By Pat Jeske Barge Specialist at James TravelPOINTS.
My most vivid memory of France is of arriving in the little medieval market town of Clamecy in the Burgundy Region at the end of our week-long canal and river voyage on the luxury hotel barge ‘Luciole’. We were looked after by a crew so friendly — and yet so capable — they were part of the party, too.
All the way up the picturesque Nivernais valley in Western Burgundy, we were struck by the dazzling scenery all around. Starting from the spectacular city of Auxerre, where the medieval Cathedral towers above the waterway. Our Captain, pointed out the sights as we went, we visited the wine center of Chablis – the real Chablis, from where the finest wines originate, with a private tasting of Premier and Grand Crus. We also visited the magnificent 12th century Basilica of Vézelay that dominates this hilltop city, where Saint Bernard preached the Second Crusade, and the bustling market town of historic Avallon. Our final visit was to the imposing Château Bazoches, set on a hillside amidst the splendid rolling countryside.
Many of us explored the delightful villages along the way on the bicycles that the barge provides for passengers’ use. We also walked and bicycled on the tow-path that runs alongside most of the canal, catching up with the barge at a later point as it was moving along the canal at a leisurely 5 mph.
Our ‘Luciole’ barge had the gracious ambience of a fine country inn, beautiful wood, complemented by traditional and regional fabrics and the ever-present bouquets of fresh flowers. Our spacious sundeck with huge umbrellas for those who wished to be in the shade, provided a premium vantage point to view the gorgeous scenery as we cruised, as well as providing the perfect setting for alfresco dining.
James, our chef, fed us as if we were royalty. Though British, he knew this part of the Burgundy region so well combining traditional French cuisine with a contemporary twist. We enjoyed tempting luncheon buffets with a feast of delicious salads, quiches and pâtés prepared from the finest local ingredients purchased that day at the local market.
The four-course evening dinners were a feast for the eyes, as well as a gastronomic highlight. Each meal was accompanied by the fine wines of Chablis, Bordeaux and the Côte D’Or, chosen to be the perfect complement to the menu.
Then, on that final evening in historic Clamecy in the basin of the canal nestling in the woods, we settled down for our final, splendid candlelit four-course dinner. I felt I had come to know the real France as never before.
“Back to reality” someone said. But we, all of us really, thought we had seen “the real world” on our cruise. Call Pat Jeske-barge specialist to book this or one of many European Barges 1-800-549-2575/303 444-2799, www.bargetravelpoints.com.
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