WELCOME ABOARD ...

"Chouette", a 30 metre Dutch luxemotor barge owned by Fran and Chris Bennett, berthed at its own exclusive mooring on the Canal du Nivernais in the heart of the wonderful Burgundy countryside. 

This tranquil setting lies in the Yonne valley below the splendid chalk cliffs of the old fortified village of Mailly-le-Chateau. 

The rest of the afternoon can be spent taking a stroll from our mooring to the old fortified village above, situated on a rocky spur overlooking the river Yonne. There's a great view from the shady
castle terrace of the river Yonne, with the Morvan in the distant background. A short stroll brings you to the 12C church of St Adrien in the      
main square whilst the lower part of the village possesses a 15C bridge (the
oldest on the river) and the chapel of St Nicolas (our patron saint for the
week!). This is a wonderful place to begin to relax and unwind before
enjoying dinner ashore.

MONDAY
Mailly le Chateau - Lucy sur Yonne

The beginning of the cruise takes us south, along tree lined canals and wide
rivers, to the remarkable natural site of the cliffs of Saussois, soaring
high above the water. From here we glide west through rolling countryside,
towards Chatel Censoir. Dominating this picturesque village, clinging to
the side of a steep hill, is the wonderful church of St Pontentien,
surrounded by narrow streets lined by 17C and 18C houses. Lunch is taken ashore at the excellent 'Etape des Gourmets' restaurant.

Our afternoon excursion is to one of Burgundy's most picturesque settings -Veselay, with the treasured Roman Basilica of Saint-Madeleine, classified as part of UNESCO World Heritage. Here you can delight in the panoramic views,
narrow cobbled streets, craft shops and numerous art exhibitions before returning to Lucy in the early evening, giving you the opportunity to relax on deck before dining ashore.

TUESDAY
Lucy sur Yonne - Chevroches

Today is one of relaxation and fun. From Lucy, we gently set forth towards Coulanges sur Yonne, drifting past the rural hamlet of Pousseaux towards the largest town on our route, Clamecy; a medieval settlement perched on a rocky spur at the confluence of the Yonne and the Beuvron. Lunch is taken ashore, allowing you time afterwards to explore the shops and stroll through narrow winding streets lined by handsome half-timbered houses and old mansions. As we pull out of Clamecy harbour we begin to wind our way along tree lined
banks towards Chevroches. This enchanting hillside village is an absolute
must with its quaint stone houses perched on flowered terraces overlooking the meandering river below. It's a wonderful spot to take a breath of fresh air and enjoy the peace and serenity of the countryside before dinner.

WEDNESDAY
Chevroches - Tannay

Our morning cruise takes us from Chevroches, past sleepy hamlets, ancient wash houses and large forests. These give way to rolling pastures as we continue our journey towards the summit of the Nivernais Canal. The towpaths
alongside are ideal for biking, jogging or walking. As we drift along we come upon Villiers-sur Yonne, a charming village through which the Yonne river flows. A little further afield lies the old fortified village of Dornecy, snugly ensconced between four hills. Here you can see the 13C
steeple, its two 19C wash-houses, the pillars of the Burgundian gate and...a 450 year old lime tree! As always, these are within easy biking distance of the barge. Our mooring for the night is at the foothills of Tannay, a hilltop town situated in the middle of a vineyard, producing an excellent
white wine with a very fine bouquet (to be consumed moderately!). In the afternoon we visit one of the local private vineyards for wine tasting, followed by a tour past local chateaux and sleepy hamlets, before returning to 'Chouette' to freshen up before dinner.

THURSDAY
Tannay - Chitry les Mines/Les Granges

The day starts with a drive along winding lanes, past medieval hamlets and
gothic churches to the 'Chateau de Bazoches', set half way up a wooded hill
on the site of a former Roman base. Built in the 12th century, King
Philippe-Auguste and Richard the Lionheart were the first important guests
to stay in this castle on their way to the Holy Land on the Third Crusade.
The present owner is directly descended from the eldest daughter of the
Marshal de Vaubin, founder of civil engineering, who lived here in 1675. We
arrive back at the boat for lunch, then depart on our afternoon cruise.
Share in the glorious sight of Charolais cattle grazing upon rich green
pastures or the sudden flash of an emerald green kingfisher as we slowly
allow ourselves to be transported into a romantic world of dreams. Ancient
wooden bridges are drawn high by children eager to swell their piggy banks,
allowing us passage along this enchanting waterway towards the charming port
of Chaumot. This sleepy haven, a once busy community with its tin, lead and
silver mines, now offers visitors peaceful evening walks along its
riverbanks. Enjoy a quiet moment on deck with a fine wine and a good book
before dining at the private 'Chateau de la Chaisse'.

FRIDAY
Chitry les Mines/Les Granges - Baye

A day for fun!! An early start is made as we have a climb of 28 locks ahead. Cameras are a must, so make sure you've got plenty of film! The first of twelve locks takes us towards a deep cutting with banks and viaducts towering high above Chouette. Suddenly the banks fall away as we cruise past the 15th century 'Chateau de la Chaisse' and on to Sardy. Here your
exhausted crew lie in the sun whilst you go ashore to enjoy lunch. The afternoon is one you are sure to remember, as we begin our four hour ascent of the famous Sardy staircase, with its 16 locks in just over 3km! Why not take the bikes ahead and get that perfect shot of Chouette as she serenely glides by, browse the art exhibitions displayed in the lock houses or try your hand at preparing the gates ahead. Fran and I remember the beauty and
peacefulness of this area. It was one of the most influential deciders on our move to France and we are delghted to be able to share it with you. We take a moments rest before passing through the amazing summit tunnels that lead us to our final destination of Baye. Set against the lakeshore, this
delightful mooring offers an opportunity for an evening stroll before we set off for our farewell dinner.

SATURDAY
Baye - transfer to Auxerre or Nevers

After breakfast we transport you to the start of your onward journey.

We never say farewell, but rather 'a bientot', as we know that many of you may be back again.
Your captain and crew wish you a safe journey and trust that for a brief moment your dreams came true.


Cruises may run in reverse direction

Region Map of the Yonne valley




COSTS 2001

ALL INCLUSIVE CHARTER:

6 person cost: US$ 13,140
4 person cost: US$ 11,700

The price for the above charter includes:
Pick up and drop off from Auxerre or Nevers depending on direction of cruise
6 nights accommodation aboard 'Chouette'
Continental breakfast, 5 lunches ashore and 6 dinners ashore at selected restaurants
Complimentary fruit, flowers and mineral water
Minibus with driver
All excursions inclusive of entry fees
Captain and crew for maneuvering the vessel
Fuel and canal fees
Use of galley
Heating, bedding and towels
Bicycle for each guest
Deck furniture
Well stocked bar


HALF BOARD CHARTER:

6 person cost: US$ 10,560
4 person cost: US$ 9,950

The price for half board charter is inclusive of all items with the
exception of 6 dinners ashore


CHARTER ONLY:

Cost: US$ 7500

The price for the above charter includes:
Pick up and drop off from Auxerre or Nevers depending on direction of cruise
6 nights accommodation aboard 'Chouette'
Full use of equipped galley
Complimentary fruit and flowers
Captain and crew for maneuvering the vessel
Fuel and canal fees
Heating, bedding and towels
Bicycle for each guest
Deck furniture

PLEASE NOTE: lunches, dinners and excursions are excluded from 'CHARTER
ONLY' package. We can book taxis to pick you up and drop you off to
wherever you may want to go. We can also recommend and book restaurants for
you as you please. Should you wish to prepare your meals aboard you have
full use of a well equipped galley with cooker/oven, dishwasher, microwave
and fridge freezer.



Cruises normally operate Sunday through to Saturday (unless otherwise
requested)