La Belle Epoque
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 12
Size: 126 feet long
Last Visited: 2008
Rating: Deluxe, A/C, Families

2009 Rates

Whole Boat Charter for 12:
$50,800 - Value Season
$59,000 - Regular Season
Individuals:
Jr Suite- $4,350 Value Season
Jr Suite- $4,990 Regular Season
Sr Suite- $4,550 Value Season
Sr Suite- $5,290 Regular Season

Value Season dates are:
March 29 - May 16, July 26 - August 29 and October 18 - November 14
Regular Season dates are:
May 17 to July 25 and August 30 to October 17

Six-night cruises depart from Paris every Sunday at 1:30pm and arrive back in Paris the following Saturday between noon and 1:00pm.

We were thrilled to be among the first to view the re-decorated La Belle Epoque in April, 2008. The barge was moored in the port of Auxerre, a lovely Medieval town and popular barge visit. We were greeted by owner Derek Banks, Captain Nick, who has been with La Belle Epoque for five years and the guide James, who we already knew from the great job he did with our guests on the Anjodi. We met for the first time other 2008 crew, most notably chef Maria who will invite passengers to watch her cook!

The entire barge has been decorated in rich color schemes and strong accent pieces. The wood-panelled salon boasts a bottle green carpet set off by elegant fabrics in dark red, yellow and cream. Brass portholes and accessories add to the upscale nautical feel. The cabins have been similarly redecorated with new carpeting, mattresses, linens and wallpaper. (Behind the scenes, air-conditioning, heating, engines and generator were also updated.)

Guests on La Belle Epoque already enjoy significant perks such as the flexibility of TWO minivans for sightseeing. The route from Auxerre to Clamecy is one of the most beautiful in barging, floating from one adorable village to another and perfect for bicycling and walking.

La Belle Epoque

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

Auxerre to Clamecy on the Canal du Nivernais

Sunday: Auxerre
Guests are met in Paris at 1.30 pm and transferred to the elegant La Belle Epoque. Following a Champagne Welcome, explore the medieval town of Auxerre with its cathedral before returning for dinner aboard.

Monday: Auxerre to Vincelles
Our morning excursion is to St.Bris with its extraordinary network of medieval passages beneath the town. A wine tasting introduces you to the outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the 12th century cellars of Madame Bersan. In the afternoon, cruise past vineyard-clad hillsides to Vincelles where we moor in rural bliss and enjoy dinner aboard.

Tuesday: Vincelles to Vermenton
A tranquil morning cruise to the hamlet of Accolay where we lunch in the setting of the Abbayé de Crisenon and its clear trout pools. During the afternoon we visit the 14th century hilltop town of Noyers with its half-timbered houses and painted doors and surrounded by the meandering river Serein. In the evening cruise through rich pasture lands and past grazing Charolais to Vermenton. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday: Vermenton to Mailly-Le-Chateau
Begin the day's excursion to Chablis and Domaine Guy Robin for a wine tasting of light and subtle vintages, with a guided tour of the cellars and wine press. Later cruise southwards through the Yonne valley past dramatic steep cliffs to the market town of Mailly. Dine in fine Burgundian style ashore.

Thursday: Mailly-Le-Chateau to Chatel Censoir
Cruise past the Saussois cliffs where an international climbing center creates a spectacular setting and a perfect lunchtime mooring. Excursion to Vézelay, one of Burgundy's most famous treasures with the Roman Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside. Dinner aboard.

Friday: Chatel Censoir to Clamecy
Morning cruise through beautiful countryside towards Clamecy where there is time to wander the ancient streets and visit the 18th century Ferme de Miserey where traditional farming methods are explained and a Foie Gras tasting is accompanied by a noble Chablis. Captain's Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday: Clamecy to Paris
Disembark after breakfast, then return to Paris.

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 BurgundyOr call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

La Belle Epoque
Guest Book

"We felt extremely well taken care of - food and wine were top notch and served with casual elegance.  La Belle Epoque was a wonderful vessel with a great crew!  We enjoyed getting out into the countryside and visiting medieval towns.  We experienced gracious and attentive service and cruised through beautiful scenery: The perfect antidote to our busy week in Paris!"
-Edward and Janet Polansky, May 2009

"One of our very best vacations!"
-George and Jennifer Peles, 2008

"The cruise far exceeded our expectations. There are not enough superlatives to describe the wonderful food, wine and crew. Magnifique!"
-Blaine and Judy Novack, 2003

La Belle Epoque
Floor Plan

126 Feet long
-Two Suites 165 and 137 sq ft with twin or double beds and bathtubs,
-Four Jr. Suites 110-124 sq ft, twin or double beds
-Attractive salon and dining area with large picture windows.
-Jacuzzi on deck.
-Extensively re-decorated for the 2008 season