Prosperite
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 8
Size: 128 feet long
Last Visited: 2006
Rating: Ultra Deluxe, Air Conditioning, Families

2009 Rates

Whole Boat Charter of 8 Guests
$49,900 - Regular Season
$39,900 - Value Season

Regular Season Dates: April 26 to October 17, 2009
Value Season Dates: April 5-11, April 12-18, April 19-25 and October 18-24

Prosperite will cruise the Cote d'Or in 2009!
In 2009 Prosperite returns to the Canal de Bourgogne between Dijon and Vandenesse-en-Auxois. Experience the Hospice de Beaune, top vineyards, enchanting wine villages and dinner out at Abbaye de la Bussserie, an enchanting Michelin-starred restaurant within walking distance of the Canal.

Prospérité has developed into one of the top barges in France, 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, especially comfortable king-sized bed 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.

Prospérité had a supremely successful 2007 season and continued its winning formula in 2008. The Humphrey’s said: “We felt pampered and treated like honored guests in someones home,” while the Moores added: “Food and wine beyond our wildest dreams. The five pounds we all gained was absolutely worth it!” We particularly enjoyed working with Billy Hulsey and his party. Billy said: “We loved it! We especially enjoyed the crew. Spencer took great care of us and made a special effort to provide us with wonderful wines.” The Costellos and Garners and their group followed. They said: “Spencer shared his ‘insiders knowledge’ with us, giving a Burgundy experience that no ordinary tourist would have. Enough cannot be said about the staff, the cuisine, the ambiance and the hospitality on Prosperite!”

Press coverage included full-length write-ups in Food and Wine Magazine and Distinctive Destinations newsletter.

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 Vandeness-en-Auxois
Sunday: Paris to Dijon
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.

Monday: Dijon to Fleury-sur-Ouche
Begin your journey into the heart of “La France profonde” with a morning cruise to the village of Fleury-sur-Ouche. The rest of the day will be devoted to exploring the Côte d’Or wine area south of the canal. We’ll first drive through the gorgeous “Route des Grand Crus” vineyards, followed by a visit to Château du Clos de Vougeot. The original building was a 12th-century winery built by Cistercian Monks. The old wine presses are on display as well as rooms where the monks lived and stored the wine. We’ll return to Prospérité for dinner on board.

Tuesday: Fleury-sur-Ouche to Gissey-sur-Ouche
After breakfast, we’ll drive the short distance back to Dijon for the lively local food market, where you can also shop for antiques on rue Verriere or explore the Medieval town center. The 14th-century Ducal Palace dominates the architecture of this historic town. This afternoon cruise further into the beautiful valley of the Ouche with its limestone cliffs and wooded hills. Dinner tonight is on board.

Wednesday: Gissey-sur-Ouche to La Bussiere-sur-Ouche
We’ll float this morning through gorgeous scenery to La Bussière. This afternoon, return to the Côte d’Or vineyards for a personal introduction to winegrowers and a special private tasting. There may be time for a visit to a château where the owner collects and displays antique airplanes! Dinner tonight is right at our mooring! You'll enjoy the Restaurant Gastronomique at the gorgeous new hotel at Abbaye de la Bussiere.

Thursday: La Bussiere-sur-Ouche to Pont d'Ouche
Walk the towpath, bicycle into passing towns or just laze in the hot tub as Prospérité continues its journey on the historic Canal de Bourgogne, completed in 1836. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Tour the remarkable, perfectly preserved Hospice de Beaune, a 14th-century hospital in use until the early 20th century! Shop in the pedestrian zone for wine, gifts, tapestry pillows and accessories – or just sit in the square and enjoy life! You'll return to Prospérité for dinner onboard.

Friday: Pont d'Ouche to Vandenesse-en-Auxois
Cruise past the dramatic village and château of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois perched high on a hill overlooking the canal. After lunch we’ll return to explore this atmospheric Medieval town. A festive Captain’s dinner ends the cruise in style.

Saturday: Return to Paris
You'll depart at 9:00 AM after breakfast for your chauffeured minivan transfer either to central Paris or Charles de Gaulle Airport - for the entire charter. Estimated arrival time is noon. Do not book a flight before 3:00 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 Prosperite!

PROSPERITE will cruise this route in the opposite direction on alternate weeks. Pickup and return will always be in Dijon and sightseeing the same, albeit on a slightly amended schedule.
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

"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

"The trip on the barge was everything we wanted it to be.  Considering the price, we feel we received full value. A lovely experience."
-David and Carol Stern, 2008

"The cuisine and crew were excellent plus.  One of the greatest experiences of our lives.  We would recommend it to anyone."
-Gordon and Celia Chaplin, 2008

"It was truly everything we expected.  The food, the wine, the sightseeing, the relaxation was superb.  The staff was wonderful.  They were truly like family and made us feel totally at home.  It was an experience never to be duplicated, but one we will remember always."
-Dr. and Mrs. Harold Packman, 2008

"Staff, food and wine were absolutely the best! GREAT six days!"
-James and Merrill Plou, 2008

"From the timely pick-up in Paris to the return the following weekend, the experience was a dream. The crew was incredibly accommodating, especially given the range of ages in our group, 8 to 88 years old. I plan to recommend Prosperite to all my friends."
-Barbara Zulick, 2007

"It was an absolutely fabulous trip from Day 1! The entire crew couldn't have been more enthusiastic, helpful or just plain fun! A great week."
-Bob and Jane Long, 2007
We have welcomed Bob and Jane on several barge cruises - Thanks for the great report.

"It was one of our best vacations ever. The cruise (wonderful countryside) and the excursions were great. The food and wine were fantastic. The crew ensured that they anticipated all of our needs and Rejane's excursions were fun and great learning experiences. We also had a great time with the other guests on the barge."
-Mike and Doris Beam, 2007

"Our experience on the Prosperite was excellent and one that we would certainly repeat. The entire crew was very professional and equally warm and receptive of our 8 person group. Our meals were extraordinary and were presented with both detailed knowledge and the appropriate flare. The barge was magnificent and beautifully maintained by the crew. The off-vessel excursions were each different and very well thought out. They certainly added to the overall quality and enjoyment of our trip."
-Larry Abbott, 2007

"Our barge trip exceeded all expectations! The accommodations were so comfortable and very quiet. The crew were always so interested in serving our needs. We enjoyed them so much that they felt like family before we left. Food and wine were perfectly planned and prepared. We had no idea that we would get to taste so many types of cheese! Excursions were interesting, but not so long as to cut into our time to relax. A fantastic experience."
-Nancy and Dan Schwartz, 2007

Prosperite Floor Plan

128 Feet long
- 4 cabins all 270 sq. ft - king bed or
   twins with sitting area and desk
- Bath with bathtub and separate shower
- Top quality furnishings throughout
- Salon and separate dining room
   with picture windows
- Demonstration kitchen
- Guest refrigerator.
- Jacuzzi on deck.