Sip Flutes of French Bubbly with a Baroness on the Barge La Belle Epoque
Care to sip flutes of French bubbly with a Baroness? Tour a chateau’s manicured grounds guided by its resident Count? When it comes to hobnobbing with modern nobility, you’re closer to the “creme de la creme” than you think!
A personal welcome at two aristocratic enclaves awaits when you cruise on the 12-guest La Belle Epoque. Offering an elegant introduction to Northern Burgundy, the experience aboard La Belle Epoque references the time for which she is named – a “beautiful era” of artistic expression, cultural innovation, and regional optimism.
Originally Dutch-built in 1930, at the beginning of World War II La Belle Epoque moved to France, where she was used to transport cargo to and from Paris. In the mid-90s, she escaped the destiny of many old working barges – being sold for scrap – when she was beautifully renovated to operate as a pleasure vessel.
WINE AND DINE WITH A BARONESS
Indeed, among other enriching experiences ashore, an indulgent excursion transports you to Château de Taisne in the Champagne region. Baron Charles and Baroness Ségolène de Taisne are the most recent heirs of this elegant property, which has been owned by their family since 1837. Now open to the public with 25 hectares of parks and gardens, the Chateau plays host to all manner of enchanting cultural activities, including Renaissance fashion exhibitions and performances of Shakespeare!
Today, along with their children, Baron Charles and Baroness Ségolène are delighted to share the simple pleasures of everyday life in this exceptional setting, punctuated by indelible moments with visitors, locals, and friends.
Upon arrival to the estate, guests are greeted with a champagne reception, followed by a four-course luncheon served in the private parlor or preserved kitchen. Wine and dine with Baroness Ségolène, and then marvel at family portraits and priceless heirlooms on an intimate tour of the château.
MEET AND GREET A COUNT
Cruisers also visit Château de Commarin, owned by the same noble family for 26 generations and named a French historical monument in 1949. That the château is still standing is nothing short of a miracle; not only did the castle avoid pillage during the French Revolution, the Germans occupying the estate in World War II treated it with respect, allowing Commarin to retain its magnificent parquet floors and priceless tapestries.
Upon arrival, guests are treated to a magnificent demonstration of falconry, and then introduced to the castle’s current resident, Count Bertrand de Vogüé. Born at Commarin, and although committed to preserving its patrimony, Count de Vogüé strategically modernizes his stately home.
When not hosting musical performances in the public spaces or welcoming travelers to his restored guesthouse, he manages the complex system for maintaining water levels in the medieval moat (yep, there is a moat). After meeting and greeting Count de Vogüé, a guide will escort you inside Commarin’s grand halls and lovely salons. Here, proudly displayed, are the de Vogüé family’s historic oil paintings and antique keepsakes which have survived over millennia.
LA BELLE EPOQUE’S PAMPERED PASSENGERS
Of course, the excursions, accommodations, and amenities offered on La Belle Epoque conform to the quintessential Barge Lady cruise, and one we adore recommending to our guests — especially for those for whom European history and French heritage are crucial experiences to their travels.
“From the flutes of Champagne served when guests first step onboard to the final evening’s Farewell Feast, our pampered passengers not only get to meet modern nobility on La Belle Epoque, but feel like aristocracy themselves!” says ‘La Reine’ Barge Lady Ellen.
It’s a luxury cruise of manors and manners! For more information about La Belle Epoque, click here. For a video tour of Chateau de Commarin, click here. To book your own aristocratic cruise, click here.