La Nouvelle Etoile
Barging in Champagne

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

2011 value season rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 8: $48,900
Individuals: $6,500
per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $3,250

2011 value season dates

July 24 - 30	Paris to Epernay
July 31 - Aug 6	Epernay to Paris
August 7 - 13	Paris to Epernay

Let Captain Jan Meijer show you Champagne! Of course, there will be champagne tasting - But also cheese tasting in Meaux, the home of Brie cheese. As well, visit the Cathedral at Reims, where French Kings were crowned.

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 Cruise:

July 25 - 31 - Paris to Epernay
August 1 - 7 - Epernay to Paris
August 8 - 14 - Paris to Epernay
(August 15 - 21 - Re-position cruise to Alsace-Lorraine - not avalable for booking)

Paris to Epernay on the River Marne
Sunday: Paris
Paris by Night
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, pictured at left, past Notre Dame, to moor for the night near the Latin Quarter.


Monday: Paris to Meaux
16th Century Chateau
Morning cruise out of Paris onto the river Marne. After lunch, you visit the magnificent Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte, pictured below. Rejoin the Nouvelle Etoile in Meaux in time to stroll around town and visit the cathedral.

Tuesday: Meaux to La Ferte
Cheese - Glorious Cheese!
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: La Ferte to Charly-sur-Marne
Family Owned Champagne House
You are now in Champagne, cruising up to Charly-sur-Marne. Visit one of the small family vineyards, pictured below, 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: Charly-sur-Marne to Damery
Private Tasting at Moet and Chandon
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
Magnificent Reims Cathedral
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 to Paris
A Sad Farewell
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 Barge cruises in France - Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

La Nouvelle Etoile

Guest Book

"Our barge trip was a true vacation.  You can't help but slow down and enjoy the wonderful experience of food, scenery and history."
-Allan and Nancy Miner, 2010

"Thank you Ellen for arranging another wonderful trip for us! We received a very warm welcome from Jan and Diana and their crew. The care and attention that they have given to their barge and to making the trip a perfect experience for their guests is evident. Thoughtful extras such as the use of laundry facilities and being able to keep in touch with friends and family by email were appreciated. We were extremely comfortable and our room (I refuse to call it a cabin as this was a proper room!) and shower room were truly spacious. The food was beautifully balanced and accompanied by an interesting selection of wines. I adore Champagne and I certainly got my share on this trip, both on and off the barge! It was fascinating to visit both a major Champagne House and a smaller, family run, business; the two visits were quite different but together provided a wealth of information about the production and storage of my favorite drink. The daily trips were very well chosen and, perhaps surprisingly, one which stood out for us was a thought provoking visit to Belleau woods and cemeteries near Château Thierry where US and German troops, who fought and died in June 1918 during a strategically important engagement of World War I, are buried or commemorated. We can't wait for next summer and our return to La Nouvelle Etoile for our Nancy/Strasbourg trip!"
- Margaret Harding and Paul Hewitt, 2010

"The cruise was deluxe and better than anything we expected. The Meijers were not only superb operators, they are delightful, cheerful, entertaining people. Richard the Chef was over the top wonderful. I would follow him on any barge. Every effort was made to accommodate all wishes. We got off and walked - much needed as food and wine was abundant at meals. I would do the trip again but lose at least 5 pounds before departure!"
-Deborah and Richard Kessler, 2010

"Words cannot explain what a wonderful trip it was. The crew and Jan and Diana went beyond the duties as host and hostess. Richard's food was to die for, there was nothing I did not enjoy. My whole family was overwhelmed with everything and enjoyed the evenings sitting around reviewing the days travels. Wow - what an experience - beyond my wildest dreams. Thank You!"
-Helen Poe, 2009

"A truly once in a lifetime experience that our entire family enjoyed. Diana, Jan and the crew were so friendly and accomodating, paying attention to important detail. The newspapers and fresh pastries were delightful each morning. I'd recommend this barge to anyone interested in wine and vacationing. Diana presented each food course so elequently, it was delicious before we even tasted it!"
-Jeff and Barb Perlmutter, 2009

"Loved the barge trip. The accomodations, crew and ambiance was the best and really wonderful. We plan to take another trip with Jan and Diana, hopefully soon."
-Kevin and Marsha Jennings, 2009

"WOW...Thank you so much for recommending the Nouvelle Etoile. It was the most luxurious barge we have ever sailed on, but you know that. Luxury is nice but the food, the staff and the owners were right up there as well. Jan and Diana were wonderful. We definitely want to do some additional trips with them. Thank you for everything you did for us and our friends to make it such a wonderful holiday."
-Elaine Lee, 2009

"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

"The most upscale barge I have been on and I have been on at least two dozen barges and river boats. Can you believe an elevator on a two-deck barge? Hope to do it in the Champagne area next year."
-Ada and Erik Paulsen, 2008

"As our friends summed it up, you hit a Home Run. Jan and Diana couldn't have been better host and hostess - they provide everything you need and then some. The tours in Ireland and Germany were great - What's next?"
-Robert and Judy Drotman, 2008

"We have taken many barge trips and this was among the best - due to the staff and service provided. We loved Captain Jan Meijer!"
Robert and Eugenia Mills, 2008

"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

"The service by the staff was 5 star or higher. This was the most intimate and relaxing vacation we have ever taken. If you enjoy good conversation, beautiful sights, excellent wine, superb food, quality accomodations and relaxation, this is the trip for you!"
-Larry and Frances Anne Collmann, 2008

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.