La Nouvelle Etoile
Barging in Champagne

Passengers: 8
Size: 128 feet long
Last Visited: 2007
Rating: Ultra Deluxe, A/C
2008 Prices
Whole Boat Charter in France: $46,200
Individuals:$5,995
Value Season prices obtain in late July to mid-August. Please call (800) 880-0071 for more information.

2008 Champagne & Brie Cruise Dates
June 15 - 21
June 22 - 28
July 27 - August 2
August 3 - 9
August 10 - 16

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 who run one of the most accomplished and congenial operations in barging - beginning with the vessel itself. In addition to the lovely public areas and cabins, 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, and sput poles that allow the barge to stop anywhere without tying up.
 
Our guests loved NOUVELLE ETOILE.  Andy and Nordal McWethy said: "The whole cruise was like being in the elegant home of very good friends who had the best staff you could imagine. We loved it!" Hans Brouwer and Mary Spillane said: "Jan and Diana are dedicated people and enjoy what they do. Absolutely a first class operation."

La Nouvelle Etoile

Champagne Cruise Itinerary

June 15 - 21
June 22 - 28
July 27 - August 2
August 3 - 9
August 10 - 16

Paris to Epernay on the River Marne
Day 1
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.

Day 2
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.

Day 3
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.

Day 4
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.

Day 5
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.

Day 6
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.

Day 7
After breakfast you are driven to your hotel or the airport.

Cruises in the opposite direction on alternate weeks

La Nouvelle Etoile

Guest Book

"Totally relaxing, low-key luxury.  Charming hosts, delicious food, and remarkably comfortable cabins"
- William Weaver and Frona Daskal 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.

"It was a beautiful trip with incredible food and wine. And... when you said this barge was Ultra - luxury category, you really understated things! The accommodations were beautiful and spacious; the bath had double sinks. The internet access was very helpful. The whole cruise was like being in the elegant homes of very good friends who had the best staff you could imagine. We really loved it."
- Andy and Nordal McWethy 2005

La Nouvelle Etoile Floor Plan

128 Feet long
-Four Suites over 200 sqare feet with twins or queen beds, TV, internet access, picture windows
-Beautiful, elegant salon/dining area with picture windows.
-Elevator. One suite wheelchair accessible.
-Washer/dryer for guest use.
-Jacuzzi on deck.