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Your Cruise
L'Etoile, a 111-foot long converted Dutch vessel, cruises on
the Canal du Centre and the River Saone, between Devvney and Chalon
sur Saone. She can accomodate six guests (children are welcome!)
and can cruise in tandem with the Fantasia for a total of 12 guests.
In addition to cruising for half of each day, your journey features
daily visits to historic towns, a chateau, a local winery, an
open air market, or whatever interests you. During cruising you
can simply relax on deck or bicycle along the towpath and through
villages. You will enjoy a slowly unfolding panorama of hills
and valleys -- a countryside that has changed little over the
centuries. After cruising on the gentle winding canal, you will
spend the last day on the wide and spacious River Saone.
Sightseeing may include: The 11th century marketplace and antique
fair at Nolay; Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy; the medieval
village of Rully; the 17th-century Chateau of Cormatin, famous
for its paintings and tapestries; the ancient town of Tournus;
and the abbey of St. Philibert.
Your Hosts
Mathias and Cobie are of French and Dutch descent and speak fluent
English. They live year round in this region and have many interesting
stories to tell about their many years of living on barges in
Holland and France.
 Accomodations
L'Etoile offers three comfortable bedroom/cabins, each with en
suite bathroom, opening portholes, and skylights. Two cabins have
king-size beds and one has a standard double bed. A small cabin
with two bunk beds and en suite bathroom can be used for children.
Amenities
L'Etoile is air-conditioned. A large lounge/dining area with
plenty of natural light is decorated in contemporary French style
and features a marble fireplace. The deck provides comfortable
seating and a plunge pool. Bicycles, TV, video player, and music
system are also on board.
Meals
The Full Board option includes meals served on board by a French
chef who owns a nearby restaurant, or taken in fine restaurants.
The authentic French cuisine served on board is carefully prepared
and beautifully presented, be it a picnic lunch alongside the
canal or a lavish, four-course, candlelit dinner. We have our
own selection of wines, be they world renowned or quality wines
from local vintners.
Day
1 |
Mathias and Cobie celebrate your arrival with lunch and champagne.
There is time to settle into your cabin and the afternoon
is free to relax, walk to the local village, or take a bike
ride. This evening a Captain's welcome dinner is served.
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Day
2
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A morning cruise begins on the Canal du Centre as you travel
past beautiful vineyards on the way to Santenay. You may bike
along the towpath and visit villages along the way. Lunch
is served during the cruise and then visit the chateau 'La
Rochepot', which has been standing on its rocky peak since
the 13th century. There is time in the afternoon for wine
tasting in one of the small villages. Dinner is served on
board.
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Day
3 |
Today is open-air market day in Beaune, a medieval town and
the wine capital of Burgundy. Visit busy stalls and discover
unknown delicacies. Visit the world famous 'Hospices', a hospital
built in 1443. The multi-colored roof tiles are typical of
the region. After lunch on board, the cruise continues to
Rully, where the boat moored for the evening.
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The boat passes through the remaining lock, an impressive
50 feet high! Cruise on the wide and spacious River Saone
to the riverside town of Chalon. The boat moors in the town
center where you explore the historic center by foot. See
the local 14th century cathedral, the Niepce museum, which
exhibits the first photographs of the world, or the archeological
collection in the Denon museum. Chalon has picturesque shopping
streets and local crafts are well presented in the town shops.
A festive farewell dinner is served on board.
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After breakfast Mathias will transfer you to Chalon
sur Saone, where you may continue your journey. |
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