C'est la Vie
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 8
Size: 126 feet long
Last Visited: 2011
Rating: Deluxe, A/C, Families

2012 rates

Whole Boat Charter of 6: $37,800
Whole Boat Charter of 7: $39,900
Whole-Boat Charter of 8: $42,000
Individual Cabin: $5,750 per person in a double occupancy cabin
Single Supplement: $2,450

2012 dates

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

We are thrilled to visit the C'EST LA VIE, owned and operated by Olivier and Deb Megret, a remarkable couple with deep roots in the barge industry and a reservoir of talent that will assure C'est La Vie as a top, top quality operation! Olivier and Deb have worked for distinguished barge operators in a variety of roles; chef, captain, guide and hostess. In addition, Olivier is a certified balloon pilot and enjoys wine as a hobby. Their longstanding dream of owning their own vessel has come to fruition with C'est La Vie, the former Lone Star. Olivier knows the barge and the route well having served as captain to previous owners for many years.

Olivier hails from one of France’s top “barging families,” the Megret clan. “For the past 25 years, I have enjoyed life on the barges, having the pleasure of showing my country to our wonderful passengers,” he says. Deb is British and started in the narrow boat industry there, eventually moving to France and working for top companies. It was on one of these vessels that she met Olivier. They were married in 2006.

C'est La Vie was designed as a private floating getaway for an American family and as a result, “feels” very welcoming! The window-lined salon-dining room is really a place to relax and watch the world go by! Décor is in warm shades of blue and cream, while the furniture is of the comfortable variety. Colorful table settings both in the dining room and on deck reflect the warmth and fun of C'est La Vie. The four extremely spacious cabins are paneled in ash and cherry wood and offer such amenities as individually controlled heating/air conditioning units, 110 AND 220 volt electricity in the bedroom and bath, and ample storage space. The en-suite baths have a full-size standing shower and enough counter space that you will be reminded of home.

The itinerary unveils many classic Burgundy vistas. There is ample opportunity to walk and bicycle, and sightseeing offers a full range of gorgeous chateaux – Ancy-le-France is one of our favorite places of beauty in all of France – winetasting and classic towns with markets and squares in which to linger. Chauffeured transfers to and from Paris is a service that is fast becoming rare in barging, but of course, it is part of the C'est La Vie experience!

Go to Guestbook for a writeup of the Barge Lady’s cruise in June, 2011.

C'est la Vie - Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

Ravieres to St. Florentin

On the Canal de Bourgogne

Sunday: Paris to the C’est la Vie moored in Ravieres
Welcome Aboard!
Your party will be met in Paris at 3pm by our driver and driven to the “C’est la Vie” which is moored in the town of Ravières A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first gourmet dinner aboard.

Monday: Ravieres to Ancy le Franc
Cistercian Abbey
Morning cruise to the village of Ancy le Franc, which will allow you time to walk off breakfast of locally baked croissants and other pastries. After a buffet lunch you will be driven to the Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay, pictured below, founded by St Bernard. Dating back to the 12th Century it is listed on the Unesco World Heritage site. Returning to the “C’est La Vie” for dinner.

Tuesday: Ancy le Franc to Lezinnes
Gorgeous Renaissance Chateau, dinner at Le Pot d'Etain
You can walk or be driven for this mornings visit to the gorgeous Renaissance chateau of Ancy le Franc, pictured at right. Renowned for its 16th-century wall paintings and frescos (which are said to rival Fontainebleau), Ancy-le-Franc has been extensively and sensitively renovated. Return to the “C’est La Vie” for lunch and an afternoon cruise to the small town of Lézinnes from where you will be driven to the village of L’Isle sur Serein for your dinner ashore at the family run restaurant of “Le Pot d’Etain”.


Wednesday: Lezinnes to Tanlay
Medieval town and local market
Morning visit to the medieval town of Noyers, pictured at left. Where you can walk through the cobbled streets enjoying the local market and discover the old ramparts and half timbered buildings from the 15th/16th centuries along the banks of the river Serein. Drive back to the “C’est La Vie” through fields of wheat and grazing animals for lunch and an afternoon cruise on the Burgundy Canal to Tanlay now lined by poplar trees, a perfect moment to put on your walking shoes and explore the towpath and small villages along the way. Dinner aboard


Thursday: Tanlay to Flogny la Chapelle
Winetasting in Chablis
We take a morning cruise and pass through the old town of Tonnerre with buildings from many eras, including Roman and Medieval, before our afternoon visit to the town of Chablis, where you can taste some of the famous white wines of this region in one of their local cellars and enjoy a drive through vine yards which cover the hill sides for as far as the eye can see. Returning to the “C’est la Vie for another gourmet dinner aboard

Friday: Flogny la Chapelle to St Florentin
Explore Historic Auxerre
This morning’s cruise will take us past beautiful villages and countryside, see above, to the town of St Florentin by early afternoon. After lunch drive to the town of Auxerre. On the banks of the river Yonne this historic town, first settled by the Romans boasts a Cathedral, an Abbey and a Church. With buildings dating back to medieval times this is the ideal place to stroll along its narrow streets and window shop or just sit and relax with a coffee in one of its many cafés reflecting on Napoleon, Joan of Arc or Charles VII who all passed through this elegant town. Return to the “C’est La Vie” for the Captain’s Dinner, which ends your cruise in style.

Saturday: St Florentin to Paris
A Sad Farewell
After breakfast, you’ll be chauffeured back to Paris for the end of the morning. We hope to see you again on the C’est la Vie! Estimated arrival time in Paris is approximately noon. Please make all onward travel plans on the basis of this timing. We hope your cruise will live on in happy memories!

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.

C'est la Vie
Guest Book

"The barge cruise was over-the-top-fantastic! Awesome food, accommodations and crew. One of our best trips."
-Michael and Denise Grossman, cruised October 2011

"We loved it. Olivier and Deb do a perfect job and, Glenn was an exceptional guide. The Chef was outstanding and the Michelin star meal was a great addition. The barge was perfect!"
- Marilyn and David Baum, cruised September, 2011

"The cruised exceeded our expectations in every regard! From the pre-trip planning to the well-appointed cabins, the term "hotel barge" is well deserved. The cruise was a perfect combination of elegance, hospitality, great food and camaraderie. The cuisine was outstanding. Excellent cheese and wine complimented every lunch and dinner. Our guide, Bill, had great command of the history and culture of the area. He was very informative and enthusiastic.

Captain Olivier, wife and first mate Deb and their crew tended to every detail. This cruise was rated "Deluxe" but our description is "Ultra Deluxe" as our crew deserved the highest tier in the rating system."
-Bob and Sue Dove, cruised September 2011

"We have never felt so pampered! We were so impressed with the barge, the crew, the food, wine and cheeses! It was certainly the most luxurious trip we have ever had. The cabins were far roomier and more comfortable than we expected and the cruise far exceeded our expectations. The variety of daily experiences was very nice - wine tastings, visiting small villages, cathedrals and chateau and learning about their histories. The tow paths were perfect for walking and bicycling, and the bikes and helmets were great!"
-Don and Linda Gruidel, cruised September 2011

"The barge trip was fabulous! I think that the C'est La Vie must be the most beautiful on the canals. Olivier, Deborah, Catherine and Glen were wonderful. The attention to detail ---clean, new towels twice a day, for instance, went far and beyond anything that was expected. The food was exquisite--- the wines, cheeses and menus were better than the three star Michelin restaurant they took us to (although that in itself was a treat). Glen's tours were outstanding for his knowledge of history, architecture and wines of the area. Olivier is a captain with a great sense of humor and a he puts together a most impressive trip along with Deb who keeps things running and ship-shape and gives a delightful history of the cheeses that are served. All in all the whole experience far exceeded our fondest expectations. One last observation - having all the rooms of equal size is a real advantage when a group is going to charter the boat. And the sheer size of the suites and bathrooms is impressive. We couldn't have chased a better boat. Thanks for suggesting her."
- Lorraine Kottra, cruised September, 2011

"C'est la Vie was our absolute favorite part of France trip. The barge and its crew were absolutely outstanding. The food was consistently gourmet level. The barge should be rated Ultra Deluxe, because the accommodations, food, staff and guide were all superb. Our stateroom was the largest room we had on the trip! Bathroom and shower were best we had. Living/dining area was beautiful, but comfortable with huge windows, so that you could be inside while seeing everything. Outside deck was covered, which was wonderful. The guide was superb. He was delightful and very knowledgeable about wine, French history and architecture. I enjoyed all the cathedral and abbey tours. The captain, Olivier, is clearly very knowledgeable about the entire hotel barge business. He comes from a culinary family, and has both piloted and been a tour guide over his 25 years in the hotel barge business. While chefs and guides will come and go, I have no doubt he'll assure high standards throughout. Oh, and Cote St Jacques, the Michelin 3 star restaurant Olivier took us to, was INCREDIBLE! Best restaurant Scott & I have ever enjoyed. Food was unbelievable; service was highly attentive, but unobtrusive. The mix of barging, touring and opportunity for walking on the tow path was perfect for us. Also, clearly The Barge Lady is very well regarded. We would enthusiastically recommend the C'est La Vie!"
- Scott Wagman & Beth Houghton, cruised September, 2011

“We have enjoyed many barge cruises over the past 25 wonderful years, but can honestly say that C’est La Vie rates as among the very most outstanding! Starting with the accommodations; We have NEVER been in such comfortable and spacious cabins and with a wealth of storage space besides. The bathroom is large, with adequate floor space, counter space and walk-in shower. Moving on to the public areas, again, comfortable and spacious without being 'over the top.’ We relaxed completely in the salon and on deck, which features a retractable awning. The wood paneling everywhere gives C’est La vie a classically nautical look and feel.

We boarded having met owners Deb and Olivier several times, so we felt we were returning to visit friends. This is a couple who knows how to operate a barge cruise in a low-key manner. They are industry veterans with great contacts and so are able to attract top crew. Chef Katherine Frelon offered absolutely divine cuisine (she will be cooking for the fall, 2011 season - lucky guests!) and in addition, gave us a cooking lesson and welcomed us into her kitchen for informal chats. We asked for foie gras at the beginning of the week with the result that she juggled her menus to provide pate de foie gras at the Captain’s Dinner. NOTHING was too much trouble!

The guide Glen is also very senior in the industry and is one of the few 'scholar guides’ we have experienced on the canals. His great interest is World War I, but he has visited and studied French history and cultural sites of every era. His tour of Chateau Ancy-le-Franc was incredible; he is so well thought of at the chateau that he is given the key and was able to take us through entirely privately. In Sens, he presented the famed Gothic cathedral, which is gorgeous and the premier sight in town, but then led us for a walk and pointed out buildings from periods ranging from the Medieval to World War II.

Back on board, Olivier arranged a chamber music concert. As the sun set over the canal, our lovely lady musicians - one playing the flute, the other on violin – transported us to another era. This kind of care and thought that went into arranging this concert is typical of the operation as a whole. We were delighted with our cruise on C’est la Vie and look forward to returning soon again!”
- Ellen Sack, the Barge Lady with Nick Sack, Monsieur Le Barge Lady
Cruised June, 2011

C'est la Vie Floor Plan

126 Feet long
Cabin 1 = 226 sq feet
Cabin 2 = 226 sq feet
Cabin 3 = 220 sq feet
Cabin 4 = 236 sq feet
-Three windows on each exterior side
-Choice of Twin or King Beds
-Beautiful cherry wood wardrobe with lots of storage
-110 and 220 volt electrical outlets in both cabin and bathroom
-Large and window-lined salon and dining area
-Teak deck with awning if needed
-Large wheelhouse with guest seating
-Wifi on board
-Two bathrobes in each cabin