Barging in Burgundy

By Jo Ann Michetti
This item appears on page 23 of the March 2017 issue.

Four friends and I traveled together on a fabulous 7-day canal barge cruise in Burgundy, France, Sept. 17-23, 2016. Aboard the Magnolia, which had room for six guests and a crew of four, we cruised the Canal du Bourgogne from Dijon to Escommes.

The company we traveled with was CanalBargeCruises.com (Redmond, OR; 888/264-3983, www.canalbargecruises.com)

With a discount for early booking, the price for all five of us was $15,900, which included cabins with en suite baths, half board (three dinners and one lunch were on shore), an open bar, transport from/to the train station, guided tours in an air-conditioned vehicle and entrance fees. Barge amenities included a library, a music system and bicycles.

The crew was outstanding and couldn’t have been more welcoming. Gourmet dinners and lunches on board were prepared by a professional chef.

The cruise was wonderful. We had an excursion off the barge every day for wine tasting, shopping in Dijon’s central market with the chef, truffle hunting or exploring ancient cities.

When our cruise was over, my friends and I didn’t want to get off the barge!

JO ANN MICHETTI

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA