La Nouvelle Etoile

Paris to Chablis Cruise

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

2012 paris to chablis rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 8: $52,900
Individuals: $6,900
per person double occupancy
Sinlge Supplement: $3,250

2012 Paris to Chablis Cruise Dates

June 3 - 9	SOLD OUT
July 22 - 28	SOLD OUT

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. 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
"Paris to Chablis Cruise" Dates

Paris to Auxerre
Sunday: Board in Paris
Private Paris Cruise!
Our driver will meet you in the lobby of your central Paris hotel at 3:30.  Transfer to the barge, moored in the heart of Paris for our traditional 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 Samois sur Seine
Splendor of the French Kings at Fountainbleau
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: Samois sur Seine to Montereau
Falconry Show!
A morning cruise on the upper part of the Seine to Montereau, 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: Montereau to Sens
Great Gothic Cathedral
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
Winetasting in the Burgundy vineyards
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
Stroll and shop in a beautiful river town
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 to Paris
A Sad Farewell
Depart at 9:00am for your chauffeured transfer back to central Paris or Charles de Gaulle Airport.  Estimated arrival time is 11:00am; at the airport, estimated arrival time is noon.  Please book your departure flight based on this basis.  Breakfast is your last on-board meal.  We hope to welcome you back to La Nouvelle Etoile again - maybe next time in Holland or Germany!

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

"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

"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
-Brand new touch-screen computer in each cabin
-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.
-Exercise room with treadmill, hometrainer bicycle, free weights and step
-Brand new touch-screen computer in each cabin