Burgundy by Barge - Hanns Ebensten (May 25 to June 2, 2013)
Cruise the rivers and canals of the French countryside on a luxury 14-passenger French barge chartered for our group of gay men, lesbians and friends. Our Barge Luciole vacation offers an intimate exploration of the Burgundy region of France. We typically average about 4 mph as we wind along narrow canals and navigate numerous locks, many still operated by hand.
While onboard the Luciole, relax and sample the finest French cuisine and wines that Burgundy has to offer. This is an all-inclusive gay barge cruise with meals, most beverages and shore visits included in the tour price. We have a private bus for our barge to take us to Chablis and other towns a ways back from the river. If you prefer a slower pace, you can use one of the ship’s bikes or take a leisurely walk on the towpaths that parallel the waterways.
Contact us to plan your next gay barrge or river cruise or an active gay tour in France and beyond. Specializing exclusively in gay luxury travel since 1973, Hanns Ebensten Travel provides experienced tour guides, advice and assistance in all your travel needs. Our partner company Alyson Adventures runs 7 different French bike tours in Burgundy, Provence, the Dordogne, the Loire Valley and the Atlantic coast.
Call us and reserve your space on this all inclusive gay barge cruise charter on the Yonne River and Nivernais Canal, for an unforgettable vacation.
Overview
Cruise the rivers and canals of the French countryside on a luxury 14-passenger French barge chartered for our group of gay men, lesbians and friends. Our Barge Luciole vacation offers an intimate exploration of the Burgundy region of France. We typically average about 4 mph as we wind along narrow canals and navigate numerous locks, many still operated by hand. While onboard the Luciole, relax and sample the finest French cuisine and wines that Burgundy has to offer. This is an all-inclusive gay barge cruise with meals, most beverages and shore visits included in the tour price. We have a private bus for our barge to take us to Chablis and other towns a ways back from the river. If you prefer a slower pace, you can use one of the ship’s bikes or take a leisurely walk on the towpaths that parallel the waterways. Contact us to plan your next gay barrge or river cruise or an active gay tour in France and beyond. Specializing exclusively in gay luxury travel since 1973, Hanns Ebensten Travel provides experienced tour guides, advice and assistance in all your travel needs. Our partner company Alyson Adventures runs 7 different French bike tours in Burgundy, Provence, the Dordogne, the Loire Valley and the Atlantic coast. Call us and reserve your space on this all inclusive gay barge cruise charter on the Yonne River and Nivernais Canal, for an unforgettable vacation.Itinerary
Day
1
Ah, Gay Paris!
Our tour starts with a night in the heart of Paris. If you only have time for our barge trip, this will give you a night to relax after your flights and a cushion in the event of flight delays. And for those with a little more time to explore Paris, let us know if you’d like to extend your stay in Paris with additional nights at our hotel.
There is such a broad selection of Parisian fine-dining restaurants, cafes, shops and sight-seeing locations that we have not scheduled any group activities in Paris. This way you can plan your time to fit your personal interests.
Day
2
Paris to Burgundy
Our barge’s private bus departs Paris’ Hotel Mansart at 2.30 pm for the journey to ancient city of Auxerre in Burgundy. There the ‘Luciole’ herself is moored on the impressive river frontage of the city, overlooked by the Cathedral, the 13 - 15th Century Abbey and Parish Church.
A Champagne reception welcomes you on board as we start our 6-night stay on the Barge Luciole. You’ll also have a chance to meet your staff, and enjoy the first of many memorable dinners on our barge.
Day
3
St. Bris and Irancy
We start our southward cruise (upriver) leads us into beautiful pastoral countryside intermingled with sweeping reaches of the River Yonne. After lunch we arrive at the Crément-making centre of Bailly. An afternoon visit is made to a wine cellar in the vicinity of Chablis. The picturesque villages of St Bris and Irancy, also devoted to wine, stand nearby.
Day
4
The village of Accolay
The morning’s cruise along the Nivernais takes us up an arm of the canal to the village of Accolay. In the afternoon we return for a tour to historic Auxerre, providing a good opportunity to visit the shops and take time to enjoy French provincial life.
Day
5
Noyers-sur-Serein
From Accolay, we make the short journey to delightful Noyers-sur-Serein. With its friendly market stalls, half-timbered houses and turreted ramparts it is easy to see why Noyers is considered “one of the most beautiful villages in France.” After lunch the Barge Luciole continues southwards to a night-time mooring beneath the walls of Mailly-le-Château.
Day
6
Vezelay and 12th Century Basilica
A morning drive takes us to Vézelay, where the spectacular 12th Century Basilica dominates the town. Here St. Bernard encouraged residents to join the Second Crusade. In the afternoon we cruise through a region where dramatic cliffs stand by the waterside, to an evening mooring at Lucy-sur-Yonne.
Day
7
Medieval town of Clamecy and Chateau of Bazoches
A morning voyage takes us to the delightful Medieval town of Clamecy, a worthy venue for the climax of our cruise. Our final visit is to the imposing Château of Bazoches. Set on a hillside amidst splendid rolling countryside, this was the 17th Century home of the Marquis de Vauban, France’s great military engineer.
Day
8
Disembarkation and Return to Paris
After breakfast we’ll depart in our private bus for Paris, typically arriving around 1 pm. Since it is too late to catch most trans-Atlantic flights, we have included a night at the Hotel Mansart in our tour fee. For guests wishing to travel elsewhere in France starting today, a stop can be made in Auxerre on our journey up to Paris to pick up a rental car or take a train.
Day
9
Going Home
Today is the end of our tour, but if you wish more time in Paris, we will be happy to request extra nights at our hotel. We wish you a safe journey home, and happy memories of your week in the heart of France!
Map
Important Notes
Travelling Alone?
So are most of the people who travel with us. You do not need to pay extra to travel by yourself. Prices are per-person, and the single supplement applies only if you’d like a room by yourself. For selected trips, especially if the trip includes a cruise, we charge half the single supplement if you request a roommate, but we are not able to match you with someone.
Included
Lodging in double occupancy for one pre-cruise night and one post-cruise night at hotel in centra
Lodging in double occupancy for six nights on the Barge Luciole (only two single cabins are avail
Breakfast at our Paris hotel and all lunches and dinners, including local wine or soft drinks whi
Services of Hanns Ebensten Travel tour host, along with a full complement of staff on the barge <
Private bus for transfers between Paris and the barge and for visiting towns away from the main w
Use of bikes stored on the barge
Not Included
Transportation to and from Paris and transfers between the airport and our hotel in Paris
Lunches and dinners in Paris
Personal items such as souvenirs, snacks, telephone calls and alcohol other than that provided on
Admissions not described as included in the itinerary
Gratuities for barge staff and tour host
Destinations
Start and end your French adventure with a night in Paris before and after your barge experience.
Join our free transfer between Paris and the town of Auxerre where we embark.
Relax in a comfortable classic 14-passenger barge for six nights and enjoy the peace and quiet of these intimate rivers and canals.
Be pampered on the Barge Luciole, with all shore visits, meals and most beverages included in the tour price.
Explore the surrounding countryside and villages in our private bus, by bike or by walking.
Enjoy this once in a lifetime trek with a friendly group of gay men, lesbians and friends.
Our original June 2-10, 2012 trip is almost sold out, so check with us for alternate dates!
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