Apres Tout
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 6
Size: 127 feet long
Rating: Deluxe, A/C

2012 VALUE SEASON RATE

Whole Boat Charter for up to 6 guests: $32,000

2012 VALUE SEASON DATES

April 1 - 7	October 14 - 20
April 8 -14	October 21 - 28

2012 regular SEASON RATEs

Whole Boat Charter of 6: $36,000
Open Sailing per person: $6,000 based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: $3,000
** Open sailing weeks may be limited, please call us for more information.

2012 REGULAR SEASON DATES

April 15 - 21	June 3 - 9	July 22 - 28	September 9 - 15
April 22 - 28	June 10 - 16	July 29 - August 4	September 16 - 22
April 29 - May 5	June 17 - 23	August 5 - 11	September 23 - 29
May 6 - 12	June 24 - 30	August 12 - 18	September 30 - Oct 6
May 13 - 19	July 1 - 7	August 19 - 25	October 7 - 13
May 20 - 26	July 8 - 14	August 26 - Sept 1
May 27 - June 2	July 15 - 21	September 2 - 8

New for 2012 - Our most exciting barge launch EVER!

Why? Captain Rory and Chef Caroline MaCrae, the most accomplished and attractive couple in barging, have purchased the gorgeous Le Premier, renamed it the Apres Tout (meaning “after all”) and will offer the most personalized program on the French canals. Now THAT’S exciting!

Rory and Caroline are 20-year barge industry veterans who went from crewing to management for the five barges which make up the Orient Express fleet. We first met them in 2001 aboard the Napoleon. They were professional, but with an infectious style that captured both the passengers they served and the crew they led. We continued to work them as they moved up the ladder at Orient Express. Now comes the next step: Their own vessel. On Apres Tout , they will be able to showcase many original ideas which we believe will elevate the barging experience.

The differences begin with the barge itself which has been created with simple luxury in the details: Lots of space. Windows that open. Satellite TV in the salon. Hot tub on deck that accommodates everyone at the same time. Dual 110-220 volt outlets in the bath. The décor is not elaborate, but it is comfortable and soothing. The three identical staterooms offer a choice of King or Twin beds, while in the bathrooms are every amenity needed. The interior is enhanced by pale oak flooring.

Outside, the deck runs the full length of the barge and is designed for many uses: dining, lounging and spa. For those who prefer shade, a large canopy can be provided.

Caroline and Rory also invite guests into their personal work areas, the wheelhouse and the galley. From behind the steering wheel, Rory will share his knowledge of the canals and rivers while guests sit on comfortable seating and watch amazing scenery drift by. Those interested in cuisine can join Caroline in her elegant kitchen. Sip a glass of wine while Caroline shares recipes and techniques. There is always a way to be personally involved on Après Tout.

Caroline’s cuisine is light and delicious, emphasizing local ingredients. Please see the menu section for a picture of her elegant kitchen and a sample lunch and dinner. When I am aboard, Caroline always serves my favorite lunch entrée, Coronation Chicken! Be sure to ask for it.

On shore, the same philosophy continues. Rory believes in introducing not just to sights, but the interesting personalities of the region. He calls it his “Private Access” program. So…there is a lunch in a winery overlooking the fields and a meeting with the vineyard owner. Drop in to an artist's studio. Drive through the vines of the Cote d’Or in World War II era jeeps! Visit a truffle farm. Join the locals at Market in Dijon. Indulge in a “Invitation only” winetasting in Beaune. This is in addition to the usual top sightseeing, which includes the immaculately preserved Medieval hospital in Beaune, the Cathedral in Dijon, and the adorable chateau village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, perched high over the canal.

The lengthy canal-only route is gorgeous and provides daily opportunities to walk on the towpath or explore by bicycle. Many other interests can be accommodated in this region, including hot air ballooning and golf on several courses.

Rory and Caroline say: “There is no better way to explore the splendor of France than to gently cruise along the canals and rivers. This cruise is designed for guests who appreciate attention to detail, as well as gourmet meals and fabulous wines. Whatever your interests are – winetasting, history, cuisine, bicycling, shopping, golfing, art, antiques – we will create a cruise especially for you.” Be among the first to cruise with this delightful couple in 2012!

Apres Tout

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

The Best of "Private Access" Cruising in Burgundy

St Jean de Losne to Pont d'Ouche

Sunday: Paris to St Jean de Losne
Welcome Aboard!
Depart Paris at 2 pm in our luxury private transfer service direct to the barge moored in St Jean de Losne, where you board the Apres Tout for your cruise through Burgundy on the Canal du Bourgogne. A champagne reception gives you a chance to meet the crew. Once you have settled into your cabin, it will be time to return to the deck for a cocktail cruise on the River Saône. A delicious four course dinner will be served with wonderful wines to match, followed by after dinner drinks – weather permitting all served on the magnificent teak deck.

Monday: Cruise to Longecourt
Clos de Vougeot with a jeep drive through the vines!
Leaving the River Saône behind, we now enter onto the Canal de Bourgogne through the first of many locks! Spend the morning enjoying your first cruising day on the flat plain from the river toward Dijon. After lunch, your guide takes you to the area of the ‘Côte d’Or’ ( In French meaning Gold Coast) planted with vines that produce some of the world’s most famous wines. Here we visit the “Clos de Vougeot”, a medieval château surrounded by vineyards, pictured below. This is truly a magnificent Chateau and the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Côte d’Or vintages. We have arranged some fantastic World War II jeeps to take you through the vines to explore some of the small tracks that wind through this famous land for some exhilarating fun! For those who have a little more energy, we can stop at a truffle producer and learn how the black diamonds grow and then how to find them; We return to the Apres Tout for a well deserved refreshing cocktail!


Tuesday: Longecourt to Dijon
Market day in Dijon
This morning we visit Dijon, pictured at right, a wonderful town with a long and interesting history. As it is market day, the centre is thriving with traders selling their produce and shoppers meandering taking in the atmospheric feel of this magnificent city. There is plenty of time to shop in the city’s many chic boutiques or sit in a pavement café and watch the world go by. Later, we will visit the Grey Poupon mustard shop for a tasting of this famous product and then take a walk through the historic area of the town which will captivate you with its historical past, including the Ducal Palace. We return to the barge for lunch and an afternoon cruise into Dijon, where we moor for the evening. Tonight, you must try a ‘Kir Royale’ made with local Cassis, a liqueur invented here in Dijon made from blackcurrants and mixed with the Burgundy Champagne equivalent named Cremant.


Wednesday: Dijon to Fleurey
Lunch with a Vineyard Owner
Leaving Dijon behind we head to the valley of the Ouche. Enjoy a relaxing morning on board; there are many locks for dis-embarking to cycle or to walk. Late morning you transfer over the hillside and down through the vines to the charming village of Gevrey Chambertin. We are greeted by the owner of this prestigious Grand Crus wine makers, and here we have a splendid lunch on their terrace over looking their vines! During lunch Madame Drouhin Laroze (the owner) will present her wines. This is truly a very unique experience. After lunch, we are given a very informative private tour of the cellars. We then take a scenic drive along the famous ‘Route du Grand Crus’, Passing through many of the famous wine villages. .

Thursday: Fleurey to Gissey
Historic Beaune and dinner at Abbaye de la Bussiere
The morning is spent cruising through the lovely Ouche Valley, this is a truly spectacular part of the canal, small villages pass by, cows wander in the fields, and there is nature all around. There is a total feel of peace and tranquillity as we slowly cruise this magnificent canal. After another wonderful lunch, you are transferred to the delightful town of Beaune, the capital of the wine region of Burgundy. Enjoy a visit to the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune with its interesting history and magnificent tiled roof. After some free time for shopping or strolling in the pedestrian streets we have an optional appointment for a private wine tasting at the famous cellars of Joseph Drouhin, this tour is by invitation only. Later, we return to the barge for a refreshing cocktail and freshen up before one of the high lights of the week, a gourmet dinner at the stunning Abbaye de la Bussiere. This Relais & Chateaux property has been beautifully transformed from a Cistercian abbey into a fabulous hotel, set in architectural grounds where you will dine in style tonight.



Friday: Gissey to Pont d'Ouche
Private Artist Visit
Today enjoy the final stretch of this beautiful canal. We pass through several more locks until reaching our destination of the port at Pont D’Ouche. This afternoon we make a special private visit to an English artist of world renown, who has set up his gallery and workshop in a converted barn. His work is world class, and has been recently commissioned to create a piece of art to celebrate the Olympics in London. We are shown through the workshop, and explained how he makes his marvelous pieces of bronze sculptures many of which have been produced for the Queen of England, including the war memorial in London. We then drive up to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, a medieval hill-top village steeped in History. This is a charming place with stunning views from all angles, of the surrounding countryside. Return to the Apres Tout for a gala dinner with wonderful wines to match and a fond farewell.


Saturday: Return to Paris
A Sad Farewell
After breakfast disembark and transfer to Paris with our private luxury transfer service. This itinerary cruises in the opposite direction on alternate weeks.

Please note: The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Barging in Burgundy on the canals and waterways of France Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Apres Tout Guest Book

We know our 2012 guests will love Apres Tout and look forward to the guest feedback.