About French Barge La Belle Epoque

French Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque — A Bit Of History

A Working Girl at Heart

La Belle Epoque, a spits barge originally named Savornin Lohmann, was built in 1930 in the Netherlands in order to transport timber. Following the outbreak of the Second World War, the barge was relocated to France along with her owners, the Kruijt family. For many decades she assisted in the transportation of logs from the forests of Morvan to the warehouses of Paris on the Canal du Nivernais.

The Great Makeover

After more than 70 years of hard work, Savornin Lohmann retired from lumber transportation in 1993. Unlike many working vessels that were dismantled for scrap, this historic barge was purchased by European Waterways and joined the only other barge in their fleet at the time: Anjodi.

A complete renovation followed, transforming this humble spits barge into La Belle Epoque, the glorious floating hotel that guests still enjoy today. With her six luxurious cabins each with marble ensuite bathrooms, the wood-paneled salon/dining area, and a sun deck complete with hot tub, La Belle Epoque is the epitome of barging elegance and sophistication.

Barging in Burgundy

There are many reasons to select La Belle Epoque as your vessel of choice on your next barging cruise. She plies the peaceful Canal de Bourgogne in Northern Burgundy, boasting an itinerary that includes Chablis wine tasting, an excursion to the Abbaye de Fontenay and an optional (and unforgettable) hot air balloon flight. Champagne Wednesdays are a new and popular addition to her itinerary, and keen cyclists can take advantage of their “Biking Plus” option and admire her from the towpath.

A Quick Video Tour of La Belle Epoque

The French Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque is available for barging cruises on the Canal de Bourgogne in Burgundy, France. She accommodates up to 12 passengers in 6 guest cabins, each with ensuite, private bathrooms. There is a crew of six to pamper you during your barging vacation.

Book now! Contact Paradise Connections
CLICK HERE

Burgundy Itinerary

La Belle Epoque cruises between Venarey-les-Laumes and Tanlay on the Canal de Bourgogne in Burgundy, France

Click image to enlarge

La Belle Epoque

• Route: Canal de Bourgogne between Venarey-les-Laumes and Tanlay
• Up to 12 guests
• Private charters and Cabin cruises
• Itineraries: Standard classic, Family, Golfing, Walking, Wine tasting
• See more: Online Brochure

Book now! Contact Paradise Connections
CLICK HERE

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book LA BELLE EPOQUE
View La Belle Epoque' online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

 

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Barge L'Art de Vivre - Dine at 5-star Chateau

Enjoy 5-Star Dining at Le Château de Vault-de-Lugny

On one evening during the week, guests aboard the French Hotel Barge L'Art de Vivre will be treated to dinner ashore at the 5-star Château de Vault-de-Lugny in a truly astounding setting. Built between the 13th and 17th centuries, the Château is situated amidst the lush green of a 40 hectare park between Vezelay and Chablis.

Le Château de Vault-de-Lugny

A Historic Hotel

Initially built for the House or Arcy, the castle was decimated during the Hundred Years War, as it underwent assaults from both the English and the ominously named “Flayers”. In 1450 it was obtained by Guy de Jaucourt who built a large house on the grounds along with several other buildings, attempting to restore it to its former glory. In 1971 it was classified as a historic monument in order to safeguard it for the future, and with good reason, its moated façade and undulating lawns are a sight to behold.

 Le Château de Vault-de-Lugny

The Dining Experience

Burgundy as a region is often a haven for foodies, but the gourmet fare on offer at Le Château de Vault-de-Lugny is a cut above. Dine beneath the 17th century ribbed vaults of the original kitchen as the fire crackles merrily away or beneath the shade of a 400-year old plane tree in the park gardens at sunset. Each month contains a culinary “theme” including truffle harvest season in September and Blue Lobster in May, and regular dishes on the menu include Charolais Beef in a Perigueux sauce and Sea Scallops with seaweed butter and pan-sautéed porcinis. This is to say nothing of the incredible array of Burgundy wines on offer to accompany the culinary delights of your meal and the breath-taking views across the gardens.


Hotel Barge L'Art de Vivre

French Hotel Barge L'Art de Vivre

L'Art de Vivre is an 8-passenger, luxury hotel barge that cruises the Canal du Nivernais and River Yonne in Burgundy from April to October. For more information on the French Hotel Barge L'Art de Vivre, visit their online brochure.

Cruise highlights:

• Explore enchanting Auxerre and its magnificent cathedral
• Private wine tasting of Chablis and Petit Chablis in the cellars of a renowned Domaine
• Tour Noyers-sur-Serein, one of the most beautiful villages in Burgundy
• Visit the picturesque village of Vezelay and its hilltop basilica
• Visit elegant Château de Bazoches
• Dinner at the 5 Star Château de Vault-de-Lugny
• Excellent walking and bicycling
• "Biking Plus" option available
• Optional Hot Air Ballooning

CLICK HERE TO CHECK FOR SPECIAL OFFERS

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book l'Art de Vivre
View L'Art de Vivre's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

 

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50% Discount - Panache in Champagne France

50% OFF Burgundy & Champagne Cruise

Get 50% off a Champagne Cruise aboard hotel barge Panache when booked back to back with a qualifying Burgundy cruise.

French Hotel Barge Panache

This cruise combines a full-priced Burgundy cruise on L’Impressionniste, La Belle Epoque or Renaissance with a one-week cruise on Panache in neighboring Champagne before or after the Burgundy cruise. The price includes a romantic bed and breakfast stay in Paris in between and transfers to and from the hotel and both hotel barges.

This offer cannot be combined with other offers and is limited to select dates in June and July, 2018.

Online brochures:

• Panache
• L'Impressionniste
• La Belle Epoque
• Renaissance

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Interested? Contact Paradise Connections for price and availability.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your barge trip
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

 

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Barge Rendez-Vous Updates

Ta Da! We've just completed updating the online brochure for Hotel Barge RENDEZ-VOUS.

French Hotel Barge Rendez-Vous -- Barging Cruises in Burgundy France

We have updated itineraries, including theme cruises of Golfing, and Cycling. Plus, we have added more photos, information about layout, specifications, amenities, and cuisine.

Barge Rendez-Vous cruises in Southern Burgundy along the Canal de Bourgogne between Fleury-sur-Ouche and Vandenesse en Auxois. They accommodate up to 6 guests in 3 guests staterooms which can be configured as either Twins or Queens according to your preference.

Learn more... View their online brochure and/or Contact Paradise Connections.


BREAKING NEWS....

15% discount on all remaining open July/August weeks.

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Experience Burgundy This Season aboard

French Hotel Barge Rendez-Vous

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book RENDEZ-VOUS
View Rendez-Vous' online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

 

Update On Grand Cru, New Burgundy Hotel Barge

The French Hotel Barge Grand Cru makes their debut in April 2018, offering six night/seven day journeys on a route featuring "The Best of Burgundy's Best." With Grand Cru's gastronomic program, guests will enjoy pours of Grand Cru wines with every lunch and dinner. Selected from France's famous wine region, these Grand Cru samplings pair perfectly with the Chef's gourmet cuisine. Other superior libations will be served as well, such as the "créme de la créme" of regional spirits and liqueurs.

We have just heard from Spencer Hayes and Earl Robertson who are in France finishing up the construction and decoration of Grand Cru. They are very excited about this ultra-deluxe barge:

“Grand Cru is coming along well.  The custom cabinetry will soon be installed and the bathrooms are tiled. We have purchased the furniture, as well as unique decorative accessories and art.  We have also been thinking about our itinerary and have decided to offer impromptu experiences when feasible – our guests will receive the true flavor of the region and its people.  Please recommend Grand Cru to your most elite inquiries, and don’t forget the wine lovers, with our exclusive Grand Cru wine program.  We are very excited to start the season and look forward to welcoming your clients.”

French Hotel Barge Grand Cru - Barging Cruises in Burgundy, France

The Grand Cru's eye-catching modern design effortlessly reflects the clean lines and open spaces of contemporary living. Four generously-sized cabins accommodate up to eight guests in beautifully-appointed staterooms, while the comfortable furniture throughout the spacious salon and expansive deck encourages hours of casual socializing. While cruising, guests can relax on deck and enjoy the unspoiled scenery along the waterways or explore the route's charming canalside villages riding the barge's bicycles or taking a bit of a stroll.

While cruising aboard the Grand Cru, Burgundy's cultural treasures are always on offer, ensuring unparalleled access to the local flavors and lively personalities of the region. Escorted excursions reveal the area's most treasured resource: the pampered grapes of Burgundy's Cote d'Or region. Grand Cru's guests will meet the entrepreneurs behind Burgundy's wine production thanks to a series of vineyard visits and private tastings. Guests will also enjoy excursions to family-owned chateaux and gourmet food markets, as well as guided tours of the towns of Dijon and Beaune.

View Grand Cru's online brochure. Click Here.

We will have actual photos soon.

Grand Cru's 2018 calendar is filling up (September is fully booked) but here is current availability:

Open dates in 2018:

• May 20-26
• May 27-June 1
• June 17-23
• July 1-7

Then a block of 6 weeks open, beginning...

• July 15, 22, and 29
• August 5, 12, and 19

and the Value Season week of...

• October 21-27

Barge Grand Cru offers their Classic Cruise along the Canal du Rhone au Rhin and the Canal du Centre (see itineraries) between Dole and St. Leger-sur-Dhune in Southern Burgundy, France. They also have a Golfing themed cruise.

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Experience Burgundy aboard the new luxury

Hotel Barge Grand Cru

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book GRAND CRU
View Grand Cru's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

 

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French Canal History: The Nivernais Canal

A Tale of Floating Firewood: The Canal du Nivernais

Initially constructed to carry firewood to Paris, The Canal du Nivernais  is now a beautiful barge route through Burgundy.

Although today the canals of France are chiefly the domain of hotel barges and towpath cyclists, this complicated system of inland waterways was designed and built for trade. The Canal du Nivernais – the setting for our Classic Cruise of Burgundy aboard L’Art de Vivre – has a fascinating industrial history.


Floating Firewood

The canal was originally constructed in order to transport firewood from the forests of Morvan to the French capital. Up until this point logs were floated along the River Yonne using a system of flottage du bois. However, as Paris grew larger and demand increased, there was a need to transport timber over greater distances.

Originally a project was started to extend the “floatable” section of the river to the forests of Bazois by cutting a small channel under the hills of La Collancelle, through which timber could be floated. However, at a time when canal building was at its zenith, the project soon grew to involve building a proper navigable canal. Work started in 1784 and was finished 60 years later in 1841.

Farewell Flottage

This turned out to be an excellent decision, as the flottage method of transporting timber was made illegal in 1881. With the help of the canal, the wood trade flourished in this area of Burgundy, providing its main source of income until the 1920s, although other goods such as charcoal, stone and wine were also transported along the waterway.

Guests on a barge cruise today can sit on deck and watch the rolling hills of Morvan and the lush meadows of Bazois pass by, which serve as reminders of the logging heritage of the region. The medieval town of Clamecy was the epicentre of the timber industry in the nineteenth century; visitors can find out all about the “infernal descent” to Paris that the rafts of logs would take at the town’s Romain-Rolland Museum.

Wine, weather, history and cuisine, Burgundy has it all.

French Hotel Barge L'Art de Vivre

L'Art de Vivre is a first-class, 8 -passenger hotel barge that cruises the Canal du Nivernais and River Yonne in Burgundy from April to October. Visit our website for information on French canal barge L'Art de Vivre.

If you are using Cliqz for your browser, L'Art de Vivre's online brochure is not displaying images properly, but works fine with Firefox, Chrome, etc.... Our other barge brochures are fine with Cliqz. Very strange.

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Looking forward to your inquiries...

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book L'ART DE VIVRE
View L'Art de Vivre's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

 

It's not how far nor how fast, it's the pleasure of the journey that keeps people coming back for more.

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French Hotel Barge Rendezvous: save on Spring 2017 barging cruises

Save on Spring 2017 barging charters on French Hotel Barge Rendezvous in southern Burgundy, France.

French Hotel Barge Rendezvous
Cruising the Canals of Burgundy France between Fleury-sur-Ouche and Vandenesse en Auxois

Enjoy a $7,500 savings on 6-night private charters for up to 6 guests in April 2017:

• $22,500: April 9-15, 2017 (normally $30,000/week)
• $22,500: April 16-22, 2017 (normally $30,000/week)
• $22,500: April 23-29, 2017 (normally $30,000/week)

Cruise Rate Includes: 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, chauffeured transfers from Paris to the barge & return, all meals, from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner, open bar, daily escorted excursions and use of onboard bicycles.


ACCOMMODATIONS:
Rendezvous accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 cabins which can be configured with one Queen/King bed or two Twin beds. Which ever arrangement works best for you.


CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Visit the vineyards of the Côte de Nuits
• Cycle along the Route des Grands Crus
• Explore Dijon's food market, Les Halles, designed by Gustave Eiffel of the Parisian tower fame
• Wine tasting in Beaune, wine capital of Cote d'Or
• Visit the village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois and its fairy tale style castle
• Taste and learn about cheesemaking at a local farm

Rendezvous is designed for guests who want a high quality cruise but also an experience which reflects their interest in cuisine and wine, fitness, and immersion into the culture and people of France. Even the name of this barge suggests the coming together of people and places.

Rendezvous packs a lot of casual living into its space, including an open kitchen, large and canopied deck (complete with spa pool/hot tub), and cozy cabins with every amenity. Décor is contemporary and comfortable, with high quality furniture, fabrics and accent pieces, all hand-selected.

Sightseeing includes a bicycle ride through the vineyards, a private mustard tasting and tour in Beaune, and a visit to a cheese farm with a wine tasting. Optional golf will be available on several easily reached courses along the route.

Interested in a French Rendezvous? Contact us!

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Contact Paradise Connections to book RENDEZVOUS
View Rendezvous' online brochure

Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

 

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Special pricing for Burgundy cruises aboard French Hotel Barge Prosperite

French Hotel Barge Prosperite, is a very popular barge that cruises in Burgundy, France between Dijon and Vandenesse-en-Auxois, a beautiful and interesting region. They are offering select weeks at special pricing for barging cruises in Burgundy next year (2017).

French Hotel Barge Prosperite cruising in Burgundy France

$45,000/week for up to 8 guests:

• April 9-15, 2017
• April 16-22, 2017
• April 23-29, 2017

$54,000/week for up to 8 guests:

• October 15-21, 2017
• October 22-28, 2017

Prosperite's regular season rate is $60,000 for up to 8 guests.

Cruise Rate Includes: 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, chauffeured transfers from Paris to the barge & return, all meals, from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner, open bar, daily escorted excursions and use of onboard bicycles.


View their brochure: http://bargecharters.com/barges/prosperite/

Prospérité cruises southern Burgundy between Dijon and Vandenesse-en-Auxois along the Canal du Bourgogne. They accommodate up to 8 guests in 4 suites, which can be configured as doubles or twins, with sitting area and desk, each having their own private ensuite bathroom. The barge is fully air conditioned and also has central heating when necessary, hot tub on the sundeck, bicycles, air conditioned minivan for excursions...

 

Looking forward to your inquiries

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book PROSPERITE 
View Prospérité's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

 

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THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY OFFER – 30% OFF BARGING CRUISES

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY OFFER

30% OFF SELECT BARGING CHARTERS IN

 HOLLAND AND FRANCE FOR 2017

PANACHE Moored in Holland 6 cabins / 12 guests

L'ART DE VIVRE moored in Burgundy 4 cabins / 8 guests

Hotel Barges Panache in Holland and L’Art de Vivre in France Feature Up to $20,000 Off 

Many families will be gathering over the Thanksgiving holiday and plan their next vacation together. We would like to suggest an excellent vacation opportunity that you are sure to enjoy.

Spend quality time with family or friends on a hotel barge cruise this Spring through the picturesque landscapes of Europe.

Both the Dutch Tulip Cruise on Panache and the classic Burgundy cruise on L’Art de Vivre will allow you to enjoy beautiful scenery, discover local culture, history, gastronomy, and return home with some wonderful memories.

Book between now and November 30, 2016 and receive a 30% discount off of a full-boat, private, all-inclusive charter. You do not need to be American to celebrate a day of Thanksgiving.

HOTEL BARGE L'ART DE VIVRE: Canal du Nivernais in Burgundy, France

• Dates: April 30-May 6, 2017
• Rate: $27,160 for up to 8 guests ($38,800 -30%)
• Online brochure: L'ART DE VIVRE

L’Art de Vivre has been called, “a floating celebration of the Burgundian good life.” Highlights of the cruise includes a private wine tasting in the cellar of a renowned Chablis vineyard; a tour of the magnificent 12th century Chateau de Bazoches; a visit to the hilltop Romanesque basilica of Vezelay; and optional hot air ballooning.

HOTEL BARGE PANACHE: Dutch Tulip Cruise

• Dates: April 9-15, 2017: Dutch Tulip Cruise.
• Rate: $46,900 for up to 12 guests ($67,000 -30%)
• Online brochure: PANACHE

The spacious 12-passenger Panache’s Holland cruise includes a visit to Keukenhof Gardens to see the world’s largest display of flowers; a tour of the Royal Delft pottery, famous for its handmade earthenware that sets the standard by which all delftware pottery is measured; and a visit to Rembrandt’s birthplace in the historic city of Leiden.

Prices are all-inclusive and include all gourmet meals, fine wines, open bar, escorted daily excursions and local transfers to and from the hotel barge. Cannot be combined with other offers and other restrictions may apply

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See more special offers for 2017 barging cruise vacations. Click HERE.

Best Wishes & Happy Thanksgiving

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your barge trip
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

 

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Special Family French Barge Cabin Cruises

We would like to announce that there are three family-themed charter cruises scheduled for summer 2016. These cruises are available by the cabin... no need to book a private barge trip (unless you want to, of course!).

L'Art de Vivre

Anjodi

Panache

Participating French hotel barges are:

• l'Art de Vivre, Burgundy: 
• August 7-13, 2016 - 4 cabins available

• Anjodi, Canal du Midi: 
• August 14-20, 2016 - 4 cabins available

• Panache, Alsace-Lorraine: 
• August 21-27, 2016 - 6 cabins available

We know that it can be quite challenging for many families to plan vacation time together. A hotel barge cruise can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a family with a chance to enjoy quality time together. A family as small as three people, booking a minimum of two cabins, can be confident that on the date they booked, their hotel barge (which can accommodate up to 8 or 12 guests) will be waiting for them. They will enjoy all the usual amenities from an attentive crew whether all the other cabins are booked or not.

L'ART DE VIVRE
The eight-passenger L’Art de Vivre’s family-themed cruise departs August 7th. Cruising through the scenic Burgundy countryside, the vessel’s itinerary includes a visit to Cardoland prehistoric World of Dinosaurs, canoe trips, and a tour of the Caves of Ancy sur Cure, a major site for Palaeolithic cave paintings.

ANJODI
The August 14th departure of the 8-passenger Anjodi, based on the Canal du Midi, includes a visit to Aqualand Cap D’Agde, a popular family water park. The itinerary also includes a tour of the Oppidum d’Enserune Roman settlement and the prehistoric Grotte de Limousis prehistoric caves.

PANACHE
The August 21st departure on the 12-passenger Panache, which cruises the Alsace-Lorraine region of France, includes a visit to the Centre Aquatique Sarrebourg water park as well as the Alpine Luge at Lutzelbourg – a 1,640-foot high-speed rail ride down a mountainside. There is also a visit to the Saint Croix Animal Park and the Chocolate Museum in Strasbourg.

Prices for these 6-night family-themed cruises start at $4,450 per person, based on double occupancy, and are all-inclusive, including admission to all the family attractions on the itineraries.

Also, guests under the age of 18-years old receive $300 off. Wouldn't this be perfect for someone studying French?

Allons-y . . .
Let's Go Barging This Summer !

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your barge trip
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

 

It's not how far nor how fast, it's the pleasure of the journey that keeps people coming back for more.

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