L'Art de Vivre barge cruise

L'Art de Vivre luxury barge cruises

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LAST-MINUTE OFFERS for cruises in October: Book now to save 20%

20% off per charter: October 26th, 2025
Valid until September 22nd

Book your 2026 Spring-time charter now to save 10%

10% off per charter: April 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th; May 3rd & 10th, 2026
Valid until September 22nd

Contact us about the offers

L'Art de Vivre hotel barge

Cruise highlights

8 passengers
★★★★ 4 star rating

Highlights

  • Explore enchanting Auxerre and its magnificent cathedral
  • Wine tasting of Chablis and Petit Chablis in the cellars of a renowned Domaine
  • Visit the hilltop Basilica of Vezelay
  • Visit Chateau de Bazoches
  • Lunch ashore at the Domaine Laroche
  • Optional hot-air ballooning
  • Excellent towpath for cycling and walking

Cruise route & itinerary

Auxerre to Chevroches
Nivernais & River Yonne

Brochure

L'Art de Vivre PDF brochures

Factsheet

L'Art de Vivre cruise file

Prices

  • From 6, 050 USD per person
  • Charters from 42, 000 USD

Boat size

  • Length 104′12″ ft (32.00 metres)
  • Width 16′7″ ft (5.05 metres)

Specifications

  • Crew members : 4
  • Up to 8 guests
  • Double cabins : 4

Also

  • Central heating
  • Air-conditioning
  • Spa or pool
  • Wifi
  • CD player / iPod Dock
  • Bicycles : 8

Guests have awarded ★★★★ stars


The only reason I am not likely to do this again is because there are too many places to go and things to do in the world. But this was a first class trip of a lifetime and I would highly recommend it!
(July 2023) AVOLIO ★★★★★

(June 2023) Rogers ★★★★
5 stars for the boat and for Hotels Afloat!  Superb.  We will definitely book again and have recommended youThank you very much for arranging the best trip we've ever taken!
(October 2021) Richa...
5 stars for the barge, destination, Hotels Afloat booking service and the overall Hotels Afloat experience.Our boat was beautifully kept and every member of the crew went above and beyond to make our trip perfect.
(October 2019) G Dun...
Dear Emma,      I am now back home; but, wishing I was still in France on "L'Art de Vivre".    The trip was fabulous, from start to finish.    The crew took such good care of us; the food, the service, the fun---it was incredible.    I will be doing this again.   Thank you, so much, for your assistance in making this possible.
(November 2017) Jane ...

About L'Art de Vivre barge cruises

Luxury barge L'Art de Vivre

A cruise aboard this stately ship will surely leave you with a taste for the finer side of life, which is precisely what the hotel barge L'Art de Vivre personifies.

The barge comprises four suites which can be configured as twins or doubles, each with modern en-suite facilities.

You may choose to relax by using our bikes or by lounging on the sun deck or in the Jacuzzi. You may even take a hot air balloon flight to view the surrounding area (an optional extra on this cruise).

L'Art de Vivre has quite a history! The barge was originally built in England during WWI to act as a supply vessel to allied troops of the Somme.

L'Art de Vivre deck and cabin plans

L'Art de Vivre deck plan

L'Art de Vivre photo gallery

Click any photo to zoom

L'Art de Vivre cruise route & itinerary

Auxerre to Chevroches cruise map

Auxerre to Chevroches

Nivernais & River Yonne

Download itinerary brochure ↓

Rates

Auxerre
Sunday
Visitors are greeted at the perfectly located Hotel Westminster in Paris and taken to the charming LArt de Vivre in a private, chauffeur-driven minibus.
After being greeted with Champagne, you can explore the medieval town of Auxerre or stroll along the River Yonne's banks until it's time for dinner on board.

Auxerre to Vincelles
Monday
We cruise through some delightful locks and past hillsides covered in vineyards in the morning before arriving at our rural mooring at Vincelles.
The afternoon trip is to Aubigny to investigate the intriguing quarry, a subterranean stonework wonderland utilized on structures like the Paris Opera House.
Then, in€'s cellars, we'll introduce you to some excellent wines and have a private tasting of their sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne.
Dinner on board.

Vincelles to Mailly-la-Ville
Tuesday
We take an excursion to the medieval town of Auxerre after breakfast.
Historically the seat of Lower Burgundy, the town is proud of its lovely churches, most notably the imposing cathedral by the river. This area is home to many opulent Renaissance homes.
Once again, we board the hotel barge for lunch and head south, passing through verdant meadows and the grazing grounds of Charolais cattle until we reach the tranquil village of Mailly la Ville.
This would be a great time to take a stroll or a bike ride along the towpath or to sit back to admire the beautiful scenery simply.
Dinner on board.

Mailly-la-Ville to La Saussois
Wednesday
We travel to the renowned Domaine Laroche cellars in Chablis this morning for a private tasting and tour of the 1000-year-old Obédiencerie, where wines are still aged. We then enjoy a delectable gourmet lunch in the stunning dining hall of the Domaine.
We take a leisurely afternoon cruise past the breathtaking natural setting of the Le Saussois cliffs, which also house an international climbing centre. Is there a romantic symbol hidden in the cliffs? Can you spot it?
Before dinner on board, there will be time to take strolls or bike rides along the towpath.

Le Saussois to Lucy-sur-Yonne
Thursday
In the morning, we continue our journey through the Yonne Valley to our mooring at Lucy-sur-Yonne. Following lunch on board, we enjoy an excursion to the fascinating pilgrimage town of Vezelay, one of Burgundy's most well-known treasures. Experience the ambience and light of the Romanesque Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene, a serene spot for reflection. The village offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and many craft shops.
Dinner aboard.

Lucy-sur-Yonne to Chevroches
Friday
After our busy afternoon yesterday, it's time to unwind and take in the scenery today as we cruise through the breathtaking countryside to our last mooring at the charming canalside village of Chevroches.
In the afternoon, we visit the magnificent Chateau de Bazoches. Constructed in the twelfth century, it is regarded as a superb illustration of trapezoidal architecture. Among the notable guests at the chateau were Richard the Lionheart.
Marechal Vauban later remodelled the chateau, and its elevated hillside location offers stunning views.
Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.

Chevroches
Saturday
After breakfast, guests are transferred to the Hotel Westminster in Paris. Au revoir!

Auxerre to Chevroches rates

The rates shown are standard, before any applicable discounts or promotions.

2026 USD, for American and Canadian residents Regular Value
Whole boat charter for 8 54, 000 USD 46, 500 USD
Whole boat charter for 7 52, 200 USD 44, 900 USD
Whole boat charter for 6 50, 400 USD 43, 300 USD
Stateroom per person 7, 250 USD 6, 250 USD
Solo traveller supplement 2, 600 USD 2, 300 USD
2026 STERLING rates for UK residents Regular Value
Whole boat charter for 8 £39, 500 £34, 000
Whole boat charter for 7 £38, 100 £32, 800
Whole boat charter for 6 £36, 700 £31, 600
Stateroom per person £5, 290 £4, 550
Solo traveller supplement £1, 900 £1, 700
2026 EURO rates ALL OTHER COUNTRIES Regular Value
Whole boat charter for 8 46, 000 € 39, 500 €
Whole boat charter for 7 44, 400 € 38, 100 €
Whole boat charter for 6 42, 800 € 36, 700 €
Stateroom per person 6, 190 € 5, 350 €
Solo traveller supplement 6, 190 € 5, 350 €
2025 USD, for American and Canadian residents Regular Value
Whole boat charter for 8 52, 000 USD 45, 000 USD
Whole boat charter for 7 50, 300 USD 43, 500 USD
Whole boat charter for 6 48, 600 USD 42, 000 USD
Stateroom per person 6, 990 USD 6, 050 USD
Single person supplement 2, 500 USD 2, 200 USD
2025 STERLING rates for UK residents Regular Value
Whole boat charter for 8 £38, 500 £33, 500
Whole boat charter for 7 £37, 200 £32, 400
Whole boat charter for 6 £35, 900 £31, 300
Stateroom per person £5, 190 £4, 490
Single person supplement £1, 900 £1, 700
2025 EURO rates ALL OTHER COUNTRIES Regular Value
Whole boat charter for 8 45, 000 € 39, 000 €
Whole boat charter for 7 43, 500 € 37, 700 €
Whole boat charter for 6 42, 000 € 36, 400 €
Stateroom per person 6, 050 € 5, 250 €
Single person supplement 2, 200 € 1, 900 €
Prices include: Local transfer between local meeting point and the hotel barge (approximate transfer duration 2hr30), a luxury 6-night cruise, all meals on board catered for by the on-board Master Chef, an open barge 24/7 with a large range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, all wines served throughout the cruise; excursions and admittance fees as per the itinerary, the services of 4 crew and use of the barge facilities, which include bicycles and spa pool.

Themed cruises

Cycling charters: 4500 USD / £3500 / 4000€
Biking cruises include daily cycling with a professional cycling guide and an upgrade of bicycles.

Family charter: No supplement
Families with children charter cruises include tailor-made itineraries that consider the ages and interests of all those in the group. A wide range of activities can be arranged with us, some of which will incur a supplement, e.g. Go-Karting.  Other activities can be booked directly with the provider, e.g.hot-air ballooning.
Baby and child equipment can be provided without extra cost, including children's bikes and helmets, car seats, cots, high-chairs etc.  

Golf charter: 650 USD / £375 / 475€ supplement per player
Golf cruises include four pre-booked and paid tee times and transfers to and from the golf clubs. Hire of clubs, caddy and buggy not included
Tennis charter: No charge
Tennis cruises include pre-booked and paid courts and transfers to and from the tennis clubs.
 
Walking cruises: 4250 USD/ £3250/ 3750€
Walking cruises include daily walking with a professional walking guide
 
Wine appreciation charter: 7750 USD / £6000 / 7000 €
A comprehensive wine itinerary with additional winery visits, private tasting and the services of a professional wine guide. It also includes an upgrade of the wine list to include additional premier and Grand Cru wines.

2025 Departure dates
Value dates: March 30 - April 20; July 20 - August 17; October 12 - October 26
Regular dates: April 27 - July 13: August 24 - October 5
2026 Departure dates
Value dates: April 5 - April 19; July 12 - August 16; October 25
Regular dates: April 26 - July 5: August 23 - October 18


These are sample itineraries, on alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.

Availability for L'Art de Vivre

The dates indicated as "Available" are open for cabin or private charter bookings.

Special offers and discounts

LAST-MINUTE OFFERS for cruises in October: Book now to save 20%

20% off per charter: October 26th, 2025
Valid until September 22nd

Book your 2026 Spring-time charter now to save 10%

10% off per charter: April 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th; May 3rd & 10th, 2026
Valid until September 22nd

Contact us about the offers

L'Art de Vivre enquiries and reservations

Please complete this form for a prompt reply.

A member of our team will call you at no charge using
the following number from France 0033 614 250 200
or

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