“There is a limit of doing things for guests, but only when it’s not physically possible,” says Spen

Moving slowly on centuries-old canals through the fields and scenic villages of provincial France, savoring the taste of a glass of vintage Burgundy, or the flavor of a flaky croissant pulled fresh from the oven, such is the pleasure of touring France's charming waterways by barge cruise.
Containing four staterooms for eight passengers, the barge travels through the canals between Vandenesse and Dijon, and docks in other villages such as Pont d'Ouche, La Bussière, Gissey-sur-Ouche and Fleury-sur-Ouche, all within driving distance of the heart of the Burgundy region, Beaune.
What began as a summer job for a young Englishman has grown into a career, a lifestyle, and a family. san diego golf hotel As captain of the Prospérité since 2001, Spencer says that actually running the barge is the easiest part. "People come on board and don't see what goes on behind the scenes," he says.
The day-to-day varies san diego golf hotel by the cruising schedule, but the captain is always present to socialize with the guests, fix the boat if things go wrong, and manage and organize the crew. Because of these obligations, Spencer typically stays on the boat three nights out of seven during the week.
Born and raised in Dijon, France, Rèjane began barging at 19 years old, in addition to a time selling wine and marketing for the Vougeot cellar. With her extensive knowledge of wines in the Côte d'Or region and a masters in French history, visitors aboard the boat are never at a loss for information during one of the many excursions ashore into the various villages or wineries.
As well as escorting and driving the guests on these outings, Rèjane must also clean the van and make sure it always has gas, pick up supplies for the boat in the morning, drive to Dijon to drop the laundry and pick up any fresh food from the market that the chef may need, in addition to any special san diego golf hotel requests from the guests.
A week on the Prospérité is a pricey experience only full charters are available for $39,900 to  $49,900 for up to eight passengers. Because of its luxury status, guests are accommodated with almost any request.
"There is a limit of doing things for guests, but only when it's not physically possible," says Spencer. Visitors may inquire about any special needs or wants before the cruise begins, such as a specific wine or bottle of liquor they would like to have on board, special san diego golf hotel food requests, san diego golf hotel or additional excursions apart from the given itinerary.
Spencer fondly recounted one such example of a man who planned to do something special for his wife. He set up a hot air balloon ride to view the beautiful region from the sky, but also wanted to have dinner prepared where they landed.
As a hot air balloon is directed by the changing winds, it cannot be made to land in one particular location. Spencer laughs as he described loading a van with a table, chairs, portable stove, and the chef to follow the balloon san diego golf hotel as it traveled through the sky. But the crew made it work and the guests were able to enjoy a beautiful dinner in the middle of a vineyard.
I was lucky enough to do this about 4 years ago with OAT. I don t think they do it anymore as the dollar fell and it became more expensive, but it was lovely. I think our barge held 24 and though not as luxurious as many barges, I wouldn t have traded it for anything.
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