We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
+1 405 445 0350 
+61 3 9005 8569 
+44 7590 287 178 
Summary
Step aboard this beautiful barge and immediately relax into the friendly and welcoming atmosphere that is Elisabeth’s trademark. With three equally-spacious suites and light and airy interiors your group will quickly unwind and revel in her carefully thought out and super-comfy furnishings which the owners have sourced from across the world. This spotless vessel has been refurbished to very high standards with charming homely touches, and air-conditioning throughout ensures maximum comfort whatever the weather..
Hotel barge Elisabeth cruises the lush and beautiful Burgundy region, offering complete immersion in chateaux-strewn landscapes and the famed cuisine and wines of central France. She truly exudes L’esprit du bonheur.
Captain David Wallace, previously the highly successful proprietor of a bijou boutique barge on the river Thames in London, is passionate about hospitality, boating and France – a combination that’s magnificently fulfilled aboard home-from-home Elisabeth.
Lily, a lovely young Springer spaniel, is also on board, although you might not see her unless you want to – her quarters are completely private at the rear of the boat.
Key Features
- Excellence class (4*)
- Canal de Bourgogne, central Burgundy
- Charter bookings, 6 nights, 7 days, April to October
- 6 guests / 3 double or twin bedded suites
- Full board, on-board dining and half-board 3 day taster cruise
- Individually controlled air conditioning and heating throughout
- Spacious terrace sun-deck, shade and seating
The Classic Cruise — Elisabeth
Classic Cruise Itinerary
| Route | Between Tanlay and Monbard, Canal de Bourgogne, Burgundy |
| Pick-up | Paris 2pm |
| Dining | All inclusive | 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners on board |
Burgundy Cruise Highlights
- Visit the famous Champagne houses for wine-tastings
- Explore Noyers, a beautiful medieval village
- Marvel at Château d’Ancy leFrance
- Discover France’s religious history at Fontenay Abbey
- Excursion to Chablis town, its vineyards with wine tasting
Alternative Cruise options
Elisabeth is very flexible and can also cruise in western Burgundy on the Canal de Nivernais if requested.
She also offers a Taster Cruise with a Half-board Itinerary for 3 nights / 4 days.
Please enquire.
Day 1 — Sunday
Arrival in Tanlay
Meet at the pre-arranged pick-up in Paris for chauffeur by private air-conditioned mini-bus to barge Elisabeth, moored at Tanlay. Meet the crew over a champagne reception and settle in before the first delicious dinner on board, introducing you to the wonderful local cuisine and wines of Burgundy.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to Lezinnes | Excursion to the Champagne region for tastings
After a leisurely breakfast of your choice, your first excursion of the week is to the Champagne region for tastings at the famous houses. Lunch on board and then a gentle cruise along the picturesque canal to Lezinnes to moor for the night. Relax and reflect on your experiences of the day over another sumptuous dinner.
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to Ancy-le-France | Excursion to Château d'Ancy-le-Franc
This morning’s relaxing cruise is to Ancy-le-Franc. After lunch on board, take a short stroll to discover the Renaissance delights of the 16th century Chateau d’Ancy-le-Franc with a private guided tour. Return to Elisabeth for another evening of fine wine, delicious cuisine and companionship.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Ravières | Excursion to Noyers
After an early breakfast, we’re off to one of the prettiest medieval villages in France, Noyers and its traditional market. You’ll be able to sample local produce and chef will help you haggle for one or two ingredients for lunch. Then a relaxing cruise through the delightful scenery as we cruise to Ravières. Dinner on board.
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to Buffon | Excursion to Chablis
This morning we tour the famed vineyards of Chablis in the limestone hills to taste its celebrated crisp and delicate wines. Return to Elisabeth for a delicious lunch and then enjoy a leisurely cruise to Buffon where we moor next to the 18th century forge. Cocktails, canapés and dinner on board.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to Montbard | Excursion to Fontenay Abbey
As we cruise this morning to the evening’s mooring at Montbard there’s a chance to walk or cycle along the towpath, discovering tiny villages and the verdant fields of this region. After lunch on board the excursion is to the oldest preserved Cistercian abbey at Fontenay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight we celebrate your week aboard Elisabeth with the Gala Dinner hosted by your Captain.
Day 7 — Saturday
Departure
Leave Elisabeth at 9:00 am for private transfer to the drop off point.
Please note: This is a sample itinerary and subject to change; on alternate weeks it runs in the reverse direction
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 29.6 metres long and 5 metres wide (97ft x 16.5ft)
- Cabins: 3 equally sized queen or twin-bedded cabins, 103 sq ft, with en-suite bathroom.
- Beds are large – 5ft 8in by 6ft 6in with orthopaedic mattresses
- Super soft bed linens: sheets 1,000 TPI, duvet and pillows 800 TPI
- Hair-dryer, bath robes, fluffy towels and Neal’s Yard toiletries
- Laptop-sized safe
- Opening windows
- Individually controlled air conditioning and heating throughout
Other items on board
- Professional English-speaking crew of 4 – captain, chef, tour guide and hostess
Tassimo hot drinks system - Open bar
- TV and Bluetooth sound system
- WIFI (connectivity limited in some areas)
- A bicycle for each guest
- Wifi (limited in some places)
- Air-conditioned minibus for transfers and excursions
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
Cuisine and wines are presented by Matthew Willis, supremely knowledgeable and charming chef, who delights with exquisite dishes and carefully chosen wines. Elisabeth uses only the best local suppliers of breads, cheeses and meats – and many deliver to the barge to meet guests as Elisabeth passes through the villages and towns along the way. Chef also makes his own jams and condiments to accompany the meals he prepares.
Every day mouthwatering dishes tempt and excite the palette, and every care is taken to accommodate any personal preferences; vegetarian and vegan foods are a speciality. A continental breakfast starts the day and a 3 course lunch follows after your daily cruise. Each evening after a wonderful excursion you’ll return to chef’s special aperitif of the day – the ‘Elisabeth Cooler’ is a favourite – and a delightful four-course meal to satisfy the soul as well as the body. Teas, coffees and soft drinks are available throughout the day, as is the fully stocked open bar.
Elisabeth’s Wines
Wines on board Elisabeth are carefully chosen to introduce guests not only to the top Burgundian favourites but also the lesser-known and equally delicious local AOC wines.
- Domaine du Val Grevin Epineuil
- Benoit Cantin Irancy Palotte
- Domaine Bersan Cotes d’Auxerre Cuvée Marianne
- William Fèvre Chablis Grand Cru Bougros
- Chablisienne 1er Cru Grand Cuvée
- Montrachet, and various Beaune villages
Selected non-Burgundian wines are also available if guests have particular preferences.
Elisabeth’s Champagnes are provided by a superb local grower in Aube (one of the excursions) as well as a small producer near Reims. You’ll be excited to discover that unknown Champagnes can be superior to the better known brands.
Photo Gallery
Elisabeth cruises in the Burgundy region
– [below] In the region: Villeneuve sur Yonne, Ancy-le-Franc, Fontenay, Chablis, Tanlay, Vezelay, Noyers-sur-Serein –
Ancy ©Thierry Gromik | Vezelay ©Adrian Fletcher | Others ©FW, wikimedia, n/a
Classic cruise rates and dates
All rates and prices will be confirmed at time of booking. Special Offers are available from time to time – contact us
6 nights accommodation
Return transfers from the pick-up point in Paris
All meals and drinks on board
Excursion fees and associated transport
What’s not included
Travel to the meeting point
Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
Crew gratuities (5-10%)
Personal expenses
2023
Charter bookings only
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Regular rate weeks
April 16, 24
May 7, 14, 21, 28
June 4, 11, 18, 25
July 2, 9, 16, 24, 30
August 6, 13, 20, 27
September 3, 10, 17, 24
October 1, 8, 16, 22
6 guest charter: 33,000 USD
5 guest charter: 30,800 USD
4 guest charter: 28,600 USD
2024
Charter bookings only
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Regular rate weeks
April 21, 28
May 5, 12, 19, 26
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
July 7, 14
August 4, 11, 18, 25
September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
October 6, 13, 20
6 guest charter: 33,000 USD
5 guest charter: 30,000 USD
4 guest charter: 27,000 USD
Hotel Barge Enquiry
Booking a luxury barge vacation isn’t the kind of thing one does with just a mouse-click or two. It takes a little research, thought and understanding, and we hope that our pages have provided you with all the information and inspiration you need to take this next step.
Why should you book with us? Because…
We’ve explored the waterways of France on our own boat since 2003 and know each of the barges and their routes.
We’re independent, impartial and enthusiastic – and we are the only France cruising specialist that can offer you the benefits of our own in-depth cruising knowledge and experience.
We love France, we love the rivers and canals of France, we love hotel barging – and we love talking about all three!
There’s nothing like speaking to a friendly expert to help you see the wood for the trees and to make the best possible decision about the vacation cruise of a lifetime. Get in touch – we’re here to help.
We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
