Charming

La Vie en Rose

France, Southern Burgundy
Cruise Along the Canal du Centre and the River Soane

Check-in Time / Location 2:00 PM in Paris

Capacity
6 Guests
Crew Members
4
Booking Type
Charter Only

Presenting the pretty péniche La Vie en Rose, named for the iconic song so beautifully sung by French chanteuse Edith Piaf.

The literal translation of “life in pink” reflects a state of happiness in which everything surrounding you is a source of bliss.  Southern Burgundy’s cuisine, markets, chateaux, and countryside deliver bliss aplenty, while delightful French Captain Alexandre Arsie offers an authentic experience, informed by his passion for the region’s finest Premier cru wines.

With her rich hardwood floors and original brass finishing throughout, La Vie en Rose is one of the finest examples of a classic barge.  A newly refurbished salon inspired by the retro-chic supper clubs of the 1950s encourages hours of sipping and socializing, while cocktails and canapes are best enjoyed on the flower-festooned foredeck.  Of course, Captain Alex’s spacious wheelhouse is where passengers are welcome to join him for chats about all things barge cruising.  Three compact cabins, one with a Queen bed and two with twin beds, ensure comfortable and cozy accommodations for petite parties of four, five, or six. The modern ensuite bathrooms are stocked with premium toiletries.

On shore, La Vie en Rose guests will experience outstanding chateaux, charming towns, and an outdoor market, always with an insider’s view.  Two guided winetastings, one exclusive to La Vie en Rose at a boutique winery and the other in a family-owned chateau, intimately introduce the area’s pampered grapes.  Active passengers can explore nearby villages and vineyards by bicycle, while walkers will enjoy leisurely strolls along the manicured towpath.

Back onboard, food and wine is the star of the show, spotlighting Burgundy’s bounty through the pleasures of cuisine. A demonstration kitchen invites aspiring culinarians to observe their private Chef as he creates gourmet French fare. Regionally produced wines, many from the area’s Premier cru appellation, are handpicked to pair perfectly with the seasonally inspired menus.  Inclusive of the cruise fare, one lunch and one dinner are taken ashore; Captain Alex will select delicious and authentic dining venues.

Barge Lady Cruises is delighted to share “life in pink” aboard the darling barge La Vie en Rose!

 

Accommodations & Amenities View Deck Plan

Cabins
  • 103 ft long, with 7’0″ ceiling height throughout
  • 3 cabins, ranging 109 -119 sq ft, all with 7 ’0” ceiling height
  • Master Cabin, 119 sq ft with queen bed
  • 2 twin cabins, 109 sq ft with twin beds
  • Ensuite bathroom with shower
Public Area
  • Limited storage in cabins
  • Salon and dining room
  • Deck with canopy or umbrellas
  • Outdoor dining space and seating
Amenities
Chauffeured Guided Sightseeing
Chauffeured Guided Sightseeing
Daily Housekeeping
Daily Housekeeping
WiFi (service fluctuates)
WiFi (service fluctuates)
Private Chef
Private Chef
Open Bar
Open Bar
Bicycles
Bicycles
Air Conditioning/Heating
Air Conditioning/Heating
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Safe
Safe
Sound System
Sound System
220 volt outlets
220 volt outlets

Itineraries

Travel from St Julien sur Dheune to Seurre on the Canal du Centre and River Soane

Bicycling Opportunities:
Excellent 
 (Bicycling is completely optional.)
Sunday
Welcome Aboardsunday image
Welcome Aboard
Travel: Arrival to St Julien sur Dheune
Meals: Dinner onboard

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of La Vie en Rose at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored in the village of St Julien sur Dheune. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first gourmet dinner onboard.

Monday
A Panorama of Vineyards and Villagesmonday image
A Panorama of Vineyards and Villages
Travel: St Julien sur Dheune to St Leger sur Dheune
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

The day begins with a morning cruise. Relax on deck with a cup of coffee and watch the scenery float by. This afternoon, your Tour Guide presents Chateau de Couches, a restored fortress once part of the defensive stronghold of the Duchy of Burgundy. After touring the flamboyant Gothic chapel and the network of underground cellars, take a drive to the Mountain of the Three Crosses, where a panorama of vineyards and villages spreads out before you. Return to La Vie en Rose and freshen up before enjoying dinner, in nearby Santenay.

Tuesday
Gourmet Daytuesday image
Gourmet Day
Travel: St Leger sur Dheune to Santenay
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

During this morning's sailing, visit Chef in the demonstration kitchen, or relax with a cup of coffee on deck. Then depart for the wine village of Mercurey for a winetasting with vintners who have known your Captain’s family for decades! After lunch ashore provided by your Chef, choose to experience a stroll in the vineyards, a visit to a goat farm, or a cheese sampling. A delightful evening of drinks and dinner awaits onboard.

Wednesday
The Best of Burgundy in Beaunewednesday image
The Best of Burgundy in Beaune
Travel: Santenay to Chagny
Meals: Breakfast & dinner onboard, lunch ashore

Coffee and cruising is the best way to start the day in Southern Burgundy! Then drive through vineyards to the charming town of Beaune, the region's wine capital. Visit the Hospice de Beaune, an immaculately preserved Medieval hospital built in the 15th century, and then enjoy lunch at a local bistro. After exploring the shops or lingering over a café in the town square, return to the barge for cocktail hour while Chef puts the finishing touches on tonight's delicious dinner.

Thursday
Family-Owned Chateauthursday image
Family-Owned Chateau
Travel: Chagny to Fragnes
Meals: Breakfast & lunch onboard, dinner ashore

A morning cruise is the perfect time to explore the towpath with a brisk bicycle ride or leisurely stroll. Your Tour Guide then accompanies you to the Chateau de Rully, an estate which has been inhabited by the same family for generations. Meet the current owner, tour the grounds, and and enjoy a winetasting in the old kitchen of the Chateau. A toast to La Vie en Rose! Dinner is taken ashore at a delightful auberge.

Friday
Mingle with Locals at the Marketfriday image
Mingle with Locals at the Market
Travel: Fragnes to Seurre
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

This morning, the lively town of Chalon-sur-Saône offers pleasurable insight into the authentic Burgundian lifestyle. Mingle with locals at the morning market while browsing a panoply of colorful produce, freshly baked pastries, and regionally produced cheeses. Return to the barge for a lazy afternoon cruise; then, join friends in the salon for cocktails and canapes before Chef presents tonight's sumptuous Farewell Feast.

Saturday
A Sad Farewellsaturday image
A Sad Farewell
Travel: Transfer from Seurre
Meals: Breakfast onboard

After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.

Gourmet Dining

Lunch
  • 36 Month Matured Comte Cheese Soufflé
  • Lyon Truffled Sausage with Steamed Potatoes
  • Chesses: Époisses de Bourgogne and Bleu de Bresses
  • Strawberry Salad with Black Pear and Olive Oil
  • 1 Lunch Ashore Inclusive of the Cruise Rate
Dinner
  • Amuse Bouche
  • Celeriac Tarte Tatin with Endive and Hazelnuts
  • Filet of Charolais Beef in Salt Crust with Herbs
  • Cheeses: Chèvreton de Mâcon and Cîteaux
  • Valrhona Chocolate Cremeux
  • 1 Dinner Ashore Inclusive of the Cruise Rate
Wine
  • Mercurey 1er Cru, Domaine Meix-Foulot
  • Vosne Romané, La Croix Blanche, Domaine Chanzy
  • White Montagny 1er Cru, 2002
  • Hospice de Beaune Cuvee Nicolas Rolin
  • 2009 Santany 1er Cru, Domain Bachey Legros
  • Menetou Salon, Domaine de Chatenoy

Rates & Dates

Accommodation
Value Season
Regular Season
Private Cruise for 6 guests-$33,000
Private Cruise for 5 guests-$30,000
Private Cruise for 4 guests-$28,000
Private Cruise for Up to 3 guests-$21,000

Dates

2025 Regular Season Departures

April 27-3
May 4-10, 11-17, 18-24, 25-31
June 1-7, 8-14, 15-21, 22-28, 29-5
July 6-12, 13-19, 20-26, 27-2
August 3-9, 10-16, 17-23, 24-30, 31-6
September 7-13, 14-20, 21-27, 28-4
October 5-11, 12-18

Additional Details

Included in the rate
  • 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
  • Round trip chauffeured transfers — pickup location and time to be confirmed
  • A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
  • All wines with lunches and dinners served onboard
  • Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
  • All meals onboard and ashore from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
Not included in the rate
  • International airfare and regional transport
  • Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
  • Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

*All rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted

Accommodation
Value Season
Regular Season
Private Cruise for 6 guests-$33,000
Private Cruise for 5 guests-$30,000
Private Cruise for 4 guests-$28,000
Private Cruise for Up to 3 guests-$21,000

Dates

2026 Regular Season Departures

April 26-2
May 3-9, 10-16, 17-23, 24-30, 31-6
June 7-13, 14-20, 21-27, 28-4
August 30-5
September 6-12, 13-19, 20-26, 27-3
October 4-10, 11-17, 18-24

Additional Details

Included in the rate
  • 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
  • Round trip chauffeured transfers — pickup location and time to be confirmed
  • A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
  • All wines with lunches and dinners served onboard
  • Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
  • All meals onboard and ashore from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
Not included in the rate
  • International airfare and regional transport
  • Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
  • Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

*All rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted

Are you ready to experience “The Good Life”
in Southern Burgundy?

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