Le Premier
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 6
Size: 125 feet long
Last Visited: 2006
Rating: Deluxe





We are very sad to learn that Le PREMIER will not be cruising in 2009.
Please call our office at (800) 880-0071 - we will suggest alternative vessels.

We boarded Le Premier in August, 2006 and found the vessel looking beautiful (with loads of storage having been added in the cabins). Richard and Kathy welcomed me warmly, reviewing details for the many charters we booked.

Le Premier has been developed by Richard Shields and Kathy Williams, whose background is in luxury yachting, principally in the Adriatic and the Aegean. Designed and built entirely to their specifications. LePremier has the clean look of a contemporary boutique hotel: a coordinated aesthetic based on the use of French Oak, sumptuous fabrics, (leather, ultra suede, chenille) and calm beige and white hues. Advanced features include satellite TV, DVD players, and direct dial phones in cabins, internet connection, and a Bose sound system. Three identical King-bedded cabins are bright, stylish, and comfortable.

Extreme commitment to food and wine characterizes this vessel. Kathy is an outstanding chef. As well, both are self-described "wine nuts" and are always able to arrange extra tastings as requested. An enlarged wheel house with cushioned seats provides the perfect perch to chat with Richard as he cruises through gorgeous scenery - and perhaps compare notes on local vintages! Richard and Kathy are fun and original. Ideas such as a "wine-tasting lunch" and the availability of on board spa treatments differentiate their program. Kathy - a chef, artist, and all around creative muse - delights in arranging special experiences, such as a romantic late-afternoon buggy ride or a moonlight soak in the hot tub which she surrounds with masses of candles.

Le Premier

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

Dijon to Escommes on the Canal de Bourgogne

Sunday: Dijon
Arrive late afternoon in Dijon and transfer to LE PREMIER for a champagne welcome and your first dinner on board. Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, is renowned for its stunning architecture. The home of the Dukes of Burgundy, the influences of its long and varied history make it an interesting city. The center is only a short walk from the canal.

Monday: Dijon to Fleurey-sur-Ouche
A full day's cruising with 13 locks to navigate. During the trip guests can visit the famous wine making village of Nuits St George in the center of the Côte de Nuits and the neighboring Clos de Vougeot, the site where the Cistercian monks originally started the wine making of Burgundy. We moor for the night at Fleurey-sur-Ouche, under the trees on the village quay.

Tuesday: Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Gissey
Continuing along the Ouche valley, today we navigate 9 locks passing through a mixture of forests and canal side villages. Guests may visit one of the domains of the Côte d'Or for lunch and a degustation of some of France's best Premier and Grand Cru wines. We moor for the night in the tiny but beautiful village of Gissey, overlooking the ancient bridge over the river.

Wednesday: Gissey to Pont d'Ouche
This is a particularly attractive section of the canal, again, with 13 locks. Around lunch time, we are very close to La Bussiere, an ancient abbey, founded by the Cistercians, within beautiful landscaped grounds. Guests who enjoy a little exercise can easily cycle to the abbey and rejoin LE PREMIER along the canal tow path. Alternatively, simply enjoy the cruise and visit the abbey by car later. We arrive in Pont d'Ouche in the late afternoon. Here is where the canal crosses a small aqueduct as the river heads towards Bligney and the canal makes its way slowly upwards towards the summit.

Thursday: Pont d'Ouche to Vandenesse
After Pont d'Ouche, the canal passes through the stunning scenery of a very narrow gorge, which in previous times was clearly worked as a quarry. This morning, guests may visit the ancient town of Beaune. We meet the boat again at Crugey in time for lunch and continue towards Vandenesse. During the afternoon we catch glimpses of the fortified village of Chateauneuf perched high above, as the canal winds its way through the valley towards Vandenesse. The floodlit chateau stands guard over our mooring and is a spectacular setting for dinner on board.

Fridy: Vandenesse to Escommes
This morning LE PREMIER climbs the final eight-lock flight to the summit of the Burgundy Canal through forests and fields. We pass an unusual section of canal populated by mannequins fishing from boats, climbing trees and doing the garden. The eclusiers, the French lock keepers, are colorful characters, creating beautiful and ornately decorated houses and gardens. Some exhibit art or a small museum or sell their fresh produce such as eggs and honey. After lunch a visit to the chateau at Commarin and watching the sunset from Chateauneuf are the ideal finale to your cruise of Burgundy. Time to enjoy cocktails and a farewell dinner on board LE PREMIER.

Saturday: Return to Dijon
Transfer to Dijon after breakfast. 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.

Le Premier Guest Book

"The food was outstanding - from fresh croissants for breakfast to an incredible tomato pie for lunch to tender mushroom pasta for dinner!  It was great that we got long walks in along the canal so we were ready for the next culinary treat! "
-James and Allison Fleming, 2008

"Barging on the Le Premier with Richard and Cathy was a fabulous experience, relaxing, exciting, interesting and filled with surprises.  Richard is a most hospitable host who knows how to adapt to the character of his guests, and Kathy's gallery produces the most amazing collection of beautiful and delicious treats.  From ballooning to biking along the canal, it was a perfect week away for us."
-Daniel Vittom and Dr. Christine Jacobek, 2008

"I don't think we truly understood how wonderful this trip would be.  It could be anything you wanted.  You could relax and "do nothing", while being waited on for your every whim, or you could go on daily excursions, see the local countryside, or drive into one of the surrounding towns.  We biked, we ate, we walked, we drank great wine, we laughed at Nick our guide until we cried, none of us wanted to leave.  The days literally flew by.  I don't think 6 days is long enough.  It was amazing.  Kathy is a great chef along with the other staff, we felt like family when we departed.  I actually would rate them Ultra Deluxe.  We loved the large outside area of the barge and the clean cut roominess of the cabins.  We will definitely do another barge trip in 2010.  I felt like I had my very own travel guide with the Barge Lady directing our trip.  Thanks to all of you for making a memorable trip."
-Rick and Kathy Sarber, 2008

"Our barge trip was an exceptional journey in which we experienced gourmet food, charming fellow guests and crew, beautiful scenery, and blessed relaxation."
-Cal and Maggi Cahill, 2008

"The trip surpassed our expectations. Kathy's food was outstanding. Richard's wine pairings were excellent. The crew on Le Premier were all top-notch. This is a trip we have talked about for many years and are so glad we finally got to do this. We would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to slow down the pace, eat wonderful food, drink great wine and be pampered."
-Connie and Ron Curtola 2007

" A truly amazing experience in a beautiful part of France. Le Premier is a wonderful luxury barge with premier comfort, premier cuisine, premier hospitality and premier sightseeing tours."
-Hatim Karimjee, 2006

Le Premier Floor Plan

125 Feet long
-3 spacious cabins (176 sq ft) with twin or king beds, TV, CD, DVD, telephone.
-Salon and dining area with skylight, opening panoramic windows, flat screen TV
-Separate study for guest use.
-Spa pool on deck.
-Large enclosed wheelhouse with guest seating and panoramic windows.