La Nouvelle Etoile

Passengers: 8
Size: 128 feet long
Last Visited: 2008 in France, 2007 in Holland
Rating: Ultra Deluxe, A/C

2009 Prices

Regular Season
Whole Boat Charter: $52,900
Individuals: $6,900 per person double occupancy
Regular Season Dates
September 20 - 26,
September 27 - October 3,
October 4-10 and October 11 -17

Value Season
Whole Boat Charter: $48,900
Individuals: $6,500 per person double occupancy
Value Season Dates
October 18 - 24

We just returned from visiting NOUVELLE ETOILE, aka "Jan Meijer's Dream Ship" - and as always were extremely impressed. Another name for this ship might be the "happy wanderer" of barging, cruising as it does in Holland at Tulip Time, then transiting to France for routes in Burgundy, Champagne and Alsace (some combinable into 13-night cruises), finally ending the season on Germany's idyllic River Mosel.

Jan and Diana Meijer run one of the most accomplished and congenial operations in barging - beginning with the vessel itself. NOUVELLE ETOILE boasts a long list of innovations: an elevator, a handicap access cabin, computers in every cabin (with e-mail and a navigational system that the passengers can access), an exercise room, a washer and dryer for the guests and sput poles that allow the barge to stop anywhere without tying up.

NOUVELLE ETOILE ("New Star") is the dream barge of Captain Meijer, who was born into a Dutch shipping familly - and thus knows more than the average barge captain about design and navigation.  But not at the expense of elegance and comfort!

The spacious suites boast oversized showers, double sinks and rich interiors design.  The salon-dining room is designed for socializing.  Guests congregate at the gorgeous bar.  There is lots of good seating - even a piano for those so inclined.

The Meijers run a top operation - one defined by divine cuisine, the depth and breadth of the wine selection, and extremely literate sightseeing.  This attractive couple is front and center; tending bar, pouring champagne, and creating a lighthearted on-board ambiance.

The Barge Lady and her husband Monsieur Le Barge Lady criused in summer, 2008.  Please go to The Barge Lady Blog for my day to day diary of this fabulous trip!  We now understand due to our own first-hand experience why Jan and Diana have so many repeat guests!

La Nouvelle Etoile

Champagne and Brie Barge Cruise Itinerary

Between Paris and Champagne
2008 "Champagne and Brie Cruise" Dates
June 15 - 21
June 22 - 28
July 27 - August 2
August 3 - 9
August 10 - 16

Paris to Epernay
Sunday - Paris
You are met at the hotel and driven to the Nouvelle Etoile, moored in the heart of Paris. After a champagne reception, you cruise through the center of Paris, past Notre Dame, to moor for the night near the Latin Quarter.

Monday - Paris to Meaux
Morning cruise out of Paris onto the river Marne. After lunch, you visit the magnificent Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte. Rejoin the Nouvelle Etoile in Meaux in time to stroll around town and visit the cathedral.

Tuesday - Meaux to La Ferte
Morning cruise from Meaux to La Ferte. An afternoon visit to Coulomniers, one of the centers of Brie cheese. You visit a master cheese maker for a tasting of the various bries, along with wines from his excellent cellar.

Wednesday - Charly-sur-Marne to Thierry
You are now in Champagne, cruising up to Charly-sur-Marne. Visit one of the small family vineyards to taste their wonderful champagne. Afternoon cruise to Chateau Thierry, the scene of American battles in World War I. Optional visit to Belleau Wood battlefield.

Thursday - Thierry to Damery
The Marne takes you through vine-covered hills dotted with small wine villages to the delightful little town of Damery. Afternoon visit to the vast cellars of Moet et Chandon for a private tasting.

Friday - Damery to Epernay
We leave the river Marne for a small canal leading to Epernay. Visit the Abbey of Hautvilliers where the monk Dom Perignon first made champagne. Afternoon drive to Reims cathedral. Farewell dinner on board.

Saturday - Return Transfer
After breakfast you are driven to your hotel or the airport.

Cruises in the opposite direction on alternate weeks

Chablis Cruise
Between Paris and Burgundy
2008 Chablis Cruise Dates
June 1 - 7,
June 8 - 14
June 29 - July 5,
July 6 - 12
July 13 - 19,
July 20 - 26

Paris to Epernay
Sunday - Paris
After being met by our driver you will taken to the barge moored in the heart of Paris for a wonderful champagne welcome. We have the afternoon to relax and cruise past Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. We will moor that night in the Latin Quarter where you will enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board.

Monday - Paris to Montereau
Scenic cruise out of Paris to Samois sur Seine. After lunch we will take an excursion to Chateau of Fontainebleau. To walk through Fontainebleau is to walk through the history of France. Every royal family has added its own architectural signature. Go on the charming village of Moret, where the Impressionist Sisley painted, and then rejoin the barge for an evening cruise to Montereau.

Tuesday - Montereau
A morning cruise on the upper part of the Seine to Monterereau, where the smaller river the Yonne meets us. After lunch we will take a drive out to the Medieval town of Provins, also called the "City of Roses". Here we will watch the magnificent show of the birds of prey. Return to the barge moored in a beautiful country setting.

Wednesday - to Sens
A pleasant cruise along the beautiful river Yonne to the town of Sens, the oldest town in France. Visit the first great gothic cathedral, a magnificent building that dominates the main square. Time to shop, visit the museum or stroll around the town.

Thursday - Sens to Joigny
Winding up on the Yonne River we reach the pretty riverside town of Joigny. The beautiful narrow cobblestone streets stretching their way up to wonderful churches perched on top of the town takes you back to another era. In the afternoon we will take a drive out to Chablis. We select one of the small family operations for an intimate tour of their vineyards and cellar.

Friday - Joigny to Auxerre
Cruise along the upper reaches of the Yonne River to Auxerre, the most beautiful of all river towns whose skyline is punctuated by church spires and its streets lined with timbered 16th century houses. Time for shopping, visiting the old port or the 15th century clock tower. Farewell celebration on board enjoying your last elegant gourmet dinner.

Saturday - Return Transfer
After breakfast you are driven to your hotel or the airport.

Cruises in the opposite direction on alternate weeks

Alsace-Lorraine Cruise
2008 Alsace-Lorraine Cruise Dates
August 24 - 30
August 31 - September 6
September 7 - 13,
September 14 - 20

Nancy to Strasbourg
Sunday - Nancy
After being met by our driver you will be taken to La Nouvelle Etoile, which will be moored in Nancy, for a wonderful champagne welcome. You will have the afternoon to relax. The barge will stay in Nancy tonight where you will enjoy your first of many gourmet meals on board.

Monday - Nancy
We will enjoy a leisurely morning cruise to Einville and then return to Nancy for a walking tour of the city beginning at the elegant Place Stanislas. Flanked by handsome Baroque palaces and enclosed by ornate gold and wrought iron entry gates, the square is considered one of the grandest in all of France. The Art Nouveau movement originated in Nancy. We may visit the Musee de l'Ecole De Nancy to see its fine collection.

Tuesday - Scheckenbush
After a morning cruise past tidy farms and pasturelands we will drive to the privately owned Chateau de Fleville. This graceful Renaissance residence adjoins a 14th century castle keep. The interiors are richly furnished with 18th century antiques. We then return to the barge moored in the peaceful village of Schneckenbush for the night.

Wednesday - Schneckenbush to Lutzelbourg
Each day we travel on the canal we have been gradually climbing to the crest of the Vosges Mountains. After navigating two tunnels carved into the mountaintop, we will encounter the Inclined Plane at Arzviller. This unique lock allows a barge to glide effortlessly up or down the mountainside using a system of weights and balances. A short drive along the way will take us to the Christallerig of Harz village where fine crystal is still blown by hand. We continue the cruise through the Zorn Valley where the surrounding hilltops are dotted with ruins of feudal castles. Our overnight stay will be in Lutzelbourg.

Thursday - Lutzelbourg to Saverne
This morning we wind our way through the heart of Saverne, past the regal 18th century Bishop's Palace. From Saverne we will take an afternoon drive along the Route du Vin d'Alsace to the old fortified town of Obernai where we will visit the Market Square and the 14th century ramparts that surround the city. We will stop along the way at village along the Wine Road to taste some of the best Alcasian wines.

Friday - Saverne to Strasbourg
Today we will finish the cruise in the busy port of Strasbourg. Our afternoon tour of Strasbourg includes the folk museum and the 11th century gothic cathedral, leaving enough time to stroll around to explore the fine shops. Returning to the barge late in the afternoon you will enjoy your last gourmet dinner on board and a farewell party.

Saturday - Return Transfer
After breakfast you are driven to your hotel or the airport.

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 Barging in Europe. Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

La Nouvelle Etoile
Guest Book

"It was by far the most luxurious trip we've taken.  The personal attention, excellent cuisine (I can't just use the word "food"), fabulous wines, relaxed and friendly atmosphere - we just had such a great time!  We made new friends with the other passengers and felt like we were leaving family when we had to say good bye to Jan and Diana!  The whole crew was so gracious and professional.  The ship (again, I can't just call it a "barge") was spotless, beautifully appointed and very comfortable. I tell my friends we were on a luxurious yacht!"
-Thomas and Kathy Coyle, 2009

"What a glorious trip! This barge exceeded our expectations - none of our 4 previous barge trips was quite this grand!  The barge, captain and crew, food, side trips - all superb.  One thing that really impressed me was the quietness of the cabins - we never heard from anyone else.  I would highly recommend La Nouvelle Etoile to anyone.  Thanks, Ellen for the great job you did for us."
-Henry and Diana Moog, 2008

"A wonderful week filled with great scenery, food and service.  We are looking forward to our next trip.  The week was terrific for 3 generations making the trip together covering ages from 14 to 85."
-The Leeds Family, 2008

"Our barge cruise was quite enjoyable. Not only were the accommodations delightful but the staff was very pleasant and informative.  We had such a restful and relaxing cruise.  We can't forget to mention the wonderful meals and abundance of adult beverages.  Bloody-Marys have become a favorite past time on the weekends now that we are home.  We hope to book another trip in the near future."
-Gail Kodosky, 2008

"The barge trip was magical.  It was like taking a road trip through the beautiful French countryside without any noise or traffic.  The birds even sang happier tunes!  We felt "at home" on the barge the entire week."
-Marilyn Rogers, 2008

"First rate.  Jan and Diana made us feel at home and treated us royally.  We will go back again next year."
-Ron and Hannah Rogers, 2008

"It was terrific. We loved the ship. The owners and staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. The food and drink were excellent. They met my husband's food issues without a hitch and the chef made is sound as if Mike was getting the better of the meals. Everyone was so gracious and were our friends rather than people there to take care of us. We can't wait to go again."
-Michael and Christine Harris, 2007

"As owner/operators, Jan and Diana Meijer take great pride in their barge - and it shows! Everything about the trip exceeded our expectations. Our only complaint was that the trip had to end."
-Steve and Anna Duff, 2007

"The crew of the Nouvelle Etoile were all both professional and personal. We enjoyed them as much as our fellow travelers. They spared nothing in pampering us beyond our wildest expectations. I don't believe that you could find a better travel experience on a barge, but thanks to this marvelous crew, we will be back for more."
-Gordon and Meredith Burns, 2007

"The trip was 'over the top.' Luxurious accommodations, sumptuous meals, and the dynamite team of Jan and Diana as our hosts. La Nouvelle Etoile was our home away from home and we wanted for nothing."
- Harriet and Michael Kaplan, 2006
Wonderful Barge Lady repeat guests! Thanks, Harriet.

La Nouvelle Etoile

Floor Plan

128 feet long
-Four suites over 200 sq ft with twins or queen beds, TV, internet access, picture windows
-Beautiful, elegant salon/dining area with picture windows.
-Lovely piano in the salon.
-Elevator. One suite wheelchair accessible.
-Washer/dryer for guest use.
-Jacuzzi on deck.
-Exercize Room with machines and free weights.