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(8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe) - Apres Tout
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(21 Guests, First Class) - Fleur de Lys
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(4-6 Guests, Casual Class)
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Northern Burgundy, France
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Randle
Barging in Burgundy
Passengers: 4Size:70 feet long
Last Visited: 2011
Rating: Casual Class, Families
2012 Rates
Whole Boat Charter of up to 4: $11,550
The charter price includes breakfast and lunch aboard the Randle. All 6 dinners during the cruise at local restaurants are at the guest's expense. (Captain Tim will make reservations and provide transportation.)
Ellen visited the Randle in June, 2011. Here is her report:
“My visit to the Randle was long overdue. Captain Tim Harrold has been writing to me for years and Chef Gael Robertson, an old friend, had invited me to visit. The time was finally right to board this lovely little barge, moored on the quai in Auxerre.
Randle was built in 2001 and purchased by Captain Harrold in 2005. His background in sailing, construction and restoration of ancient buildings enabled him to recognize the quality of this petite ‘bijou” barge. With its classic décor, it looks a bit different than anything in barging. The two cabins are small, but each has a lovely private bathroom, individually controlled heating and air-conditioning and a skylight. Also down below is a small lounge and open kitchen. Upstairs is a roomy deck and the wheelhouse, which also functions as a second living room. Here breakfast and lunch may be taken around a roomy round table, and closing sides give protection from less-than-perfect weather.
The dining program provides another distinction. Breakfast and lunch are provided by Chef Gael, who cooked full time on the barges for many years and now combines catering for Randle with raising a family. Her luncheon buffets are sumptuous – with a full complement of main dishes, salads, quiche, pate, cheese platter and local breads. Dinners are taken off the Randle (at the expense of the guests) at a selection of venues ranging from Michelin starred to local auberges. Captain Harrold makes the reservations, provides transportation and goes over the menu. You dine with the locals – but are truly taken care of!
Captain Harrold is a trusted guide to the architecture, towns, wine, cuisine and natural world of Burgundy. He is very interested in customizing each cruise in a very low key way – and is a lot of fun to be with. He is assisted by Pilot Alan Clark, also a veteran of the barge industry.
Randle is very well priced for what it offers, which includes chauffeured transfers to and from Paris. The vessel and the program is a very good choice for families. Special family activities can include a visit to a dinosaur theme park, canoeing, pony trekking and zip lining. We look forward to working with Captain Harrold and the Randle!”
The charter price includes breakfast and lunch aboard the Randle. All 6 dinners during the cruise at local restaurants are at the guest's expense. (Captain Tim will make reservations and provide transportation.)
2012 dates
| April 1 - 7 | May 27 - June 2 | July 29 - August 4 | September 23 - 29 |
| April 8 - 14 | June 3 - 9 | August 5 -11 | Sept 30 - October 6 |
| April 15 - 21 | June 10 - 16 | August 12 - 18 | October 7 - 13 |
| April 22 - 28 | June 17 - 23 | August 19 - 25 | October 14 - 20 |
| April 29 - May 5 | June 24 - 30 | August 26 - Sept 1 | October 21 - 27 |
| May 6 - 12 | July 1 - 7 | September 2 - 8 | |
| May 13 - 19 | July 15 - 21 | September 9 -15 | |
| May 20 - 26 | July 22 - 28 | September 16 - 22 |
Ellen visited the Randle in June, 2011. Here is her report:
“My visit to the Randle was long overdue. Captain Tim Harrold has been writing to me for years and Chef Gael Robertson, an old friend, had invited me to visit. The time was finally right to board this lovely little barge, moored on the quai in Auxerre.
Randle was built in 2001 and purchased by Captain Harrold in 2005. His background in sailing, construction and restoration of ancient buildings enabled him to recognize the quality of this petite ‘bijou” barge. With its classic décor, it looks a bit different than anything in barging. The two cabins are small, but each has a lovely private bathroom, individually controlled heating and air-conditioning and a skylight. Also down below is a small lounge and open kitchen. Upstairs is a roomy deck and the wheelhouse, which also functions as a second living room. Here breakfast and lunch may be taken around a roomy round table, and closing sides give protection from less-than-perfect weather.
The dining program provides another distinction. Breakfast and lunch are provided by Chef Gael, who cooked full time on the barges for many years and now combines catering for Randle with raising a family. Her luncheon buffets are sumptuous – with a full complement of main dishes, salads, quiche, pate, cheese platter and local breads. Dinners are taken off the Randle (at the expense of the guests) at a selection of venues ranging from Michelin starred to local auberges. Captain Harrold makes the reservations, provides transportation and goes over the menu. You dine with the locals – but are truly taken care of!
Captain Harrold is a trusted guide to the architecture, towns, wine, cuisine and natural world of Burgundy. He is very interested in customizing each cruise in a very low key way – and is a lot of fun to be with. He is assisted by Pilot Alan Clark, also a veteran of the barge industry.
Randle is very well priced for what it offers, which includes chauffeured transfers to and from Paris. The vessel and the program is a very good choice for families. Special family activities can include a visit to a dinosaur theme park, canoeing, pony trekking and zip lining. We look forward to working with Captain Harrold and the Randle!”
Randle
Burgundy Cruise Itinerary
Clamecy to Auxerre on the Canal du Nivernais
Welcome Aboard!
Your party will be met mid-afternoon at one location of your choice in central Paris and chauffeured to the Randle, moored in the adorable village of Clamecy. Estimated driving time is three to three and a half hours. After a welcome-aboard champagne reception, there is time to either relax on board or take a short walk around this cobblestoned town, perched high on the hillside. Perhaps take a peek into the Clamecy Museum in the former mansion of the Duke de Bellegarde, or browse in the gallery on the quai with its selection of local ceramics and crafts.There are two great restaurants in Clamecy: “2 Pieces” and the “Auberge de la Chapelle” for your evening dining. Our crew will take you to the restaurant, get you settled and go over the menu, if you desire.
Monday: Clamecy to Lucy sur Yonne
Explore by Bicycle as Randle Cruises deep into the Countryside
After a breakfast of village-baked croissants just warm from the oven, you’ll welcome the chance to walk on the towpath or get out and about on one of the bicycles! Or, just relax on deck and watch gorgeous scenery drift by on the way to Lucy-sur -Yonne. After a buffet lunch served on board, it’s time to pick from a number of fascinating excursions. You could visit the Chateau de Bazoches, pictured below, home of the French military architect Marecal Vauban. Or, what about Vezelay – a sublime walled village crowned at the top by the Romanesque basilica of St. Mary Magdelene –not to mention stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The cobblestoned main street offers a chance to browse in craft shops and art galleries – or to return to dinner here tonight, too!
Tuesday: Lucy sur Yonne to Mailly le Chateau
Cruising, Climbing, History, Dining: A Great Day on Randle!
Today we continue our cruise in the Yonne River Valley to our lunchtime mooring beneath the dramatic cliffs of Le Saussois, pictured below. If you’d like, climb up to the top for a fantastic view of the surrounding countryside. Then it is on to Mailly-le-Chateau, an adorable town set high on a ravine. This afternoon, there is another choice of excursions. Those enchanted by the lifestyle in historic French towns won’t want to miss Noyers, which with its elegant Medieval core, is considered one of the most beautiful. An even older era is offered at the Grottes d’Arcy-sur-Cure, an amazing illuminated cave with Paleolithic cave paintings from 28,000 years ago. Return to the mooring at Mailly-le-Chateau and have dinner at "Le Castel", an authentic auberge right in the town square.
Wednesday: Mailly le Chateau to Accolay
Catch your lunch at a Trout Farm!
Today we’ll continue our cruise on the Canal du Nivernais – past gorgeous scenery and canalside homes. Today, it is the turn of the guests to prove the luncheon entrée! We will stop at a trout farm, one originally founded by Cistercian monks and revived today within the walls of the old monastery. Catch your fish – and we will serve it on board 30 minutes later! After lunch, our cruise continues to tonight’s mooring at Accolay. Choose to visit either the Abbey de Regny, a beautifully preserved monastery with gardens or a Roman villa and bathhouse. Dine tonight at the "Hostellerie de la Fontaine".
Thursday: Accolay to Vincelles
Wine, wine, wine!!
After all, you are in Burgundy! Cruise this morning to Vincelles. After lunch on board, let’s go taste some wine! You might select the artisanal wines Pinot Noir and Caesar from the caves of William Chariot in the beautiful village or Irancy. Or, what about the sampling the local sparkling wine, Cremant de Bourgogne. Eight million (!) bottles are stored in Caves de Baily. Along the way, drive through the gorgeous vineyards and pop into the town of Chablis to shop or taste even more wine.
Friday: Vincelles to Auxerre
Shop and sightsee in historic Auxerre
You last cruise ends at the large quai in Auxerre, an historic cobblestoned town that is also a regional commercial and transportation hub. Many personalities visited Auxerre – from Joan of Arc to Napoleon – and many eras represented in the architecture. This is the perfect place to shop for that last-minute souvenir and then enjoy a wide choice of dining choices for your last night on the Canal du Nivernais.
Saturday: Auxerre to Paris
A Sad Farewell
Saturday Auxerre to Paris A Sad Farewell Depart at 9;00am for your chauffeured transfer back to Paris. Estimated arrival time is noon to 1:00 pm. Please make all onward travel plans on the basis of this timing. We hope that your cruise on Randle has made a lifetime of memories.
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 Hotel-barge cruises on Randle and cruising in Burgundy Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.
Randle
Guest Book
Please check back for 2012 guest feedback
Randle Floor Plan
70 Feet long-Master cabin (100 sq ft)
with queen bed
-Guest cabin (80 sq ft) with
upper and lower twin bunk beds
-Ensuite bath and shower in cabins
-Opening skylights in both cabins
-Brass and hardwood fitting and fixtures throughout with marble and granite tops
-Central heating and air conditioning
-Individual cabin climate control
-Wheelhouse with comfortable seating for six persons,
-Ipod player
-3G GPRS WiFi
