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Trip Reviews
EUROPEAN BARGE CRUISES
planned by
Ellen Sack and Caroline Sack Klein
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Traveler Tom Redburn and friends on the Canal de Bourgogne.
My parents, both public school teachers, rarely traveled but the vacation they talked about most fondly for years was a four-month sabbatical to Europe that included a crewed barge trip on a canal in Burgundy. They promised themselves they would take another barge trip again, but never did. So as I was approaching my 75th birthday, I kept thinking about fulfilling their dream for myself by sharing a barge trip with close friends during the early October week I turned 75. But how to choose which trip?
I had seen ads in The New Yorker and elsewhere for companies offering barge trips, but instead, as I have done for several highly successful previous escapes, I turned to Wendy’s WOW List. I discovered that an organization called Barge Lady Cruises specializes in arranging such trips. The Barge Ladies, as we called them, are essentially brokers who work with dozens of crewed barges that ply the canals and waterways of Europe in what are essentially floating boutique hotels.
The date was still more than a year in the future but after speaking to Caroline, the daughter of the BL founder, I was persuaded that I had better reserve well in advance. I knew I wanted to go to Burgundy, but at first, I was looking to save money with a more modestly priced cruise.
After a couple of conversations with Caroline (and learning that some boats were already booked for our dates!), however, I kept coming back to an ultra-deluxe barge named Prosperite that was at the top of her list. And I’m very glad I did!
It was expensive but I can’t imagine a more thoroughly enjoyable week of pure indulgence, moving extremely slowly through the French countryside, taking daily side trips to nearby towns, wineries, and monuments, and being served one terrific meal after another, with varying local wines and French cheeses to die for.
I invited three other couples, friends from various times and places in our lives, but they all knew each other, at least slightly, from past vacations. Caroline sent us detailed information about the barge and its English-speaking crew (it turns out that 95 percent of the travelers on European barges are Americans), the itinerary on the Canal de Bourgogne, and the travel arrangements to get back and forth from Paris. She handled all the payments. And I’m particularly grateful for the well-priced travel insurer, Travel Insured International, that she recommended. Caroline initially got a couple of details wrong (she mixed up the dietary restrictions of my friend Tom K. with me, and thought the birthday was for Lisa, my spouse), but we cleared all that up in plenty of time since she kept in touch throughout the months leading up to the trip.
The trip itself was a dream vacation. Our barge, converted from an old cargo boat, was luxurious. The service was impeccable. All four cabins were similar in size and amenities, downstairs from the main lounge and dining room. There was also a very inviting outside deck where we sat and had lunch twice when the weather cooperated. Every morning, after a sumptuous breakfast, we were able to walk along the canal path or bike ahead, returning an hour or two later to rejoin the barge at a lock further up-stream, feeling virtuous enough to indulge in yet another splendid lunch. For a short time (too short!), life seemed to slow to match the pace of the canal barge and the quiet of the countryside.
Vincent, our captain, had a sly sense of humor, while the other Vincent, the chef, was quiet and serious while describing each meal. He did a spectacular job creating each of the meals and presenting them on the plate. Every dish was wonderful and we were offered an array of terrific wines (a different red and white at each meal) and a total of more than 30 different cheeses over the course of the voyage.
Morgane, our guide for all our off-site visits, was incredibly warm, deeply knowledgeable about French history and culture, and simply a pleasure to be with. The other three crew members—the vice-captain Doreen and the all-around do-everything-that-needed-doing Marie and Megan—were always kind and helpful. The team displayed great camaraderie, and clearly had great respect for each other and treated each of us as if were truly special. They were all really fun, too!
For six days and nights, we simply reveled in the best that “France profonde” has to offer. There really is nothing else like it.
Traveler Robyn Boehrer and friends appreciated the wine tastings aboard the Grand Cru.
I’d heard about barge trips in France, but after reading Wendy’s account of her trip in on the Canal de Bourgogne, I thought this was the trip for a small group of friends. I contacted the recommended planner, and Caroline was quick to respond and set up a very thorough introductory meeting. Her expertise was a definite factor in making the trip the success it was.
After I spoke with Caroline, I threw out the idea to our group of 8—and I have to say I was a little surprised that everyone jumped on board. Caroline’s knowledge about the itineraries, and especially the boats and crew, were exceptional. She was spot on with the recommendation about the Grand Cru, and its 4 identical (and luxurious) cabins were exactly right for our group. No deciding who got lesser accommodations or how to prorate portions of the weekly rate. We could not have asked for a better barge or crew than the Grand Cru. Everyone in our group—even those who weren’t big wine drinkers—enjoyed the options for wine tasting and the food pairings.
The daily excursions were fun! But as a group we really enjoyed the daily walks along the canal and time in “our” living and dining rooms to reconnect with each other. I’d highly recommend barge travel (and Caroline) for anyone looking to put together a trip for a group that wants time to see new places—but also to have a wonderful setting to interact with each other. We hope to do it again.
The barge’s open kitchen made it possible to watch the chef in action. Photo: Traveler Kathy Partridge
Classic Cruise in Southern Burgundy aboard Finesse
September 7-13, 2025
After hearing us rave about our barge experience in Scotland (also organized by Ellen and Caroline), close friends of ours—two couples—were easily convinced to join us on a cruise through France. Once again, we browsed voluminous information on the Ellen and Caroline’s website about the various boats and itineraries, and finally settled on a trip through Southern Burgundy aboard Finesse. The moment we stepped aboard, on a sparkling Sunday afternoon, we knew that we’d made the right choice. The barge itself is lovely, with comfortable outdoor and indoor areas, spacious cabins, and an open kitchen. Captain Mathias and his team—Chef Jean, Tour Guide Albert, and Hostesses Dilany and Gracie—welcomed us warmly, and went on to make every day, every excursion, and every meal remarkable and memorable.
Blessed by nearly perfect weather, we enjoyed walking along the canal path through the picturesque countryside, and exploring villages that made us feel as though we were in a movie set. We drove through the Cote d’Or wine region, visiting vineyards and learning firsthand about the various quality designations by sampling examples of each one. To our great delight, at Maison Champy we were treated to lunch inside one of the giant wine vats that now serves as a private dining room. Visits to the town of Beaune, with its 15th century hospital, and a walking tour of Dijon and its Friday market rounded out our Burgundy experience.
The highlight of this cruise was definitely the cuisine: Chef Jean was utterly amazing—every dish was a sumptuous work of art, on a par with those offered in exclusive restaurants. The open kitchen made it possible to watch him in action, and he was generous in answering our questions about ingredients and cooking techniques. The wines were expertly paired with each course, and we were encouraged to add our own flavor descriptions to those presented. I think we’re all still dreaming about those meals!
Many thanks to Ellen, Caroline, and their team for helping to organize this wonderful adventure, and to the captain and crew of Finesse, who made it the trip of a lifetime!
Traveler Jill Marget and her family enjoy lunch on the deck of their barge, Saroche.
My family of five adults (all 55-60 years old) just returned from a magnificent week (August 31-September 6, 2025) on a private barge cruising the rivers/canals of Burgundy, France.
A couple years ago, I heard some rumblings about private barge cruises in Europe. I was so intrigued. The possibilities hit all my buttons: a week visiting a rural region in Europe, experiencing the countryside, visiting a different village and/or historical site each day and having the option to bike and/or hike along the barge or into various towns while traveling. But, where to start??
Wendy Perrin’s team to the rescue. I was connected to Ellen and Caroline, heads of a family-owned operation, and according to our barge captain, the foremost experts in the private barge cruising business. Working with them was so helpful! We were introduced to all the different cruise types and boat options. Lots of choices and lots to consider. They answered all our questions and guided us through the entire process, from initial decision-making to final trip prep.
We landed on a wine cruise in Burgundy, France on the barge, Saroche. This choice could not have been better. We are a group of active adults who love food and wine. Saroche delivered!! The barge was beautiful and comfortable with great indoor quarters and exceptional outdoor spaces. Our captain/tour guide/resident sommelier, Jason, was so knowledgeable, fun and professional. And, the boat’s boss and gourmet chef, Dawn, was THE BEST. Each meal was better than the last—spectacular!! Jason and Dawn own the barge and have been in this business for 25-plus years. They know what they are doing!
Working with this team led us to a five-star week of unique and wonderful memories. We are all so grateful!!
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