Leisure and Luxury Beckon in Burgundy on the Barge Elisabeth
It’s official! The Barge Ladies are delighted to announce that embracing life in the slow lane aboard a barge hotel in France does not get any better than on the Charming class, 6-guest Elisabeth.
Along with fellow passengers Steve Leland, Contributing Writer for Porthole Cruise and Travel and longtime Barge Lady Cruise Correspondent; and Tamara Gruber, Editor-in-Chief of the travel blog Your Time to Fly, I was a guest of the Elisabeth in July 2023. From the excursions ashore to dining onboard to leisurely lounging, our small but mighty group had a remarkably wonderful time exploring the Elisabeth’s culture, cruising, and cuisine.
Currently plying the serene canals of Northern Burgundy, the Elisabeth was recently redecorated by owner-operators Captain David and Chef Matthew to invoke a chic country cottage. Six lucky guests enjoy comfort and privacy in three cozy cabins, while the welcoming public areas include an adorable salon-dining area and fully stocked open bar.
An open wheelhouse and spacious deck beckon for hours of outdoor lounging. Guests gather topside to watch incredible scenery float by, enjoy al fresco appetizers washed down with glasses of locally produced wine, and, best of all, join the personable Captain David in his wheelhouse for best insight (aka gossip) into the happenings on the canal.
Of course, no barge cruise is complete without feasting on fabulous French fare, and it is the exceptional dining program that consistently elevates the experience aboard the Elisabeth. Drawing on his previous career as a symphony conductor, Chef Matthew’s creativity and attention to detail come through with every single dish that comes out of his galley, right down to the inspiration for the day’s menus.
“Since two of my fellow passengers had recently been to Casablanca, one lunch that really stood out was the roasted vegetables with Moroccan spice over a white bean puree and topped with crumbled cheese and toasted spiced nuts,” says Tamara. “It was exceptional!”
Barge “Lad” Cruise Correspondent Steve Leland was equally smitten with his week of wine and water onboard this wonderful vessel! Read all about what he had to say about his indulgent culinary and cultural adventure on the Elisabeth…
THIS IS WHAT BARGING IS ALL ABOUT
The pastoral landscape and kaleidoscope of color greeting us as we stepped out of our cabin was reminiscent of a Monet painting. Fields of vibrant yellow sunflowers blanketed the hills and the purple of wild lavender painted the banks of the serene Canal du Nivernais.
We had been onboard the Elisabeth less than twelve hours and had already enjoyed a champagne and canapé greeting by the crew, dined on a gourmet dinner, sampled three premier wines, and somehow found room for three artisanal cheeses. This is what barging is all about.
If you’ve never enjoyed this form of cruise experience, it’s the emphasis on gastronomical excellence, the intimacy of small group travel and total inclusivity that rank high on the innumerable elements that make it so special.
It is a slow paced adventure of navigation on back country canals, visiting landlocked hamlets, medieval villages and cities inaccessible to oceangoing vessels.
THE JOURNEY ALONG THE CANAL
Consider these voyages as off the radar nautical sailings minus multi-deck atriums, nightly entertainment, and poolside activities. It’s a laid back, never rushed journey of unplugged exploration curated by a personal guide, the welcoming hospitality of an accommodating crew, and dining like royalty on meals prepared by the talents of a gourmet chef.
The journey along the canal affords new discoveries as our private van and our Tour Guide, Yolanda, magically appear at new destinations each morning for complimentary excursions. Lively towns the likes of Auxerre with its fascinating history and preserved churches, the amazing 12th century basilica of Vezelay, and the colorful alleyways of Joigny all contribute to the charismatic charm of Northern Burgundy.
Visits to boutique family owned vineyards and the endearing village of Chablis provide opportunities to sample Premier Cru and Grand Cru vintages of the endemic fruit of the vine.
LOCALLY SOURCED CREATIVE CUISINE
Back onboard, Chef extraordinaire Matthew is busy throughout the day preparing his hallmark multi-course Michelin style meals. Each expertly plated dish brings locally sourced creative cuisine to the table, perfectly paired with two or three different wines.
Three renowned French cheeses are displayed prior to the nightly parade of delectable desserts. Top off the evening with a tipple of fortified wine, rum, or after dinner specialties, and it’s another day of memories for your travel journal.
The intimate size of the Elisabeth makes it the perfect solution for sharing the journey with family or friends as a charter. It’s like living the dream on your own vessel with a willing crew catering to your every whim. C’est si bon!
MERCI BEACOUP
Barge Lady Cruises says “merci beaucoup” to Porthole Cruise and Travel, Your Time to Fly, and to Captain David and Chef Matthew of the Elisabeth for such a magnificent and memorable week.
To watch a video of Tamara Gruber’s week onboard the Elisabeth, click here. For more insight into the beauty of barging in Northern Burgundy, click here. To book your own Elisabeth experience, click here.