THE BARGE: Constructed in 1926 Converted into a hotel barge in 1985 and renovated in 1998 Measures 128 ft. long by 17 ft. wide Eleven (11) onboard cabin accommodations Twenty-two (22) passenger capacity Onboard climate control PERSONNEL: Seven (7) crew members who speak both English and French (some may speak other languages, as well). PUBLIC ROOMS: Salon/Dining Room Sun Deck ONBOARD LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT: Stereo system with CD player Touring bikes Board games Small library of books MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS: Lorraine has no wheelchair access. There is a narrow flight of stairs connecting the Main Deck with the Lower Deck. Those with extremely limited mobility may have difficulty navigating this ship. DECK PLAN: The well-planned accommodation of Lorraine offers eleven (11) twin bed staterooms.

CABINS: The Lower Deck houses eleven (11) cozy, well-appointed cabins with large opening windows that harvest a wealth of natural light. Of course, each cabin has a private en suite bathroom.  Here are a few other cabin features: Wardrobe Bookshelf Reading lamp CABIN SIZE: All cabins are equally comfortable and measure at approximately 110 sq. ft. BEDDING CONFIGURATION & SIZE: Each cabin on board Lorraine comes fitted with two (2) twin beds only. BATHROOMS: All cabins have private bath facilities, complete with shower cubicle, toilet, and basin. AMENITIES: Climate Control Storage Space Electricity (220V, French two pin plugs)

Cabin Cabin

SALON/DINING ROOM: Lorraine has a cozy Salon and bar area with comfortable furnishings and a separate Dining Room. The Salon/Dining Room are has plenty of large windows which allow an influx of natural light and an overall calming ambiance.  As with the rest of the vessel, the Main Deck is tastefully decorated with a mix of beautiful wood and brass complemented by lovely fabrics. ON DECK: The Sun Deck is a spacious open-air gathering area with plenty of shade, perfect for relaxing. Wreathed in flowers, the Sun Deck creates a warm, inviting atmosphere in which to view the passing pastoral landscapes. 4 tables 16 chairs 1 parasol 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). A towpath runs alongside the canals, allowing guests to either walk or bicycle between locks, or stay on board and watch the world go by as the scenery changes with every bend in the waterway. Guests may use the onboard bicycles to explore nearby villages and countrysides or ride the towpath alongside the barge. A motor coach is also available for excursions by vehicle.

Salon Sun Deck Off Boat Experiences

The light  has been a big attraction in France; it gave a life to the Impressionist painters of the 1800’s.  In the morning, the sun shines soft, highlighting the oranges and reds; in the afternoon, it filters through the trees overhead the canal as you glide through the forests and fields; and in the evening, it lights up the greens and forms the pastels in the Burgundy vineyards or the mountains of Alsace as it makes its journey westward toward sunset. Lorraine offers a luxury cruise through the Canal de la Marne au Rhin, Canal du Rhône au Rhin and the Burgundy Canal. A journey through Alsace - perhaps the most picturesque province in France - is a voyage of endless discoveries - of art and architecture, gourmet food and wine, history and heritage. The Burgundy Canal is among the most popular in Europe. Picturesque medieval villages, moated castles, bicycle paths galore, the world's most popular vineyards, a style of cooking that is world renowned all make your time in Burgundy aboard Lorraine the most precious days of your year. Click below for Sample Itineraries: Alsace Heart of Burgundy Dijon to Besancon Besancon to Mulhouse

Alsace Highlights: A unique crystal factory where you can view some of the most famous pieces from this area Colmar, the fairy-tale town with its “little Venice” quarter The famous "Arzviller" barge lift, raising craft 52 meters Sarrebourg where you will find the chapel of the Cordeliers with Chagall’s famous stained glass windows Burgundy Highlights: 15th century Chateau de Commarin Medieval perched village of Chateauneuf en Auxois Wine tasting in Meursault The Abbey of La Bussiere Picturesque covered market of Dijon, Capital of Burgundy Clos de Vougeot, private wine tasting Ducal Palace The world famous Hospice of Beaune

Lorraine's expert crew of seven is dedicated to serving and inspiring all guests traveling on board. Their aim is to make your cruise as memorable as the surrounding landscapes. Confident that they are one of the best crews on the canals of France, these hardworking seven have only one concern: to make your cruise the "best week of your year." Sophie is the barge manager. She has worked for Continental Waterways and Grand Circle in the past; now she conducts the well-rehearsed orchestra that is Lorraine. Mark is a French chef who speaks English and mixes incredibly well with guests. He is even known to share some of his culinary secrets with some passengers... Armel is proof that good things come in small packages. She is the Driver/Tour Guide and has put her heart and soul into learning the local history and sharing it with guests. Loic is the Captain of Lorraine, a person who really strives to understand his ship. He constantly studies her systems and keeps things in ship-shape; he is also a very skillful boat pilot.

Stephan, the deckhand, has a great sense of humor. Fluent in English, he is sure to communicate well with all travelers and quickly prove his prowess. "Deckhand" does not adequately describe all the he does around the boat as he is quite the jack of all trades. Hailing from England, Jenny is one of two hostesses charged with making your trip enjoyable. Charming and personable, guests will enjoy her quirky presentation of the cheese on board. The second hostess, Hannah, is new to barging, but does not let that intimidate her. A former real estate agent, Hannah now aims to sell passengers on the exquisite taste of regional wines; her presentations are very thorough and educational.

The serious pleasure of the “perfect gourmet.” You will dine on meals prepared by a chef who was trained in one of the finest schools in France. French chefs are artists, striving day after day to produce meals made only from fresh foods; you will finish one meal and look forward to the next. Our  food is supplied by the finest wholesale food purveyors and delivered to our vessels twice each week.  If you have special dietary requirements we can easily accommodate them. “A day without wine is like a day without sunshine.” The complimentary wines that accompany both lunch and dinner are carefully selected from the vast choice of quality French vineyards.   You will enjoy 22 different wines during the week on board. Your well-chosen wines are served at lunch and dinner in a relaxed atmosphere.  They will complement the meal and bring about a feeling of well-being and contentment which will linger like the aromatic corks as the evening unfolds and you sit and chat with friends old and new.   Suggested Menus: Suggested Saturday Menu Suggested Sunday Menu Suggested Monday Menu Suggested Tuesday Menu Suggested Wednesday Menu Suggested Thursday Menu

Click here for 2011 DATES/RATES

2010 SCHEDULE

Please note that cruise directions are subject to change and may depend upon bookings and local navigation conditions.

2010 PRICING

Price includes:

A 7-day/6-night cruise in a cabin on board Lorraine
Transfers from Dijon or Strasbourg/Nancy to barge & return
All meals
All wines with lunch & dinner
All escorted excursions
Use of bicycles

Price does not include:

Flight to Paris & return
Transportation from Paris to Dijon or Strasbourg/Nancy & return
Special activities such as hot-air balloon rides
Bar drinks (to be paid in Euros at the end of the cruise)
Gratuities
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JOINING AND LEAVING THE CRUISE