Prosperite Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 8
Size: 128 feet long
Last Visited: 2010
Rating: Ultra Deluxe, Air Conditioning, Families

2011 VALUE SEASON RATE

Whole Boat Charter: $39,900

2011 VALUE SEASON DATES

April 3 - 9	October 16 - 22
April 10 -16	October 23 - 29
April 17 - 23

2011 regular SEASON RATE

Whole Boat Charter: $49,900

2011 REGULAR SEASON DATES

April 24 - 30	June 12 - 18	July 24 - 30	September 4 - 10
May 1 - 7	June 19 - 25	July 31 - August 6	September 11 - 17
May 8 - 14	June 26 - July 2	August 7 - 13	September 18 - 24
May 15 - 21	July 3 - 9	August 14 - 20	September 25 - Oct 1
May 22 - 28	July 10 - 16	August 21 - 27	October 2 - 8
May 29 - June 4	July 17 - 23	August 28 - Sept 3	October 9 - 15
June 5 - 11

We boarded on a delightful summer evening.  Prospérité was moored near an ancient bridge spanning the canal and, together with Barge Lady guests on board, we enjoyed cocktails on deck as the sun set.  Our truly gourmet dinner was then served from the open kitchen.  The barge is perfectly maintained and the crew led by Spencer and Rejane Hayes is at the top of their game.  Out 2010 guests have given Prospérité glowing reviews.  With its still innovative physical plant, experienced crew, and location on France's premier itinerary, Prospérité provides great value in the Ultra-Deluxe category.

Prospérité continues to develop, under the low-key but strategic leadership of veteran Captain Spencer Hayes. Debuting in 2003, Prosperité was created by a hands-on American hotelier and represents a successful new approach which combines the best features of relaxed, contemporary lifestyle with every luxury in traditional, Ultra-Deluxe barging. Original ideas such as the demonstration kitchen where guests may watch and interact informally with the chef at work and the “open refrigerator” with drinks, snacks and desserts available twenty four hours a day, reflect modern living and entertaining in which everyone congregates in the kitchen.

The four, 270 square-foot cabins equally reflect contemporary standards with a roomy reading corner, large beds which (larger than most Paris hotel rooms) can be configured as one King or two Twins, and huge bathrooms with both shower stall and tub. Stunning decor in the upstairs salon and separate dining room is very casual chic, combining Italian leather couches with contemporary and antique accent pieces.

The itinerary includes wine and cheese tastings, visits to ancient towns, local markets, chateau and dinner out at the Michelin-starred Abbaye de la Bussiere, located within walking distance of the canal.

Prosperite

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

Timeless cruising on tree-lined canals... Winetasting in the Cote d'Or... Personalities of Burgundy... Hospice de Beaune... An idyllically beautiful route !

Dijon to Vandenesse-en-Auxois
Sunday: Paris to Dijon
Private Chauffeured Transfer - Of Course!
A representative of Prospérité will meet you at 2:00 PM at one Paris hotel of your choice and then chauffeur you via Mercedes Minivan to the barge, at anchor in Dijon. You'll be welcomed by the traditional champagne reception, and enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners on board. Tonight we stay in Dijon.

Monday:
Dijon to Fleury-sur-Ouche
Where Medieval Monks Made Wine
Prospérité departs the port of Dijon - heading onto the Burgundy Canal for a tranquil morning cruise. Prospérité will go through the first of many locks, see at left. After lunch, devote the afternoon to an introduction to the Cote d'Or wine region lying south of the canal. First, we'll drive among the vineyards and villages of the "Route des Grand Crus" on the way to Clos de Vougeot, a 12th century chateau where Cistercian monks learned the art of winemaking. Explore the ancient wine presses and soak in the ambiance of this elegant chateau surrounded by vineyards. Then it is back to Prospérité, now moored in Fleury-sur-Ouche.

Tuesday: Fleury-sur-Ouche to Gissey-sur-Ouche
Join the Locals at the Dijon Market
This morning we'll drive back to Dijon for a morning devoted to this lovely town. First, we'll walk the historic district, with its colorful tiled rooftop buildings, and then stop at the Covered Food Market, which was designed by Eiffel of Tower fame! A vast selection of produce, fish, cheeses, breads, baked goods and prepared delicacies brings this bustling market to life. There will be time to browse in tiny shops lining the cobblestoned streets, too. Then its back to Prospérité for lunch and an afternoon cruise to Gissey-sur-Ouche. On the way, what about getting out our bicycles for a meander on the towpath and into a village or two, see at right. Dinner on board ends this wonderful day.

Wednesday: Gissey-sur-Ouche to La Bussiere-sur-Ouche
Dinner at a Michelin-Starred Restaurant

A short morning cruise to Le Bussiere-sur-Ouche begins this eventful day. After lunch, begin with a quick stop at "La Ferme du Poisset," a nearby farm which produces very fine goat cheese. Yes, we'll taste some cheese! Then it's on to the adorable village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois perched high on a hill overlooking the canal. Here is an enchanting old chateau - very simple but with history and ghosts around every corner. Then walk the cobblestoned streets of the village; perhaps one of the craft ships is open. Then it's back to Prospérité where there will be time to prepare for dinner at Abbeye de la Bussiere, a former Cistercian Abbey now immaculately restored into a hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant.

Thursday: La Bussiere-sur-Ouche to Pont d'Ouche
Medieval Hospice in Beaune - Plus Shopping!

This morning, cruise deeper into the Ouche Valley to Pont D'Ouche. This is a great time to walk, bicycle or sit on deck and watch scenes of great beauty float by. After lunch, it's back into the Mercedes Minivan for a cruise high point; An excursion to Beaune. This enchanting town is the wine capital of Cote d' Or; underneath its streets lie hundreds of miles of wine cellars. Visit the 14th-century hospital Hotel Dieu; (pictured at left) it is gorgeously preserved and provides a unique glimpse of life in the Middle Ages. There may be time for an impromptu winetasting, browse the shops, or enjoy a cafe in the square. Then it's back to Prospérité to re-live the day at dinner on-board.

Friday: Pont d'Ouche to Vandenesse-en-Auxois
You've tasted the Cheese...Now taste the Wine for an Ultimate French Experience!

Our final morning cruise takes Prospérité to Vandenesse-en-Auxios. Take a last, long morning to relax! Then, it's back to the Cote d' Or vineyards, passing through colorful villages on the way to a cellar tour/winetasting at Domaine Prieur-Brunet in Santenay. Return to your barge - now your home away from home - for cocktails and the festive Captain's Dinner. End your Prospérité cruise in style!

Saturday: Return to Paris
A Sad Farewell
You'll depart between 8:00AM - 9:00 AM and chauffeured as a group either to one location in central Paris or one location at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Driving time to Paris is estimated at three hours; driving time to Charles de Gaulle at four hours. Please do not book a flight before 2:00 PM on the day of departure. (Transfers which fall outside of these specific parameters can be arranged by us before departure at your expense.) We hope to see you soon on Prospérité!

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Vandenesse-en-Auxois to Dijon
Sunday: Paris to Vandenesse-en-Auxois
Private chauffeured transfer - of course!
A representative of Prospérité will meet your party at 2:00 PM at one Paris hotel of your choice and then chauffeur you via Mercedes Minivan to the barge, at anchor in Vandesesse-en-Auxois. You'll be welcomed by the traditional champagne reception, and enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners on board with the romantic hilltop village of Vandenesse-en-Auxois as a backdrop.


Monday: Vandenesse-en-Auxois to Pont d'Ouche
Romantic Canal Cruise Past Colorful Lockhouses
Set sail this morning, heading down the Burgundy Canal to the tiny hamlet of Pont d'Ouche. We are deep in the heart of traditional Burgundy, exemplified by the lockhouses which line the canal, see at right. After lunch on board, we will introduce you to another facet of Burgundy, the culture of wine. We will pass through the villages of Puligny and Chassagne Montrachet on the way to winetasting at Domaine Prieur-Brunet in Santenay. These scenes are gorgeous, with vineyards hugging both hills in the distance and fields right beside the roads. Return to Prospérité for cocktails and dinner on board.

Tuesday: Pont d'Ouche to La Bussiere-sur-Ouche
Medieval Hospice in Beaune - Plus Shopping!
This morning we are still deep in the countryside, cruising from Pont d’Ouche to La Bussičre-sur-Ouche. What about taking out the bicycles to explore? Or you can walk into a passing town for a cafe. The beauty of the region is spread out before you no matter what activity you choose.  After lunch, it's back into the Mercedes Minivan for a cruise high point: An excursion to Beaune. This enchanting town is the wine capital of the Cote d'Or; underneath its streets lie hundreds of miles of wine cellars. Visit the 14th century Hospital Hotel Dieu; it is gorgeously preserved and a provides a glimpse of life in the middle ages. There may be time for an impromptu wine tasting, a browse in the shops lining the pedestrian zone, or a cafe and pastry on the town square. Then it's back to  Prospérité to re-live the day at dinner on board.

Wednesday: La Bussiere-sur-Ouche to Gissey-sur-Ouche
Dinner out at a Restored Cistercian Abbey
Scenes from out of an Impressionist painting float by on our cruise to Gissey-sur-Ouche. After Lunch, begin with a quick stop at "La Ferme du Poisset", a nearby farm which produces divine goat cheese. Yes, we will taste some cheese! Then it's back to the adorable village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois perched high on a hill overlooking the canal. Here is an enchanting old chateau - very simple, but with history and ghosts around every corner. Then walk the cobblestoned lanes of the village; perhaps one of the craft shops is open. Then it's back to Prospérité where there will be time to prepare for dinner at Abbey de la Bussiere, pictured above, a former Cistercian Abbey now immaculately restored into a hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant.

Thursday: Gissey-sur-Ouche to Fleurey-sur-Ouche
Where Monks First Made Wine in Burgundy!

Another lazy morning cruise begins the day. After lunch, we will drive southward to the Cote d'or Vineyard region. First, we will drive among more villages and vineyards of the "Route des Giand Cru" on the way to Clos de Vougeot, a 12th century chateau where Cisterican monks perfected the art of winemaking (taking over a tradition begun by the Romans). Explore the ancient wine presses and soak in the ambiance of this elegant chateau surrounded by vineyards. Then it is back to Prospérité on Fleurey-sur-Ouch for dinner aboard.

Friday: Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Dijon
Join the Locals at Dijon Market

A short drive takes us into Dijon - an old city with a beautifully preserved and pristine historic district. We will first take a walking tour, stopping at an old Palace of the Ducs of Burgundy (now an art museum), an elegant church, ending at the Covered Food Market designed by Eiffel of Tower fame. A vast selection of produce, fish, cheeses, breads, baked goods and prepared delicacies brings this bustling market to life. There will be time to browse int the tiny shops lining the cobblestoned streets, too. Then it is back to Prospérité for lunch and the afternoon cruise into the port of Dijon, arriving late afternoon. (You may elect to stay in Dijon - we will collect you when the barge arrives in port.) You will enjoy the festive Captain's Dinner, a nostalgic finish to your Prospérité cruise.

Saturday: Return to Paris
A Sad Farewell
You'll depart between 8:00AM - 9:00 AM and chauffeured as a group either to one location in central Paris or one location at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Driving time to Paris is estimated at three hours; driving time to Charles de Gaulle at four hours. Please do not book a flight before 2:00 PM on the day of departure. (Transfers which fall outside of these specific parameters can be arranged by us before departure at your expense.) We hope to see you soon on Prospérité!

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.

Prosperite Guest Book

"This was a great trip.  It was very relaxing, and the food and wine were superb."
- Jay and Sandy Cleveland, 2010

"I have been on about a dozen "boat" trips - this was the one where I developed the most personal relationships with the wonderful crew.  The food and service was outstanding, and the barge was clean and orderly."
-William and Mary Ann Etzweiler, 2010

"All seven family members that I cruised with on the Prosperite asked me to tell The Barge Lady that it was a perfect trip - the trip of a lifetime.  All three meals each day would rival the best Paris restaurants.  We loved the selection, preparation, and presentation.  Our chef, Damien, is a prize.  I can't imagine a better trained or more service oriented crew than Captain Spencer has.  They even provided all the necessary equipment for our 11 month old grandchild.  The barge trip more than met our expectations, and our expectations were high.  We hope to repeat."
- Thomas & Barbara Crays, 2010

"I just wanted you to know what an exceptional experience we had on Prosperite the week of May 23rd.  We had high expectations of the barge, the crew, the scenery and ALL were exceeded!  Captain Spencer, Rejane, Emily, Aidita, Vincent and Damien were all exceptional hosts and  Cap'n Spence spoke highly of working with The Barge Lady!"
-Mary Nixon, 2010

"Many wonderful memories were made. The Prosperite service and the food were over the top. Mary and I do some gourmet cooking and are very aware of what it takes to prepare delicious meals which are beautifully presented. Even the table settings were works of art."
-Eleanor and Bob Maddox, 2010

"Everything about the Prosperite was First Class; The boat itself, the food and wine, the crew, the Captain and our tour guide. Our four couples had a wonderful time and would do it again. Rajean Hayes is a smart and interesting lady and the best tour guide we ever had - she was a delight. We can't say enough great things about the Captain, Spencer Hayes, his crew and our chef. They were so professional yet friendly."
-Tommy and Maggie Barron, 2009

"Our week on Prosperite was spendid. We had high expectations which were exceeded by the crew, the chef, the boat, and the other passengers. Burgundy is beautiful and we saw it at its best on this lovely cruise."
-Charles and Patricia Blau, 2009

"This is our second barge trip, but not our last. The Prosperite is an extremely high quality boat with luxury cabins, outstanding crew led by Captain Hayes, and unbelievable food and wine!"
-Jim and Anne Meadows, 2009

"This was so much more than expected. I was awed by the decor or the barge itself. The staff was so friendly and fun to be with. Best vacation we have ever been on."
-Dr. Scott and Mrs. Judith Huebsch, 2009

"The crew was very attentive and warm. The accomodations were excellent. The food was very, very good! The planned tours reflected the region and provided a real "picture" of the area. We relaxed, we laughed, we enjoyed each other and felt quite at home. Highly recommend this barge, the region and the vacation. I would rate this as one of our best vacations!"
-Cym Lowell and Dale Justice, 2009

"An 11 on a 10 scale - the best service I have experienced in years of travel!"
-Joseph and Barbara Ross, 2009

"Thanks for putting together a great trip. We had a wonderful time. The barge trip, scenery, sites and crew couldn't have been better. Spencer Hayes was terrific and was marvelously accommodating and flexible. He was patient with the various needs of the family, fit a full days bicycling into the morning for some and great sightseeing into the afternoon and evening for all. The food was delicious and plentiful as was the wine."
-Very Satisfied 2009 Guest

"From start to finish, a top drawer experience. We were warmly welcomed, pampered as much as we desired and always made to feel like Prosperite was our home, full of familiar comforts. The staff was instantly responsive to our needs and even to our barely expressed wishes. This was the best, most relaxing vacation we've ever had!"
-Robert and Jean Krapf, 2009

Prosperite Floor Plan

128 Feet long
- 4 cabins all 270 sq. ft - king bed or
twins with sitting area and desk
- Spacious baths, each with brand new shower stall and full-size bathtub
-Bathrobes and ironing board/iron in the cabin
- Top quality furnishings throughout
- Salon and separate dining room
with picture windows
- Demonstration kitchen - Watch the chef make pasta, desserts and more!
- Jacuzzi on deck.