THE BARGE: Constructed in 1930 as a freight barge carrying logs from Burgundy to Paris and Amsterdam Converted into a hotel barge in 1995 Measures 126 ft. long by 16.5 ft. wide Five (5) onboard cabin accommodations Twelve (12) passenger capacity; thirteen (13) for charters Onboard climate control Three (3) 220V generators with silent "night" mode capability Maximum speed of 10 knots Carries 20 tons of fresh water and 3 tons of fuel PERSONNEL: Five (5) to six (6) crew members consisting of Tour Guide/Deckhand, Chef, Housekeeper(s), Stewardess, and Captain. Generally British, this crew 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 Boules Ten (10) touring bikes (21 speed) Board games Small library of books Binoculars for birdwatching MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS: La Belle Epoque has a gangplank from the bank to the deck with two (2) handrails and two (2) wide steps from the deck to the salon. There are twelve (12) steps from the salon to the cabins. These steps have a handrail and are wide enough for one (1) person to walk besides another to assist.   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 La Belle Epoque offers a choice of seven air-conditioned twin/double staterooms with full en-suite facilities.

CABINS: There are six (2) suites, four (4) junior suites, and one (1) single cabin on board La Belle Epoque, named Nuits St. Georges, Meursault, Santenay, Vougeot, Chablis, Sancerre, and Irancy respectively. CABIN SIZE: Cabin sizes vary based on the type of accommodation. The sizes listed below for each cabin include bathroom area. Nuit St. Georges (Stern Suite) - Approx. 165 sq. ft. Meursault (Bow Suite)- Approx. 150 sq. ft. Santenay (Stern Junior Suite) - Approx. 130 sq. ft. Vougeot (Stern Junior Suite) - Approx. 130 sq. ft. Chablis (Bow Junior Suite) - Approx. 125 sq. ft. Sancerre (Bow Junior Suite) - Approx. 125 sq. ft. Irancy - Approx. 90 sq. ft. BEDDING CONFIGURATION & SIZE: Each stateroom has specific bedding configurations as outlined below: Nuits St. Georges - twin or double Meursault - double Santenay - twin or double Vougeot - twin or double Sancerre - twin Chablis - twin Irancy - single

Double Configuration Meursault Suite

When the suites are in twin bed configuration, the beds are parallel with a gap between them. Bed sizes are: Twin - 3 ft. X 6 ft. Double - 6 ft. X 6 ft. (Meursault's double measures 6 ft. X 5 ft.) BATHROOMS: Nuits St. George and Meursault have full-length baths. The remaining staterooms have showers in a shower cubicle. All cabins have marble tiled floors and walls and a household flush toilet and basin. All bathrooms are stocked with towels, washing gel, hand soap, and shampoo. AMENITIES: Climate Control, Hairdryer, Built-in Closets, Safe, Electricity (220V, French two pin plugs)

SALON/DINING ROOM: The Salon/Dining Room provides a comfortable 325 sq. ft. and features: 2 built-in sofa areas Coffee table Fully-stocked mahogany bar with bar stools Antique drinks cabinet Mahogany dining table with seating for fourteen (14) people The salon is home to an antique barograph and gramophone as well as an antique interlock telephone exchange board dating from 1913 which stands in the passageway to the cabins. The salon is dressed in teak wood paneling and wallpaper, hardwood ceiling, carpeting throughout, and Art Nouveau painting of La Belle Epoque adorning its walls. ON DECK: There are two (2) Sun Decks on board La Belle Epoque, one of which is a shaded Iroko hardwood deck that houses the sunken Jacuzzi. The shaded deck is approximately 118 sq. ft. while the other is a spacious 437 sq. ft. open-air gathering area.  The beautiful deck furniture consists of: 2 steamer chairs 10 reclining chairs 1 large table 4 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 and an air-conditioned, 6-seater VW Sharan minibus are also available for excursions by vehicle.

Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck Off Boat Experiences

Burgundy, the culturally-rich center of French waterways, spans some of France's more interesting regions.  Reflecting the endless Burgundian sky, the Burgundy Canal's seemingly endless passageways take travelers through regions that suggest the past's imminence and the present's frailty. The princely castles of Tanlay and Ancy-le-Franc await in the medieval town of Tonnerre, La Belle Epoque's destination on this cruise.  Before arriving there, you will drift slowly through the Auxois region, home of one of the oldest Cistercian abbeys, Abbaye de Fontenay; here, history clings reverently to the Romanesque walls of the abbey. Savor the aroma and taste of magnificent Chablis wines along the way, and get lost in charming villages that will make you long for a return to Burgundy. Click below for Sample Itinerary: Venarey les Laumes-Tonnerre Tonnerre-Venarey les Laumes

Highlights: Visit the Abbaye de Fontenay, a UNESCO World Heritage site Wine tasting of Chablis wines at Saint Bris de Vineaux in the Bersan cellars Visit the village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, location of the film 'Chocolat' Visit to Noyers-sur-Serein, one of the most beautiful villages in Burgundy Visit to the 18th century Forges de Buffon

La Belle Epoque 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. La Belle Epoque's highly professional crew of five to six is comprised of Tour Guide, Chef, Housekeeper(s), and Stewardess, led by a knowledgeable and experienced Captain who will ensure your cruise is memorable and more!

Cuisine on board La Belle Epoque 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 Filet d'Agneau au Basilic, Magret de Canard, Poulet à L'Estragon Wine cellar Chablis, Vosne Romanée, Domaine Laroche, Nuit St -Georges, Epineuil Cheese board Aisy Cendré, Bouton de Culotte, Epoisses, Ami du Chambertin 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).

2010 SCHEDULE

2010 PRICING

Price includes:

A 7-day/6-night cruise in a cabin on board La Belle Epoque
Transfers from Montbard 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 Montbard & 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 This is a wonderful chance for the family to get away with a low-stress vacation. We have ample venues for entertaining children and the rest of the family. Find out more!
	HIKING This unique walking itinerary includes visits to historical Roman sites and picturesque chateaux.  Enjoy the colors, sounds, and smells of Burgundy as your awe-inspiring walking cruise brings you close to France. Find out more!