La Nouvelle Etoile

Paris - Chablis Cruise

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 Chablis Cruise Itinerary Dates
6-night cruises between June 1 and July 26, 2008

Take a lazy cruise between the bustling streets of Paris to the deep Burgundy countryside - in ULTRA-Deluxe style on NOUVELLE ETOILE!  You'll moor in such ancient towns as Sens, Joigny and Auxerre:  Very nice places to shop, stroll and soak up the quaint atmosphere.  Winetasting at Chablis and a tour of the royal chateau of Fountainebleau add interest.  This is a beautiful and fascinating route.

Jan and Diana Meijer 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
Chablis Cruise Itinerary

June 1 - 7
June 8 - 14
June 29 - July 5
July 6 - 12
July 13 - 19
July 20 - 26

Paris to Auxerre
Day 1
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.

Day 2
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.

Day 3
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.

Day 4
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.

Day 5
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.

Day 6
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.

Day 7
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 the canals and waterways of France Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

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.