La Nouvelle Etoile
Barging in Champagne

Passengers: 8	Your Hosts: Jan and Diana Meijer
Size: 128 feet long	English Speaking Crew of: 5
Last Visited: 2012	Bicycles: 8
Rating: Ultra Deluxe	Air Conditioned: Yes

Cruise Rate Includes: 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, chauffeured transfers from Paris to the barge & return, all meals, from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner, open bar, daily escorted excursions and use of onboard bicycles.

Cruise Rate Does NOT Include: Airfare to and from France, cancellation insurance and crew gratuity (suggested minimum amount is 5% of the cruise price)

2014 value season rates

Whole-Boat Charter: $51,900
Individuals: $6,790 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $3,395

2014 value season dates

July 27 - August 2	Paris to Epernay
August 3 - 9	Epernay to Paris
August 10 - 16	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

PARIS TO EPERNAY ON THE RIVER MARNE

Sunday: Paris
Paris by Night
You will be met at your Paris hotel at approximately 2:30 pm 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.

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EPERNAY TO PARIS ON THE RIVER MARNE

Sunday: Epernay
Welcome Aboard
Our driver will meet you at your Paris hotel at approximately 2:30 pm and then chauffeur you to Nouvelle Etoile moored near Epernay, in the heart of the Champagne country. After your traditional champagne welcome (What else?),enjoy a leisurely afternoon cruise, followed by the first of many gourmet dinners on board.

Monday: Epernay to Damery
Private Tasting at Moet and Chandon
Cruise along the Marne River to the delightful town of Damery, taking you through the vine-covered hills dotted with small wine villages.. Visit the vast cellars of Moet Chandon where we will receive a private tasting. Then go on to Reims for a visit to the magnificent cathedral where the Kings of France were crowned and a walk around the town.

Tuesday: Damery to Chateau Theirry
Family Owned Champagne House
A Morning cruise to Chateau Thierry, the scene of American battles in World War I. In the afternoon we visit one of the small family vineyards for  a more personal view of the champagne industry.

Wednesday: Chateau Theirry to La Ferte
Cheese - Glorious Cheese!
From Chateau Thierry we will cruise to the beautiful town of La Ferte. Visit Coulomniers, one of the centers of Brie cheese making.  A master cheese maker will present various Bries, along with wines from his excellent cellars.

Thursday: La Ferte to Meaux
Explore Meaux
There will be a morning cruise from La Ferte to Meaux. Here we will shop and enjoy the lovely town and a visit to the cathedral. There is also a little known Le Notre garden behind the cathedral.

Friday: Damery to Epernay
16th Century Chateau
Depart the barge to visit the magnificent Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte and then later meet up with La Nouvelle Etoile for an afternoon cruise into the heart of Paris. We will moor for the night in the Latin Quarter, a glamorous mooring for your last gourmet dinner and farewell party on board.

Saturday: Return to Paris
A Sad Farewell
After your last elegant breakfast on board, depart at 9:00am to either 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

"La Nouvelle is the best barge! Jan and Diana are wonderful, and the chef is amazing."
Larry and Beth Burtschy (repeat guests), cruised May, 2013 

"Our trip on the Nouvelle Etoile was wonderful. We had high expectations, but this exceeded them. Jan and Diana were most gracious and tireless hosts. It soon became clear that Jan had thought of everything for the comfort of his guests. Frank was most knowledgeable about the places we visited, an excellent tour guide. In addition he entertained us in the evenings with his piano playing, and some of us even danced. As to Chef Richard - what can we say! Any five star restaurant would be happy to have him as their chef. We loved Diana's wine and cheese explanations. Also, her flowers on deck were so beautiful. The cabin facilities and deck were extremely comfortable, and reflected the great care Jan had given to outfitting the Nouvelle Etoile. We hope to take another trip on the Nouvelle Etoile next year."
- Dorit and Gerald Paul, cruised June, 2012

"Dear Ellen, I wanted to drop you a note telling you how FABULOUS our trip on La Nouvelle Etoile was! WOW---Jan and Diana are fabulous----Frank, the tour guide is magnificent, and Richard, the chef could easily open a Michelin starred restaurant---the food was sublime. I was skeptical that anything could top the Horizon II (our first barge cruise we took a few years ago) , but this DID! The barge is so lovely and well cared for---what a shell shock to re-enter the "real world" when we left. I can't rave enough about how wonderful the entire experience was---it far exceeded any of our expectations. Many thanks!"

- Eloise Paul and Bill Lee, cruised June, 2012

"The La Nouvelle Etoile cruise exceeded our expectations! It was a "top shelf", and Ultra deluxe experience. The cabin was so spacious with lots of storage. We could not believe how large the bathrooms were - even double sinks! Each cabin had a computer, and this was a nice feature. The cuisine was excellent, and was 5-star restaurant quality. The crew was superb, friendly, helpful, and welcoming. We had a lot of fun with the crew, and they each did his/her job extremely well. The excursions were well organized. We were very, very pleased from beginning to end, and hope to go on another barge trip"
- Barri and David Drury, cruised April, 2012

"Jan and Diana are fabulous hosts. What can one say about Chef Richard? His cuisine has probably ruined us for anyone else! Each meal was gourmet quality and outstanding. The cabins ere beyond expectations. They were much roomier than previous barge cabins we have been in. The fresh flowers were a nice touch - loved it! Overall, our group a wonderful experience. No one felt hurried, and the meals were on time and delicious. Everything was done exceptionally well! We were the only ones in our charter group who had barged before and everyone loved the experience. It is the best way to travel...we hope to repeat the trip again."
- Judy and Gary Jorgensen (repeat guests), cruised April, 2012

"The crew was excellent! They were very friendly, professional, and did everything they could to ensure we were enjoying ourselves. Richard is a gourmet chef, and every meal was terrific! We ate all three meals and enjoyed every one of them. The wine selection was outstanding! Our cabin was much nicer than we anticipated - lots of room, large bathroom and very clean. Overall, Nouvelle Etoile was absolutely fabulous! It was a Five Star experience! We would definitely cruise again on the Nouvelle Etoile.
- Mary and Carl Strohmaier, cruised April, 2012

"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

La Nouvelle Etoile
Floor Plan

128 feet long
Four suites over 200 sq ft
-One queen or two twin beds
-TV, internet access, picture windows
-Brand new touch-screen computer in each cabin
-Ensuite bathroom with shower and double sinks
-One suite wheelchair accessible
In the Public Areas
-Beautiful, elegant salon/dining area with picture windows
-Lovely piano in the salon
-Elevator
-Washer/dryer for guest use
-Exercise room with treadmill, home trainer bicycle, free weights and step
-Large screen satellite television (hidden behind a sofa in the salon)
-Sun deck with retractable canopy for shade
-Jacuzzi on deck
-Wifi on board
8 Bicycles
Batavus Weekend model. Four are women’s with a frame height of 48 inches, Four are men’s with a frame height of 53 inches. Features include: 8 gears, adjustable handle bars and seats, front/back shock absorbers and a bell.