Prosperite Barging in Burgundy

2012 VALUE SEASON RATE

2012 regular SEASON RATEs

Prosperite Barge Cruise

View Larger Map in New Window

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 !

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 Abbaye de la Bussiere, a former Cistercian Abbey now immaculately restored into a hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant. Pictured below are Prosperite guests dining at Abbaye de la Bussiere.

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!

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.

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.

Prosperite Guest Book

"To sum up our experience, it was superb! The staff, the cuisine and the excursions were excellent. Our cabins were bigger and better than we had expected and we enjoyed leisurely mornings with the perfect length tours in the afternoon - just perfect!"

-Nancy Garratt, cruised October 2011

"Prosperite was the perfect barge for our travels - equal sized cabins, very high quality furnishings, a fabulous captain (Spencer Hayes) and staff, an incredible chef (Fabrice) who easily responded to my gluten allergy with all kinds of gluten-free alternatives to fatten me up.  Spencer was a great tour guide taking us to special sites for history and wine tasting, including Hospice de Beaune. We had adequate time for sightseeing and shopping in Dijon and Beaune, and it was easy to hop off the barge to walk or bike along the canal to get some exercise. We have traveled throughout France over the past 45 years, and I truly believe we had the best food and wine we have ever experienced in France. A great trip all around. We loved our adventure on Prosperite!"

- David Anderson, cruised September, 2011

"We can sum up our experience on Prosperite in a few words- it was fabulous in all respects and was the best trip we have ever taken! Nothing was left to chance, the food was outstanding, the crew wonderful, our guide (Rejane) was terrific and the accommodations perfect."

-Butch and Lorna Pfaelzer, cruised September 2011

"It was such a great trip - in all regards!! The cuisine was excellent - over the top fabulous, every meal. We 8 family members agree it was the best, and consistently good, food. The best we've ever eaten. The food changed all our stereotypes about "heavy French food" - it was all so FRESH and wonderful! Learning about the wine and cheeses was an amazing experience!

The cabins were lovely and always well-maintained and all of the personal attention from the crew, the friendliness, the little "extras" in so many ways, made it an extraordinary trip. Each crew member was terrific - always positive, helpful, capable - really excellent crew and we genuinely thank them. Spencer is my new hero! His knowledge and enthusiasm on the excursions was great. We liked the variety and the length of the excursions as well - educational but not too much, only 1/2 day trips, which was a good plan."

Suzanne Brown, cruised September 2011

"The cruise exceeded our expectations. The cuisine and crew were beyond excellent and we had the best experience. Our guide, Rejeane, was great and much knowledge was gained."

-David and Mary Grumhaus, cruised September 2011

"The entire trip was a ten, even above our highest expectations. Can't think of a thing to criticize, not even the weather."

-Jerry and Debby Henry, cruised September 2011

"Our group thought it was the best vacation they have ever taken. It was way over their highest expectations. This was the second year we have taken Prosperite, and for good reason. The first year was outstanding and that's why we booked again. The three couples we took this year had no idea how wonderful the barge experience would be. They had HIGH EXPECTATIONS and the trip surpassed by far all their expectations. The Prosperite team is the best in every way - food, service, sightseeing (Rejane is the best guide!), and comfort."

-Dubac Preece, cruised August 2011

"Our experience exceeded all expectations! The crew was friendly, efficient, accommodating and willing to go the extra mile. The cuisine was outstanding - the wine and cheese were superb and we really appreciated the history lessons before each were introduced. The barge itself was very nice - roomier than we expected, very comfortable and clean. Our daily sightseeing excursions were made very memorable by Rajane's knowledge of history and willingness to explain. Thank you for arranging the details of our trip so efficiently!"

-Cindy and Keith Allen, cruised August 2011

"Our family had the experience of a lifetime aboard the Prosperite. Our ages ranged from 10 months to 59 years, with the average age of 32. The crew, food, wine and accommodations exceeded our expectations, and we would recommend this adventure to anyone. The special arrangements made for our baby were so very much appreciated. For the crib, the high chair and the toys and especially for the freshly prepared foods, we thank you!"

-The Parrish Family, cruised August 2011

"Dear Ellen and Caroline,
We just returned from our wonderful trip to France and can definitely say that our cruise in Burgundy on Prosperite was our favorite! It was perfect, perfect, perfect! We had an absolutely delightful time. The captain, his wife, the crew, the chef, the food, the wine and cheese, the trips into the country side, the accommodations - everything was perfect. Rick and I and Thor and Joanne (our travel companions) had such fun. We were delighted with the other guests on board, the Johansson family. It was most enjoyable gathering around the table at meal time. We will fill out the questionnaire that we received as soon as we catch our breath. Thank you for all you help and suggestions. We will definitely recommend this trip to all our friends!"
-Rick and Tamie Dishnica, cruised July, 2011

"The arrangements handled by The Barge Lady were efficient and we loved everything. The cabins were lovely, the chef was outstanding - as was the staff. Spencer and Rajane were incredible. What a great, personable couple to run things! Our daily sightseeing excursions were made very enjoyable by Rajane's knowledge, personality and familiarity with the areas and sites." -Thor Start and Joanne Drabek, cruised July, 2011

"The food, wine and cheese was above and beyond! The barge is a floating 5 star hotel. The crew were outstanding and the chef was unbelievable. It was hard to work up an appetite but somehow we all managed to clear our plates! The cabins and bathrooms were very large and comfortable. Beautiful scenery, wonderful weather and ultimate relaxation."
- Lebherz Family, cruised June, 2011

"We were so well looked after and fed and wined that we would take a trip on this boat wherever it was!"
-Tom and Susan Puett, 2010

"This was our 6th barge trip and the best! Not only was the barge roomy and comfortable, but Spencer and Rejane were marvelous hosts, as were the rest of the staff. Damien, the Chef, was fantastic - he ranks right up there with the 3 star Michelin Chefs (without the big egos). We would be tempted to go on any barge where he is Chef. Great trip!"
-Henry and Dinah Moog, 2010

"We have been on 2 previous barge trips and this had the best accommodations, best staff, best day trips, best service, the most incredibly fine food. Spencer and Rejane were fun and wonderful - It was a dynamite combination for sure!"
-Dubac and Sherwood Preece, 2010

"A wonderful experience. Accommodations, food and wine are memorable experiences Captain Spencer and crew met or exceeded every need. Wonderful people who are pleased to serve and enjoy doing it."
- Chris and Karen Watkins, 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 and 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

Prosperite Floor Plan