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. Read more