Art de Vivre Canal Barge in France

L’ART DE VIVRE FACT SHEET
Cruising in Burgundy

THE BARGE HERSELF
FORMER PURPOSE: Ex Scottish munitions carrier
YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 1917
DIMENSIONS: Length 100 ' and width 16 ' 6"
LAST REFIT: 2009
GENERATORS: 2 x 220 volt generators for air-conditioning and/or heating etc
MAIN ENGINE: Main engine 150 HP BAUDOIN
MAXIMUM SPEED: 10 knots
WATER AND FUEL CAPACITY: 10 tons of water, 2 tons of fuel

PERSONNEL
CREW: 4. Captain, Tour Guide/Deckhand, Chef, Housekeeper
Our crew are generally British and speak both English and French, while some speak other languages as well.

ACCOMMODATION
CAPACITY FOR ACCOMMODATION: Up to 8 passengers
NUMBER AND TYPES OF CABINS: 4 Staterooms all with a choice of a double bed or 2 single beds.

SIZES OF THE CABINS
They are all identical in size and ceiling height and are equally comfortable.
Merlot 10ft 7” x 6ft 6” (325cm x 200 cm) 100 sq ft incl. bathroom which is 6ft 6” x 5ft 2” (200cm x 160cm)
Sauvignon 10ft 7” x 6ft 6” (325cm x 200 cm) 100 sq ft incl. bathroom which is 6ft 6” x 5ft 2” (200cm x 160cm)
Chardonnay 10ft 7” x 6ft 6” (325cm x 200 cm) 100 sq ft incl. bathroom which is 6ft 6” x 5ft 2” (200cm x 160cm)
Pinot Noir 10ft 7” x 6ft 6” (325cm x 200 cm) 100 sq ft incl. bathroom which is 6ft 6” x 5ft 2” (200cm x 160cm)
Cabin height floor to ceiling: 6ft 5” (1.97m)
Note the measurements above are approximate

SIZES OF THE BEDS: As singles they are all 3ft 2” x 6ft 6” (80cms wide x 200cm) or as a double bed they are 6ft 4” x 6ft 6” (160cm x 200cm)

BATHROOMS:
All bathrooms are fully tiled on floor and walls. Each has a shower cubicle measuring 90cmx80cm, W.C. and a wash basin. All are supplied with: washing gel, hand soap, shampoo, towels, dressing gowns and slippers.
Bathroom dimensions: 6ft 6” x 5ft 2” (200cm x 160cm)

CLOSET SPACE: Yes
HAIRDRYERS: Yes
ELECTRICITY: 220volt electricity (French two pin plugs)
SAFE: Yes

CLIMATE CONTROL & ELECTRICITY
AIR CONDITIONING: YES individually controlled
CENTRAL HEATING: YES inverter Air Conditioning
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY: All our barges are wired for 220 and 240 volts but not 110 volts. We suggest you bring an adapter for your particular appliance, which corresponds to the standard French two pin plugs. If you wish to use an electrical appliance on board, please ask one of the crew when you arrive on board to ensure that it is suitable for the barge’s electrical system. European Waterways cannot be held responsible for unforeseen voltage fluctuations which sometimes occur when swapping from one voltage system to another.

PUBLIC ROOMS
SALOON/DINING ROOM DIMENSIONS & DESCRIPTION
Room Size: 13' x 21’ (3.65m wide x 6m long) and height from floor-to-ceiling: 6’5” (1.94m)
Two sofas with Coffee Table
Fully stocked Bar built from mahogany.
Iroko dining table seating up to 9 people
Teak panelling and wallpaper. Formica ceiling and brass light fittings.
Carpeting throughout and paintings on the walls.
SUNDECK: 12ft 6" x 22ft (3.9m x 6.7m), Jacuzzi (hot tub) for 6 people, 8 chairs, large table and 2 parasols
CORRIDOR: 2ft8” wide, 24ft4” long, 6ft9” high (80cm wide, 7.30m long, 2.02m)

GASTRONOMY
There is no assigned seating for meals in the dining area. L’Art de Vivre accommodates all guests at a single sitting. French cuisine is featured.

BREAKFAST: Buffet continental breakfast with fresh breads, fruit, and cereals etc.
LUNCH: Luncheons are either plated or a buffet of colourful salads, pates and cold meats accompanied by hot soup or entrée, delectable desserts and a different selection of regional cheeses and wines daily.
DINNER: Always a gastronomic adventure by our talented chef. A taste of regional cuisine by candlelight, harmonising food and good wines from the best vineyards and followed by a selection of regional cheeses. Coffee and liqueurs served in the saloon
CAPTAIN’S DINNER: Captain’s dinner on the last night. Dress slightly formal.

SPECIAL FOOD REQUIREMENTS: Special food requirements (such as vegetarian, vegan or allergies) are catered for if requested in advance. Please notify our Reservations Manager at least 10 weeks prior to cruise departure date.

DRINKS THAT ARE INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE PRICE: Non-alcoholic beverages and regular or decaffeinated tea and coffee, whole or low fat milk, are offered with all meals. The well-stocked bar is open 24 hours a day and all wines are provided with meals and a there is a Champagne welcome on arrival.

DRINKS WHICH ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE PRICE: Champagne and Special vintage wines are not included although you may purchase bottles of Champagne and Premier and Grand Cru wines on board at cost if you let us know in advance how many of each you require.

TAP WATER
Tap water in and on board ‘L’Art de Vivre’ is potable and bottled water is available on board.

LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Jacuzzi (hot tub) for 6 people
Hi-Fi system with iPod connection and compact discs. Guests are welcome to bring their favourite CDs from home.
8 Touring (mountain) Bikes. Children’s bikes and child bike seats can be arranged if required. Please let us know at least 10 weeks prior to departure.
1 Tandem bicycle
Board games
Small library of books & maps.
Binoculars for watching the bird life

CYCLING & WALKING
Passengers are welcome to walk or cycle using the on board bicycles as often as they like. Most people choose to disembark the barge at a lock and then visit local villages and then return to the canal and meet the barge a little further along. The barge travels very slowly and therefore “catch up” will not be a problem.

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES
Once on board the Captain can arrange this directly with the hot air balloon company. Flights last about 1 hour and are weather dependent. The cost is approximately 200 Euros per person and this should be paid directly to the balloon company on the day of the flight and they do accept credit cards. Please let our Reservations Department know in advance if you are interested in ballooning. The hot air balloon company’s web site is www.franceballoons.com and they are called France Montgolfieres.

EXCURSIONS BY MINIBUS
9-seater (including driver) long wheelbase VW Caravelle minibus - air-conditioned.

EXCURSIONS FOR CHARTER GROUPS
If you are chartering, the itinerary can be adapted to suit your group’s particular needs. If an excursion is within a reasonable distance of the barge we will do everything we can to arrange it. Please advise our office in advance and the Captain can be informed.
FOR THOSE NOT WISHING TO ATTEND EXCURSIONS
You are welcome to stay behind on the barge if you would like. You can use the bikes, go for a walk or just sit on the shaded sundeck or in the Jacuzzi with a glass or wine.

THEMED CRUISES
Wine Appreciation, Walking, Cycling, Tennis, Family cruise week.
Themed cruises are an alternative to our Classic cruises and are available for charters groups only who want their barge cruise to be primarily about their chosen theme.

PASSENGERS WITH MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS
L’Art de Vivre has a boarding ramp to deck level from the bank of the canal with two handrails. There are then 4 steps from the deck down to the saloon without handrails that may be a little tricky and another 4 steps down to the cabins from the saloon. Wheelchairs can be hired locally from a pharmacy and the cost is about €50 for 1 week’s hire. If you would like us to hire a wheelchair so that it is available on your arrival please notify our reservations department at least 10 weeks prior to departure at sales@gobarging.com. The hire charge should be paid directly to the barge captain on arrival.

MEDICAL ATTENTION AND MEDICINES
The crew are unable to administer medicines to you during the cruise but can accompany you to a chemist for you to purchase necessary medicines. Due to our cruises being in rural locations we highly recommend that you bring the necessary medication with you. Although we cruise mainly in rural areas Doctors are usually not far away for an urgent consultation. We can also call the emergency services.

CLOTHES & LUGGAGE
Practical comfort and relaxed is the norm aboard the ‘L’Art de Vivre’ and for most shore excursions. Dress codes for dinner are relaxed and informal; however, for the Captain's Dinner, guests may like to “dress up” a little. Charter group passengers may choose their own standard of evening dress.
Suggested items to pack: A sweater or lightweight jacket for evenings and air-conditioned interiors. During spring and autumn cruises, medium-weight clothing made of wool (or similar fabric) will be necessary. A lightweight raincoat or poncho for showery times is advisable. Comfortable walking shoes with low or no heels and textured non slip soles. L’Art de Vivre has a Jacuzzi (hot tub), so you may wish to pack your swimming suit.
LAUNDRY FACILITIES
Laundry facilities are limited. It is advisable to bring sufficient clean clothing for your cruise. We generally cruise through rural areas and launderettes are few and far between.

LUGGAGE
Please try and fit everything for your cruise into one reasonably sized suitcase per person. Soft bags are preferable. There is only space in the barge minibus for a total of up to 8 suitcases and 8 small pieces of hand luggage.

SMOKING
Our barges have a strict non-smoking policy. We ask smokers not to smoke inside the barge as this may create an offence to your shipmates. We categorically do not permit smoking in the cabins for safety reasons. If you would like to smoke we request that you smoke outside on deck away from fellow passengers.

FACILITIES
Passenger telephones and internet access are currently not available aboard ‘L’Art de Vivre.’

WE WOULD LIKE A TRAVEL COMPANY TO TAKE CARE OF ALL OUR FLIGHTS, TRAINS, HOTELS, TRANSFERS ETC.
As owners & operators of the hotel barges we cannot package your tour, but we can recommend a number of partner travel companies with a deep understanding of our cruise business and who can help you with your individual requirements for booking flights, trains, ferries, hotels, car hire and even chauffeured limousines. We can also advise regarding your choice of travel, accommodation and timings. Please ask our experienced reservations staff for further details of our travel partners or refer to our Pre & Post Cruise Sheet.

CURRENCY
The local currency in France is the Euro. We regret we cannot accept credit cards or debit cards on board or provide a foreign exchange service. However, credit cards and direct debit cards are widely accepted off the boat. Please note that some of the French banks in the smaller villages and towns are unable to handle large notes eg US$100.
TIPPING
Any gratuities you wish to give are entirely at your discretion. For guidance only, our passengers normally tip between 5 and 10% of the cruise price if they are fully satisfied with the level of service.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE CAPTAIN AND CREW AT ALL TIMES.
• REMEMBER THAT DECKS CAN BE SLIPPERY. PLEASE WEAR NON SLIP SHOES AND DO NOT RUN OR JUMP WHILST ON BOARD. DO NOT WALK ON THE SIDE DECKS.
• DO NOT EMBARK OR DISEMBARK THE BARGE UNLESS THE GANGPLANK AND HANDRAIL ARE IN PLACE OR THE CREW HAVE ADVISED THAT IT IS SAFE TO DO SO. NEVER DO SO WHEN THE BARGE IS MOVING.
• KEEP CLEAR OF ANY OVERHEAD OBSTRUCTIONS AND REMAIN SEATED IF ON DECK WHILST THE BARGE PASSES UNDER BRIDGES WITH RESTRICTED HEADROOM.
• DO NOT TRY TO TOUCH THE SIDES OF THE LOCK OR BRIDGE.
• LIFE JACKET PRESERVERS ARE LOCATED IN DESIGNATED LOCKERS IN YOUR CABIN OR IN DESIGNATED DECK LOCKERS. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO IDENTIFY THEIR LOCATION AND READ THE INSTRUCTIONS.
• FOR FIRE SAFETY REASONS, SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED INSIDE THE BARGE.
• IF YOU DISCOVER FIRE ON BOARD, SOUND THE FIRE ALARM AND NOTIFY A MEMBER OF CREW IMMEDIATELY. IF POSSIBLE, CLOSE DOORS BEHIND YOU TO CONFINE THE FIRE. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO IDENTIFY THE LOCATION OF FIRE ALARMS AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS.
• IF THE ALARM SOUNDS OR YOU HEAR REPEATED CONTINUOUS BLASTS ON THE BARGE HORN, YOU MUST IF POSSIBLE ASSEMBLE ON THE SUNDECK FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS. IF YOU ARE IN YOUR CABIN AND THE WAY TO THE SUNDECK IS OBSTRUCTED, FOLLOW THE SIGNS TO THE ALTERNATIVE FIRE EXIT. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO IDENTIFY ALL FIRE EXITS.
• DO NOT OPEN LOWER DECK PORTHOLES WHILST BARGE IS MOVING.
• BE CAREFUL WHEN THE VESSEL IS BEING MOORED UP WITH THE BARGE ROPES. IN PARTICULAR DO NOT STEP INTO A LOOP IN THE ROPE OR TRY TO RELEASE THE MOORING ROPE FROM A BOLLARD.
• THE BARGE’S EQUIPMENT SUCH AS THE HOT TUB AND BICYCLES MUST ONLY BE USED FOLLOWING PREPARATION BY THE CREW. USE OF THE BICYCLES IS AT YOUR OWN RISK.
• PLEASE ASK A MEMBER OF THE CREW IF YOU NEED FURTHER SAFETY ADVICE.

PRE & POST CRUISE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
CRUISING BETWEEN AUXERRE and CHEVROCHES
CRUISE PASSENGER MEETING POINT
THE HOTEL WESTMINSTER PARIS AT 14:00 HRS

JOINING AND LEAVING THE CRUISE

BEGINNING OF CRUISE
Our meeting hotel is the Hotel Westminster in Paris where clients cruising on L’Art De Vivre meet on Sunday at 14:00hrs for their transfer to the barge. All clients are picked up from this hotel whether they are arriving into Paris by train or plane on the same day or staying at the hotel (except charter groups who may choose a location in Paris of their choice if they prefer).
If you are considering staying in Paris before or after your cruise we can highly recommend this deluxe hotel. Please contact the hotel directly for rates or to make a booking. They will require your credit card details to secure your reservation. At the time of booking, please also tell them if you require car parking facilities (there may be a charge.)

ADDRESS OF HOTEL WESTMINSTER IN PARIS
13 Rue de la Paix
75002 Paris
France
Tel: +33(0)142615746
Fax: +33(0)142567759
Email: info.westminster@warwickhotels.com
Web Site: http://www.warwickwestminsteropera.com

TO MAKE A RESERVATION AT THE HOTEL WESTMINSTER, PARIS
Please contact Ms Cecile Collangettes at ccollangettes@warwickhotels.com
CODE: “EUROPEAN WATERWAYS” (MUST BE QUOTED TO OBTAIN SPECIAL RATE)
Please give the hotel the following information:
• Full names of all clients
• Type and number of rooms
• Arrival date and time
• Departure date

2012 SPECIAL EUROPEAN WATERWAYS RATES
The Hotel Westminster’s terms and conditions apply
Low Mid High
Saint Honore Room for 2 people including breakfast €270 €325 €360
Vendome Room for 2 people including breakfast €310 €365 €410
Junior Suite for 2 people including breakfast €410 €465 €540
Low:- April, July & August.
Mid:- May, June, September & October (selected dates)
High:- 14-17 May, 24-26 May, 11-15 June, 19-21 Sept, 26-28 Sept, 22-25 Oct. (one other Oct departure TBA)

ABOUT THE HOTEL
Named after the Duke of Westminster, who resided here in the 19th century, the Hotel Westminster is a luxury hotel offering magnificent rooms and suites. The hotel is located in the centre of Paris on the prestigious Rue de la Paix, just a stone’s throw from the Opera and the Louvre. It has 80 guest rooms and 22 suites individually decorated with antique furniture, marble fireplaces and fine art. All the rooms and suites are equipped with wired internet or ADSL. The Hotel Westminster also boasts a one star Michelin restaurant ‘Le Celadon’, recognised as one of the premier restaurants in Paris offering exceptional cuisine courtesy of the Chef, Christophe Moisand. If you would like to make a reservation for Sunday Lunch in the restaurant please phone the hotel directly.

HOTEL LOCATION
The Hotel Westminster is located in the centre of Paris 1.5 miles from the Gare Du Nord (Eurostar) station, 3 miles from the Montparnasse station and 3 miles from Gare De Lyon station. The Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport is about 16 miles away. All taxis, car shuttles and limousine transfers can be arranged through the hotel concierge service. concierge.westminster@warwickhotels.com
CHARTER GROUP MEETING AND DROP OFF POINTS
Those chartering the barge have a greater choice regarding pickup and drop off.
If you are a charter group, although we highly recommend the Hotel Westminster Paris, we would be happy to meet your whole group at your choice of location in Paris or within about 30 minutes drive from the barge mooring. We can also transfer you back to that location at the end of the cruise if you wish. Please advise our Reservations Department at Sales@GoBarging.com at least 8 weeks before your cruise the name and address of your hotel and a contact telephone number.

BARGE MOORING
When the barge is moored in Auxerre it is usually moored on the opposite side of the river to Port de Plaisance and 300m downstream of the Baul Bert Bridge.
When the barge is moored in Chevroches it can be found by driving first to Clamecy then Tannay and then Chevroches (two minutes after Clamecy). The barge will be easily seen moored at the canal side

IF YOU PREFER TO HAVE A PRIVATE VEHICLE TRANSFER FROM PARIS
We can recommend you visit www.alp-line.com/index.php?id_affiliate=274Telephone +33 (0) 4 50 74 38 42
Price from Paris CDG Airport, Paris train station or Paris hotel to Auxerre
For 1-4 people is approximately €220.
For 5-8 people it is approximately €260.

DRIVE & PARK
If you are driving to the barge, we suggest you park your car at Hotel Maxime in Auxerre www.lemaxime.com for the week. Please contact the hotel at least one week in advance and mention that you are cruising on board a European Waterways barge. There is usually a small charge made by the hotel if you are not staying there the night before. When the barge is in Auxerre at the start of the cruise the barge is easily found close to Hotel Maxime. When the barge is moored in Chevroches we suggest you take a taxi directly to the barge mooring at the specified time. It may be possible for us to pick you up, please speak to our Reservations Department to discuss this option.

PARIS CHARLES DE GAULLE (CDG) AIRPORT
GETTING TO AND FROM CHARLES DE GAULLE (CDG) AIRPORT INTO PARIS CITY CENTRE
TAXI journey takes 45 minutes from outside terminal. You can book a taxi in advance direct with the taxi company if you wish. Their website: http://www.taxi-paris.net/page34.html will allow you to book online. In Paris generally there are plenty of taxis.
Or RER train: The journey by train takes around 45 minutes. From CDG Airport take the Airport Shuttle bus to the RER Station, which is only 5 minutes. Take the RER Line B3 in the direction of Paris. At Chatelet les Halles you are in central Paris.
PARIS - LUGGAGE STORAGE
If you want to spend some time in Paris, there are left luggage lockers (‘Consigne Automatique’ in French, but signs are also in English) at the Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon and Gare d’Austerlitz train stations. Expect to have your bags X-rayed before entering the locker area. Small, medium and large lockers cost 4.50, 7.00 and 9.50 Euros for 24 hours. A medium locker will take one backpack or small suitcase, a large locker will take two backpacks or larger suitcases. There are no facilities for leaving bikes, surfboards or skis. http://www.seat61.com/Paris-metro.htm
HOTELS IN PARIS
NEAR GARE DE LYON: There are two Ibis Hotels very close by. The Hotel Ibis website is: www.Ibis.com
OTHER USEFUL WEBSITES
French Yellow Pages: Information on other hotels in France can be found at www.pagesjaunes.fr

END OF CRUISE
On Saturday morning everyone on board will be transferred to Hotel Westminster in central Paris by about 12 noon. If you are catching a flight from CDG Airport on Saturday we recommend that your flight is after 4pm. If you are a charter group then you can all be transferred directly to a hotel of your choice in Paris or Paris CDG Airport.

PASSENGERS DEPARTING THE VESSEL EARLIER THAN THE ARRANGED TIME
The Captain can arrange for a taxi to pick you up from the barge early. The cost of the taxi will be payable by the client directly to the taxi driver. Private transfers can be arranged to the local train station.

TRAVEL INSURANCE COMPANY RECOMMENDATION
Travel insurance is strongly recommended in the event of a cancelation due to illness or other unpredictable events.
We recommend the following companies:

If you live in the USA or Canada:
CSA Travel Protection
PO Box 939057, San Diego, CA 92123-9057, USA
Telephone (888) 470 9120 or (800) 711-1197
Email: leeh@csatravelprotection.comor csa@csatravelprotection.com

EMERGENCIES BEFORE THE CRUISE
Your Cruise Voucher bears the emergency telephone number of the Captain and Operations Manager for any emergencies on day 1 of the cruise. Your cruise voucher is sent about 6 weeks prior to cruise departure. These numbers are for emergencies only and should not be used to discuss any other requirements for your cruise.