Sojourn
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 8
Size: 129 feet long
Last Visited: 2008
Rating: Ultra Deluxe, A/C

2009 Rates

Whole Boat Charter Prices
$50,000 - 8 passengers
All Season

We are thrilled to introduce Sojourn, France's newest
Ultra Deluxe barge!
Sojourn was developed by a dedicated American owner who knows from first-hand experience what luxury travel is all about. The result is one of the most beautiful, spacious and advanced barges ever to be built for the canals. Management is equally high level. In 2009, Sojourn will be managed by veteran Captain Spencer Hayes. Captain Hayes is one of the team who launched the Ultra-Deluxe Prosperite, which cruises on a nearby Burgundy route. A senior captain and crew will be hired and trained by Captain Hayes.

That the owner happens to be a glamorous woman from California could possibly be deduced from Sojourn's decor! That she has also been in the beauty business for decades as founder of Redken Laboratories, a company that sold hair products to salons worldwide, might be less evident. In any event, Sojourn reflects her considerable "joie de vivre" and love of colorful and happy surroundings. Lavish use of bright, patterned fabrics and sophisticated accent pieces are everywhere. But the barge is also supremely comfortable and practical. The glamorous cabins are also sound-insulated and boast beautifully tiled baths and generous storage space. The well-lit dressing tables hint of Hollywood and add a dazzling touch!

The route is Southern Burgundy reflects an equally stimulating view. Sojourn cruises on two canals and one river through an ever-changing but always lovely countryside scene. There is plenty of room to relax on deck and watch the world go by - or it is equally wonderful to sink into one of the couches in the salon and view through picture windows. Sightseeing includes a family-owned chateau - and the present count may well be your guide - as well as winetasting and excursions for shopping and historical sights in the well-known towns of Beaune and Dijon. Every day will bring something different, and guests will always be accompanied by our private guide.

The on-board chef will produce menus that are delicious but light. During the week, 30 cheeses and 24 wines will be explained and elegantly served. Wines from both Burgundy and other top wine-producing areas will be well-matched to cuisine.

Consider the light and elegant Sojourn for your California-inspired home away from home on the French canals!

Sojourn

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

Dijon to Chagny on the Canal de Bourgogne,

River Saone and Canal du Centre

Sunday: Paris to Dijon
Welcome to Sojourn. . . Board in Dijon
You’ll be met at 2:00pm in the lobby of your Paris hotel and chauffeured to Sojourn, at anchor in the port of Dijon. Arrive in late afternoon, well in time for the traditional champagne welcome and introduction of crew. Later enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners on board. There is so much to anticipate! You’ll discover off-the-beaten-path destinations, mingle with the locals, and experience the history and culture of the authentic French countryside – on your gorgeous floating chateau, the barge Sojourn.

Monday: Dijon to Longecourt-en-Plaine
Family-Owned Chateau
Once past the environs of Dijon, Sojourn will join the historic Canal de Bourgogne for a tranquil morning cruise to Longecourt-en-Plaine. Stroll between the locks; take a bicycle into the nearest village. Or relax on deck and sip champagne as glorious countryside slips past! After a buffet lunch (on deck if weather permits), it’s a short drive to Chateau de Longecourt, a storybook castle surrounded by a moat. It has been owned by the same family since 1631 – and the present count may well be your guide! The chateau is rich in history and beautifully decorated. In the stable, admire some amazing “graffiti” left behind by American pilots who stayed here during World War II. Re-live your first day in Burgundy over tonight’s dinner on board.

Tuesday: Longecourt-en-Plaine to St Jean de Losne
Market Day in Dijon
Wake up to village-baked croissants and breads – one of the great pleasures of French barging! Then its back to Dijon to browse at both the outdoor market and the Covered Market, an enormous food hall offering fresh produce, cheeses, and breads. (The Covered Market was designed by Gustav Eiffel, who was born in Dijon.) There is much to enjoy in this elegant town, whose origins go back to the 13th century Dukes of Burgundy. Walk through the well-preserved Medieval core, perhaps to visit a museum or church. Shop for mustard and souvenirs, too. Your guide is always at hand to share the historical background and make sure you are taken care of! Then its back to Sojourn for lunch and this afternoon’s cruise to St.-Jean-de-Losne, located at the juncture of the Canal de Bourgogne and River Saone. It’s a center for barging and boating; Sojourn will join the many boats on the wide and busy waterfront. A very stimulating ambiance for tonight’s dinner on board!

Wednesday: St Jean de Losne to Seurre
All Day in Beaune
Right after breakfast, Sojourn slips onto the meandering River Saone for a short cruise to Seurre, a typical riverside village. You’ll depart mid-morning for a day in elegant Beaune, capital of winemaking in the Cote d’Or wine region. This is an ancient walled town, surrounded by ramparts and defined by its cobblestoned streets and lovely square. Visit the immaculately-preserved Hotel Dieu, a charity hospital built in the 15th century. Shop on the pedestrianized streets for wine, art, fashion, tapestries, and perfume. We’ll lunch at restaurant Loiseau de Vignes, known for sensitive cuisine-wine pairings. Return to Sojourn in late afternoon, and enjoy another delightful dinner – our elegant ambiance is conducive to wonderful conversation!

Thursday: Seurre to Fragnes
Wine, Wine, Wine!
Sojourn joins the Centre, our third waterway of the week. Float through peaceful fields and past ancient villages on this tree-lined canal. After lunch on board, its time to be immersed in the wine culture of Burgundy. (On the way to the visits, we’ll drive you through gorgeous vineyards and adorable wine villages!). First, absorb a bit of history at Clos de Vougeot, where wine was produced by the Cistercion monks from the 12th century. Examine the ancient wine presses and learn more about winemaking and life in that long-ago era. Then its back to present-day pleasures at a tasting of local vintages. Return to Sojourn and another splendid dinner on board.

Friday: Fragnes to Chagny
Medieval Castle
Continue to cruise on the Canal du Centre along a superb towpath, perfect for walking and bicycling. As on all canals, you’ll pass through locks manned by families living nearby for generations. Today’s final destination is the bustling town of Chagny. After lunch on board, travel back in time to La Chateau de La Rochepot, an intricate fairy-tale castle which has stood on its rocky peak for centuries. The castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, most recently after the French Revolution when it was restored with reference to the Medieval period. Hundreds of inhabitants – lords, ladies, guards, servants and soldiers – lived at Rochepot, surrounded then as now by a charming small village. Tonight’s Captain’s Dinner ends the cruise in style! Re-live the week’s adventures over a multi-course dinner and fine wines.

Saturday: Chagny to Paris
A Sad Farewell
You’ll depart at 9:00am for your chauffeured transfer back to Paris. Estimated arrival time is noon. (Do not book a flight out of Paris before 3:00pm on the day of departure.) We hope to see you on Sojourn once again.

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.

Sojourn

Guest Book

"My wife Allison and I have stayed at 5 star resorts throughout the world and have vacationed at some of the most exotic places on earth; however, nothing compares with the week cruise that we took through the canals of France on the first-class Sojourn.  Our barge trip was relaxing and stress-free.  We had 5-star elegant meals and French wines.  We sailed through an environment of incredible beauty, and we constantly said nothing could be better than what we were seeing -- only to turn the corner and see something even more breathtaking.  Best of all, we had a great time!"
-Tom Levyn, 2008

"You'll love travelling in France on the new barge Sojourn, reputedly the most luxurious river craft in all of Europe. With its four private staterooms, all with en-suite baths, and its five-star chef, on Sojurn the idea of "the slower the better" really IS better! Dishes such as foie gras, rack of lamb and fresh fish are proceeded by local specialties and followed by an array of exotic cheeses and desserts. Full American breakfasts, plentiful wine and village-baked breads and pastries round out the cuisine. Trips to chateau and castles are easilly arranged. You can see France the traditional way by train or air but doesn't it deserve a truly special trip? France is different! And it is oh-so-beautiful by barge."

Sojourn Floor Plan

129 Feet long
- 4 Suites each with beautifully tiled ensuite bath
- Cabins range from 150 - 195 square feet
- All suites with choice of one King or two twin beds
- All suites are also sound-insulated with plenty of storage
- Wide screen TV in Salon
- Indoor/Outdoor Bar
- Bright, patterned fabrics and sophisticated accent pieces abound