The
6-passenger L'Etoile was built in Holland
as a canal barge in 1889, and spent most of her commercial
life transporting cargo on the Rhine. Now, this classic
Dutch barge has been converted to a passenger barge
with today's standards of hotel barge comfort. The cozy
barge atmosphere makes you feel immediately at home.
L'Etoile
English speaking French/Dutch owner - Cobie
and her crew are delightful, warm, friendly and knowledgeable
hosts who welcome guests both in Southern Burgundy and
in Provence & Camargue, or on the Canal Du Midi,
on selected dates.
Salon : Fireplace, 8 opening windows. Comfortable sofa and 3-4 armchairs; large dining table with seating for 6/8 person Plasma 42 inch TV, DVD player
Deck : Sundeck with awning. Table with seating for 8
Spa Tub : Plunge pool
Guests
enjoy both a comfortable vessel and the talent
of their hosts, preparing "outstanding
meals" and "going out of their
way to take their guests to see chateaux, medieval
villages and special shopping places in areas
not usually tourist sites".
L'Etoile
has two bedrooms with king-size beds
and one bedroom with a double bed, each with their
own bathroom.
An additional smaller cabin is available for children
or single passenger.
All cabins are uniquely decorated, light and airy,
each with opening skylight and portholes.
There is ample storage and the barge provides
hairdryers.
Salon
& Dining Room:
The large lounge/dining area has plenty of natural light and is decorated in a contemporary French style.
While enjoying comfortable and cozy furniture, guests are more than welcome to watch Satellite TV, use a VCR and a home entertainment system.
There is central heating and marble open fireplace, which gives ambiance to the cooler spring and autumn cruises.
On Deck:
On deck of L'Etoile there is comfortable seating as well as a plunge pool for cooling off.
Off Boat:
Mercedes air-conditioned minivan, seating eight is provided by the barge L'Etoile for transfers and shore excursions. To expend the enjoyment, L'Etoile is generously offering to her guests: bicycles, a razor-scooter and fishing rods.
L'Etoile tours through three regions of France: Southern Burgundy, Provence & Camargue and the Canal du Midi.
Any available date may be booked for any of these cruise routes until an adjacent booking date dictates otherwise. Please contact us for current availability and
possible cruise route
on a specific date.
Highlights:
. Southern
Burgundy:L'Etoile
cruises on the Canal du Centre through the vineyards
of Santenay and partly on the wide and spacious
River Saône.
Meeting point in Le Creusot or in Dijon.
.
Provence
& Camargue: This cruise combines well-known
sights of Provence with intimate and unusual moorings
in Camargue and on the Mediterranean.
Meeting point in Avignon or Montpellier.
. Canal
du Midi: The Canal, built in the 17th Century,
flows through a region steeped in history. We'll
travel at a leisurely pace, with plenty of opportunities
to explore the surrounding areas, visit local
sites, take a walk or bicycle the towpaths.
Meeting and return point in Montpellier.
Breakfast:
Start each day with an assortment
of fresh breads, croissants and sweet rolls purchased
from the nearby boulangerie'. Coffee, tea, fruit juice,
hot chocolate, local butter and homemade jam, yoghurt
and cereals are always offered.
Lunch: Served buffet style and are accompanied by selected local red, white and rosé wines. A typical menu might include a homemade soup, a mixed green salad with walnuts & Roquefort, a quiche Charcuterie' is also included and could consist of smoked ham, sliced duck, or pâté and of course, a selection of cheeses.
SAMPLE BUFFET LUNCH MENU
Quiche Lorraine
Minestrone Soup
Mixed Salad with walnuts & Roquefort
Charcuterie: Rosette, Sliced Ham, Sliced Duck
Saucisson, Rillettes
Dinner: The open kitchen allows you to watch your chef work, to share recipes or if you wish, to participate!
SAMPLE DINNER MENU:
Salade Gourmande au Foie Gras
Paté on a Bed of Crisp Greens Served with Toast
Poularde a L'Ancienne avec Sauce au Vinaigre
Traditionally Prepared Chicken in a Delicate Wine Vinegar Sauce Served with Sautéed Potatoes and Fresh Seasonal Vegetables
Sorbet
Champagne
Plateau
de Fromages:
Brie
de Meaux, St. Félicien, Epoisses, Bleu
de Fourmes, Amour de Nuits, Livarot
Tarte
aux Fruits Flambée Fruit Tart Flambéed with
Cognac Served with French Custard
Café, Thé, Tisane et Petits Chocolats
Coffee,
Tea, Herbal Tea and French Chocolates
About Wines
L'Etoile gives you a real taste of France, serving wines from many different regions. In addition, your hosts take great pleasure in sharing their knowledge with their guests, teaching you about the wine growing areas, winemaking, and how to read a French wine label.
Throughout your trip you will be introduced to a carefully selected local wines and premier cru wines, such as:
Chassagne-Montrachet
Mercurey
Moulin à Vent
Gigondas
Faugères
Sancerre
Meursault Premier Cru
Pouilly-Fuissé
Lirac
Muscat sec de Frontignan
Your
Full Board Cruise Includes:
7 days and 6 nights on
the barge in a cabin with private
bath; transfers from/to Montpellier
or Avignon (Provence & Midi
cruises) or from/to Dijon or
Le Creusot (Burgundy cruises);
all meals on board with wines,
open bar and guided tours by
mini bus.
Your
Half Board Cruise Includes :
7 days and 6 nights on the barge
in a cabin with private bath;
transfers from/to Montpellier
or Avignon (Provence & Midi
cruises) or from/to Dijon or
Le Creusot (Burgundy cruises);
first night's dinner and all
breakfast and lunches, including
selected local wine with lunch;
transportation to restaurants
for dinners taken off the barge
and guided tours by mini bus.
