“Your crew, Captain Spencer and Guide/Barge Manager Réjane are bringing their experience and commitment to deliver a ‘casual luxury experience’ and quality in every aspect.”
Cruise from Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Vandenesse-en-Auxois (v.v.)
New and contemporary 4 passenger vessel, Rendez-Vous is based on the original concept from the team behind the barge Prospérité.
Barge Rendez-Vous packs a lot of casual living into its space, including an open kitchen, from where guests can watch and interact with the chef, a large canopied deck with spa hot tub and cosy cabins with every amenity.
Rendez-Vous 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. The route takes in the most beautiful section of the Canal de Bourgogne, between Fleurey-sur-Ouche and Vandenesse-en-Auxois.
Casual
luxury, genuine hospitality, and a keen eye for quality are the hallmarks of
the Rendez-Vous, with spaces and places perfect for a week’s worth of fun and
relaxation.
Rendez-Vous looks and lives like a boutique hotel, boasting
sleek furniture, stylish textiles, and chic design. Modern digital devices in
the spacious salon and smartly appointed cabins further the fresh approach to
canal cruising. While not lazing in the hot tub, relaxing on the expansive
deck, or joining their Chef in the open kitchen for informal cooking
demonstrations, active guests can take bicycle rides or leisurely walks along
the towpath.
Dining is a foodie’s
delight, as the cuisine combines traditional ingredients with contemporary
cooking techniques. Well connected to local sommeliers, the hand selected wine
pairings emphasize the region’s world-famous Cote d’Or vintages. Guests are
further introduced to the region through excursions to private vineyards, charming
towns, and majestic chateaux. A gregarious and charismatic crew add further to
the many memories made aboard the Rendez-Vous.
Cabin
- Bed size: Choice of Queen or two twin beds
Public area
- Lounge with large windows
- Side-drawer cupboards
- Stereo surround-sound system
- Selection of books and board games
- WiFi & Computer with internet access
- Dining room
- Sun deck with canopied area and a hot tub on deck
- Bed size: Choice of Queen or two twin beds
Classic Itinerary with Daily Guided Sightseeing
Travel from Plombieres-les-Dijon to Vandenesse-en-Auxois on the Canal de Bourgogne
SUNDAY
Welcome Aboard
Travel: Arrival at Plombieres-les-Dijon
Meals: Dinner onboard
In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Rendez-Vous at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured in our immaculate vehicle to the Rendez-Vous, moored in the tiny village of Plombieres-les-Dijon. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first gourmet dinner onboard.
MONDAY
It’s All Yours: A Private Chateau Experience
Travel: Plombieres-les-Dijon to Fleurey-sur-Ouche
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard
Your luxurious journey begins with a lazy morning cruise. Relax on deck in the hot tub, or explore the waterside towpath with a gentle stroll or leisurely bicycle ride. This afternoon, your Tour Guide presents an insider’s visit to Chateau d’Arcelot, the first neoclassical castle of Burgundy. After being personally welcomed by the castle’s owner, Madame la Comtesse de Loisy, take a tour of the beautiful grounds and then savor a taste of the housemade gourmet specialties. Return to the Rendez-Vous for drinks and dinner onboard.
TUESDAY
Destination Dijon
Travel: Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Gissey-sur-Ouche
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard
A morning cruise through pastoral countryside is the perfect time to sip a cup of coffee on deck. This afternoon, exploring the urbane town of Dijon offers a pleasurable excursion ashore. Preserved palaces and beautiful churches recalling the reign of the Dukes of Burgundy vie for attention with specialty boutiques, small cafes, and serene gardens. Shop, sip, and stroll your way through this small city brimming with authentic Burgundian life. Return to the Rendez-Vous for cocktail hour as Chef prepares tonight’s dinner.
WEDNESDAY
Private Tour of Hospice de Beaune
Travel: Gissey-sur-Ouche to La Bussiere-sur-Ouche
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard
Bon matin! Begin the day with a leisurely morning cruise. Visit your Captain in his wheelhouse, or join Chef in the open kitchen for an informal culinary demonstration. In the afternoon, a drive in your private vehicle through the Cote d’Or vineyards culminates in the charming town of Beaune, the region’s wine capital. Your Tour Guide will accompany you through the Hospice de Beaune, a prestigiously preserved Medieval hospital built in the 15th century. Return to the barge where Chef is putting the final touches on tonight’s dinner party.
THURSDAY
Exclusive Family-Owned Vineyard
Travel: La Bussiere-sur-Ouche to Pont d’Ouche
Meals: Breakfast & lunch onboard, dinner ashore
Cheers to Southern Burgundy! A morning visit to a boutique winery begins your gourmet day. Domaine Amiot-Servelle, a family-owned producer of Premier Cru vintages, makes wine exclusively with organically-farmed grapes. Amble amidst the vineyards as the secrets of growing the French fruit are revealed, then enjoy a hosted winetasting. Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise before your dinner ashore at the Abbaye de la Bussiere, an ancient Cistercian abbey now converted to a luxury inn with an award-winning gourmet bistro.
FRIDAY
Quaint Medieval Village Overlooking the Canal
Travel: Pont d’Ouche to Vandenesse-en-Auxois
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard
Revel in the ambiance of the tranquil countryside during the final cruise this morning. This afternoon, your Tour Guide escorts you to Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, a castle overlooking the Canal. A walking tour through the Chateau reveals the architectural details and timeworn relics which speak to the deprivations and decadence so prevalent in France’s history. Then it’s back to Rendez-Vous to socialize with a final sunset cocktail before Chef presents a candlelit multi-course Captain’s Dinner, culminating your private luxury barge cruise in style.
SATURDAY
A Sad Farewell
Travel: Transfer from Vandenesse-en-Auxois
Meals: Breakfast onboard
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.
Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.
Rates 2021
- Private charter – Full board: from USD$5,250 per person
- Single cabin supplement: Contact our office for details
INCLUDED IN THE RATE
- 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 on-board bicycles.
