Some things in life are meant to be savored . . .

Barge tours are best enjoyed slowly, completely, fully. While you savor the taste of a crusty baguette whisked fresh from the oven, the exquisite bouquet of a glass of vintage burgundy or cognac, or the velvet texture of aged Camembert or Brie melting upon the tongue, luxiuriate on a French barge cruise. Take a week cruising centuries-old canals through the verdant fields and picturesque villages of provincial France.

Sophisticated European travelers have long known the pleasures of touring France’s charming waterways by barge cruise. Now more and more Americans are discovering this perfect method for seeing the beauty of the French countryside up close--barge travel in France!

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Accommodations:

• Individually controlled central heating and air-conditioning
  
  
• Bathtub and separate shower with heated towel racks
  
  
• Accommodations for up to 8 persons with oversized twin or king size beds
  
  
  
• Spacious lounge area, dining room, and sun deck
  
  
• Hot tub on deck
  
  
• Demonstration kitchen designed so guests may observe and interact with the chef during culinary preparation
  
  
• Covered captain’s wheelhouse with banquette seating for 8

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Time seems to stand still as the barge slowly motors by quaint stone churches and well-kept houses, periodically pausing at moss-covered locks, as it makes its leisurely way from one town to the next. You can catch up on your reading on deck, enjoy a delicious, well-prepared repast from the fully equipped kitchen or simply relax to the gentle sounds of water lapping against the hull, and enjoy the quiet sensation that comes with unplugging yourself from the 24/7 world on a luxury barge cruise.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, the Prospérité barge cruise features daily excursions in our accompanying Mercedes minibus into the surrounding countryside. You will explore the local chateaux or sip the wares of one of the many local vineyards. During the seven days and six nights of each excursion, the 128-foot long Prospérité will serve as your floating home. Expressly designed and constructed to meet the expectations of upscale travelers desiring to experince the luxury of barge travel in France, the newly launched craft features a level of accommodations unmatched on France’s inland waters.



SAMPLE ROUTE

Sunday: A representative of Prospèritè will meet you at 1:00 PM in central Paris and escort you to Prospèritè, at anchor in or near Dijon, to begin your luxury barge cruise. Enjoy a champagne reception, an introduction to the Prospèritè and her crew and the first of many gourmet dinners on board.

Monday: Begin your journey into the heart of "La France profonde" with a morning cruise to the village of Fleury-sur-Ouche. The rest of the day will be devoted to exploring the Côte d'Or wine area south of the canal. We'll first drive through the gorgeous "Route des Grand Crus" vineyards, followed by a visit to Château du Clos de Vougeot. The original building was a 12th-century winery built by Cistercian Monks. The old wine presses are on display as well as rooms where the monks lived and stored the wine.
We'll return to Prospèritè for dinner on board.

Tuesday: After breakfast, we'll drive the short distance back to Dijon for the lively local food market, where you can also shop for antiques on rue Verriere or explore the Medieval town center. The 14th-century Ducal Palace dominates the architecture of this historic town. This afternoon cruise further into the beautiful valley of the Ouche with its limestone cliffs and wooded hills.

Dinner tonight is off Prospèritè at the Château de Gilly, a old priory converted into one of Burgundy's finest restaurants.

Wednesday: We'll float this morning through gorgeous scenery to La Bussière, mooring near the gardens of an old abbey. This afternoon, return to the Côte d'Or vineyards for a personal introduction to winegrowers and a special private tasting. Dinner on board completes the day.

Thursday: Walk the towpath, bicycle into passing towns or just laze in the hot tub as Prospèritè continues its barge cruise on the Canal de Bourgogne, completed in 1836. In the afternoon, we'll explore Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Tour the remarkable, perfectly preserved Hospice de Beaune, a 14th-century hospital in use until the early 20th century! Shop in the pedestrian zone for wine, gifts, tapestry pillows and acessories - or just sit in the square and enjoy life! Then it's back to Prospèritè for dinner on board.

Friday: Cruise past the dramatic village and château of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois perched high on a hill overlooking the canal. After lunch we'll return to explore this atmospheric Medieval town. A festive Captain's dinner ends the cruise in style.

Saturday: We will return you to central Paris, arriving between 11:15 AM - Noon.

Note: The route is run in reverse on alternate weeks.

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For reservations or inquiries
contact us at:

1-800-880-0071