Prosperite
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 8
Size: 128 feet long
Last Visited: 2006
Rating: Ultra Deluxe, A/C, Families
2008 rates
Whole Boat Charter
$48,000 - High Season
$38,000 - Low Season
Low Season Dates: April 6-12, April 13-19 and October 19-25

Prosperite is almost sold out for the 2008 Season!
Available weeks are: July 20-26; August 3-9; and August 10-16.

In 2008 Prosperite moves to the Canal de Bourgogne in Northern Burgundy, cruising on an extremely idyllic route between Pouillenay and Tanlay. Elegant, old chateaux, Chablis winetasting, and adorable villages take center stage. An optional all-day excursion to the nearby Cote d'Or vineyards is an opportunity not offered by any other vessel on the route - and is typical of the attention to detail found on Prosperite.

Prosperite 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. Guests said: “We felt pampered and treated like honored guests in someones home.” And: “Food and wine beyond our wildest dreams. The five pounds we all gained was absolutely worth it!” Recent press coverage included full-length writeups in Food and Wine Magazine and Distinctive Destinations Newsletter. We look forward to re-visiting Prosperite in 2008.

Prosperite

Barge Cruise Itinerary

Tanlay to Pouillenay on the Canal de Bourgogne

Sunday:
Paris to Tanlay
You’ll be met at 2:00 p.m. at your Paris hotel and chauffeured via Mercedes Minivan to Prosperite at anchor in Tanlay on the Canal de Bourgogne. Dinner is the first of many gourmet meals on board.

Monday:
Tanlay to Ancy-le-Franc
Cruise the idyllic Burgundy Canal to Ancy-le-Franc. We will float through spectacular countryside, great for bicycling on the towpaths and exploring small villages that line the canal. In the afternoon, visit the 16th century Chateau at Ancy-le-Franc. The interior envelopes you in history: lofty carved ceilings, the Italian tiled floors, frescos and friezes. There is decorative detail to absorb at every turn. The chateau contains one of the finest collections in France mural paintings from the 17th centuries. Painters from Burgundy, Flanders and the School of Fountainbleau, such as Il Primaticcio and Niccolo dell’Abate have realized their masterpieces here. The chateau stands in a beautiful park on a romantic island - and even includes 18th century folly!

Tuesday:
Ancy-le-Franc to Ravieres
A morning excursion to Chablis, whose vineyards date back to Roman times. Enjoy a private winetasting! A scenic afternoon cruise to the village of Ravieres and a gourmet dinner complete the day.

Wednesday:
Ravieres to Montbard
This morning we’ll tour the Medieval port city of Auxerre. Auxerre is a pretty riverside town with characterful squares, narrow lanes and half-timbered houses. The best place to admire its beauty is from the river where you'll see church spires and belfries rise above the rooftops. Probably the most impressive of the religious buildings is the Gothic Cathedral St. Etienne which was built spanning a period of three centuries and famous for its intricate stained glass.Join the Prosperite guide for a walking tour. Cruise to Montbard in the afternoon through glorious scenery.

Thursday:
Montbard to Venarey-les-Laumes
Tour the Forges de Buffon, home and garden of Georges-Louis de Buffon, an 18th centrury naturalist, mathematician and biologist whose work influenced Darwin. Afternoon cruise to Venarey-les-Laumes. Enjoy dinner ashore at a fine restaurant

Friday:
Veneray-les-Laumes to Pouillenay
Your morning cruise to Pouillenay is followed by a visit to the 12th century Abbaye de Fontenay. The well preserved old abbey of Fontenay, situated in wooded country northwest of Dijon, gives a vivid impression of life in a 12th century Cistercian house. The church, founded by Bernard of Clairvaux, is one of France's oldest surviving Cistercian churches, with a magnificent cloister. The Captain’s Dinner ends your cruise in style!

Saturday:
Pouillenay to Paris
It is a sad farewell as you depart at 9:00 a.m. and chauffeured back to Paris. Estimated arrival time in Paris is noon. We hope to see you again on Prosperite!

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.

Prosperite Guest Book

"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
-Four cabins all 270 sq. ft - king bed or twins - with bathtub and separate shower,
-Sitting area and desk in each cabin
-Top quality furnishings throughout.
-Salon and separate dining room with picture windows.
-Demonstration kitchen. Guest refrigerator.
-Jacuzzi on deck.