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Barge Cruise: Apres Tout
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Cruise In France On The Canal du Bourgogne In Southern Burgundy And On The Canal de la Marne au Rhin in Alsace On The Deluxe Hotel-Barge APRES TOUT


BARGE CRUISES: SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS
Apres Tout is SOLD OUT for the 2023 season.

The 6-passenger Apres Tout is a classic French barge which has been renovated to offer the most luxurious accommodation for six passengers. Tastefully and comfortably furnished, the salon and dining areas have large windows to view the outdoors while enjoying the Bose surround-sound system, satellite TV/DVD/CD or Ipod connection. There are three spacious cabins and a separate library with a computer for guest use. Equal in size, the cabins all have king-sized beds, which can be made up as twins if desired. Each cabin has a safe, satellite TV and DVD player. The ensuite bathrooms provide large walk-in showers and heated towel racks. The entire interior is beautifully light, enhanced by pale oak floors and skylights. The deck extends the full length of the barge, providing dining, spa pool and sun lounging areas. This is the perfect place for relaxing and taking in the spectacular vistas of the canal and countryside.

The owners of the Apres Tout, your hosts Captain Rory and Chef Caroline Macrae, would be delighted to welcome you on board with your friends or family. We have known Rory and Caroline for many years and always enjoy spending time on board with them. Bringing over 25 years experience in luxury hotel barging to running their own vessel, Rory and Caroline ensure that their guests have a voyage exceeding all expectations. From behind the steering wheel, Rory will share his knowledge of the inland waterways while guests sit on comfy cushions and watch the countryside glide by. Caroline is a Cordon Bleu chef whose magnificent cuisine artistry passengers rave about. While preparing the next feast, she will share her recipes and secrets, while guests look on with a glass of wine. Also on board is your tour guide who will share his knowledge of France and the cruise area with you during the daily excursions. Rounding the team is your hostess, who will ensure that you receive the very best care on board.

There is no better way to explore and enjoy the splendour of France than to gently cruise along her historic canals and rivers. In 2023 the barge will spend the spring in Southern Burgundy and then moves to Alsace for the rest of the season, where it will be cruising on the Canal du Rhone au Rhin You will visit the city of Strasbourg with its charming Petite France area, go winetasting in the Alsace vineyards and experience the most unique boat lift in France. Whatever your interests are -- in wine, food, history, cycling, golfing, art, antiques, shopping, they will create a customized itinerary to suit your requirements. Magical days and nights cruising on board the Apres Tout ... join them for an experience in France that will create memories that will last a lifetime.


Features

  • Size of barge: 127 ft x 16.5 ft
  • Number of Passengers: 6
  • Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 3
  • Crew: 5
  • Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
  • Salon: Large salon/dining room with bar, flat screen satellite TV, skylights and comfortable sofas. Panoramic opening windows. Library with large screen computer.
  • Bar: Open bar
  • Deck: Enclosed wheelhouse with seating for six passengers and panoramic windows. Large deck with spa pool, cushioned reclining deck chairs, sun canopy and dining table.
  • Spa Tub: Yes
  • Cabin Features: Three identical cabins 158 sq ft each, including bathroom with walk-in shower, with twin beds or king bed.  Safe, flat screen satellite TV and DVD player in each cabin.
  • Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: 8-seater air-conditioned Mercedes minivan
  • Accessibility: Gangplank with double guard rails. One set of steps from terrace deck to salon with gentle gradient, with large tread size and double hand rails. (No wheelchair access)
  • Bicycles: Six all-terrain bicycles provided.
  • Wi-Fi: Yes - limited in some areas



  • Apres Tout's Deck Plan




    APRES TOUT
    2022 and 2023 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
    TYPE REGULAR
    May 1 thru Oct 22
    Cabin (per person, double occupancy)
    $6,670
    Single Occupancy Supplement
    $3,000
    Charter for 2
    $30,000
    Charter for 4
    $34,000
    Charter for 5
    $35,000
    Charter for 6
    $40,000
    Wine Cruise Supplement per person
    $250

    What's Included
    - 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
    - Transfers from Paris to the barge and return via private minibus for Burgundy cruises or Frankfurt/Strasbourg for Alsace cruises
    - All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday, including two meals at local restaurants
    - All wines with lunches and dinners
    - Open bar
    - All escorted side-excursions (special excursions are extra)
    - Use of bicycles

    For Burgundy Wine Connoisseurs Cruise Charters:
    - A unique "wine and war" visit of the Hospice de Beaune followed by a private tasting in the Drouhin family cellars
    - A drive through the hallowed Côte de Nuits vineyards at the wheel of a World War II jeep
    - A wine tasting including Grand Cru wines (Clos de Vougeot, Latricières-Chambertin) and lunch with a wine-maker in Gevrey-Chambertin
    - A special visit to the wine college of Beaune to learn all about the age-old art of barrel making and explanation of the wine-maker's tasks in the vineyard
    - A guided tour of the 12th century former Cistercian wine chateau of Clos de Vougeot
    - A lunch in Puligny-Montrachet with tasting of Grand Cru white wines (Batard-Montrachet and Corton-Charlemagne)
    - A driving tour of the famous villages of the Côte de Beaune (Meursault, Chassagne-Montrachet, Pommard, Volnay)

    What's Not Included
    - Overseas air transportation to Paris, Strasbourg, or Frankfurt and return
    - Trip cancellation insurance
    - Suggested minimum 5%-10% gratuity for the crew to be paid in equivalent euros to the captain for distribution to the crew.



    Apres Tout
    2022 and 2023 Season Cruise Schedule*
    SOLD OUT for 2022 and 2023 Seasons


    *Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.


    Burgundy Burgundy Wine Itinerary Alsace


    


    APRÈS TOUT'S ITINERARIES


    SAMPLE ITINERARY*
    Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne
    St Jean de Losne to Pont d'Ouche 2023

    Route de Grand Cru
    Route de Grand Cru

    Burgundy Wine Cellar
    Burgundy Wine Cellar

    Le Clos de Vougeot
    Le Clos de Vougeot

    Hotel Dieu in Beaune
    Hotel Dieu in Beaune

    Chateauneuf-en-Auxois
    Chateauneuf-en-Auxois

    Sunday - Paris to Dijon
    Depart Paris in our luxury private transfer service direct to the barge moored in St Jean de Losne, where you board the Apres Tout for your canal cruise through Burgundy on the Canal du Bourgogne. A champagne reception gives you a chance to meet the crew. Once you have settled into your cabin, it will be time to return to the deck for a cocktail cruise on the river Saône. A delicious four course dinner will be served with wonderful wines to match, followed by after dinner drinks - weather permitting all served on the magnificent teak deck.

    Monday - Cruise to Longecourt. Visit Truffle producer
    Leaving the River Saône behind, we now enter onto the Canal de Bourgogne through the first of many locks! Spend the morning enjoying your first cruising day on the flat plain from the river toward Dijon. After lunch, your guide takes you to the area of the "Côte d'Or" (In French meaning Gold Coast) planted with vines that produce some of the most wonderful wines of Burgundy - on the "Route de Grand Cru." We visit a local truffle producer at his Chateau, near Nuits Saint Georges. Here, we learn all about this most valued mushroom and of course, purchase some of these delights to be used on board during the week. We then return to the barge moored at Longecourt for a well deserved refreshing cocktail!

    Tuesday - Market visit to Dijon. Cruise to Dijon. 2 CV's classic car ride through the vines

    This morning we set off early to visit the wonderful open air market in historic Dijon, taste mustard at the famous Maille shop in the centre and learn all about the long and interesting history of this city. We walk along the cobbled streets, learning all about the Dukes of Burgundy and see the remains of their Ducal Palace. We return to the barge for a delicious lunch and continue our cruise towards Dijon. This afternoon we are driving classic 2 CV's cars through the vineyards. We have developed a perfect circuit for our round trip through many wine villages such as Pommard, Saint Romain, & Auxey-Duresses.

    Wednesday - Cruise to Fleurey. Lunch Gevrey Chambertin at a wine maker. Route de Grand Cru
    Leaving Dijon behind we continue our canal cruise to the valley of the Ouche. Enjoy a relaxing morning on board; there are many locks for dis-embarking to cycle or to walk. Late morning you transfer over the hillside and down through the vines to the charming village of Gevrey Chambertin. We are greeted by the owner of this prestigious Grand Crus wine maker, and here we have a splendid lunch on their terrace over looking their vines! During lunch Madame Drouhin Laroze (the owner) will present her wines. We then take a scenic drive along the famous "Route des Grand Crus," passing through many of the famous wine villages.

    Thursday - Cruise to Gissey. Visit Beaune.
    The morning is spent cruising through the lovely Ouche Valley. This is a truly spectacular part of the canal, small villages pass by, cows wander in the fields, and there is nature all around. There is a total feeling of peace and tranquillity as we slowly cruise this magnificent canal. After another wonderful lunch, you are transferred to the delightful town of Beaune, the capital of the wine region of Burgundy. Enjoy a visit to the famous Hotel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune with its interesting history and magnificent tiled roof. After some free time for shopping or strolling in the pedestrian streets, we have an appointment for a private wine tasting at the famous cellars of Louis Jadot. Later, we return to the barge for a refreshing cocktail moored in the beautiful village of Gissey.

    Friday - Cruise to Pont d'Ouche. Lunch at Abbaye de la Bussiere. Visit Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
    Today enjoy the final stretch of this beautiful canal cruise. We pass through several more locks until reaching our destination of the port at Pont d'Ouche. This afternoon we make a special private visit to an English artist of world renown, who has set up his gallery and workshop in a converted barn. His work is world class, and has been recently commissioned to create a piece of art to celebrate the Olympics in London. We are shown through the workshop, and he explains how he makes his marvelous pieces of bronze sculptures, many of which have been produced for the Queen of England, including the war memorial in London. We then drive up to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, a medieval hilltop village steeped in History. This is a charming place with stunning views, from all angles, of the surrounding countryside. Return to the Apres Tout for a gala dinner with wonderful wines to match and a fond farewell.

    Saturday - Paris
    After breakfast disembark and transfer to Paris with our private luxury transfer service.

    Note: The day to day itinerary described is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.



    SAMPLE ITINERARY*
    Burgundy Wine Connoisseurs Cruise
    Canal de Bourgogne
    St Jean de Losne to Pont d'Ouche 2023

    This very special wine-lover's cruise includes:
    • A unique visit to to the Maison Louis Jadot, with a visit to their cellars and a tasting of older wine vintages.
    • A drive through the hallowed Côte de Nuits vineyards at the wheel of a Citroen 2CV
    • A wine tasting including Grand Cru wines (Clos de Vougeot, Latricières-Chambertin) and lunch with a wine-maker in Gevrey-Chambertin
    • A special visit to the wine college of Beaune to learn all about the age-old art of barrel making and explanation of the wine-maker's tasks in the vineyard
    • A guided tour of the 12th century former Cistercian wine chateau of Clos de Vougeot
    • A lunch in a charming village along the Routes des Grands Crus with tasting of Grand Cru white wines (Batard-Montrachet and Corton-Charlemagne)
    • A driving tour of the famous villages of the Côte de Beaune (Meursault, Chassagne-Montrachet, Pommard, Volnay)

    Guests will also be able to assist in onboard pairings of our fabulous wines and gourmet dinners and have the opportunity to ship their favorite wines back to the States.


    Sunday - Paris to Dijon.
    Depart Paris in our luxury private transfer service direct to the barge moored in St Jean de Losne, where you board the Apres Tout for your canal cruise through Burgundy on the Canal du Bourgogne. A champagne reception gives you a chance to meet the crew. Once you have settled into your cabin, it will be time to return to the deck for a cocktail cruise on the river Saône. A delicious four course dinner will be served with wonderful wines to match, followed by after dinner drinks - weather permitting all served on the magnificent teak deck.

    Monday - Cruise to Longecourt. 2 CV's classic car ride through the vines.
    Leaving the River Saône behind, we now enter onto the Canal de Bourgogne through the first of many locks! Spend the morning enjoying your first cruising day on the flat plain from the river toward Dijon. After lunch, your guide takes you to the area of the Côte d'Or (In French meaning Gold Coast) planted with vines that produce some of the world's most famous wines. We will be driving classic 2CV’s cars through the vineyards and have developed a perfect circuit for our round trip through many wine villages such as Pommard, Saint Romain, & Auxrey Duresse. We return to the Apres Tout for a well deserved refreshing cocktail!

    Tuesday - Cruise to Dijon. Visit Vineyards of Côte de Beaune. Lunch and tasting of Grand Cru whites.
    This morning we continue our cruise towards Dijon and then depart around midday for a delicious lunch along the beautiful Cote d'Or. After the meal you will enjoy a beautiful drive through the magnificent villages of the Cote de Beaune before returning to the barge in Dijon where we moor for the evening. Tonight, you must try a Kir Royale made with local Cassis, a liqueur invented here in Dijon made from blackcurrants and mixed with the Burgundy Champagne equivalent named Cremant.

    Wednesday - Cruise to Fleurey. Visit Vineyards of Cote de Nuits with lunch and tasting of Grand Cru reds.
    Leaving Dijon behind we continue our canal cruise to the Valley of the Ouche. Enjoy a relaxing morning on board; there are many locks for disembarking to cycle or to walk. Late morning you transfer over the hillside and down through the vines to the charming village of Gevrey Chambertin for the opportunity to taste examples of fine wine from the town. We then take a scenic drive along the famous Route du Grand Crus, Passing through many of the famous wine villages.

    Thursday - Cruise to Gissey. Visit Beaune and the Hotel Dieu
    The morning is spent cruising through the lovely Ouche Valley. This is a truly spectacular part of the canal, small villages pass by, cows wander in the fields, and there is nature all around. There is a total feeling of peace and tranquillity as we slowly cruise this magnificent canal. After another wonderful lunch, you are transferred to the delightful town of Beaune, the capital of the wine region of Burgundy. Enjoy a visit to the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune with its interesting history and magnificent tiled roof, followed by a private wine tasting at the famous cellars of Maison Louis Jadot where you will be able to indulge in tasting of older vintages. Later, we return to the barge for a refreshing cocktail and freshen up before enjoying another gourmet dinner aboard.

    Friday - Cruise to Pont d'Ouche. Visit to a barrel maker.
    This morning you will have the opportunity to have a tour of a barrel maker and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery as we continue along the valley of the Ouche, with plenty of walking and cycling opportunities. Return to the Apres Tout moored at Pont d'Ouche for a gala dinner with wonderful wines to match and a fond farewell.

    Saturday - Paris.
    After breakfast disembark and transfer to Paris with our private luxury transfer service.

    NOTE: The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.


    SAMPLE ITINERARY*
    Alsace: Canal de la Marne au Rhin and Canal des Houilleres
    Saverne to Mittersheim 2023

    The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences. This cruise will include some fabulous navigation through 2 tunnels and a lift that replaces the work of 17 locks! Fantastic visits to a hilltop monastery, the city of Strasbourg, glass blowing, train ride and a day trip through the beautiful wine villages of the Alsace where we have arranged a private wine tasting; plus on this trip we will be serving the wines from all the major wine producing area of France.

    The quaint town of Saverne
    The quaint town of Saverne

    Strasbourg Cathedral
    Strasbourg Cathedral

    La Petite France in Strasbourg
    La Petite France in Strasbourg

    Canal de la Marne-au-Rhin
    Canal de la Marne-au-Rhin

    Sunday - Arrival and visit Saverne
    We will arrange to pick up from either Frankfurt or Strasbourg depending on guest preference. The crew will be waiting to welcome you on board the Apres Tout for an amazing 6 night cruise on the Canal de la Marne & Rhin and Canal des Houilleres. We are moored in the charming town of Saverne, in front of the Chateau du Rohan. Following a Champagne reception and settling into your cabin, we take a walk through the town – there is a fantastic 'Grand Rue' with many half timbered buildings. A delicious four course dinner is served with wines to match, while you sit comfortably under our canopy on the teak deck under the stars.

    Monday - Cruise to Lutzelbourg. Visit Strasbourg
    During breakfast, we start our cruise on this beautiful canal, there are several locks with plenty of opportunities to walk or cycle along the tow path to our mooring at Lutzelbourg. After an early lunch your guide transfers you to the wonderful city of Strasbourg. Here, you will visit the pink Gothic Cathedral, astronomical clock, the Place Gutenberg and discover the fabulous Petite France area.

    Tuesday - Visit a crystal glass blower and a local beer maker. Experience the 150 foot boat lift

    This morning you will visit the master glass blower Bruno and see him at work - this area is famous for its glass and his show room is remarkable. Just next door is an artisan beer brewery producing several varies of local beer - Fred the owner, will explain the process and invite you to taste some of his beers. Returning to the barge for lunch we continue this wonderful cruise though the most spectacular country side, towards the most unique boat lift in France. The drop is over 150 feet and is a truly special experience and a real high light of this cruise. This unique lock allows us to glide effortlessly up or down the mountain side using a sophisticated system of weights and balances.

    Wednesday - Wine tasting in Barr followed by lunch. Visit the Monastery at Mont Ste Odile. Cruise to Xouaxange
    After a delightful breakfast, your guide will take you this morning to the scenic village of Barr set in the heart of the Alsace vineyards. We have arranged a private visit and wine tasting at Domaine Klipfel, they have a collection of bottles dating back to 1921 and are a 6 generation family enterprise, we taste 7 different grape verities. Afterwards we walk to a local restaurant and enjoy a 3 course lunch in the centre of this wine village.

    Thursday - Cruise on to the Canal Houilleres. Little train ride through the forest in a private carriage
    During the morning we cruise from the Canal du la Marne & Rhin onto our second waterway - the beautiful Canal Houilleres. After lunch your guide transfers you to the village of Abreschvillier where we have a private 'Orient Express' type carriage awaiting to take you on a 9 mile memorable journey through the forest of the Mosel on a little train. Afterwards, we take a scenic drive to visit the pretty village of St Quinn.

    Friday - Morning market in Sarrebourg. Cruising to Mittersheim
    This morning we visit the busy town of Sarrebourg for the weekly morning market held in the town square. Just across from the market there is a 13th century chapel containing Mark Chagall's amazing stained glass window which we visit. Return to the barge for a wonderful cruise passing several Etangs (small lakes) to our mooring in the village of Mittersheim. Caroline will be busy preparing your final evening dinner which will be paired with superb wines. Later, all the crew will toast the success of your week with us in the Alsace.

    Saturday - Departure after breakfast
    After breakfast you will continue your onward journey. Thank you and we hope to see you again!

    Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, the direction is in reverse.


    Dining Aboard The Apres Tout:
    SAMPLE MENU


    A taste of the gourmet cuisine served aboard the Apres Tout. BREAKFAST
    Our Continental breakfast offerings include fresh breads, croissants, pastries, cereals, fresh fruits and yogurt.

    LUNCH
    • Cold sliced fillet of beef with mustard & tarragon sauce
    • Roast tomato and caramelized onion tart
    • Camargue rice salad with walnut oil dressing
    • Rocket greens, cherry tomato and parmesan cheese salad with olive oil and lemon dressing
    • Fresh beetroot and feta salad
    • Comtè cheese with sliced fruit, fresh breads and crackers
    • Coffee, tea and biscuits


    DINNER
    • Quail egg & cavair tartlets
    • Seared scallops with risotto, chestnuts & dill
    • Roast rack of lamb au jus
    • Puree of potato & garlic
    • Baby carrotsand green beans
    • Brie du Meaux, St Maure & Fourme d'Ambert
    • Selection of breads and crackers
    • Orange panacotta with caramelized orange salad
    • Wines to include Meursault, Chambolle Musigny, Pouilly Fuissè
    • Coffee, chocolates and after dinner drinks


    SAMPLE WINE LIST
    White Wines -Pouilly Fuissé; Sancerre "Jadis"; Pouilly Fumé "les demoiselles"; Saint Aubin 1er Cru "aux charmois"; Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru "les vergers"; Chablis Grand Cru "vaudesir"
    Red Wines - Chorey les Beaune; Givry 1er Cru; Nuits Saint Georges; Morey Saint Denis 1er Cru "aux Charmes"; Corton Renards Grand Cru; Clos de la Roche Grand Cru
    

    Passenger Comments:


    The high points were being served so professionally by the crew. The amazing food prepared by Chef Caroline and tasting the wine so nicely paired with her food. Experiencing the energy, enthusiasm, and joy of Caroline and Captain Rory and the crew. Walking on the tow path to get exercise and see the country. Reading my books on the deck while the world passed by at 2-3 miles per hour while sipping a glass of wine. Visiting amazing vineyards and scenic villages. Actually everything was a high point! It was one of the most interesting and relaxing trips we've done.
    L.E. NJ USA

    A perfect, high class, luxury cruise. No amenity has been left undone. The crew, facilities, dining, wines, accommodations and service are all excellent. Probably one of the finest vacations a person can take.
    R&J H, CA USA

    Fantastic, passed our expectations. The accommodations, food, area, friendliness, were top notch. Rory, Caroline and crew could not do enough and make this a very special trip. Amazing how Caroline adjusted to special eating requests with gourmet meals and desserts that were presented in high style on the plates. The wines were the best the area could provide and we received information each night about each wine we were drinking. Never ending supply!!!
    M&L P, CA USA

    FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!! Beyond our expectations. The barge was beautiful, spotless, comfortable, and staffed with the most wonderful people. Rory, Caroline, Nick, and Hannah were THE BEST. We can't think of a thing they could have improved upon. The food was out of this world, the excursions were interesting and fun, and the crew were professional while also being warm and welcoming. We would recommend this trip to everyone! We feel it was the trip of a lifetime. The service from SPT was EXCELLENT!!!! From first contact to last, our information was complete, in fact, most times it exceeded our specific questions and anticipated our next question! Everyone was friendly, very responsive and helpful.
    T. & G. G., PA, USA

    It was outstanding! Far exceeded our expectations! Rory, Caroine, Hannah and Nick were absolutely fabulous! The boat is exceptionally beautiful and spacious. They made the trip very personal for us~ Chuck and I were able to go Go-Carting, and Rory let me try to "bring in the big one" on our last night, but he got away! We loved our fellow passengers, whom we did not know prior to the trip! We loved all of our excursions and learned so much! The countryside was beautiful. We had perfect weather. Caroline was the BEST chef ever! The food was light as it was very warm when we were there. The wine pairings were phenomenal. Nick gave a great presentation for the history of the wines. It was fantastic to follow up with wines of vineyards that we visited and have them with our meals! All in all, our best trip ever!
    J & CP, IN, USA



    LINKS to Apres Tout Information


    Barges In France, bargesinfrance.com



    This page last updated December 25, 2023