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C'est La Vie is a luxury hotel barge which offers you high quality wines, food and hospitality from its experienced captain and crew. C'est La Vie offers you a perfect mix of discovery and relaxation, cruising through Burgundy's majestic countryside. Discover the rural beauty along the tow paths or to ride into the nearby villages on C'est la Vie's 21 speed bicycles.
C'est La Vie usually translates as "so goes life" but the literal translation is perhaps most fitting for this cruise: "It is the life". I can think of no finer way to describe this trip. Having never cruised on a barge before, I came to France with no expectations. I knew from the website that the barge would be very nice, but nothing prepared me for the relaxed, casual yet luxurious atmosphere that was provided by owners and crew Olivier, Deborah, Katherine and Glen.
Robert Linde
A fully crewed charter aboard the C'est La Vie offers a great opportunity to float serenely through the Burgundy countryside and escape the demands of everyday life.
Enjoy the ever-changing scenery of the Canal de Bourgogne as you drift past infinite landscapes with vineyards, pretty towns and villages with their historic architecture and reflect on times past and present.
Let yourself be guided through Chateaux, Gothic Abbeys, Wineries and the rich and colourful heritage of France will unfold before you.
Savour the fine wines of Chablis and dine at leisure at the Hostellerie-des-Clos restaurant.
It's hard to find the time and right environment to truly relax and unwind, C'est La Vie offers you just that, a perfect mix of discovery and relaxation cruising through Burgundy's majestic countryside.
The C'est La Vie is a luxury hotel barge which offers you high quality wines, food and hospitality from its experienced captain and crew.
Starting life as a commercial barge in 1960 it transported goods across Holland, Belgium and France before being converted in Belgium to a very high standard in 2004.
So as one of the newest luxury hotel barges it is fully equipped with all modern amenities. On the upper deck the lounge and dining areas are air-conditioned and numerous windows give you a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
The outside sun deck with teak floor and furniture is the perfect spot to dine alfresco or relax under the sun canopy which gives shade to all the deck or can be adjusted for those who like to bath in the warmth of the summer sun.
The 21 speed bicycles provide you the opportunity to discover the rural beauty along the tow paths or to ride into the nearby villages meeting up with the C'est La Vie at the next lock.
The Cherry wood panelled walls and ceiling edged in black Iron wood give the four spacious staterooms a feeling of warmth, with three windows on each side light filters through at all times of the day. All staterooms have en suite bathrooms with marble topped vanity units.
The galley is well equipped for our professional chef to prepare your gourmet meals.
The wheel house offers passengers the chance to visit the captain and enjoy the cruise from a different perspective.
The Barge OwnersOlivier and Deborah Mégret purchased the C'est La Vie Barge after long and distinguished careers with other hotel barge companies, they have worked on boats for the past 25 years and so between them bring a wealth of experience.
Barge length; 38.77 m (128ft)
Barge width; 5.O5 m (16ft)
Internal headroom:
Upper deck 1.97m (6.6ft)
Lower deck 2.05m (6.9ft)
Passengers capacity 8
Crew 5:
Captain, Tour guide, Chef, 2 Hostesses
Accommodations
Lounge:
3 two seater sofas
3 arm chairs
2 coffee tables
shelves with books and games
iPod docking station
CD player
Internet facilities
Dining Room:
Table with 8 chairs
fully stocked bar
cupboards
bookshelves.
4 Staterooms:
King size or twin beds
2 bed side tables with reading lamps
large double wardrobe with full length mirror
single wardrobe with shelves
chest of drawers
writing desk/chair
arm chair
under bed storage
air conditioning unit/heater
220v & 110v sockets
En suite bathrooms
Large corner shower with 4 jets
marbled topped vanity unit with round sink
toilet
large mirror
hair dryer
220v & 110v sockets.
Sun Deck
Teak table
8 chairs
lounger
side table
sun canopy
8 bicycles with 21 gears (helmets are provided)
Burgundy Cruise Itinerary
Upper Loire Cruise Itinerary
C'est La Vie Champagne Cruise
Upper Loire to Burgundy
Loiret to the Ile de France
Highlights: Chablis, Château of Ancy-le Franc, Noyers, Abbey of Fontenay, Auxerre Restaurant : Hostellerie-des-Clos at Chablis
Sunday: Welcome to C'est la Vie!
Paris to the "C'est la Vie" moored in Ravières
Your party will be met in Paris at 3pm by our driver and driven to the "C'est la Vie" which is moored in the town of Ravières.
A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first gourmet dinner aboard.
Monday: Sightseeing Abbey of Fontenay
Cruise to Ancy le Franc
Morning cruise to the village of Ancy le Franc, which will allow you time to walk off breakfast of locally baked croissants and other pastries.
After a buffet lunch you will be driven to the Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay founded by St Bernard. Dating back to the 12th Century it is listed on the Unesco World Heritage site.
Returning to the "C'est La Vie" for dinner.
Tuesday: Sightseeing Chateau of Ancy la Franc
Cruise to Lézinnes : Dinner ashore at the Hostellerie-des-Clos restaurant
You can walk or be driven for this mornings visit to the gorgeous Renaissance chateau of Ancy le Franc. Renowned for its 16th-century wall paintings and frescos (which are said to rival Fontainebleau), Ancy-le-Franc has been extensively and sensitively renovated.
Return to the "C'est La Vie" for lunch and an afternoon cruise to the small town of Lézinnes from where you will be driven to the restaurant of Hostellerie-des-Clos.
Wednesday: Sightseeing Noyers with its local market
Cruise to Tanlay
Local markets in the French countrysideMorning visit to the medieval town of Noyers. Where you can walk through the cobbled streets enjoying the local market and discover the old ramparts and half timbered buildings from the 15th/16th centuries along the banks of the river Serein.
Drive back to the "C'est La Vie" through fields of wheat and grazing animals for lunch and an afternoon cruise on the Burgundy Canal to Tanlay now lined by poplar trees, a perfect moment to put on your walking shoes and explore the towpath and small villages along the way.
Dinner aboard.
Thursday: Sightseeing Chablis
Cruise to Flogny la chapelle
We take a morning cruise and pass through the old town of Tonnerre with buildings from many eras, including Roman and Medieval, before our afternoon visit to the town of Chablis, where you can taste some of the famous white wines of this region in one of their local cellars and enjoy a drive through vine yards which cover the hill sides for as far as the eye can see.
Returning to the "C'est la Vie for another gourment dinner aboard
Friday: Sightseeing in Auxerre
Cruise to St Florentin
The historical town of Auxerre in BurgundyThis morning's cruise will take us to the town of St Florentin by early afternoon. After lunch drive to the town of Auxerre. On the banks of the river Yonne this historic town, first settled by the Romans boasts a Cathedral, an Abbey and a Church.
With buildings dating back to medieval times this is the ideal place to stroll along its narrow streets and window shop or just sit and relax with a coffee in one of its many cafés reflecting on Napoleon, Joan of Arc or Charles VII who all passed through this elegant town.
Return to the "C'est La Vie" for the Captain's Dinner, which ends your cruise in style.
Saturday: Return to Paris
After breakfast, you'll be chauffeured back to Paris for the end of the morning.
August 23 - October 31
Highlights: Sancerre winery, Faiencerie of Gien, Château of St Fargeau, Montargis, Château of Sully sur Loire, Canal bridge of Bria, Restaurant: 1 Star Michelin Les Templiers
Sunday: Welcome to C'est la Vie!
Paris to the "C'est la Vie" moored on the Canal Latéral to the Loire
Paris to the LoireYour party will be met in Paris at 3pm by our driver and driven to the C'est La Vie moored in the hamlet of " Les Fouchards" situated 6 miles from Sancerre, and close to Cosne sur Loire, which is just the other side of the Loire river.
With a glass of champagne to welcome you to the C'est La Vie, and after introductions to the crew, you have time to settle into your spacious cabins before your first gourmet dinner aboard.
Monday: Sightseeing to Sancerre
Cruise to Beaulieu
On our way, this morning we cruise to the village of Beaulieu, after lunch we take a short drive through the vineyards to visit to the fortified town of Sancerre, where you will have a private wine tasting of this famous Sauvignon Blanc.
This hill top medieval site gives you panoramic views over the Loire river and of the neighbouring vineyards of Pouilly Fumé.
Returning to the "C'est la Vie" for dinner.
Tuesday: Sightseeing Chateau of St Fargeau
Cruise to Ouzouer sur Trézée
This morning's cruise takes us to the town of Ouzouer sur Trézée, crossing over the Loire river at Briare on the "Pont Canal", this aqueduct designed by Gustave Eiffel, construction of this canal bridge started in 1890.
The Château of St Fargeau is this afternoon's destination, dating from the 10th century; it was built by the bishop of Auxerre and has undergone many additions and restorations over the following years.
The evening's dinner is at the Michelin starred Restaurant Les Templiers.
Wednesday: Sightseeing Faiencerie of Gien, dinner ashore
Cruise to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses
From Ouzouer sur Trézée we drive to the town of Gien, the world famous centre for French table ware after a visit to the pottery, take a walk through this market town and discover its remarkable history, on the banks of the Loire river there has been a settlement here since Romans times.
Back on board for lunch and an afternoon cruise to the town of Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses, there you will see 7 remarkable old locks, (hence its name Sept Ecluses) dating back to the reign of Henry IV, it was a major feat of engineering for its time.
Tonight we dine ashore at a local restaurant.
Thursday: Sightseeing Château of Sully sur Loire
Cruise to Montbouy
If you haven't already put on your walking shoes, now is the perfect time as we cruise to the village of Montbouy. After lunch you will be driven to the Château of Sully, it is a prime example of a medieval fortress built by the river Loire, from the latter part of the 14th Century with such royal visitors as Queen Anne of Austria (Louis XIV mother) and Cardinal Mazarin, it deserves its place in history.
We head back to the C'est La Vie with time to relax before dinner.
Friday: Sightseeing in Montargis
Cruise to Montargis
Meandering along the canal, Montargis is our last port of call, with its 131 bridges, you can see why its nick name is "little Venice", after lunch take a stroll around and discover the feudal castle, the half timbered buildings, shops and cafes. Perhaps buying some Pralines for which Montargis is famous.
The C'est La Vie awaits your return for the Captains dinner, which ends your cruise in style.
Saturday: Return to Paris
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured back to Paris for the end of the morning.
We look forward to your company again on the "C'est la Vie"!
Please note that the itinerary can be in the opposite direction.
June 21 - August 15, 2018
Highlights: Chablis, Gothic Cathedral of Sens, Abbey of Pontigny, Medieval town of Moret Sur Loing, Fontainebleau, Restaurant: 2 star Michelin La Cote St Jacques
Sunday: Welcome to C'est la Vie!
Paris to the C'est la Vie moored in Montargis
Your party will be met in Paris at 3pm by C'est la Vie's driver and taken to the barge moored in the town of Montargis.
A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first gourmet dinner aboard.
Monday: Sightseeing Chateau of Fontainebleau
Cruise to Nemours
Morning canal cruise to the town of Nemours, in the afternoon we take a drive to the Chateau of Fontainebleau, built by Francois 1st in the 16th century, this splendid Chateau was home for many of the French kings and Napoleon.
Return to the boat for cocktails and dinner.
Tuesday: Sightseeing Moret sur Loing
Cruise to Moret sur Loing
Time to put on your walking shoes this morning as the boat cruises towards Moret sur Loing, arriving mid afternoon. A walking tour of the town will find you in the house of Alfred Sisley, a 19 century English painter who was born in Paris, but also lived in Moret and painted landscapes of this area and of the river Thames and Hampton Court in England.
Dinner awaits you aboard the C'est la Vie.
Wednesday: Sightseeing the 1st Gothic Cathedral in Sens
Cruise to Sens
Leaving the canal, C'est la Vie joins the river Seine, then after 2 hours cruising, join the river Yonne which takes you to the city of Sens, where in the afternoon you will be able to walk through the charming streets and visit one of the first great Gothic Cathedrals named after Saint-Etienne, the building of which began in 1140, returning to the boat moored up on the banks of this historic city.
C'est la Vie welcomes you for cocktails and dinner.
Thursday: Sightseeing the Abbey of Pontigny
Cruise to Joigny
Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the banks of the river Yonne as we make your way to the town of Joigny. After lunch you will take a short drive to the abbey of Pontigny, A 12th century gem tucked away in this quite town in rural Burgundy.
Return to the C'est La Vie with time to relax before your dinner ashore at the 2 star Michelin restaurant La Cote Saint Jacques.
Friday: Sightseeing Chablis
Cruise to St Florentin
Leaving the Yonne river, C'est la Vie joins the Canal Du Bourgogne at Laroche Đ Migennes, where you leave the boat to take a sort drive to the town of Chablis, famous the world over for its white wines, after a private wine tasting we rejoin the C'est La Vie for lunch and an afternoon cruise to St Florentin.
Captains' dinner finishes your cruise in style.
Saturday:
After breakfast your driver will take you back to your hotel in Paris before noon.
Please note that the itinerary can be in the opposite direction.
September 3 - October 27, 2018
Highlights: Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte,WW1 battlefield, cemetery of Belleau-wood & American monument, Moet & Chandon champagne house in Epernay, Haultevilliers- village of monk Dom Perignon, Champagne visit in small family run winery, Reims and its Gothic Cathedral. Restaurant: L'Assiette Champenoise in Reims (3 Michelin Stars).
Sunday: Welcome to C'est la Vie!
Paris to the C'est la Vie moored in Meaux
You'll be met at 3:00pm in the lobby of your Paris hotel and chauffeured to the C'est La Vie at anchor in the village of Meaux. After the traditional champagne welcome from Captain Oliver Mégret and the crew, there is time to unpack and take a stroll around town before enjoying the first of many gourmet dinners on board.
Monday: Sightseeing Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte
St. Jean-les-Deux-Jumeaux
Begin the day with our breakfast buffet featuring village-baked pastries just warm from the oven! Then relax on deck while cruising on the River Marne to St. Jean-les-Doux-Jumeaux. C'est La Vie floats through heavily-wooded countryside. Adorable villages hug the shore and patient fisherman wave as we pass. After lunch (served on deck weather permitting) we'll visit the Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte, an enormous privately-owned property with grand gardens and an intriguing history. Built by Nicholas Fouquet, finance minister to Louis XIV, the chateau became a lightening rod for the jealous king. Fouquet landed in jail for the rest of his life and the king built Versailles in retaliation! Could Fouquet have been the man in the iron mask, some people certainly think so?
Return to the boat for cocktails and dinner.
/Tuesday: Sightseeing WW1 battlelfield and cemetery of Belleau-Wood
Chateau Thierry
After another delicious breakfast, cruise to Chateau Thierry through a gorgeous landscape of villages, vineyards, pastures and forests. Nestled into the champagne-producing slopes, this ancient town is associated with the Frankish king Charles Martel whose castle here was built in the 8th century and Joan of Arc who entered through the town gates in 1421.
Afternoon excursion to nearby World War I sites. Belleau Wood was the scene of the second battle of the Marne in spring 1918, which ended the last German offensive of World War I. The cost was 8,000 American troops killed, missing or wounded. Overlooking Chateau Thierry is the massive French-American Friendship Monument and the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery.
Dinner awaits you aboard the C'est la Vie.
Wednesday: Sightseeing: Epernay, Moet & Chandon
Cruise to Damery
Morning cruise on the River Marne, through scenery that could have been painted by the Impressionists. Vineyards, fields and farmhouses cling to distant hills, while villages and gardens line the river. After lunch take a short drive to visit famed champagne producer Moet & Chandon in Epernay. This elite company was founded in 1743 by Claude Moet and was characterized from the beginning by international markets and such high-level contacts as Madame Pompadour and Napoleon. Now it dominates Epernay with a complex of historic buildings and a billion bottles of bubbly stored in eighteen miles of tunnels! We'll tour and then taste!
Next visit Haultevillers, a pretty champagne village perched high over the vineyards. Tour the unassuming church of monk Dom Perignon, credited with inventing the champagne producing process
C'est la Vie welcomes you for cocktails and dinner.
Thursday: Sightseeing: Family champagne domaine
Dinner at the L'Assiette Champenoise in Reims (3 Michelin stars)
Cruise to Tours sur Marne
This morning's cruise we leave the river Marne for the canal Lateral a la Marne, perfect time to put your working shoes on or ride a bicycle along the tow path and catch the C'est la Vie at the next lock.
After lunch we will pay a visit to a small family run vineyard, for the 2nd of your champagne tasting experiences. Driving through vineyards as far as the eye can see. We return to the C'est La Vie in plenty of time to prepare for your dinner shore at the 3 star Michelin restaurant the L'Assiette Champenoise, delicately chosen by Olivier.
Friday: Sightseeing: Reims with the Cathedral
Cruise to Sillery
Cruise this morning on the canal is going to take us through a small tunnel. There is time to walk or bicycle on the towpath as C'est La Vie climbs up a flight of locks. After lunch, we drive to Reims, an important city from Roman times onwards. Visit the great Reims Cathedral, which is even larger than Notre Dame in Paris and where the many of the French kings were crowned. Visit the Archbishops place which has been turned into a museum and step back in time.
Walk along the pedestrian streets in this vibrant city, or take a coffee in many of the side walk cafes and watch the world go by.
Head back to the C'est La Vie for The Captain's Dinner which ends your cruise in style!
Saturday: Return to Paris
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured back to Paris.
Please note that the itinerary can be in the opposite direction.
August 26 - September 1, 2018
Highlights: Chateau of Fontainebleau, Medieval town of Moret sur Loing, Chateau of Vaux le Vicomte , Barbizon, Verrerie of Soisy sur école, Cheese visit
Sunday: Welcome to C'est la Vie!
Paris to the C'est la Vie moored in Montargis
You'll be met at 3:00pm in the lobby of your Paris hotel and chauffeured to the C'est La Vie at anchor in the town of Montargis.
A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before we take a small cruise to the town of Cépoy, before your first gourmet dinner aboard.
Monday: Sightseeing: Chateau of Fontainebleau
Cruise to Nemours
This morning cruise on the Loing canal we head to the town of Nemours, take this opportunity to walk or cycle on the tow path before lunch, which with weather permitting can be served on the front deck. After lunch we will drive to the famous Chateau of Fontainebleau, built in the 16th century, it is often referred to as the "House of Centuries" due to the fact that every French monarch from Francois 1 to Napoleon 3 has left his mark upon this magnificent chateau.
Return to the boat for cocktails and dinner.
/Tuesday: Sightseeing: Moret sur Loing
Cruise to: Moter sur Loing
Morning cruise to Moret sur loing, another great opportunity to enjoy the tow path before your visit to the medieval town of Moret-sur-Loing, where the painter Alfred Sisley spent most of his life. Sisley was an Impressionist landscape painter who was born and spent most of his life in France to English parents.
Our local guide will show us the insights into this historic town, also famous for its barley sugars, first made in the Moret Priory by the nuns.
Returning to the C'est La Vie in time to prepare for your dinner ashore at a local restaurant, carefully chosen by Olivier.
Wednesday: Sightseeing: Chateau of Vaux le Vicomte
Cruise to Melun (River Seine)
This morning we leave the river Loing and join the river Seine and cruise to Melun. Relax as we meander towards Paris. Catch a glimpse of some of the magnificent homes and gardens that line the banks of this majestic river.
After lunch visit the Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte, an enormous privately-owned property with grand gardens and an intriguing history. Built by Nicholas Fouquet, finance minister to Louis XIV, the chateau became a lightening rod for the jealous king. Fouquet landed in jail for the rest of his life and the king built Versailles in retaliation! Could Fouquet have been the man in the iron mask, some people certainly think so?
Return to the C'est la Vie moored in Melun for cocktails and dinner
Thursday: Sightseeing: Barbizon, Verrerie of Soisy-sur-Ecole
Cruise to Joinville le Pont
The Barbizon school of painters were part of an art movement towards Realism in art, which arose in the context of the dominant Romantic Movement of the time. The Barbizon school was active roughly from 1830 through 1870. It takes its name from the village of Barbizon, France, near the Forest of Fontainebleau, where many of the artists gathered. Some of the most prominent features of this school are its tonal qualities, color, loose brushwork and softness of form.
We finish the morning with a visit to the glass blowing factory of Soisy sur école Returning to the C'est la Vie for lunch and a pleasant afternoon cruise on the river Seine going through Paris with its stunning architecture from different centuries, finishing the cruise in the evening on the river Marne in Joinville le Pont.
Time for a stroll before dinner.
Friday: Sightseeing: Cheese visit
Cruise to Meaux
This morning we cruise on the river Marne going north east of Paris and arriving in Meaux early afternoon.
Afternoon visit to a cheese maker, to taste some of this regions famous cheese's including Brie de Meaux.
Return to the "C'est La Vie" for the Captains dinner which ends your cruise in style.
Saturday: Return to Paris
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured back to Paris.
We hope to see you again on the "C'est la Vie"!
The package includes all meals from Sunday dinner to Saturday breakfast, wines and other beverages, (alcoholic and non alcoholic).
Breakfast: Buffet style consists of cereals, bread and pastries, cold meats, cheese, fresh fruit, yogurts, tea/coffee and juices.
Lunch: Also buffet style consists of a variety of salads, a hot dish and a selection of cheeses: fruit, coffee and biscuits.
Dinner: A four course meal starts with an entrée, followed by the main course, a selection of cheeses and then dessert and coffee.
Both lunch and dinner are served with white and red wines from the best wine producing regions of France.
| Value season | Regular season | |
|---|---|---|
| All inclusive charter cruise (8 passengers). | US$61,600 | US$66,000 |
| All inclusive charter cruise (7 passengers). | US$58,100 | US$62,300 |
| All inclusive charter cruise (6 passengers). | US$54,400 | US$59,400 |
| Individual booking | US$7,900 | US$8,500 |
| Supplement for single occupancy | US$4,000 | US$5,000 |
April 7-May 4
October 13-Nov 2
May 5 - October 12
Pickup and Drop off Point for Inidividual Cabin Sailings:
Hotel Madison
143 Boulevard St Germain
75006 Paris
Tel; +33 (0)1 40 51 60 00
6 nights all inclusive charter cruise starts in Paris with a private mini bus pick up at a hotel of your choice. (At one hotel mutually agreed upon by the group). You are driven to the C'est La Vie, where a warm welcome awaits you.
The package includes all meals from Sunday dinner to Saturday breakfast, wines and other beverages, (alcoholic and non alcoholic).
Both lunch and dinner are served with white and red wines from the best wine producing regions of France.
The guided visits and restaurants indicated in the cruise itinerary are included.
Not included are airfares to and from France, tips and balloon flights.
Limited laundry service available.