Luxury Cruising on the Burgundy Canals, France
Explore Vineyards, Medieval Villages and Rolling Countryside
Sep 1, 2009
Cruising on the barges of European Waterways definitely falls into the category of luxury, if luxury can be defined as having large air-conditioned bedroom suites (unusual on barging holidays) being pampered, and being served superb food and drink.
Barging in Burgundy, France
The GoBarging company has been cruising European waters since 1974, since when their reputation as canal cruise experts has gone from strength to strength. Unashamedly serving the luxury end of the cruise market they deliver what they promise, food of the highest quality, fine wines, expertly chosen regional cheeses to accompany the dishes, and a crew that pampers and looks after everyone with genuine warmth. The 24-hour open bar carries a wide selection of spirits, wines and liqueurs.
In France GoBarging.com covers different parts of Burgundy, Provence, the South of France, the Rhone and Loire Valleys. They also operate in Italy, Scotland and Ireland.
Departure Point in Paris for Barging in Burgundy
Passengers are collected in Paris from the Hotel Ampere and driven in comfortable mini buses to the embarkation points. Taking just one cruise through part of Burgundy, for instance, one that departs from Auxerre, a scenic town with a magnificent Gothic style cathedral and streets of half-timbered houses, the barge passes through 45 locks on the Nivernais Canal. This gives passengers the opportunity to disembark and walk along the towpath or make use of one of the bicycles carried on board to explore further inland.
Getting to know fellow travellers is facilitated by a champagne reception hosted by the captain. The free-flowing wines and cocktails ensure a lively atmosphere at all times. The wines and cheeses are explained before meals by one of the charming hostesses on board and the chef on the barge always ascertains guests' likes and dislikes and offers alternatives.
Canal Route on the Barge Journey
Burgundy has some of the most stunning scenery in France. The canal and the River Yonne wind through rolling hills dotted with ancient villages in which every limestone house has pink roses climbing the beige walls and window boxes crammed full of red and pink geraniums. Vineyards, fruit orchards and farms add a variety of colour, and with 3/4 harvests a year in the area, there are always ribbons of green alternating with golden fields of wheat.
The barge sails approximately half a day, the other half being spent at a place of interest to which one is driven by one of the crew, who is also the guide. All members of the crew are well versed in the history of the area. If walking cobbled streets is not to everyone’s liking there is usually an interesting bar from which to people watch, or remaining on the barge with a book and some music from the library is the other option!
Wine Tasting in Burgundy
Few people want to miss the tours of the wine-cellars though, especially in Chablis, the tiny area that produces the coveted vins de luxe Grand Cru and Premier Cru Chablis. French vineyards in Burgundy are frequently small and family-owned specialising in only two grape varieties, the red pinot noir and the white chardonnay. The sparkling wine of the region, the Cremant, is a revelation to some people who have not tried it before.
Arrangements are made sometime during the cruise for passengers to enjoy a meal at one of the famous taverns or restaurants along the way, usually in a town of note. Fun though this is, it is not done from necessity, as the onboard chef produces meals of the highest standard.
Exploring Towns & Villages in Burgundy
The towns visited afford time for exploring and shopping, whether Auxerre with its gold sundial clock and quirky statues dotted throughout the maze of pedestrianised streets or Vézelay with the Roman Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene where the crusaders converged before setting out for Jerusalem. Vézelay is a centre for artists of all kinds, a perfect place to buy ceramics, paintings, or woven tapestries.
As an alternative to a spa stay, barging is perfect. It is just as relaxing, the food is much better even if weight may be gained. No TV, no “entertainment”, no jolly “mine host” encouraging audience participation, only good food over which to linger with a fine wine or liqueur. Cabins are comfortable and spacious, and the captain, chef and crew are chosen for their friendliness, charm and ability to cope with any emergency.
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