Fandango |
Barge Information
Rating : Deluxe
Number of Passengers: 6
Number of Cabins: 3
Size of Vessel: 100 ft in length
Number of Crew: 4
Cruise Region: Southern Burgundy
Other Regions Sailed: Canal du Midi
2009 Whole Boat Charters starting at $27,900
2009 Prices (per person) starting at $5,425
2009 Matisse Cabin starting at $3,500
Charter Pricing for 4 & 5 Passengers Available
Call Barge TravelPOINTS Today For More Information or to Book Your Journey 1.800.549.2575
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Photo Album
 Fandango
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Overview
From Mid-May thru mid-October 2009, the luxury barge Fandango will be cruising in historic Southern Burgundy. Fandango's owner
Hazel Young says, "To celebrate Fandango's return to France's foremost wine and gastronomique region, I will
treat my guests to three onshore gourmet experiences: an informal lunch at a canalside bistrot, a gourmet picnic of regional
specialties while winetasting on the Route de Grands Crus, and the Michelin-star cuisine at the elegant L'Abbaye de Buissiere."
Built in 1939 specifically to the dimensions of the locks and low stone arch bridges of the Southern Burgundy, Fandango was later abandoned
near Bordeaux in the 1970's when highways took over barge freight. The Provençal cosmetics company L'Occitane eventually restored her
as the historical flagship of the Canal and a glamorous floating showroom. Fandango then returned to the Midi in 1998 to become
a luxurious private charter barge for 4 to 6 passengers.
The lovely décor of Fandango has been featured in French home decorating magazines and on television. The sky lit salon replete with
collectibles from 'la vieille France' is a welcoming space to curl up with a book or discuss the day's adventures. The open galley
and bistro atmosphere on Fandango is perfect for those who enjoy a glass of wine and sharing tales while Hazel or the chef prepares
a succulent feast.
Hazel Young, a resident of France for nearly 30 years, is the creative force behind Fandango and sees to every detail aboard the
barge. A trained French chef, she also makes fine dining and excellent wines an important part of cruising on Fandango.
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Accommodations
The Fandango has two stylishly decorated cabins which can be made up with twin or king beds and one smaller cozy cabin with a
double bed for one or two guests.
All cabins have beautiful hand-made Provençal tiled ensuite bathrooms that are stunning yet functional.
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Amenities
- French country cuisine, typical of the Languedoc region, featuring:
- Breakfast with freshly squeezed orange juice, warm baked goods, fresh fruit, eggs and more
- Savory lunch feasts featuring salads, soufflés, quiches, soups, and cheeses
- Candlelit dinners with classic French cuisine and divine desserts
- One meal taken ashore at Abbayé of La Bussiere, a Michelin star restaurant
- Wines served with lunch and dinner
- Open bar
- Tiled sundeck with hot tub, chairs, dining table and large parasols - perfect for al fresco dining
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Bicycles
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Sample Itinerary
Gourmet Canal de Bourgogne Cruise
Dijon to Escommes
Mid-May through Mid-October
Sunday - Your tour guide will meet you in the afternoon in Dijon: either at the train station, rental car office or local
hotel. You'll be escorted to Fandango at anchor in Dijon. A champagne welcome provides the perfect moment to meet the crew and
preview the week ahead. Your evening dinner will be the start of your gourmet journey.
Monday - Your morning cruise departs Dijon and introduces you to the peaceful green pastoral setting of the Ouche River
Valley. The famous cream colored Charolais cows graze in their pastures, wildflowers abound and a wonderful feeling of relaxation
takes over. After lunch on board, you may want to cycle on the towpath to work up a thirst for the evening winetasting at the
medieval château of Clos de Vougeot.
Tuesday - This morning visit the colorful 'les halles' covered market of Dijon. The chef will take you on the rounds of the
market stalls, selecting cheeses and fresh produce, making sure all the specialties you want to try go into the baskets! Then tour
historic Dijon, not forgetting to shop at the famous Grey Poupon mustard shop and local boutiques.
Wednesday - You will enjoy the diversity of each lock keeper's handiwork this morning as we cruise a staircase of locks
bordered by well-tended flower beds and vegetable gardens. Walk, bicycle or just read on deck, letting the scenery glide by. Today
you'll visit the exquisitely restored Abbaye of La Bussiere for a Michelin-star lunch. The tranquility of your afternoon cruise to
Pont d'Ouche will complete the experience to 'savorer le moment.'
Thursday - How about an exciting day out to taste wine and tour along the Route des Grands Crus? To accompany the wine,
there is a picnic lunch of regional specialties - jambon persille, saucisson with sun dried tomatoes, pâtés with
cornichons, plus a 'plateau de fromage extraordinaire'. Then tour the famed Hospice de Beaune and return to Fandango for dinner
on board.
Friday - You will admire the hilltop castle of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois while floating to Vandenesse. Your tour will
bring to life this historic château. Antique shops and breathtaking views await you! Walking the cobblestone streets will
work up an appetite for your typical Burgundy 'plat du jour' lunch at the bistrot. Then cruise up the last flight of locks to
the Escommes lake. An evening drive to the exquisite village of Flavigny, where the film "Chocolat" was made and then a
nostalgic final dinner ends your cruise in style.
Saturday - After breakfast the tour guide will transfer you back to Dijon for your departure.
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