An Indulgent Adventure in Northern Burgundy on the Barge Elisabeth
Weclome aboard the barge Elisabeth!
Currently cruising through Burgundy along the Canal du Nivernais and the Canal de Bourgogne, in the 1980s this classic Dutch vessel was lovingly converted from a working cargo barge into a Charming class floating hotel.
Redesigned between 2018 and 2019 to carry just six lucky guests in total comfort, the Elisabeth‘s owner-operators Captain David and Chef Matthew have created an extraordinary week of sumptuous cuisine, leisurely lifestyles, and Burgundian culture.
Barge Lady Cruises is delighted to feature the Elisabeth in our fleet as an excellent option for casual travelers seeking a gourmet experience on the French waterways.
Read all about what a recent Barge Lady guest had to say about their indulgent adventure on the Elisabeth!
A SLOW AND WONDERFUL VOYAGE
Our cruise on the Elisabeth was a slow and wonderful scenic voyage through the canals of France.
Everything on the Elisabeth was provided at the highest level, and, as first time barge cruisers, we found lots of details to appreciate.
For example, upon boarding, we discovered that the three cabins were cozy and comfortable, and the bathroom, while compact, was immaculately clean.
THE CREW
We can’t say enough about the crew!
Each one of them — Tour Guide Yolanda, Hostess Sylvia, Chef Matthew, and Captain David — made the trip work perfectly for us.
Cruise Canine Lily, the fifth and only four-legged crew member, was also a welcome companion.
DAILY ACTIVTY
As daily activity was essential for us, we were able to balance resting and relaxing with walking and touring.
Driving through the French countryside with Tour Guide Yolanda to explore small wineries, preserved chateaux, and historic villages was a real treat.
We sipped the region’s Chablis of exceptional quality during our excursions, and the visit to the underground cave to taste local Cremant was a pleasant surprise.
CRUISE CUISINE
The cuisine was just amazing. Chef Matt crafted gourmet meals for lunch and dinner, with a fantastic balance of dishes between beef, fish, and fowl.
There was a beautiful presentation of the entrees, along with expert information about preparation and ingredients.
We also enjoyed the open bar, sampling a broad selection of dinner and dessert wines, each selected and poured by Captain David.
TOP NOTCH SERVICE
We were referred to Barge Lady Cruises, and, as promised, received top notch service while planning the cruise. Thank you for suggesting the barge Elisabeth. — Arturo F.
Craft cocktails are another highlight of the Elisabeth’s culinary program, read all about their signature sip here. Explore Auxerre, the hub city for cruises in Northern Burgundy, here. To book your own indulgent adventure on the Elisabeth, click here.