Caprice
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 21
Size:128 feet long
Last Visited: 2010
Rating: First Class, A/C

2012 Value SEASON Rates*

Whole Boat Charter: $56,810
Individuals: $2,990
per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,390

2012 VALUE SEASON DATES

April 7 - 13	July 28 - Aug 3	October 20 - 26
April 14 - 20	August 4 - 10	October 27 - Nov 2
April 21 - 27	August 11 - 17
July 21- 27	August 18 - 24

2012 Regular Season Rates*

Whole Boat Charter: $60,810
Individuals: $3,190 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,390

2012 Regular SEASON DATES

April 28 - May 4	June 2 - 8	July 7 - 13	September 15 - 21
May 5 - 11	June 9 - 15	July 14 - 20	September 22 - 28
May 12 - 18	June 16 - 22	August 25 - 31	September 29 - Oct 5
May 19 - 25	June 23 - 29	September 1 - 7	October 6 - 12
May 26 - June 1	June 30 - July 6	September 8 - 14	October 13 - 19

* Prices DO NOT include open bar, crew gratuity, or transfers to and from the routes. Prices DO include wines served with lunch and dinner. We would be happy to coordinate and book train transfers.

The Barge Lady's own Office Manager, Amy Aldrich and her husband Tom Aldrich had the chance to cruise on CAPRICE in October of 2010 and loved it. Here is her report:

Amy said, "The CAPRICE is a lovely addition to our Southern Burgundy barges with its unique, informal ambiance and interesting sightseeing and excursions for all the passengers to enjoy. Being a 21 passenger barge, we had the opportunity to sit at meals with different people each day and it didn't seem to matter who we were sitting with, each person continuously raved throughout each meal whether it was lunch or dinner. The young, enthusiastic staff took special care of all and seemed to revel in the "little things" such as being creative in folding the towels in the cabins and napkins on the tables, to decorating our butter each dinner. The butter sometimes matched the food such as the "snail butter" served the night we enjoyed escargot. Other creative butters included "flower butter", "mouse chasing the cheese" and "running man. Too cute!

Excursions including Dijon and the amazing Hospice in Beaune were nicely appointed with guides. There was also time in some of the small villages on your own. Everyone on board seemed quite intrigued with each set of locks the barge went through, as well as the idyllic scenery and thoroughly enjoyed time off the barge walking or riding bikes on the towpath."

Ellen said: "We are happy to welcome CAPRICE back to our fleet. Caprice is now operated by an experienced and dedicated American owner. This barge is perfect for a group of ten couples or a family – and it represents very good value on barging's premier route. The “Three Waterways of Burgundy” itinerary hits all the high points of this gorgeous region and provides daily opportunities to walk or bicycle."

Caprice

"Three Waterways in Burgundy"

Dijon to St Leger-sur-Dheune
On the Canal de Bourgogne, Canal du Centre and River Saone

Saturday: Dijon
Welcome Aboard!
From Paris Gare de Lyon, take TGV #6715, depart Paris 2:26 pm – arrive Dijon Train Station at 4:05 pm. (The cost of train transfers are not included in the cruise price. We can book and purchase these tickets 60 days before departure.) You will be met by the Caprice bus and driver at the front door at 4:15 pm. In addition, Caprice crew will be circulating in the station and available to help you. Then transfer to Caprice moored at the Port in Dijon where a welcome aboard Kir Royale (with champagne) awaits you. We will then introduce you to the crew and Caprice while your luggage is quietly taken to your cabin. Before and after dinner there will be time to use the internet cafe at the Port, have a quiet drink at the Bargie Lounge across the street, stroll along the tow path or walk uptown. Dijon center is but 10 minutes away. Tonight you'll get to know your fellow guests and enjoy your first of many gourmet dinners on board!



Sunday: Visit Dijon, Cruise to Longecourt
Touring, Bicycling, Walking, Relaxing....
After your buffet breakfast we begin our cruise on the Canal de Bourgogne. Later our motor coach will whisk us off for a guided tour of Dijon, the capital of Burgundy. This is a beautiful, old city with a medieval core and your guide will show you buildings and explain the history. There will be time to visit a shop selling Dijon mustard. After we return to Caprice we will continue via the Canal de Bourgogne. There are many opportunities for guests to walk along the towpath or cycle into nearby villages. This evening we will moor in Longecourt, a quiet canalside town. Our mooring spot allows a magnificent view of the Chateau Longecourt from the forward deck. There is time to explore the village after dinner, stroll along the tow path, or sit on the deck and get to know your fellow passengers.



Monday: Longecourt to Seurre
Private Wine-tasting
This morning your guide will take you to visit to Clos de Vougeot. Wine was produced here as early as the 12th century—by none other than the local monks. A private wine tasting follows in Nuits St Georges before we return to Caprice. We continue our cruise to St Jean de Losne where the Canal de Bourgogne merges with the river Saône. There are hundreds of barges moored here in addition to major barge manufacturers. Live aboard barge owners are abundant. We will continue our cruise on the Saône to Seurre, a lovely riverside town with a 16th century church and beautiful brick houses from the 17th century.



Tuesday: Seurre to Chalon sur Saone
Visit a 12th-Century Chateau
This morning we will visit the Museum of Seurre before setting our on a beautiful river cruise to Chalon sur Saône where we arrive in mid afternoon. A guided walking tour of old town begins after we arrive. There will be time for shopping in the town's elegant shopping district. Chalon Sur Saône was built alongside the Saône about 3000 years ago, the town was a naval base during Antiquity, the place of big fairs during the Middle Ages, a trading center in modern and contemporary times. Old town is magnificent.

Wednesday: Visit Beaune, Cruise to Chagny
Beaune - Wine Capital of Burgundy




Thursday: Chagny to St Leger-sur-Dheune
Well-Preserved Medieval Fortress
Our shore excursion will be to the village of Rully for a private guided tour of the 12c Chateau Rully. Chateau Rully has been in the same family for 900 years. This Medieval fortress is built around a 12th century keep and reveals some interesting features of medieval military architecture with its parapet walk, battlements, machicoulis and loopholes. The main building dates back to the Renaissance. The vaulted kitchen in the keep has a monumental fireplace and an extensive range of copper utensils. An 18th Century building boasts Burgundy's largest stone roof. The Rully vineyards surround the Chateau. Ample time for waking or cycling today. Later we cruise on to the picturesque village of St Léger-sur-Dheune for a farewell gala dinner.


Friday: Return to Dijon for your onward transfer
A Sad Farewell
The bus departs at 9:00 am for the drive back to Dijon; estimated arrival is 10:30 – 10:45 am. We suggest returning to Paris via TGV #9284, depart Dijon 11:29 am , arrive back at the Paris Gare de Lyon 1:03 pm. Or you can pick up a rental car near the Station. We hope to see you again on the French canals – what about the barge Lorraine in Alsace next time?

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St Leger-sur-Dheune to Dijon
On the Canal de Bourgogne, Canal du Centre and River Saone

Saturday: Dijon to St. Leger
Welcome Aboard!
From Paris Gare de Lyon, take TGV #6715, depart Paris 2:26 pm – arrive Dijon Train Station at 4:05 pm. ( The cost of train transfers are not included in the cruise price. We can book and purchase these tickets 60 days before departure.) You will be met by the Caprice bus and driver at the front door at 4:15 pm; in addition, Caprice crew will be circulating in the station and available to help you. We will then transfer to Caprice located in the picturesque village of St. Leger on the Canal du Centre. Sip Kir Royale, a drink invented in Burgundy, as we welcome you on board and introduce you to the crew. (Meanwhile, your luggage is quietly taken to your cabin.). Tonight you will enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board Caprice.

Sunday: St. Leger to Chagny
Well-Preserved Medieval Fortress
Today we navigate to the quiet village of Dennevy. Drive to Couches to visit the chateau of Marguerite of Burgundy, the beautifully preserved vestiges of a vast medieval fortress, followed by a tasting of the wines made here by Emmanuel Cayot, son of the owner. Ample time for waking or cycling today. Later we cruise through the vineyards of Santeney where the Canal Du Centre meanders peacefully. Our destination tonight is the lovely canal side village of Chagny.

Monday: Chagny to Chalon sur Saone
Visit a 12th-Century Chateau
Today’s excursion to the nearby village of Rully for a private guided tour of the 12c. Chateau. We will cruise along an attractive winding stretch where a good towpath and fairly frequent locks give ample opportunities to walk or cycle the tow path. We will exit the Canal du Centre via a lock that decends 50 feet to enter the Rivier Saone. We moor at CHALON SUR SAONE, the second largest city in Burgundy and an important trading center since gallo-roman times. There will be time to visit the beautiful medieval town center surrounding the Cathedral St Vincent. An evening stroll through Chalon is highly recommended. .

Tuesday: Chalon sur Saone to St Jean de Losne
Beaune - Wine Capital of Burgundy
Today’s excursion is to Beaune. Beaune, wine capital of Burgundy and home to the magnificent Hôtel-Dieu, a charity hospital founded in 1443. This monument boasts the finest Burgundian-Flemish architecture in the world. Today’s cruising is on the River Soane. This is the only day without the opportunity to walk the tow paths. There are none on the river and locks are few. We end up tonight in St Jean de Losne, traditionally the center of barging in France. It is in St Jean de Losne that the river Soane merges with the Canal de Bourgogne. There is ample opportunity to walk the village before dinner and stroll the quiet streets after dinner. There are hundreds of barges moored here in addition to major barge manufacturers. Live aboard barge owners are abundant. You will find dozens of English and American live aboards in St Jean de Losne. It is fascinating to engage this interesting group in a local cafe. Bargers are a special people.

Wednesday: St Jean de Losne to Ouches
Private Winetasting at Clos de Vougeot
Our excursion today is a visit to Clos de Vougeot. Wine was produced here as early as the 12th century—by none other than the local monks. A private wine tasting follows before we return to Caprice. We are now cruising the Canal du Bourgogne with ample time for cycling and walking the tow path. This evening we will moor in the tiny village of Ouches.

Thursday: Ouches to Dijon
Explore Dijon
After your buffet breakfast aboard Caprice our motor coach will whisk you for a tour of Dijon, the capital of Burgundy. Dijon is a special place with a vivid history. We return to Caprice and then cruise the remaining distance into Dijon where there may be some time before our gala dinner for perhaps a bit more exploring of Dijon. Mooring tonight is in the Port of Dijon. Barging Thru France has become famous for it’s gala dinners. Tonight will be no exception. This is a final night with new found friends. Our experience is that many come back to cruise within a year and several come with friends they met on another cruise.

Friday: Onward transfer from Dijon
A Sad Farewell
Caprice is moored right in Dijon. You be taken to the Train Station in time for TGV # 9284, depart 11:29 am, arrive back at the Paris Gare de Lyon at 1:03 pm. Or you can pick up a rental car at the Station. We hope to see you back on the French canals – what about the barge Lorraine in Alsace next time?!

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 in Burgundy on the canals and waterways of France Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Caprice

Guest Book

"Hi Ellen, We are at the airport in Paris waiting for our flight to Zagreb. Our barge trip was a "10" in all respects. The Caprice was a great barge and the crew was wonderful. We also lucked out with the 15 other passengers who were very fun folks. All in all we couldn't think of anything to improve the experience. The chef was off the chart and we will pay the price for weeks to come getting the pounds off. We have some other travel plans to discuss with you and thank you for booking this memorable trip. It is now tied with Bora Bora on our "best trip" list."
- Roger Scott and Tootje Maaskant, cruised September, 2011

"Barging is a perfect combination of elegance and sophistication along with casualness and relaxation. The number of passengers is small enough that everyone easily becomes friendly. On my recent cruise on the Caprice, the quality of food and wine was excellent. Meal highlights for me were the various delicious salads at lunch and the cheese course at dinner. How Hervé produced all those great meals in that tiny galley is beyond belief! Guy is an excellent guide with great knowledge of history and culture, and a good sense of humor. Two of the excursion highlights: 1)a private tour of Chateau Rully given by the current owner. The chateau has been in his family since the 12th century! To top off the tour, he served us wine from his vineyard. 2) a tour of the Hotel-Dieu in Beaune with its colorful tiled roof and beautifully restored and maintained interior including a magnificent painting of The Last Judgment by Flemish painter Roger van der Weyden. I loved taking in the pastoral scenes while biking on the towpaths, and gave homage to the cows for their part in the delicious cheese and butter!"
- Laura McLellan, cruised September, 2011

“Our cruise was a total success. We loved meeting fellow guests from the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Everyone got along well! The food was delicious. The chef went out of his way to make wonderful vegetarian meals for my daughter. Even the weather was perfect every day!”
-Nancy Norris, cruised May, 2011

“The food and wine were exquisite and the staff so friendly and very competent. I feel very privileged to have been able to take this trip. I especially appreciated the balance of activity from the informative excursions to the free time to walk the canal. I will definitely take another barge cruise if I can.”
- Satisfied 2011 Guest

“The cuisine and staff were excellent. Our favorite part of the cruise was spending time with our fellow guests.”
-Mary and Hubert Mandeville, 2010

"It was everything we hoped for. The crew was very courteous and attentive. The meals were excellent, through and through. The options to walk, bike or just cruise allowed everyone to enjoy within their own limitations. We enjoyed being a part of a small passenger group because it allowed everyone to share meals with all other passengers several times. By the end of the week, we were a friendly group. Exploring the many French villages on our route by bicycle and on foot was our most enjoyable highlight."
-Jon and Patricia Varvel, 2008

"Magali our guide was exceptional! We hated to leave - very special people and very special time!"
-Pat and Judy Easterbrook, 2008

"It was a very special European Experience which we will never forget. The food was gourmet and exceptional and the chef held two cooking demonstrations which were inspirational. The crew truly spoiled us the whole week - anything we wanted or needed was provided even before we knew we needed it. I would definitely recommend everyone try a barge vacation. In fact, we are already talking about our next barge adventure and I can hardly wait!"
-Cindy and Erin McCauley, 2008

Caprice Floor Plan

128 Feet long
-11 Lower deck cabins approx 100 sq ft
-All with private bath
-8 twin-bedded cabins
-2 double-bedded cabins
-1 single-occupancy cabin
-Salon/dining room with picture windows
-Large kitchen from where cooking classes are provided
-Sundeck with canopy