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
La Vie en Rose, a classic cargo barge from the 1930’s, offers luxury cruising with a clever mix of contemporary decor and classic yacht mahogany panelling. Designed to accommodate six guests she is perfectly suited for a small group or family and provides a half-board option with freedom to dine out. A gorgeous route offers tranquil vistas with inspirational excursions.
In the past, she was owned and lived aboard by the famous American actor, Sterling Hayden, but La Vie en Rose is now dedicated to another star, French singer Edith Piaf. The barge has three well appointed air-conditioned suites and two fabulous outside decks to take full advantage of the magnificent French scenery that slowly drifts by.
Key Features
- Premier class (3*)
- Southern Burgundy / Franche Comté
- Charter, and cabin bookings on selected weeks, 6 nights, 7 days.
- 6 guests / 3 suites
- Half board cruising only
- Air conditioning and heating throughout
- Sun-deck
The Classic Cruise — La Vie en Rose
Classic Cruise Itinerary
Route | between Saint Julien-sur-Dheune, Canal du Centre and Seurre, river Saône |
Pick-up | Pick-up at: Le Creusot TGV station or local hotel 16:00 hrs |
Dining | Half Board only | 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners on board. 2 dinners and 1 lunch taken ashore at guests’ expense |
Classic Cruise Highlights
- Visits to Château de Couches, de la Rochepot and Chamirey
- Wine-tastings at the Maranges villages and Patriarche Cellars
- Explore the famed towns of Beaune and Chalons-sur-Saône
- Savour the Route des Grands Crus
- Stroll and cycle the towpaths and surrounding villages
Alternative Cruise Itineraries
- Half-board Itinerary
Route and dining regime is the same as for the Classic itinerary but 2 dinners and 1 lunch are taken ashore at guests’ expense. - Culinary Cruise Itinerary
5 meals off board, included in the price. - Family Cruise Itinerary
Can include horse-riding, ten-pin bowling, laser fun, karting, rope park, classic car and plane museum.
Please enquire.
Day 1 — Sunday
Arrival
Meet at Le Creusot TGV railway station at 16:00 for transfer by private minibus to La Vie en Rose, moored in the pretty village of Dennevy, close by Saint-Julien-sur-Dheune on the tranquil Canal du Centre. Meet the crew over a champagne welcome and relax before dinner while you gently unwind from your journey.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to Saint Leger-sur-Dheune | Excursions to Château de Couches, Côte de Beaunes wine-tasting
After breakfast, we cruise to the village of Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune, the mooring for the evening. After lunch on board, there’s an excursion to the famous Château de Couches, classified as a Monument Historique. We’ll drive back through the charming villages of Cheilly-lès-Maranges, Dezize-lès-Maranges and Sampigny-lès-Maranges in the Côte de Beaune to the ‘Mountain for 3 crosses’ where there is a stunning panorama. We dine out in Santenay this evening.
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to Santenay | Excursion to Chamirey for wine tasting
We leave Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune after breakfast for a leisurely cruise to the village of Santenay, nestling in the vineyard landscapes of the southern Côte de Beaune. Then we leave by minibus for Chamirey, a hamlet of Mercurey, to meet winegrowers Agnes and Laurent in the Domaine of Meix-Foulot, with a delightful picnic lunch after our tour. Later we’ll discover the Cote Chalonnaise, a XII century church, and walk through the vineyards before visiting an authentic goat farm for a cheese tasting. Delicious!
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Chagny | Excursion to Beaune
Start the day with a short cruise to the town of Chagny, tonight’s mooring, then depart for the historic town of Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. If it’s market day the visit will include the historic Hospice de Beaune and the Hotel Dieu, built in the 15th century. There’s time today to meander the medieval streets of this town, do some shopping, stop at a café and immerse yourself in authentic French life.
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to Fragnes | Tour the Route des Grands Cru and Château de Rully | Dinner at a local restaurant
A lovely cruise this morning to Fragnes where we’ll have lunch on board. In the afternoon our excursions begin with a private visit to Chateau de Rully ending with a wine tasting in the kitchen of the Château. We’ll drive through the Route des Grands Crus and end the day dining at a local auberge in Chatenoy Le Royal or in Mercurey itself.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to Seurre | Excursion to Chalon sur Saône
This morning, take a short ride to Chalon-sur-Saône, said to be the birthplace of photography, for market day. The main cathedral square will be bursting with fresh fruit and vegetable and all kinds of everyday produce – a real insight into the French way of life. Return to La Vie en Rose for lunch and a leisurely final cruise to the village of Seurre. This evening your farewell dinner starts with cocktails and canapés on deck, overlooking the peaceful Saône river.
Day 7 — Saturday
Departure from Seurre
After breakfast, leave at 09:30 by private chauffeur to Le Creusot TGV railway station for your onward journey.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. Alternate weeks the cruise runs in the reverse direction.
“We had a wonderful time on Vie on Rose. The captain Alex was very accommodating to our itinerary and took into account our different needs and wishes given that we were 3 generations.
The crew were hospitable, kind and attentive. They were great with my parents (one who has mild dementia) and also with my kids. The accommodations were comfortable. The cook had caught Covid so Alex reserved meals at the most delicious restaurants as an alternative. We ate extremely well. Thank you for organizing this.”
EI, USA, August 2022
“We have very much enjoyed our week of canal and river cruising on “La Vie en Rose”. We had some fabulous food, cheese and wine and learnt a lot about the wine of the area and some history of Bourgogne. The rest of the time we relaxed soothed by the slow smooth feeling of the barge travelling along. Fantastique. Merci, Alex, Nicole and Carls.”
Maryanne, New Zealand
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 103 ft (31.5m) x 15.8 ft (4.79m), the largest barge in the region
- Three steps down into the saloon; 4 steps down to the galley/dining area and suites
- Three suites – one queen size double – 83.5 ft², two twin-bedded – 60 ft² each
- Each cabin has an en-suite bathroom with shower cubicle; toiletries provided
- Individually controlled heating and air-conditioning and opening window
Other items on board
- Professional crew of 3: captain, chef and hostess
- Opening picture windows in the saloon
- Open galley for demonstrations
- Bluetooth sound system
- Wifi with limited access
- 6 bicycles (helmets not included)
- Air-conditioned 9-seater minibus for transfers and excursions
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
Previously an executive manager within the oil and gas industry, Alexandre Arsié, whose family is from Mercurey in Burgundy, is now following and sharing his first passion, for cuisine and hospitality afloat in his favourite region.
Sample Dinner
- Amuses Bouches (appetizers)
- Tarte tatin d’aubergines aux pignons de pin (eggplant tart with pine nuts)
- Filet de Charolais en croute de sel aux herbes (Fillet of Charolais in salt crust with herbs)
- Trou Bourguignon (apple and lemon sorbet with Marc de Bourgogne : Burgundian tradition)
- Plateau de fromages Régionaux (local cheese platter)
- Crème brulée à l’anis de Flavigny (crème brulée with anise of Flavigny)
Sample Lunch
- Mesclun de salade (mixed salad)
- Saucisson de Lyon truffé à cuire et ses pommes vapeurs (Lyon truffled sausage served with steamed potatoes)
- Salade de fraises au poivre noir et huile d’olive (strawberry salad with black pear and olive oil)
La Vie en Rose cruises in southern Burgundy
– [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/7 days accommodation
Return transfers from the meeting point
All meals and wines on board with 2 dinners and 1 lunch taken ashore at guests’ expense
Daily excursions, tour guide and associated transport
What’s not included
Travel to the pick up
Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
Personal expenses
Crew gratuities (5-10% suggested)
2024
Charter only
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Regular rate weeks
April 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
October 6
Half Board only
2 dinners and 1 lunch taken ashore at guests’ expense.
[Price can be converted to EUR when booking, at current exchange rate]
up to 3 guest charter: 17,400 USD
4 guest charter: 20,600 USD
5 guest charter: 23,000 USD
6 guest charter: 25,800 USD
2025
Charter only
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Regular rate weeks
April 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, 21
October 5
Half Board only
2 dinners and 1 lunch taken ashore at guests’ expense.
[Price can be converted to EUR when booking, at current exchange rate]
up to 3 guest charter: 17,400 USD
4 guest charter: 20,600 USD
5 guest charter: 23,000 USD
6 guest charter: 25,800 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