Belle Epoque Canal Barge in France

LA BELLE EPOQUE FACT SHEET
Cruising in Burgundy

THE BARGE HERSELF
FORMER PURPOSE: Ex Freight Barge carrying logs from Burgundy to Paris and Amsterdam
YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: Built in 1930
LAST REFIT: 2011
DIMENSIONS: Length 126 ' (38.4m) and Width 16 ' 6" (5.0m)
YEAR CONVERTED INTO A HOTEL BARGE: 1995
GENERATORS: 3 x 220 volt generators (silent night) for air-conditioning and/or heating and a silent running inverter.
MAIN ENGINE: 150 HP M.A.N.
MAXIMUM SPEED: 10 knots
WATER AND FUEL CAPACITY: 20 tons of water, 3 tons of fuel

PERSONNEL
CREW: 5. Captain, Tour Guide, Chef, Housekeeper, Stewardess
Our crew is generally British and speak both English and French, while some speak other languages as well.

ACCOMMODATION
CAPACITY FOR ACCOMMODATION: Up to 12 passengers
NUMBER AND TYPES OF CABINS: 6 cabins + 1 single
2 Junior Suites, one at the BOW with a double bed only and one at the STERN which can be configured as 2 single beds or a double bed.
2 Staterooms which can be configured as 2 single beds or a double bed
2 Staterooms with 2 single beds only.
1 Single Cabin (mid-ship) with a single bed (available for charter groups only)
All cabins have en-suite facilities.

SIZES OF THE CABINS
Nuits St Georges (stern) Junior Suite 165sq feet (15.3m2) - including bathroom
Meursault (bow) Junior Suite 150sq feet (13.9m2) -including bathroom
Santenay and Vougeot (stern) Staterooms 130sq feet (12.0m2) -including bathroom
Chablis and Sancerre (bow) Stateroom 125sq feet (11.6m2) ) -including bathroom
Single Cabin 90sq feet (8.3sqm) including bathroom

CEILING HEIGHTS:
Meursault cabin height from floor to ceiling is approximately 7ft (2.1m). The other cabins are approximately 6ft 2ins.

SIZES OF THE BEDS: Doubles are 6ft (1.83m) x 6ft (1.83m) and singles 6ft (1.83m) x 3ft (0.91m).
The exception is the Meursault Junior Suite (bow) which has a double bed only 6ft (1.83m) long x 5ft (1.52m) wide.

BATHROOMS:
All bathrooms have showers in shower cubicles with tiled floors and walls, a W.C. and wash hand basin.
Each is supplied with washing gel, hand soap, shampoo, towels, robes and slippers.
The Nuits St George Junior Suite shower size: base 2ft 6” x 3ft 3” (80 x 100cm), height from base to ceiling 6ft 2” (190cm), width of shower entrance 1ft 9” (60cm).
Meursault Junior Suite shower size: base2ft 6” x 3ft 3” (80 x 100cm), height from base to ceiling 7ft 5” (230cm), width of shower entrance 1ft 9” (60cm).
Staterooms shower size: base 2ft 4” x 2ft 3” (74cm x 73cm), height from base to ceiling 6ft 2” (190cms), width of shower entrance 2ft (62cm).

CLOSET SPACE: Yes
HAIRDRYERS: Yes
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY: Electric sockets supplying French 220 volt electricity. These take a two-pin French plug.
SAFES: Meursault Junior Suite has a safe built into the wardrobe.

CLIMATE CONTROL & ELECTRICITY
AIR CONDITIONING: Yes individually controlled
CENTRAL HEATING: Yes, throughout
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 to 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 size13' x 25' (3.9m x 7.6m)
Ceiling height 6ft 8” (2.0m)
2 built in sofa areas with coffee table
Mahogany dining table seating up to 13 passengers.
Fully stocked bar built in Mahogany with 4 bar stools and an antique drinks cabinet.
The saloon is home to an antique barograph and gramophone and an antique interlock telephone exchange board stands in the passageway to the cabins and dates from 1913.
Teak paneling and wallpaper with hardwood ceiling.
Carpeting throughout and Art Nouveau paintings of La Belle Epoque.
SUNDECK: There are two sundecks. The first is 12' 6" (3.8m) x 9' 6" (2.9m) and the second is 12' 6" (3.8m) x 35' (10.6m). There is Iroko hard wood on the first sundeck and a sunken Jacuzzi (hot tub), 2 steamer chairs, 10 reclining chairs, 4 parasols, a large table and an Iroko African hardwood handrail.

GASTRONOMY
There is no assigned seating for meals and the dining room on board La belle Epoque accommodates all guests at a single sitting. French regional cuisine is featured.

BREAKFAST: Continental-style buffet breakfast with fresh breads, fruit, cereals, fruit juices, decaffeinated and regular tea and coffee.
LUNCH: Luncheons are generally buffets of colourful salads, pates and cold meats that may be 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 followed by a selection of regional cheeses, coffee and liqueurs served in the saloon.
CAPTAIN’S FAREWELL 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 ‘La Belle Epoque’ is potable and bottled water is available on board.

LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Jacuzzi (Hot Tub) for 6 passengers
10 Touring Bikes with 21 speed gears. 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
Compact disc player and a selection of CD’s. Guests are welcome to bring their favourite compact discs from home.
Board games and a small library of books
Boules
Binoculars for watching the bird life and scenery

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 about 180 - 230 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 and this web site gives up to date pricing.

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

EXCURSIONS FOR CHARTER GROUPS
If you are chartering, the itinerary can be adapted to suit your group’s particular needs. If the 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 relax in the Jacuzzi.

THEMED CRUISES
Wine Appreciation Cruises, Walking, Family Cruises with children.
Themed cruises are alternative itineraries to our regular cruises and are available for charters only who want their barge cruise to be primarily about their chosen theme. Special interest cruises often have a supplement and further information can be found at www.gobarging.com or emailing Reservations at sales@gobarging.com

PASSENGERS WITH MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS
La Belle Époque has a gangplank from the bank to the deck with 2 handrails and 2 wide steps from the Deck to the Saloon. There are 12 steps from the Saloon to the cabins. These steps have a handrail and are wide enough for 1 person to walk besides another to assist them down the stairs. Wheelchairs can be hired locally from a pharmacy and the cost is about 120 Euros 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 sales@gobarging.com. The hire charge should be paid directly to the barge captain on arrival.

MEDICAL ATTENTION AND MEDICINES
The crew is 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 ‘La Belle Epoque’ and for most shore excursions. Dress codes for dinner are relaxed and informal; however, for the Captain's Dinner, gentlemen may opt to wear a jacket and ladies a dress or coordinated outfit. Passengers may choose their own standard of evening dress on chartered departures.
The weather in Burgundy is generally warm in June and July and August is usually the warmest with only a little rain.
Suggested items to pack: A sweater or lightweight jacket for evenings and air-conditioned interiors. During spring and autumn cruises, medium-weight clothing will be necessary. Comfortable walking shoes with low or no heel and textured non slip soles, La Belle Epoque 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
Once you have unpacked your suitcases will be safely stored. Please try and fit everything for your cruise into one reasonably sized suitcase per person. Soft bags are preferable as easier to store

SMOKING
Our barges have a strict non-smoking policy. We ask smokers not to smoke inside the barge as this may give 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.

COMPUTER & TELEPHONE FACILITIES
There are no passenger telephones aboard La Belle Epoque.
For information about internet facilities onboard please contact our reservation staff.

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 AND SECURITY
Once on board your Captain will talk you through the Cruise Safety Procedures.
Below are our Safety Instructions and you will find a copy of these in your cabin for you to refer to once on board

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 AND POST CRUISE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
CRUISING BETWEEN VENAREY and TANLAY
CRUISE PASSENGER MEETING POINT
THE HOTEL WESTMINSTER PARIS AT 13:45 HRS

JOINING AND LEAVING THE CRUISE

BEGINNING OF CRUISE
Our meeting hotel is the Hotel Westminster in Paris where clients cruising on La Belle Epoque meet on Sunday at 13:45hrs 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 (they make a charge for this).

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 1-2 hours’ 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 VENAREY-LES-LAUMES
When arriving in the town centre of Venarey-Les Laumes follow directions for Semur en Auxois. At the exit of Venarey the road passes the canal and you will be able to see Belle Epoque moored up.
If you are coming from Semur en Auxois then don’t go into Venarey town centre, you will see the barge moored at the canal side as you go into Venarey.
WHEN THE BARGE IS MOORED IN TANLAY
From Paris take the a6b in the direction of Lyon, which leads onto the a6 towards Lyon/Evry/chilly-Mazarin.
From the a6 take exit 20 towards Tonnerre.
Stay in the right hand lane and continue towards Tonnerre on the D965.
At the first roundabout take the 3rd exit towards Tonnerre
At the second roundabout take the 1st exit
At the third roundabout take the 3rd exit still on the D965 signposted to Tanlay.
Continue straight on this road, across a bridge with the Canal de Bourgogne running underneath and the barge La Belle Epoque will be moored on the left. Then take the first left after the bridge before the village of Tanlay and you will immediately see the barge across from the tennis courts.

IF YOU PREFER TO HAVE A PRIVATE VEHICLE TRANSFER FROM PARIS
We can recommend you visit www.alp-line.com Telephone +33 (0)4 50 74 38 42 . Price to the barge mooring from Paris CDG, Paris train station or Paris hotel for 1-4 people is approximately €300. For 5-8 people it is approximately €340 and for up to 12 people €640

DRIVE & PARK
If you are driving to the barge and wish to leave your car parked for a week we suggest that you leave it in Montbard where there are 3 municipal Car Parks. Alternatively you may be able to park at Hotel L’Ecu for the week for a small charge.
Places to park in Montbard:
Hotel De L’Ecu Montbard (please contact the hotel for charges)
Place Gambetta
Place A Gibez
Place Henri Vincenot (near the station) no charge.

END OF CRUISE
On Saturday morning everyone on board will be transferred by minibus from the barge to the Hotel Westminster Paris, arriving there at about 12 noon. It is therefore important to ensure that any flights out of Paris Charles De Gaulle (CDG) Airport on the same day are booked for departure after 16:00hrs. 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.

ARRIVING INTO 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.

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
Please quote “European Waterways” when booking.

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.