Saint LOUIS
Luxury Afloat
The Deluxe Six Passenger French Canal Barge Saint Louis begins its next season in April on the Canal de Bourgogne near Dijon. The best of French Cuisine - both on board and in top area restaurants, wines, culture, and history are showcased in the six-night "Classical Cruise" which departs every Sunday from April through October. You can opt for an optional connoisseur- level winetasting program aptly called the "Wine Cruise" (the most complete in the French Barging Industry) or opt for a truly "Gourmet Cruise" which offers three meals in Michelin-rated restaurants. These options to the Classical Cruise are unique to the Saint Louis and are available each week.
The Saint Louis floats through the very heart of Burgundy on one of the most picturesque canals in Europe. The Canal de Bourgogne offers gorgeous scenery and a wealth of sightseeing possibilities. The walled city of Beaune with its 15th century hospice, the 12th century basilica at Vezelay, winetasting at well know vineyards in the Cote D'Or, the hilltop fortress village of Chateauneuf, and quaint villages in the Ouche Valley are combine in this exceptional cruise route from Dijon to Pont Royal.
Because the Saint Louis only caters charter groups with a maximum of six guests, they are in a position to tailor your trip to your interests. If you would like to play tennis every morning, enjoy a round of golf, play bridge with a French Club, take a special side trip or eat special meals, you only need to ask. Optional balloon flights can be arranged. Special requests need to be noted in the questionnaire sent to you upon booking. Each evening Francois will discuss with you the tentative program and possible alternatives. After all this is your journey aboard the Saint Louis.
There is a crew of four to ensure you complete happiness. Francois is captain and the tour guide. Noorthe and Viola share the Chef's duties alternating weeks. There is also a deck hand and hostess. The cuisine is prepared by on board by our French-trained Chefs. They will delight you with the region's specialties. The wines are chosen to represent the region's finest. They are picked by our wine connoisseur "Classic cruise" guests will also have a surprise gourmet dinner ashore at a Michelin rated restaurant.
The marriage of food and wine will be emphasized aboard the Saint Louis
The Saint Louis offers guests a choice of three spacious, 127 square foot cabins that are sound insulated and equipped with wardrobes, drawers, full length mirrors, dressing table, hair dryers, storage for your luggage, ensuite bathrooms with showers and screened windows. Accommodations can be either two twin beds or they can make one oversized double.
The Vessel: The Saint Louis is 96 feet long and 16.5 feet wide. The bedrooms are large on barge standards at 127 square feet. The boat is beautifully decorated providing the perfectatmoshphere for sharing a gourmet meal with good friends or family and an after dinner drink before settling in tor the evening. The saloon is equipped with music and a library for your pleasure. The large sun deck is ideal spot for laxing away those sunny afternoons. For those more actively The Saint Louis is equipped with six well-maintained bicycles.
Sample Itinerary
Day One: In late afternoon you will be met by the Captain at the train station in Dijon. After a short ride you will arrive at the village of Fleurey where the Saint Louis is moored. A traditional Burgundian Welcome awaits you. Relax, unpack, forget time, as we usere you into provincial France. Enjoy your first truly gourmet experience aboard the Saint Louis. Bon Voyage!
Day Two: Before leaving today, we propose a visit to the delightful city of Dijon. Highlightrs include the Cathedral, the Ducal Palace, and the shopping district with its half timbered houses. For lovers of art, Dijon boasts the finest museum outside of Paris. After lunch aboard, relax on deck, sip a cool drink of your choice, and enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of the Ouche Valley as we cruise our way up to the picturesque village of Gissey Sur Ouche. A wonderful gourmet dinner will be servied aboard. Wine will be presented by the Captain. Bon Appetit!
Day Three: A drive over the high plateau of the hautes-Cotes will take us down to the vineyards of the Cote D'Or , the golden slopes. We pass through the villages strung along the "Route Des Grand Crus" (road of grand wines) to the 12th century wine making Chateau of the Clos de Vougeot. Our introductioon to the wines of Burgundy is rounded off by a tasting at one of the best wineries of the region. After a lovely lunch on deck, the Saint Louis will continue its enchanted journey up the Burgundy Canal winding its way through beautiful wood clad hills to its overnight mooring at Pont d'Ouche. Dinner aboard will be another Gormet experience. Bon Soir!
Day Four: This morning we strongly advise a visit to the town of Beaune with its world famous Hotel Dieu, the hospital built in the 15th century. The town is charming with cobbled stgreets and a multitude of flowers. Later we will barge under the walls of the hill top fortress and village of Chateauneuf. We will spend the night within site of the castle at Vandenesse en Auxois. Dinner tonight is a very special event that will be one of the highlights of your trip. We will escort you to a top Michelin rated restaruant where you will enjoy some of the finest culinary delights that France has to offer. Coat and tie are required this evening. Bonne Cuisine!
Day Five: Thnis morning we can visit Chateaunuf or Chateau de Commarin. A distinct contrast in styles, the first is medieval, the second Renaissance. Commarin has the added distinction of having been owned and lived in by the same family for more than 700 years. This afternoon we will cruise through the 2 mile long tunnel built by English prisoners during the Napoleonic wars. Evening will find us moored at Pouilly en Auxois. Tonights dinner will feature special wines highlighting the marriage between wine and food. Salut!
Day Six: A morning cruise will take us thourgh idylic country side to our end destination in Pont Royal. This afternoon we can propose one of two world renound sites to visit. First there is the hugh 12th century basilica dedicated to Mary Magdalene in Vezlay. Next there is the preserved Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay. Either oft these places would be a fitting cliamax to your cruise. The last night aboard is reserved for our "Captain's Dinner." The Chef will prepare a very special dinner you will not soon forget. Enjoy the wine and food and reminisce about the week's adventure. A good memory for all. Bonne Memoires!
Day Seven: A sad day today as we prepare to part company. After breakfast and good-byes, we will drive you back to Dijon where you will take the train to onward destinations. Au Revoir!
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The Price: May 13 through June 30. August 26 through October 27 (High Season)
Classical Cruise-------$20,900 for Four persons-----$22,900 for Six persons.
Gourmet Cruise-------$23,500 for Four persons-----$25,500 for Six persons.
Wine Cruise -----------$24,500 for Four persons-----$26,500 for Six persons.
The Price: April 15 through May 12, July 1 through August 25, Oct 28 through November 10
Classical Cruise------$18,900 for Four persons-----$20,900 for Six persons.
Gourmet Cruise------$21,500 for Four persons-----$23,500 for Six persons.
Wine Cruise ----------$22,500 for Four persons-----$24,500 for Six persons.
Pickup each Sunday at 4 p.m. in Dijon Train Station. You will be brought back the following Saturday morning.
The price includes all meals, well chosen wines, liquors, and other beverages, excursiions, the use of bicycles (two children bikes on board and six adult bikes) and the use of the barge's facilities. Transfers from the designated meeting place and the barge. Children welcome six years and above.
Not included are air fare, train fare to Dijon, Trip Cancellation and travel insurance, the uses of the on board telephone, ballooning, and golf green/tennis fees.
The Saint Louis is an elegant barge designed to provide first class comfort in a relaxed atmosphere. Your Adventure through provincial France is tailor-made to satisfy your desires as discriminating travelers. Select the course your enchanted journey will take and let us make this the voyage of a lifetime.
Availability
added Nov 22, 2000
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