We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
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Summary
Hotel Barge Rendez-Vous offers high quality accommodation and cruising on the famous Burgundy canal. Beautifully fitted for the 2023 season she provides 4 guests with a superb private charter vacation; treat your family or best friends to excellent on-board cuisine, sunshine wines and fascinating excursions for the cruise of a lifetime.
Rendez-Vous has contemporary styling with luxury furnishing and fabrics throughout, making her supremely comfortable. With high-ceilings and light and spacious social areas including an open galley, and a gorgeous sun-deck for relaxing and watching the scenery drift by, she has all the amenities you need on board, plus bicycles to explore the pretty villages en route.
Key Features
- Excellence class (5*)
- Canal de Bourgogne, Burgundy
- Charter bookings only, 6 nights, 7 days, April to October
- 4 guests / 2 suites
- Air conditioning and heating throughout
- Full board, on-board dining
- Sun deck with loungers and hot tub
The Classic Cruise — Rendez-Vous
Classic Cruise Itinerary
Route | Between Fleurey-sur-Ouche and Escommes on the Canal de Bourgogne, Burgundy |
Pick-up | Paris or Dijon 2pm |
Dining | All inclusive: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners on board. 1 dinner at a Château |
Classic Cruise Highlights
- Walking tour of Dijon; the covered market of Les Halles and St. Benigne Cathedral
- Route des Grands Crus vineyards tour with Clos de Vougeot wine tasting
- Explore Beaune, center of the Cote d’Or wines, and a private mustard tasting
- Walk and cycle along the wonderful towpath alongside Rendez-Vous
Themed Cruises
Rendez-Vous also offers themed cruises: Family, Wine appreciation and Golf.
Please enquire.
Day 1 — Sunday
Arrival at Fleurey-sur-Ouche
In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Rendez-Vous at the designated
meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured in our immaculate vehicle to the
Rendez-Vous, moored in the village of Fleurey sur Ouche. A traditional champagne welcome
and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first gourmet dinner onboard.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to Gissey-sur-Ouche | Excursion to Clos de Vougeot
Your luxurious journey begins with a lazy morning cruise. Relax on deck in the hot tub or explore the waterside towpath with a gentle stroll or leisurely bicycle ride. This afternoon, your Tour Guide accompanies you to the Chateau du Clos de Vougeot, where Cistercian monks made wine in the 12th century. Explore the preserved presses on which these iconic Burgundian vintages were made. Return to Rendez-Vous for cocktail hour as Chef prepares tonight’s dinner
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to La Bussière-sur-Ouche | Explore Dijon
This morning, exploring the urbane town of Dijon offers a pleasurable excursion ashore. Preserved palaces and beautiful churches recalling the reign of the Dukes of Burgundy vie for attention with specialty boutiques, small cafes, serene gardens and the fames Eiffel covered market. Shop, sip, and stroll your way through this small city brimming with authentic Burgundian life. Return to Rendez-Vous for lunch and an afternoon cruise. Laze on deck, in the hot tub or explore the countryside via bicycle and relax before drinks and dinner onboard.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Pont d’Ouche | Excursion to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois | Dinner ashore at a Château
Begin the day with a leisurely morning cruise. This afternoon, your Tour Guide escorts you to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, a castle overlooking the Canal. A walking tour through the Château reveals the architectural details and timeworn relics which speak to the deprivations and decadence so prevalent in France’s history. Tonight’s dinner is taken ashore at a fine dining venue, the Château de Sainte Sabine. Feast on traditional French gastronomy with a contemporary approach. Bon Appetit!
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to Vandenesse-en-Auxois | Excursion to Beaune
Begin the day with a leisurely morning cruise. Visit your Captain in his wheelhouse or join Chef in the open kitchen for an informal culinary demonstration. In the afternoon, a drive in your private vehicle through the Cote d’Or vineyards culminates in the charming town of Beaune, the region’s wine capital. Your Tour Guide will accompany you through the Hospice de Beaune, a prestigiously preserved Medieval hospital built in the 15th century. Return to the barge where Chef is putting the final touches on tonight’s dinner party.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to Éscommes | Excursion to Château de Chassagne Montrachet and wine-tasting
A lazy morning cruise through the Burgundian countryside begins the day’s adventures and activities. In the afternoon, you will be escorted to the Domaine Famille Picard, founded in 1951, at the Château de Chassagne Montrachet. Enjoy a presentation of the estate, a tour of the pristine cellars, and a tasting of these world-famous wines. Then it’s back to Rendez-vous to socialize with a final sunset cocktail before Chef presents a candlelit multi-course farewell dinner, culminating your private luxury barge cruise in style.
Day 7 — Saturday
Departure from Escommes
After breakfast on board, disembark at 09:00 for transfer to the drop-off point and onward travel.
This itinerary is subject the change and runs in the reverse direction on alternate weeks.
“I cannot thank you enough for the most unbelievable vacation of my life! From the moment we were picked up in Paris to the moment we left the Rendez-Vous we were treated like royalty. The food was simply fabulous in taste, freshness, presentation and preparation. Every course of every meal was a treat and looked like something we would find in a Michelin starred restaurant. Also, lots of good wine at every meal doesn’t hurt at all!
The boat itself is a gem. It is very comfortable and stylish, both inside and outside. The beds were fantastic as were the linens and towels. The climate control worked wonderfully, it was never too warm nor too cool at night. Even the bathrooms were perfect..I don’t see how it can be improved.
The tours/excursions were excellent. Arnault’s knowledge of the area and the places we visited were all top notch.
Thanks to Ruth and Christina at French Waterways for coordinating this and answering all of our myriad questions before the trip. They really made it easy.”
D.B, USA, July 2023
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 100ft (30m) x 15ft (4.5m)
- 2 x suites: 2 x 200 sq ft, including bathrooms
- Bathrooms have vanitory unit and hand basin, toilet and full-size closed shower; L’Occitane toilettries, hair dryer and heated towel rail
- Suites have King size or twin bed configurations
- Individually controlled heating and air conditioning
- Opening portholes
Other items on board
- Professional English-speaking crew of 4 – captain, tour guide, chef, and hostess
- Open galley for demonstrations by chef
- A small library of books, maps and board games
- WiFi (may be restricted in some areas)
- TV, DVD and CD with sound system
- 4 adult-size bicycles
- Wifi (limited in some places)
- Air-conditioned Mercedes minibus for transfers and excursions
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
All meals served aboard Rendez-Vous are made with fresh ingredients from local producers; preserves and sauces are home-made, and all meats, fish and vegetables sources from the local markets.
Fine wines are served at lunch and dinner, carefully chosen for quality and matched with the foods served. Aboard Rendez-Vous you’ll discover new flavours and pairings, learning every day about how Burgundy’s cuisine has earned its renowned reputation.
Charter barge Rendez-Vous cruises in the Burgundy region
– [below] In the region: Besancon, River Saone, Canal de Bourgogne, Vandenesse-en-Auxois, Burgundy Route des Vins, Dijon, Macon –
Besancon ©M Akpovi | Beaune ©Michael Evans | Tasting ©bringingburgundytoyou.com| 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
What’s included
6 nights accommodation
Return transfers from Paris
All meals and drinks on board
Guided excursions, fees and associated transport
What’s not included
Travel to the pick-up
Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
Crew gratuities (5-10% suggested)
Personal expenses
2024
Charter only bookings
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Regular rate weeks
March 31
April 7, 14, 21, 28
May 5, 12, 19, 26
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
July 7, 14, 21, 28
August 4, 11, 18, 25
September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
October 6, 13, 20
4 guest charter: 35,200 USD
2025
Charter only bookings
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Regular rate weeks
March 30
April 6, 13, 20, 27
May 4, 11, 18, 25
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
July 6, 13, 20, 27
August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
September 7, 14, 22, 28
October 5, 12, 19
4 guest charter: 35,200 USD
Booking
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