La Belle Epoque
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 12
Size: 126 feet long
Last Visited: 2010
Rating: Deluxe, A/C, Families

2012 Value Season Rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 10 or less: $47,400
Whole-Boat Charter for 11: $48,700
Whole-Boat Charter for 12: $50,000
Individuals in a Stateroom: $4,550 per person double occupancy
Individuals in a Junior Suite: $4,690 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,750

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 10 or less: $55,500
Whole-Boat Charter for 11: $57,500
Whole-Boat Charter for 12: $58,500
Individuals in a Stateroom: $5,190 per person double occupancy
Individuals in a Junior Suite: $5,390 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,950

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

La Belle Epoque recently underwent a major interior and exterior renovation!

Ellen, The Barge Lady explains, “We love the whole idea of the Extreme Makeover! We’ve watched as people have been made over, then the craze moved on to homes. Now we have the first makeover of this kind for a canal barge!  La Belle Epoque has entered the water as a very nearly rebuilt vessel, with major updating in its décor, systems and amenities.

A bit of personal history: I first visited La Belle Epoque in summer, 1994, when it was being converted from a cargo- carrying barge to a passenger-carrying barge. The vessel came complete with a romantic, even exciting back story: Having been owned by the same family for generations; it had cruised on most of the waterways of Europe and had even seen action in World War II! The first makeover, which took 15 months to complete, emphasized this proud nautical history with lots of varnished wood and polished brass, as well as memorabilia from classic ocean liners! After La Belle Epoque debuted in 1995, she carried 4000 passengers. It was time for a major facelift! There is scarcely any aspect of the vessel which has not been updated to current standards. Even the crew has been "made over" and will wear brand new uniforms. Please go to Floor Plan for pictures of the newly decorated interior and complete list of upgrades.

La Belle Epoque moved to her present route in 2010. We have cruised this area many times and love its romantic canals and fascinating, varied excursion list. From winetasting at Chablis to market day at one of the most enchanting villages in France to trying CHOCOLATE CANAPES in Flavigny, the town where the movie “Chocolat” was filmed: this route has it all. La Belle Epoque guests enjoy the flexibility of two vehicles and a top crew, led by Captain Stephane Pignard. We are very anxious to see the new La Belle Epoque and will plan to visit as soon as possible!”

La Belle Epoque

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

VENERAY LES LAUMES TO TANLAY

Sunday: Paris to Veneray les Laumes
Private Chauffeured Transfer from Paris to the Barge!
You’ll be met at 1:45 pm in the lobby of the Warwick Westminster Opera, elegantly located on the Right Bank near to major tourist attractions and shopping. From there, drive directly in the barge minivan to Veneray-les-Laumes, a tiny harbor on the Canal de Bourgogne from where your cruise begins. Estimated travel time is three hours. There will be time to take a walk into town or take the bicycles out for a spin – before the first of many gourmet dinners on board.

Monday: Veneray les Laumes to Montbard
Village where 'Chocolat" Was Filmed!
Wake to the aromas of ground coffee and French patisseries, enjoy a leisurely breakfast followed by a visit the hilltop village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, where the film Chocolat was located, see at right. 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. After lunch we cruise through woodlands and rolling fields with great towpath biking and walking opportunities past the tiny canalside villages of Nogent, Courcelles and Les Granges. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday: Montbard to Ravieres
Ancient Abbeye, Beautifully Preserved
Morning cruise the Forges de Buffon and then after lunch we escort you to the exquisite World Heritage Unesco site of Abbayé 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. Return to the barge and cruise to Ravieres. Dinner aboard.


Village Life at its Finest
The medieval village of Noyers sur Serein is one of France’s most enchanting towns. Half-timbered houses line the pretty cobblestones squares, while local craft and souvenir shops beckon. Today join locals at the outdoor market and browse among the many stalls offering vegetables, fruits, cheeses and breads, see at left. Then, back on board, relax the day away on a lazy cruise to Ancy le Franc. Or walk the towpath or explore by bicycle: the choice is always yours! Before dinner, take the time to explore this petite village, nestled serenely beside its romantic 16th century chateau.

Thursday: Ancy le Franc to Lezinne
Beautiful Cruise - Then Winetasting!
Enjoy a morning cruise as your hotel barge descends through the picturesque locks and past the beautiful 16th century Renaissance palace and gardens of Château d’Ancy le Franc. There is plenty of opportunity to wander or cycle, see below. Lunch in Chablis at a local auberge, followed by a visit to the vineyards and town of Chablis dating back to Roman times. Private wine tasting at the Domaine Servan renowned for its Premier and Grand Cru wines popularized by Alexis Lichine in the 1950’s. Dinner aboard.


Friday: Lezinne to Tanlay
Surrounded by a Moat, a Renaissance Chateau
After breakfast we enjoy a leisurely cruise to our final mooring at Tanlay. After lunch we visit the 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau de Tanlay, nestling serenely within this picturesque village. Also time to wander Tanlay before returning to the barge for Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard

Saturday: Tanlay to Paris
A Sad Farewell
Your chauffeured transfer back to the Hotel Westminster departs at 9:00am, and estimated arrival time into Paris is noon. URGENT: Please make all onward travel plans out of Paris today on the basis of this timing. Breakfast is your last on board meal. We hope to see you again on another go Barging/European Waterways vessel! What about Scotland on the Scottish Highlander – look for the monster as the barge crosses legendary Loch Ness!

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

"The cuisine on board and staff were excellent!  We enjoyed great food, lovely walking excursions and great wines!  Our daily sightseeing excursions were made extra enjoyable because of Stephane's info and great sense of humor!"
-Michael and Alice Powell, cruised September 2011


"The cruise exceeded all expectations: The crew, service, French countryside, food, wine and even the weather were superior.  There was a nice mix of excursions.  We especially enjoyed the winetasting at Chablis.  5 stars to the crew!"
-Mr. and Mrs. William Behrens, 2010

"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

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.

The barge has been extensively renovated and redecorated for the 2011 season including:
- New laid solid French oak saloon floor
- New Curtains throughout all cabins and
   saloon by Amelie Prevost.
- New French Lys bed linen
- New Jacuzzi
- New bathrobes for cabin and Jacuzzi
- Bathrooms in the Meursault and
  Nuits St.George Suites have been
  re-fitted with Italian Mainzu-
  Ceramica tiles with rain forest shower
  units and teak-deck flooring.
- All bathrooms refitted with Trend duo towel holders, soap dishes, glass holders, glass shelves, towel rails.
- New English woven claret carpets and Turkish rugs
- New Bicycles
- New plumbing
- New Toshiba reverse air-conditioning and heating systems
- New sound and heat insulation in Cabin ceilings
- New VMC dual flow dehumidifying and ventilation systems to create a permanent feeling of “fresh air” throughout the vessel.
- Interior wood has been replaced with seasoned satin-varnished, mahogany and hardwood panelling.
- Remodeled bar with solid brass rails
- Tiffany duo-classique wall paper.
- Solid brass Porto-Antiqo light fittings
- Upgrade of crockery, cutlery, and glassware
- Revision of wine cellar
- Full overhaul and re-varnish of deck furniture
- New mattresses
- New more powerful 6 cylinder, MAN engine which significantly  improves fuel economy and is quieter
- New “night run” model 220 volt generators
- A complete electrical rewire with additional sockets and new lights
- Full exterior repaint and re varnish