Half-way through this European Waterways seven days/ six nights cruise, pampered guests, taking pleasure in a bon viveur way of life, understand that more unique adventures await. Confident that Captain Craig will present us to more fascinating people, sights and tastes that capture the extremely essence of Burgundy’s abundant history.
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Leisurely travelling along the Burgundy Canal, we are settling into the sedate rhythms of life on the water. Hearing only birdsong as we make themselves a morning coffee in this quiet corner of France. Later in the day, perhaps strolling on for a lock or two as La Belle Epoque sedately cruises, at around 5 kmph, in between lock-keepers’houses.
Or taking among the barge’s bikes to cycle along the immaculately kept towpaths. Slow travel supplies a chance to relax, to savour an area that is ultimate France, on a cruise with noble flavours. Day 4 Craig drives us to among the Champagne region’s most southerly vineyards, coming from your house of Taisne Ricour, where
an acre of vineyards could cost EUR1 million. We are warmly invited by Baron
Charles de Taisne to one of his hillside vineyard parcels where four months of pruning are total: but where continuing frosts threaten grape development, even though a lot of growers insure against development. Grateful that his parcels are scattered over the hillside, spreading out the risk of damage from disease, hailstorms and mildew; the Baron describes how policy decisions both the density of his vine planting and even the size of lettering on bottle labels.
As we tour his winery, the Baron states that Champagne-makers rarely produce vintages; 2017 was the last Taisne Ricour vintage. Rather they mix red wines and reserves to produce a consistent taste. That puts immense pressure on tasting abilities.
Then Baron Charles takes us to his regional church, whose size and luxurious stained-glass windows make it seem more like a cathedral: just recently the Sistine Chapel organist carried out here. Centuries of champagne wealth have actually left an abundant legacy.
Caviar canapés and champagne invite us to the Baron’s sophisticated limestone chateau. Underneath sombre family portraits, Baroness Ségolène de Taisne puts the champagne, before we sit down for a four-course luncheon served by her staff. She describes that the silver cutlery, with her household’s coat of arms combined with that
of Charles, was a wedding gift. Day 5 After an early morning cruising, we take an early Burgundian buffet lunch of quiche, pate-en-croute, snails, charcuterie, cheeses, breads and red wines up on the sundeck. We have more upper class to satisfy.
The other day it was a Baron and Baroness. Today, we fulfill Count Bertrand de Vogüé, at the Chateau Commarin, owned by his household for some 26 generations, extending back 900 years. He explains the hard balance of preserving the historical credibility of a chateau whilst being adequately industrial to raise funds for its maintenance. A roaming black pig, bought to hunt truffles, but discovering none, epitomises his problems.
Falconry displays have proved to be a draw with visitors admiring the speed of sparrow hawk Tinkerbell and the deathly power of Siva. Though these are not simply show birds, they work too: controlling crow and pigeon numbers along with offering therapy for prisoners.
Craig’s trip of the chateau includes some exceptional history. On the very first flooring, a big bath would have contained a huge lump of ice kept from the winter season to supply an ingenious form of cooling. That winter season ice was likewise utilized, with summer season fruit, in the sorbetiere. When town kids concerned have fun with the family’s children they would have been pleased to attempt sorbets. Just like the Taisne household, it was this close relationship that encouraged residents to hide Commarin’s artefacts when the Nazis arrived in 1940.
A scenic trip back to the barge takes us past a monument to the Fight of Alesia where the Gauls were brutally defeated by Julius Caesar’s forces in 52BC. A story with a really various ending to the popular Asterix cartoons.
Back on board we are welcomed with Mississippi jazz from the Riverboat band, who play as we are handed a mixed drink. Day 6 Most visitors choose a fast breakfast so that they can walk along to the Montbard market, where we see chef Harris placing a big order with the cheesemonger who has actually offered us with a choice of around 30 cheeses over the trip.
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A 15 minute drive takes us to the utterly tranquil UNESCO acknowledged Abbaye de Fontenay. Sick of the indulgence and fine-living of contemporary monasteries, 10th Cistercian monks looked for a site where they could create an order based upon chastity, charity and silence. Monks slept on hay beds and woke, in the night, to pray spreadeagled on cold gravel; permitted to promote a simple two hours per week. Time for a more friendly evening on La Belle Epoque. Opening a bottle of Taisne Ricour Reserve champagne with a glinting sabre, Craig supplies a grand theatrical start to the Captain’s
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“These are among my preferred Burgundian dishes. It’s the sort of meal a regional household would have on an unique celebration,”Craig discusses as a scallop carpaccio shows up, followed by French Onion soup. Returning our check out to the Laroche cellars, our first red wine is a Chablis Grand Cru, as advised by our guide. Growing yet another bottle of Taisne Ricour, person hosting Ema includes a splash of champagne to the taste buds cleansing lemon sorbet.
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traditional Mille feuille dessert with a surprising pistachio layer. Everything you require to plan your trip in 2025 Day 7 On the drive back to the Hotel Westminster in Paris, we recall a luxurious introduction to the typically ignored Burgundy region. Far from France’s traveler hotspots we have actually virtually had the Abbaye, cellars and chateaux to ourselves. In a little group, we have actually had the ability to ask Craig concerns and speak to the remarkable Burgundians he’s introduced. C’est magnifique.
Already recollecting about the trip some of the visitors are already preparing their next European Waterways high-end barge cruise. The cost
A hotel barge cruise
Based on 2 passengers sharing a cabin, 6-night/7-day cruises aboard the 12-passenger La Belle Epoque start at $6,850 per individual and include all premium meals, great wines, an open bar for the duration of the cruise, everyday accompanied excursions, admissions, and private transfers at either end of the cruise.
Group charters
2025 Charter rates aboard La Belle Epoque start from $77,000 ($6,416 pp) based on 12 passengers travelling. La Belle Epoque likewise offers a choice of ‘Themed Cruise’ itineraries (bookable on a personal charter basis) for travellers with specific interests, that include household, golf, strolling and wine appreciation.
Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by European Waterways.
Michael Edwards Michael Edwards is a travel author from Oxfordshire, UK. Although Michael had his first travel pieces published nearly four years ago, he is still finding brand-new luxury destinations to go to and compose on.
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