced closely together so now is a good time to take a walk on the towpath or explore the countryside by bicycle! After lunch we go for a tour in the minivan to the medieval château, La Rochepot - entered through a drawbridge. Then it’s a stop at the ancient market place in Nolay to have a drink on the town square, or to browse in the antique shops. Our last on board dinner rounds out a wonderful day.

Saturday
You'll say "Au Revoir" and depart after breakfast for transfer to Le Creusot TGV Station. You may also be transferred to the airport, rental car office, or hotel of your choice.

Our sightseeing schedule is flexible and can be customized to reflect your interests. Occasionally an itinerary will be changed due to canal closures or inclement weather. The Captain will substitute an equally interesting route. Change in itinerary will not be accepted as a cause for cancelling your cruise

L'Etoile

Guest Book

"It was the best family vacation we could have! The children, parents and grandparents all found it exciting and were pleased with every aspect of the trip…crew, food and wine."
- Fenske family

"Cobie met us in Montpelier and from the first moment we all felt welcome and at ease. Her knowledge of the area and her graciousness made for a very relaxing week. The barge was beautiful and all felt comfortable on board. Each day brought new surprises not only at mealtime, but also the beauty of the surrounding countryside and the wonderful tours we experienced. Cobie is not only a great cook, but we also enjoyed the selections of wines she presented for us each day.The cruise was over before we were ready to return home, but all had a wonderful time."
- Valerie

"Please hold a good thought that we can return for another wonderful experience on L'Etoile. We had such a wonderful time - the food was fabulous - the scenery exquisite and your hospitality a main reason to come back and see you again!"
- Martha

"My greatest success this year will have been taking a vacation I’ve yearned to have for so many, many years. Not only have I taken the vacation of my dreams, my time on board surpassed my expectations. I will cherish all of the memories of the trip, my most precious memories."
- Shirley

L'Etoile Floor Plan

111 Feet Long
- Two cabins with King bed (116 square feet and 92 square feet)
- One cabin with Double bed (88 square feet)
- One cabin with Twin beds (56 square feet)