Destinations 
- France
- Northern Burgundy
- Southern Burgundy
- Amaryllis
(8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe) - Apres Tout
(6 Guests, Deluxe) - Bonheur
(4 Guests, Casual Class) - Caprice
(21 Guests, First Class) - Fleur de Lys
(6 Guests, Ultra Deluxe) - Hirondelle
(8 Guests, Deluxe) - L'Impressionniste
(12 Guests, Deluxe) - Nenuphar
(12 Guests, Ultra Deluxe) - Papillon
(4-6 Guests, Deluxe) - Prosperite
(8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe) - Savoir Vivre
(8 Guests, Casual Class) - Who Knows
(4-6 Guests, Casual Class)
- Amaryllis
- Canal Du Midi
- Provence - Carmargue
- Gascony
- Alsace-Lorraine
- Champagne
- Paris
- Loire Valley
- Upper Loire
- Gourmet Land Tours
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Bonheur
Barging in Burgundy
Passengers: 4Size: 110 feet long
Rating: Casual Class, A/C
Last Visited : 2011
2012 Rates
Whole Boat Charter of 2, 3 or 4 guests: $13,5002012 Sunday Start dates
| May 13 - 19 |
July 22 - 28 | September 2 - 8 |
| May 20 - 26 |
July 29 - August 4 |
September 30 - October 6 |
| June 17 - 23 |
August 26 - Sept 1 | October 7 - 13 |
| June 24 - 30 |
2012 Wednesday Start dates
| April 25 - May 1 |
July 4 - 10 |
| May 2 - 8 |
July 11 - 17 |
| May 30 - June 5 |
September 12 - 18 |
| June 6 - 12 |
September 19 - 25 |
"Bonheur" in French means "happiness," and oh, boy, is this the right name! Created and operated by one of the most attractive young couples in barging, Captain Paul Roberts and Chef Annie Roberts, Bonheur is a top choice for Casual Class cruising with charm, flair and an especially warm welcome. The Roberts bring interesting professional backgrounds: Paul in tourism and historic architectural preservation, Annie in retail management, most notably with Laura Ashley for many years.
We are always pleased when we visit this marvelous barge! The latest to see Bonheur was Caroline Sack Klein in 2011. She said: “Bonheur was delightfully charming and comfortable. Over the winter, the entire vessel was air-conditioned and the two cabins re-decorated. They both are now blue and white with a Provencal-inspired theme. We were happy to be among the first in barging to see these new cabins! Annie’s “eye” and attention to detail are evident the moment one boards. Never have I seen such extensive and beautiful on-deck floral displays! Paul has announced some new programming for 2011, including a Tasting Lunch at Olivier Leflaive in Puligny-Montrachet, at which 14 vintages will be tasted, and also a second lunch off the barge in the village of Volnay on the way to Beaune. Our guests love Bonheur – and so do I!”
Ellen Sack, the Barge Lady, spent the night on Bonheur in 2009. Ellen said: "Going onto the barge, one then encounters the salon, a warm and comfortable room with several sink-in couches, and partially open to the green and white tiled kitchen. Thoughtful touches abound. In one corner is a writing desk, complete with postcards and stamps; in another, a help-yourself fridge; there is an extensive library and even art supplies at the ready for those inspired to paint or draw! Entertainment is provided by a DVD with movie selection as well as an IPOD with at least 150 albums.
The cabins continue Bonheur’s theme of comfort married to charm. They ARE petite, but beautiful – with King size beds that can also be configured to Twin beds, ingenious storage, and gorgeous tiled baths (In the cabin where I stayed, there is a separate shower-sink room and toilet room.)
The itinerary on the Canal du Centre has a lot of high points: Among them are remarkable Roman ruins in Autumn; Beaune with its 15th century hospice Hotel Dieu; and the medieval chateau of Couches with its impressive drawbridge and keep. Paul approaches sightseeing in an informed and personal way. For instance he makes sure that guests will attend a weekly outdoor market. And he has found a vineyard presided over by a wonderful winemaker, who gives the tour in English.
Annie's cuisine is fresh, light and delicious! Please go to the Menu section for a writeup of the dinner I and our Barge Lady guests enjoyed on board. For a change of pace, three dinners are scheduled off the barge at the expense of the guests. Paul can recommend authentic, local auberges and will make reservations and provide transportation. Bonhuer has turned out to be a very successful addition to our fleet."