THE BARGE: Constructed in 1917 as a munitions carrier Last refit in 2009 Measures 100 ft. long by 16.5 ft. wide Four (4) onboard cabin accommodations Eight (8) passenger capacity Onboard climate control Two (2) 220V generators with silent "night" mode capability Maximum speed of 10 knots Carries 10 tons of fresh water and 2 tons of fuel PERSONNEL: Four (4) crew members consisting of Tour Guide/Deckhand, Chef, Housekeeper, and Captain. Generally British, this crew of four speaks both English and French (some may speak other languages, as well). PUBLIC ROOMS: Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck ONBOARD LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT: Jacuzzi HI FI system with CD player Eight (8) touring bikes (18 speed) Board games Small library of books & maps Binoculars for birdwatching MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS: L'Art de Vivre has a gangway to deck level from the bank of the canal with two (2) handrails. There are then four (4) steps from the deck to the salon without handrails that may be slightly hazardous, and another four (4) steps down to the cabins; crew members will also assist in any way they can. If you would like to hire a wheelchair so that it is available on your arrival, please specify at the time of booking. The nominal hire charge should be paid directly to the Captain on arrival. The well-planned accommodation of L'Art de Vivre offers a choice of four air-conditioned twin/double staterooms with full en-suite facilities.

CABINS: There are four (4) staterooms on board L'Art de Vivre, named Merlot, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. CABIN SIZE: All cabins are very similar in size and are equally comfortable. The size listed below for each cabin includes bathroom area. Merlot - Approx. 100 sq. ft. Sauvignon - Approx. 100 sq. ft. Chardonnay - Approx. 100 sq. ft. Pinot Noir - Approx. 100 sq. ft. BEDDING CONFIGURATION & SIZE: Each stateroom comes with the choice of two (2) single beds, or one (1) double bed except for the Pinot Noir which is set up as a double only.  When the suites are in twin bed configuration, the beds are parallel with a gap between them. Bed sizes are: Twin - 2 ft. X 6 ft. Double - 5 ft. X 6 ft. BATHROOMS: All cabins have fully-tiled private bath facilities, complete with shower cubicle, toilet, and basin. They are stocked with towels, washing gel, hand soap, and shampoo. AMENITIES: Climate Control, Electricity (220V, French two pin plugs)

Twin Configuration Double Configuration En Suite Bathroom

SALON/DINING ROOM: The Salon/Dining Room provides a comfortable 273 sq. ft. and features: 2 sofas Coffee table Fully-stocked mahogany bar with bar stools Iroko dining table with seating for up to nine (9) people The breathtaking, spacious Salon/Dining Room is dressed with teak panelling and wallpaper with a formica ceiling and brass light fittings. It has carpeting throughout and paintings on the walls. ON DECK: The Sun Deck is a spacious 275 sq. ft. open-air gathering area with plenty of shade and boasts a heated Jacuzzi for six (6) people.  The beautiful deck furniture consists of: 2 steamer chairs 8 reclining chairs 1 large table 2 parasols. The Sun Deck is perfect for sun bathing and enjoying the beautiful scenery as you slowly wind through the canals of France. OFF BOAT: Passengers are welcome to walk or cycle using the onboard bicycles as often as they like.  Most People choose to disembark the barge at a lock to visit local villages, then return to the canal and meet the barge further along (the barge travels slowly; therefore, this is not a problem). An air-conditioned, 9-seater (including driver) VW Caravelle minibus is also available for excursions by vehicle.

Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck Off Boat Experiences

The Upper Nivernais remains an undiscovered region, well off the beaten track on the edge of the Morvan hills. The sleepy hamlets, white grazing Charolais cattle, woods and forrests are typical of the scenery we cruise through. The region simply oozes charm and the cruise is a journey back in time along a magical waterway. During the summer months L'Art De Vivre visits the Valley of Sardy, a canal section with smaller locks, where time seems to have stood still for over two hundred years. The hand-swung bridges are a delight and we pass old logging sites which are now almost forgotten memory for the local people. This is the original home of luxury hotel barging and yet today, a barge is a rarity, welcomed by all, and every journey is a great event. Click below for Sample Itinerary: Auxerre-Clamecy Clamecy-Auxerre

Highlights: Explore enchanting Auxerre and its magnificent cathedral Wine tasting of fine Chablis wines in a 12th century cellar Visit Chateau de Bazoches, home of Maréchal Vauban Tour Noyers, one of the most beautiful villages in Burgundy Visit picturesque Vézelay and its hilltop basilica Explore the medieval town of Clamecy

L'Art de Vivre is owned and operated by the U.K based "European Waterways" cruise company, known to provide crew that have always taken pride in their work, attention to detail, creativity and service, key words which are the cornerstones of the company's group of vessels. Crew members are selected from within the hotel barge industry and from outside. The majority are either English or French. L'Art de Vivre's highly professional crew of four is comprised of Tour Guide/Deckhand, Chef, and Housekeeper, led by a knowledgeable and experienced Captain who will ensure your cruise is memorable and more!

Cuisine on board L'Art de Vivre is French. All meals are composed of fresh ingredients and typically feature a different selection of regional cheeses and wines daily. Non-alcoholic beverages, regular or decaffeinated tea & coffee, and whole or low-fat milk are offered with all meals. There are no assigned seats for meals in the dining room and dress is casual. The Captain's Dinner on the last night of the cruise requires slightly formal attire. Regional specialties Terrine de Pêcheur façon Maison, Tourte Chaude d'Escargots à la Ciboulette, Filet de Rouget au Safron Wine cellar Sancerre, Chablis, Pouilly Fumé, Cote de Nuits, Hautes Côtes de Beaune Cheese board Brie, Maroilles, Pont L'Eveque, St Marcellin SPECIAL FOOD REQUIREMENTS: Special food requirements (such as vegetarian or allergies) are catered to if requested in advance (if possible, please specify requirements at least 8 weeks prior to departure).

Click here for 2011 DATES/RATES

2010 SCHEDULE

2010 PRICING

Price includes:

A 7-day/6-night cruise in a cabin on board L'Art de Vivre
Transfers from designated hotel in Auxerre or train station at Laroche Migennes to barge & return
All meals
All wines with lunch & dinner
Open bar
All escorted excursions
Use of bicycles

Price does not include:

Flight to Paris & return
Transportation from Paris to designated hotel in Auxuerre or train station at Laroche Migennes & return
Gratuities
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JOINING AND LEAVING THE CRUISE

	WINE Enjoy your morning cruise past gently rolling hills, vineyards dotted with cherry orchards and curious cattle who lift their heads for a better look. Find out more!
	FAMILY The captain will gently navigate the hotel barge down the smaller canals and rivers of Europe allowing families to either savour the delights of the countryside. Find out more!
	BICYCLING Trekking through the vineyards of Burgundy may seem like a fantasy, but this biking themed cruise lets you do exactly that.  Find out more!
	HIKING Burgundy boasts some of Europe’s prettiest canal routes and offers great possibilities for walkers of all abilities.  Find out more!
	TENNIS Burgundy, as one of France's most widely-recognized and highly-sought vacation destinations, is reason enough for any travel enthusiast to take this cruise. Find out more!