La Belle Epoque
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 13
Size: 126 feet long
Last Visited: 2008
Rating: Deluxe, A/C, Families

2010 Value Season Rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 13: $50,800
Whole-Boat Charter for 12: $49,500
Whole-Boat Charter for 11: $48,200
Whole-Boat Charter for 10 or less: $46,900
Individuals in a Suite: $4,950 per person double occupancy
Individuals in a Junior Suite: $4,350 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,700

2010 Value Season dates

March 28 - April 3	May 9 - 15	October 17 - 23
April 4 - 10	July 25 - 31	October 24 - 30
April 11 - 17	August 1 - 7	October 31 - November 6
April 18 - 24	August 8 - 14	November 7 - 13
April 25 - May 1	August 15 - 22
May 2 - 8	August 29 - Sept 4

2010 regular Season rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 13: $59,000
Whole-Boat Charter for 12: $57,500
Whole-Boat Charter for 11: $56,000
Whole-Boat Charter for 10 or less: $54,500
Individuals in a Suite: $5,290 per person double occupancy
Individuals in a Junior Suite: $4,990 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,900

2010 regular Season dates

May 16 - 22	June 27 - July 3	September 19 - 25
May 23 - 29	July 4 - 10	September 26 - Oct 2
May 30 - June 5	July 11 - 17	October 3 - 9
June 6 - 12	July 18 - 24	October 10 - 16
June 13 - 19	September 5 - 11
June 20 - 27	September 12 - 18

La Belle Epoque is moving to a new Northern Burgundy route for the 2010 season. Please see the ITINERARY section for details. We have cruised on this route and love the romantic scenery and interesting excursions. Please note that the cruise fare no longer includes chauffeured transfers between Paris and the cruise route. We can assist with the purchase of train tickets, or, for a whole-boat charter, arrange chauffeured transfers to and from Paris

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. Joining the crew for the 2010 season is handsome French Captain Stephane, longtime barge industry veteran.  Stephane has a twinkle in his eye and will up the "fun quotient" on La Belle Epoque!

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 on the Canal de Bourgogne 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

Pouillenay to Tanlay

Sunday: Paris to Pouillenay
Traditional Champagne Welcome
From the Paris Gare de Lyon Train Station, take TGV # 6789, depart Paris 4:58pm, arrive Montbard 6:04pm. (Train transfers to/from the cruise route are in addition to the cruise fare and must be booked and paid for separately.) A representative of La Belle Epoque will be in the station from 4:30pm on to assist guests. Upon alighting at the Montbard Train Station, crew members will be on the platform to meet guests and then transfer them to La Belle Epoque moored in nearby Pouillenay. After time to settle into your cabin you are invited to join us for a first dinner aboard and introduction to Burgundy’s excellent cuisine.

Monday: Pouillenay to Veneray les Laumes
Ancient Abbeye, Beautifully Preserved
Wake to the aromas of ground coffee and French patisseries, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning cruise through deep Burgundian countryside. After lunch we drive you to the exquisite World Heritage Unesco site of Abbey de Fontenay founded by St Bernard in 1118, pictured at left. Representing a distinctive example of early Cistercian architecture and virtually intact, Fontenay allows an exceptional glimpse of early Cistercian life and industry with its peaceful gardens and ponds and fascinating cloisters, dormitories and scriptorium. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday: Veneray les Laumes to Buffon
Village where 'Chocolat" Was Filmed!
Morning stroll around the hilltop village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, where the film Chocolat was filmed. On the way, from the summit of Mt Auxois, we look at Alesia, the last battle site between the Gaulles and Romans that took place in 52 BC. We cruise through the market town of Montbard to the stone steps of the Forges de Buffon, founded in 1768 by 18th century naturalist Georges-Louis de Buffon. We wander around the forge and see various examples of early Industrial Revolution engineering on the banks of the tiny yet powerful Armancon River, whose power was harnessed to run the forge. Dinner ashore in Semur-en-Auxois.

Wednesday: Buffon to Ancy le Franc
Colorful Local Market
Morning visit to Noyers to enjoy the vegetables, cheeses, colors and delights of the local market pictured at right. Returning to the barge we enjoy a lazy cruise gently down to Ancy le Franc with plenty of opportunity to wander or cycle, see below, as the vessel descends through the locks.Before dinner, wander around the village and across to the 16th century Renaissance Chateau d’Ancy le Franc. Dinner aboard.


Thursday: Ancy le Franc to Tanlay
Beautiful Cruise - Then Winetasting!
Morning cruise through woodlands and rolling fields, see below, with great towpath biking and walking opportunities past the tiny canalside villages of Lezinnes, Argentenay and Saint Vinnemer. During the afternoon we visit the vineyards and town of Chablis, dating back to Roman times. We enjoy a private wine tasting at Saint Bris le Vineaux in the Bersan cellars before returning for dinner aboard.

Friday: Tanlay to Tonnerre
Surrounded by a Moat, a Renaissance Chateau
Morning walk across to the 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau de Tanlay, nestling serenely within this picturesque village, which also boasts a challenging 9 hole golf course. Our cruise after lunch takes us to our final destination of Tonnerre. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday: Tanlay to Paris
A Sad Farewell
After breakfast, crew will chauffeur guests back to the Montbard Train Station in time for TGV # 6741, depart Montbard 11:28am, arrive Paris Gare de Lyon Train Station at 12:37pm. Cabs line up to take you to your next destination. (An earlier train back to Paris can be arranged. The cost of transferring from the barge to the rail station is at the expense of the guest.) We hope to see you back on La Belle Epoque again!


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