Review: European Waterways Burgundy Canal Cruise, France – Days 4 to 7 on La Belle Epoque

In the middle of this seven -day European river route / six nights, spoiled passengers, enjoying a Bon Viveur lifestyle, they know they expect more unique excursions. He is confident that Captain Craig will present us to people, views and tastes more fascinating that capture the very essence of the rich history of Burgundy.

Crossing the Burgundy channel quietly, we are placing in the quiet rhythms of life in the water. Listening only to Birdsong while we get early coffee in the morning in this quiet corner of France.

Later in the day, maybe walking to get a lock or two while the beautiful epoque navigates sediment, about 5 km / h, among the houses of the followers. Or walk one of the bicycles of the barge to ride a bicycle along the immaculate towing paths.

Slow Travel provides the opportunity to relax, to savor a region that is the fifth -sanssal France, in a cruise with aristocratic flavors.

Day 4

Craig takes us to one of the southernmost vineyards of the Champagne region, belonging to the house of Taisne Ricour, where a vineyard acre could be sold for 1 million euros.

Baron Charles de Taisne welcomes us to one of his vineyard plots on the slope where four months of pruning are completed, but where continuous frosts threaten the growth of the grape, although producers must ensure growth.

Grateful that their plots are scattered on the slope, extending the risk of damage to diseases, hail and mold storms; The Baron explains how the determinations of regulation both the density of its vine plantation and even the size of the letters in the labels of the bottles.

While we travel its cellar, the Baron states that champagne manufacturers rarely produce crops; 2017 was the last harvest of Taisne Ricour. Instead, they mix wines and reserve to create a consistent taste. That exerts immense pressure on tasting skills.

Then, Baron Charles takes us to his local church, whose size and luxurious stained windows make it look more like a cathedral: recently the organist of the Sistine Chapel made here. Centuries of champagne wealth have left a rich legacy.

Caviar Canapés and Champagne welcome us to the elegant limestone castle of the Baron. Benead Hat Family Portraits, Baroness Ségolène de Taisne pours the champagne, before sitting for a four -plates lunch served by her staff. She explains that the silver cover, with the coat of arms of her family combined with that of Charles, was a wedding gift.

Day 5

After a cruise in the morning, we took a lunch or quiche from Early Burgundy Buffet, Pate-in-Crucé, Caracoles, Charcutería, Cheeses, loaves and wines on the terrace. We have more aristocracy to know.

Yesterday was a baron and baroness. Today we meet Count Bertrand de Vogüé, in the Chateau Commarin, owned by his family for about 26 generations, which dates back to 900 years. Explain the difficult balance of maintaining the historical authenticity of a castle while it is commercial enough to raise funds for maintenance. A black pig that was going, bought to hunt truffles, but without finding any, personifies his problems.

The hectrería exhibitions have proven to be a draw with visitors who marvel at the speed of Sparrow Hawk Tinkerbell and Siva’s mortal power. Although these are not only birds, they also work: control the number of crow and dove, as well as provide therapy for prisoners.

Craig’s tour of the castle includes a remarkable story. On the first floor, a large bath would have contained a huge piece of ice stored from winter to provide an ingenious form of air conditioning. That winter ice was also used, with summer fruit, in Sorbetiere. When the children of the village came to play with the children of the family, they would have loved to try sorbets. As with the Taisne family, it was a close relationship that encouraged the locals to hide the commarin artifacts when the Nazis arrived in 1940.

A panoramic tour of return to the barge takes us to a monument to the battle of Alesia, where the Gulsa were brutally defeated by Julius Cés’s forces in 52bc. A story with a very different end to the popular Asterix cartoons.

Back on board, we are welcome with Mississippi Jazz of the Boot Boat band, which touch while they give us a cocktail.

Day 6

The majority of the guests opt for a quick breakfast so they can walk towards the Montbard market, where we see chef Harris making a great order with Cheesemonger who has provided us with an option of about 30 cheeses on the trip.

A 15 -minute trip takes us to the completely serene Onusco recognized to Abbaye de Fontenay. Tired of indulgence and the fine life of contemporary monasteries, the tenth Cistercian monks sought a place where they could create an order based on chastity, charity and silence. Monk’s slack on hay beds and woke up, at night, to pray to spread over cold gravel; He was allowed to speak for only two hours per week.

It is time for a more sociable night in the beautiful epoque. When opening a bottle of champagne from the Taisne Ricour reserve with a glow saber, Craig offers a great theatrical beginning for the captain’s dinner.

“These are among my favorite Burgundy dishes. It is the type of food that a local family would have on a special occasion,” Craig explains when a Vieira carpaccio arrives, followed by French onion soup.

Going back to our visit to Laroche Cellars, our first wine is a click Grand Cru, as recommended by our guide. Flying another bottle of Taisne Ricour, the host Ema adds a champagne to the lemon sorbet of the palate cleaner.

The Charolais fillets, cooked individually on request, provide the main course, before a final cheese plate that leads to the incredibly original version of the chef of the classic dessert of Mille Feuille with a surprising pistachio layer.

Day 7

On the trip back to the Westminster hotel in Paris, we remember a luxurious introduction to the Burgundy region overlooked.

Far from the tourist points of France, we have virtual that had the abbey, the wineries and the Chateaux for us. In a small group, we have been able to ask Craig questions and talk to the fascinating burgles he has introduced. C’esto magnifique.

Already remembering about the trip, some of the guests are already planning their next cruise in European luxury barges.

The cost

A hotel barge cruise

Based on Two Pasangers Sharing A Cabin, 6-Night/7-Day Cruises ABOARARD THE 12-PASER LA BELLE EPOQUE START at $ 6,850 per person and include all gourmet meals, Fine Wines, An Open Bar for The Duration of The Cruise, Daily Transfers, and The Admissions, Admissions, Admissions Admissions, Admissions, Admissions, Admissions, Admissions, Admissions, Admissions, Admissions, Admissions, Admissions, Admissions and Cruises.

Group letters

2025 letter prices aboard the beautiful epoque begin from $ 77,000 ($ 6,416pp) based on 12 passengers traveling. The Belle Epoque also sacrifices a selection of itineraries of ‘Thematic Cruises’ (reservables at a base of the private letter) for travelers with specific interests, including relatives, golf, walks and wine appreciation.

Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by European river paths.

Michael Edwards

Michael Edwards is a travel writer from Oxfordshire, the United Kingdom. Althegh Michael had published his first travel pieces almost four decades ago, he is still finding new luxury destinations to visit and write.