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France

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La Belle Epoque

Spirit of Scotland

Enchante

L'Impressionniste

Anjodi

Scottish Highlander

L'Art de Vivre

Magna Carta

Panache

Shannon Princess

Renaissance

Puerto Montt

We were picked up from our Hotel in Paris and driven South 2.5 hours to the location of our barge on the Du Nivernais canal NIN Burgundy.  Our driver was also the Barge Captain and Cruise Director.  There were 3 more crew members including the Pilot, Chef and Chief Steward/Server/Wine and Cheese educator. 

L’Art de Vivre is a classic barge redesigned with 4 small cabins with separate space for luggage and a very good shower.  All meals were served in the spacious dining room or at a table on deck when weather allowed.

Our meals were exceptional.  At breakfast included fresh bread and pastries from a different local bakery, fresh fruit plate, meat and cheese and eggs expertly prepared.  Lunches and Dinners were each served with a different local Red and White wine.  Lunches were 3 courses and Dinners 4 courses.  Our Chef, Sylvain was very very good and meals were never rushed.  We had a different entree each meal and our special requests (Brillat Savarin Cheese and Foie Gras) were fulfilled.

The barge moved slowly down the Canal with a different stop each day; we could walk alongside or ride one of the bicycles on board when we wished.  Entertainment off the ship included an estate visit, limestone cavern, walking tour, wine cavern and a visit to a Chablis wine estate with lunch.  We also had on board entertainment.

The crew were quite wonderful and the whole experience was relaxing and enjoyable.  I don’t know anything better than French wine, cheese, butter and food. Awesome hot tub was enjoyed several nights.

Small pleasures of a Burgundy Barge trip add up.

L'Art de Vivre is a wonderful barge with a fascinating history dating back to the Somme of 1917.  Beautifully fitted out, it is a gorgeous barge on which to travel. The crew - Fabrice, Kat, Oli and Melissa - were an absolute delight, friendly and helpful.  Oli's gourmet food is truly stupendous - these were meals to die for!  The camaradarie and friendship between the crew was clearly evident and much enjoyed by all the guests.  Kat was quick to put everyone at ease, and was incredibly informative about the wines at each meal.  From start to finish, the organisation was superb and at every stage the care and consideration for the guests came first.  

At the Hotel Westminster, bags were kept safely until the vans arrived before being taken out to the bus for us.  From the welcoming champagne on board the barge to the fresh hot coffee and croissants served on the coach back, the service and food was first class and more! Fresh croissants and bread were collected from a local patisserie every day.  Each day, there was a cruise further down the canal, plus a guided excursion led by Melissa.  Melissa was a friendly, helpful guide who was really interested in everything she was showing us.  She had taken the time to research and study the different places and was able to identify the most interesting aspects such as the fascinating history of Vauban at the Chateau de Bazoches du Morvan, the pilgrmage links at Vezelay or the crypt in the cathedral at Auxerre.  She was always full of ideas as to where to shop, find the most appropriate chocolate.  

When one of the guests had a birthday during the cruise, Oli made a spectacular birthday cake at very little notice.  We loved the idea of the challenge - supplying him with unusual items to make a meal from the market!  It was a wonderful way to show his skill. His dramatic style added to the overall fun. The scenery along the route was really pretty, especially once we started going through the limestone cliffs.  A small vessel, with space for just 8 guests, it is very intimate and relaxing.  Bikes were available if anyone wanted to go for a cycle along the towpath.  A local group came on board to provide live entertainment on the Thursday evening.  Moorings each night were in peaceful quiet spots guaranteed to ensure a good night's sleep. 

This was undoubtedly the best trip I have ever undertaken and my breath was taken away by the sheer service provided.  Fabrice even used the minibus to take guests (one of whom needed crutches to walk) to the top of a cliff so that everyone could enjoy the view.  For sheer relaxation, enjoyment and fun - this is a cruise that can only be wholeheartedly recommended  in every single way. It is superb, pure gold.

A gem of a Cruise

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