Hirondelle |
Barge Information
Rating  :
Deluxe
Number of
Passengers: 8
Number of Cabins:
4
Size of
Vessel: 128 ft in length
Number of Crew:
5
Cruise
Region: Southern Burgundy (Two
Itineraries)
Other
Regions Sailed: Upper Loire
2012 Whole Boat
Charters for 8 all season $41,000
2012 Prices (per person) all
season $5,150
Please NOTE: The HIRONDELLE will no longer
be cruising this itinerary in 2012. Please see
Upper
Loire Itinerary.
Charter Pricing for 6 & 7
Passengers Available
Call Barge
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For More Information or to Book
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1.800.549.2575 |
Photo Album
 Hirondelle |
Overview
The elegant Hirondelle, wholly-owned by the luxury
travel company Orient-Express, is a typical Dutch-made
barge featuring large windows, modern, sophisticated
interiors, and comfortable accommodations. On her decks
you'll enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in all
of Europe - from hillside vineyards and historic
villages to Gothic churches and Renaissance chateaux.
While aboard Hirondelle, every wish will be
attended to by the attentive crew. Delicious meals are
served on board made with fresh local ingredients and
complemented by fine local wines. Excursions are lead by
a knowledgeable guide ensuring an unforgettable
journey.
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Accommodations
Hirondelle's four comfortable state rooms have been
decorated with beautiful fabrics and luxurious linens.
Three cabins are available with twin beds and one offers
a queen bed.
Each cabin includes an en-suite
bathroom, plenty of storage space, and a writing desk.
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Amenities
- All meals aboard including a candlelit 5-course
dinner
- Excellent regional and fine wines served with
lunch and dinner
- Open bar
- Sky-lit salon
- Sundeck with dining table and chairs
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Bicycles
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Sample Itinerary
Escommes to St Jean-de-Losne
Sunday
- You'll be met in
the afternoon at the designated meeting point in Paris
and transferred to your barge. A champagne reception on
board gives you a chance to meet the
crew.
Monday - Cruise the Canal de
Bourgogne, enjoying the exceptional views of unspoiled
villages and green forested hills. After lunch, your
guide takes you to visit Fontenay Abbey, one of the
oldest Cistercian monasteries in Europe. On returning to
the barge, stop at the hilltop village of
Chateauneuf-en-Auxois.
Tuesday - Spend the
morning relaxing on board cruising toward the charming
village of Fleurey-sur-Ouche. Later, enjoy a visit to
the Clos de Vougeot, a medieval chateau surrounded by
vineyards.
Wednesday - Enjoy a scenic
drive through the vineyards of the Cotes de Beaune
before a delightful lunch in the beautiful village of
Puligny-Montrachet. In the afternoon, go on an excursion
to Beaune and visit the famous Hotel-Dieu, Hospice de
Beaune.
Thursday - Today visit the Cote
d'Or, planted with vines that produce some of the
world's most famous wines. View the charming villages,
visit some of the finest wine producers in France and
enjoy wine tasting. Following lunch, visit the Chateau
de Longecourt.
Friday - After breakfast,
enjoy a walking tour of Dijon, a visit to the Ducal
Palace, the market and the Grey Poupon mustard shop.
Continue cruising to the final mooring at
St-Jean-de-Losne, while the chef prepares a gala dinner
for your last evening on board.
Saturday
- After breakfast disembark
the Hirondelle and transfer back to Paris.
Loire & Burgundy
Sunday
-
You'll be met in the afternoon at the designated meeting
point in Paris and transferred to your barge. A
champagne reception on board gives you a chance
to meet the crew.
Monday - This
morning, the barge cruises to Imphy, the site of a "pont
canal" which traverses the river Allier. Imphy
(Chevenon) is a small country mooring and a quiet place
to walk or bicycle. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour of
Nevers, the capital of the Nivernais, with a private
visit to the workshop of Mr. Bernard to see the master
ceramic maker at work and a chance to buy some of the
distinctive blue and gold faience.
Tuesday - After breakfast, visit the 15th
century Chateau d'Apremont with its fabulous gardens set
in a medieval village. Enjoy a wine tasting at one of
your crew's favorite vineyards in the Loire Valley. The
barge will cruise from Imphy to Decize stopping at the
little village of Avril-sur-Loire where you can visit
the rural 'Ferme d'Escargots' where you can sample one
of France's most famous
delicacies!
Wednesday - Today's excursion
is to the beautiful medieval town of Bourbon Lancy. Step
back in time as your guide leads you through the
medieval quarter with its authentic timbered houses and
14th century Belfry which houses a unique
automaton.
Thursday - Enjoy a leisurely
morning cruise to Diou. This afternoon, take a private
tour of the chateau of St Aubin, a fine example of
renaissance architecture with extensive grounds and
kitchen gardens.
Friday - Cruise to Digoin
and moor at the picturesque Pont Canal. After lunch,
enjoy a drive through the countryside to see La
Clayette, its chateau and the specialty chocolate
factory of M. Bernard Dufoux. The master himself
demonstrates the art of making chocolate, followed by a
private tasting. Automobile enthusiasts may tour the
vintage car museum where all the vehicles are for
sale.
Saturday
- After breakfast
disembark the Hirondelle and transfer back to Paris.
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1.800.549.2575
