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The serene, crystal waters of the Nivernais Canal offer the most
tranquil cruising opportunity aboard this very high standard
hotelbarge specialising in charter groups of up to 12 people
(although individual cabins are also available).
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In May 2005 The Barge Company was honoured to be welcomed warmly
aboard the
Belle Epoque
barge during one of her famous cruises along
the glorious Nivernais Canal between Clamecy and Auxerre in
Burgundy, France. We took these great new pictures and had a good
old look around! Enjoy the following 3 pages of exclusive
photographs and ’insider details’ on this grand lady of the water,
brought to you exclusively by The Barge Company.
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The Belle Epoque
takes 12 people on
board in 6 luxurious suites, each with en suite private bathroom of
course. There is also a small single cabin available for a 13th
person such as a Specialised Guide or Travel Agent who may be
accompanying the group.
Enjoying a huge,
flower-decked sun deck is one of the many pleasures of cruising on
the
Belle Epoque
and you’ll soon find
yourself feeling very relaxed indeed. Her route on the Nivernais
Canal between Auxerre and Clamecy (or reverse) helps by being an
exceedingly tranquil one, and is particularly suitable for cycling
or walking groups thanks to the lovely, very well maintained tow
path that runs right next to the canal for most of the route, plus
the myriad of small, medieval villages that are scattered thorughout
the countryside to right and left of the cruise route.
Cruise close to the
best of the Burgundian wine-making region, visiting the tiny village
of Chablis, for example, where you will enjoy a private wine-tasting
in the ancient cellars of a family-run winery...just one of the many
possibilities!
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The interior of the Belle Epoque is very spacious, with a large,
open plan saloon and dining area being the principal interior area
for guests’ relaxation. A unique and very cosy circular banquette
seat (above left) is perfect for families sit at and play board
games during less favourable weather (though this is rare indeed!),
or simply to sit at whilst enjoying a cool white wine or cocktail
from the large and imposing bar which is also in the main saloon
area. There are several other intimate rest areas in the saloon, so
guests are never obliged to all sit together— if people wish to sit
quietly and read a book in their own corner, for example, that is no
problem and is easily achieved.
The opulent and solid dining room
table (above right) is also a useful place to enjoy a board game,
cards or chess on those not-so-cheery days, as well as enjoying the
gourmet food prepared especially by your chef for you each evening
of course.
When the sun is shining however, which is most of the time
in this region of France, guests are encouraged to take full
advantage of the sunny sun deck (see pic on page one), not to
mention the ultimate luxury of the large splash pool which is
certainly big enough for major fun! While we were on board the
children were making the most of this play opportunity and we could
understand why!
Suites are large (by barging standards) on the Belle Epoque and bathrooms are each tiled throughout in light grey marble
(see picture below). Showers are a generous size and all fittings
are of a very good quality, both in terms of materials and
workmanship. Good-sized mirrors and plenty of space in which to
manoeuvre also make being on the Belle Epoque a real pleasure.
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With a dedicated crew of 5 to look after your every need, you’ll be
sure to make the most of this decadent cruise.
For a preview of
the Belle Epoque
sample itinerary, please
click here
To see
more pictures of the interior
click here
To read
what past clients have said
about her click here
and...to enjoy a
preview of her food and wine
please
click here
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Perhaps the
‘secret weapon’ of the
Belle Epoque
is her talented
and affable chef, Louis, who we caught up with whilst on board.
Louis was delighted to spend some time talking with us and pose
for photographs—a true professional. Louis has worked on other
barges before the
Belle Epoque, and understands
the need to take into account dietary requirements of all the
clients, whilst at the same time treating them to gourmet food
throughout the week, of a standard that they’ll never forget.
Here’s an example of a
Belle Epoque
dinner menu for
the last night—the ‘Captain’s Gala Dinner’! -
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Example ‘Captain’s Gala Dinner’ Menu
ASSORTED HORS D'OEUVRES
***
SAUTEED CHICKEN LIVERS WITH PARSLEY MOUSSE
VEAL FILLET IN WHOLE GRAIN MUSTARD SAUCE, SAFFRON
TAGLIATELLI, SAUTEED LEEKS
TOSSED SALAD
***
CHEESES
EPOISSES
MOUTIN DE CHARENTAIS
***
CHOCOLATE AND ALMOND CAKE IN COINTREAU SAUCE
WITH COINTREAU ICE CREAM
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If you’re
interested in cruising on the the
Belle Epoque
please
contact us
for
further information or to check available dates for your cruise.
We’d love to
hear from you.
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