Accommodating up to 6 passengers
La Vie en Rose is rated 4 star
Book now for 2020
- Fully refitted for 2019
- Visit the XII century 'Chateau de Couches' classified as a "monument historique"
- Chateau de Sully
- Explore the route de Grand Cru
- Visit Beaune including the XV century Hospice de Beaune
- Wine tastings at the Patriarche cellars and the Chateau de Chamirey in Mercurey
- Market day in Challon-sur-Saone
- 3 * Michelin dining at Lameloise (optional extra)
Cruise information file for La Vie en Rose
Specifications
Crew members : 3
Boat size
Length 103′3″ ft (31.46 metres)
Width 15′9″ ft (4.79 metres)
Number of bicycles : 6
Accommodation
Up to 6 guests
Double cabins : 1
Twin cabins : 2
Also...
Central heating
Air-conditioning
Demonstration galley
WiFi access: 4G onboard (subject to 4G coverage)
La Vie en Rose photos and videos
Click on any photo to begin the slide show, with photos of the barge and cruise program
About the barge "La Vie en Rose"
We are delighted to add "La Vie en Rose" to our fleet for the 2019 season.
The barge has a rich history. Built in 1930 as a working barge to carry cargo throughout Europe, La Vie en Rose was once owned by the famous actor Sterling Hayden, who lived aboard while the barge was in Paris for 17 years.
She was then lovingly converted in 2004 to a hotel barge, named Who Knows.
Her new owners have spent many months refitting the barge and she has a delightful, fresh feel reflected in her new name.
As you step aboard La Vie en Rose, directly into the sitting room, you will be enchanted.
With 8 windows providing plenty of light, the light grey, bespoke modern furnishings combined with brass fittings invite you to settle down to relax. The references to Edith Piaf, Sterling Hayden and Josephine Baker combine to create a wonderful ambiance.
From this sitting room you can watch the world go by during the day, or curl up with a book, or perhaps enjoy a nightcap... whatever makes your cruise ideal.
A few steps down from the sitting room takes you into the heart of the barge. Light floods the spacious saloon where a comfortable dining table overlooks the demonstration galley. Share a glass of wine with the experienced chef Carlene while she creates mouth-watering dishes throughout the week, using fresh local ingredients.
The well-stocked bar is conveniently situated close by, and the Ipod dock on hand to create just the right atmosphere every day as you dine or relax.
Of course, one of the joys of cruising is being in the beautiful Burgundy countryside.
The top forward deck is exceptionally spacious and well furnished for alfresco dining but also for relaxing on teak loungers, while the wheelhouse deck has a permanent sunshade from which to share the Captain's view.
After a day exploring Burgundy with your friendly crew, and a fabulous dinner, you will be ready to retire for the night.
La Vie en Rose has three cabins, one of which is a double, the others in twin configuration. The crisp white linens, air-conditioning/heating units and opening windows guarantee a comfortable night, whatever time of year you choose to cruise.
Each cabin has a wardrobe complete with hanging space and shelving while in the ensuite bathroom there are shelves and alcoves with make-up/shaving mirrors above tiled washbasins, and fully-tiled shower cubicles with easy-glide doors and variable flow shower heads.
Superior 'Biological Green tea & Citrus' toiletries produced in Italy, a hair-dryer, slippers and luxuriously soft towels complete the picture.
Step aboard La Vie en Rose this season: Alex and his crew are looking forward to sharing their love of the area, food and wine with you.
Plan of La Vie en Rose
La Vie en Rose cruise routes & itineraries
St Julien-sur-Dheune to Seurre
St Julien-sur-Dheune
Sunday
Guests are met at either the main train station at Le Creusot or a local hotel in the afternoon, and driven in the air-conditioned bus to join La Vie en Rose, moored in the peaceful, pretty village of St Julien-sur Dheune on the Canal du Centre.
A Champagne welcome is the perfect moment to relax while the crew welcomes you.
This evening we will chat about the week to come while enjoying dinner on board.
St Julien-sur-Dheune to St Leger-sur-Dheune
Monday
After a hearty breakfast, the adventure begins with a cruise to the village of St Leger-sur-Dheune. Take time to admire the views from the deck, or perhaps walk or cycle along to build up an appetite for lunch on board.
In the afternoon, the first step back in time awaits as we visit the famous Chateau de Couches. This "monument historique" dates from the 12th century, and is know as the Chateau de Marguerite de Bourgogne, who was the Queen of France, married to Louis X.
The architecture of the chateau varies as the building was constructed between the end of the 11th century, with all work finally completed in the 19th century.
Our return journey take us through the 3 villages of Marange for a wine tasting, of course!
This evening, you will dine in a local auberge serving regional dishes (not included in the cruise price)
St Leger-sur-Dheune to Santenay
Tuesday
Today begins with a leisurely cruise towards the village of Santenay, which will be our evening mooring. This wine-producing village is part of the prestigious world-famous Southern Cote de Beaune. Our excursion today takes us along the Route des Grands Crus, from Santenay to Pommard, where you can admire the beautiful landscape and vineyards, which have served this region for hundreds of years.
Lunch will be taken in 'Le Cellier Volnaysien', a local restaurant much appreciated by the locals. As we say in France, if the locals eat here, it must be good! (not included in the cruise price)
In the afternoon, we visit a stunning castle, the Chateau de Sully, still owned & occupied by the Countess of Magenta
We return to La Vie en Rose, our minds full of sights from the day, to a restful evening and dinner aboard.
Santenay to Chagny
Wednesday
The day begins with a short cruise to Chagny, a small market town. After breakfast, we take the minibus for a trip to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy and a place full of history and exceptional architecture. We'll begin at the colourful market which awakens the senses before moving on to the 15th century Hospice de Beaune. In addition to the beautiful tiled roof, you will see the old hospital wards with 'tiny' beds by our modern standards, the relatively humble chapel, a pharmacy complete with medicines and the kitchens too, all of which are a testament to the hard lives lived within the walls of this charitable hospital.
It's time for lunch: The Captain recommends 'Le Conty', where you'll discover a range of tasty dishes in a cellar atmosphere. (not included in the cruise price)
The afternoon is the perfect time for wine tasting and today we visit the Patriarche Cellars, which are the longest cellars in Burgundy with the oldest history.
We will then return driving amid the vineyards to La Vie en Rose. Enjoy a peaceful apero on the deck before dinner is served on board.
Chagny to Fragnes
Thursday
After our morning cruise to Fragnes, which is ideally situated for the discovery of the Cote Chalonnaise, we continue the wine and culinary discovery. To the south of the Cote de Beaune, the Cote Chalonnaise produces ruby-coloured red wine and delicate white wine too, from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Aligote grapes.
Family connections come into play today as after lunch on board, we join an old acquaintance of the Captain for a private wine tasting at the Chateau de Chamirey in Mercurey. The Devillard family have grown wine here for 4 generations and take pride in their beautiful domain. This promises to be a wonderful experience!
After the tasting, we may take a short drive to discover the magnificent views here: Cameras at the ready...
To round off this fabulous day, the Captain recommends you enjoy a gastronomic dinner at Lameloise, the only 3* rated restaurant in Burgundy. (not included in the cruise price)
Fragnes - Seurre
Friday
For our last full day together, we begin with an excursion to nearby Chalon-sur-Saone, a fine market town dating from Roman times. Birthplace of photography, Chalon is a lively town and today it's market day, with a variety of stalls selling local produce as well as a huge range of goods. Take time to watch how the french do their shopping, admire the colours, the scents, the sing-song of the french language around you, so see french life at it's best.
We return to La Vie en Rose for lunch on board, followed by a change as we leave the quiet Canal behind us to join the majestic River Saone for our final cruise to Seurre, a small town.
Our Captain's Farewell dinner begins with cocktails and canapes on the deck overlooking the river... a time to reminisce over the wonderful week spent afloat aboard La Vie en Rose.
Seurre
Saturday
After a good breakfast to see you on your way, transfers to Le Creusot TGV railway station are provided in good time for your return to Paris.
Au revoir et à bientôt!
Cruise rates
dates and rates
| 2019 | |||||
| Whole boat charter for 6 | 20700 | ||||
| Whole boat charter for 5 | 19000 | ||||
| Whole boat charter for 4 | 17500 | ||||
| Cabin per person* | 3795 | ||||
| 2020 | |||||
| Whole boat charter for 6 | 21735 USD | ||||
| Whole boat charter for 5 | 19950 USD | ||||
| Whole boat charter for 4 | 18375 USD | ||||
| Cabin per person* | 3795 USD | ||||
| 2020 EURO RATES | |||||
| Whole boat charter for 6 | 19700 EURO | ||||
| Whole boat charter for 5 | 18100 EURO | ||||
| Whole boat charter for 4 | 16700 EURO | ||||
| Whole boat charter for 2 | 14100 EURO |
* Price per person based on double occupancy; 2 cabins minimum required to confirm a cruise
Sterling rates available upon request, based on exchange rates at the time of booking
Prices include: 7 days/6 nights from 16h00 on day one to 09h30 on the last day with private use of 3 cabins
Round-trip transfers from Le Creusot TGV station or a pre-arranged local hotel (1 location per charter)
All meals taken aboard
Round-trip transport to restaurants where needed
All wines and open bar aboard
Escorted excursions included in the program
Use of 6 bicycles
Not included:
4 meals taken ashore (lunch or dinner): A selection of restaurants will be offered, guests are free to choose
Travel costs to the pick up/drop off point before and after the cruise
Travel and cancellation insurance
Enquiry & availability for La Vie en Rose
Please use the form below to check availability or ask any other questions.
After you have submitted your enquiry form, if you do not receive a reply by email within the next 24 hours then please call Emma +33 614 250 200 or email emmas.cruises@gmail.com.