Barge holidays: cruising in France, the relaxing way...

Transcription

1 Barge holidays: cruising in France, the relaxing way... KR-line P.O. Box Brugge Belgium Tel:

2 KR-line P.O. Box 19 tel: Bruges Belgium web: Cruising on a luxury hotel barge The motorship Johanna is a recently beautifully converted hotel barge operating in Belgium and France. On her different routes, she cruises on meandering rivers and calm canals from Bruges to Paris or discovering the French Champagne and Loire regions. Traveling on board Johanna is experiencing peace and tranquility as you pass trough the quiet countryside, picturesque villages and historic towns. Daily, hand picked minibus excursions are offered to explore the city or surrounding area. Traveling on Johanna also means enjoying delicious regional cuisine, daily prepared on board with fresh local ingredients and served with Belgian beers or French wine. The ship provides very comfortable accommodation for up to 6 guests in three spacious twin or queen-size bedded cabins with en suite bathrooms and reversible air conditioning throughout the ship. She is furnished in a contemporary style, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. There is a large dining room and saloon where picture windows offer a superb view on the surroundings. The demonstration galley allows guests to see the chef at work. CD/iPod sound system and Internet connection are available for guests use. Johanna has a spacious sun deck with alfresco dining area. Your hosts, Kris and Patsie, are living on the ship and welcome you as their guests. Their main goal is to offer you a relaxing and pleasant holiday on board. They provide you with all necessary information on the ship and places to visit. Daily minivan excursions are planned to local castles, vineyards and selected locations of special interest. Cycling maps and a mobile GPS are available for those who want to explore the country further away from the mooring places on their own.

3 Exploring France by barge La douce France, a country created for holidays! Be it the Light City of Paris or the picturesque rural villages, Johanna brings you to all these places and more. Cruising amidst the vineyards of the Champagne region or entering Paris on the Seine are unforgettable experiences. Take a stroll along the canal or taste champagne at a local winery. Daily guided minibus excursions to hand picked locations. You can even discover the region on your own by bike, meeting your floating hotel at the next mooring place. But why not lazily stay on board enjoying a cool drink on the sundeck while admiring the passing landscape, visiting the next village upon arrival. In the evening, you are served a freshly cooked 3 course dinner with local ingredients. Our main cruising areas in France: - Bruges - Paris: 14 days of leisure and peace. Visit many small villages and historic towns with their century old churches and cathedrals. We also do not forget the many WWI memorials along the route. - Champagne region: From Château-Thierry and Epernay to Reims. You will be learning all there is to know about wine growing and champagne production. Relax on board and enjoy the view of the vineyards. Visit some champagne houses to taste the bubbles... - Haute Seine to Loire: (On request only!) Two cruises in the beautiful area known as the food basket of Paris. Our northern cruise brings you from the Seine, along the river Loing to Montargis, Venice of the Gâtinais. Visit the castles of Fontainebleau and Vaux le Vicomte. Our southern cruise from Montargis to Châtillon-sur-Loire takes us over the famous canal bridge of Briare and along the staircase locks of Rogny-les-7-ecluses. We also visit the city of Gien with its renowned faience museum. You can even combine the 2 cruises to a 14 day trip at a reduced price.

4 Bruges - Paris (14 days) 1 Brugge: Welcome aboard. Visit the historic city center of Brugge, UNESCO world heritage. 2 Deinze: Sailing along the beautiful canal to Aalter where your guide awaits you for a trip to Ghent to see the Saint Bavo Cathedral and the Mystic Lamb of Van Eyck and other historic sites. Return to the ship in Deinze via picturesque Sint-Martens-Lathem on the meandering Lys. 3 Menen: We pass trough Kortrijk and moor in the border city of Menen for the night. France is just on the other side. Visit of Ypres with the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate. 4 Lille: Entering France into the Lille Metropole area. Sail with us on the rivers Lys and Deule and moor in the city center. The historic city of Lille is nowadays bustling with life and modern art. Wherever you go, there is something to see or visit, enjoy a coffee or listen to street musicians... 5 Douai: Today brings us to the old university city of Douai with it's famous belfry tower and carillon. Depending on your interests, we also visit the WWI memorials of Vimy or the city of Arras. 6 Ruyaulcourt: Johanna follows the Canal du Nord to the tunnel entrance of Ruyaulcourt. Meanwhile you visit the city of Cambrai and the abbey of Vaucelles. Return across the Hindenburg Line to rejoin the ship for a hearty dinner in our quiet stop near Hermie. 7 Péronne: After we have gone trough the tunnel of Ruyaulcourt, we reach our next port of Péronne. Here we visit the memorial of the Great War or explore the beautiful meandering Somme river to the lively historic city of Amiens. 8 Noyon: Circular town with Gallo-Roman ramparts and Medieval walls where Charlemagne was crowned, Hugo Capet was consecrated, where the future king Louis XVI married Marie-Antoinette and where Calvin was born. 9 Compiegne: beautiful flowered city with a rich history. Here Jeanne d Arc was captured by the Bourguignons on mai 24, The 1918 Armistice ending the first World War was signed in the woods nearby. 10 St-Leu d Esserent: From Compiegne passing trough Pont-Sainte-Maxence and Creil, we arrive at a very quiet mooring place in St-Leu d Esserent with it s beautiful abbey and church. Guided excursion to nearby Creil and castle of Chantilly. 11 Pontoise: En route we visit the impressionists village of Auvers-sur-Oise where Vincent van Gogh spent the last days of his live. Experience the life of the impressionistss in a virtual tour at the local castle. 12 Bougival: From Pontoise to Conflans-Sainte- Honorine. Here we come on the river Seine which we sail upwards to Bougival on the outskirts of Paris. Visit the impressionist museum Fournaise or the Castle of Monte Cristo, built by Alexandre Dumas. 13 Paris: Entering Paris on the Seine river, we pass the Eiffel tower, Louvre, Notre Dame and the Canal Saint Martin to arrive at our mooring at La Vilette. Sit back on the sun deck and enjoy! (And don't forget your camera!!!) 14 Paris: Farewell after breakfast.

5 Champagne tour Reims to Château-Thierry An enchanting journey between history and vineyards, amidst beauty and delightful bubbles. Visit cathedrals and wine cellars or WWI memorials. Take your time and relax on the sundeck. Explore the area with our guided minibus tours and finish the day with a sumptuous dinner on board Reims: Pick-up at Reims meeting point and transport to our mooring place. Welcome on board. Possible excursion to Fort de la Pompelle. Evening visit to Reims' illuminated cathedral Billy-le-Grand: After breakfast, we sail to the tunnel of Billy-le-Grand. Guided visit trough the vineyards of the Reims mountains to the Phare de Verzenay and the dwarf beeches of Verzy Condé-sur-Marne: Today we descend into the Marne valley, going down the 8 locks to Condé-sur-Marne. Afternoon excursion to Chalons-en-Champagne Epernay: Mooring in the capital city of the Champagne region. Excursion to Hautvillers where Dom Perignon invented the bubbly drink. Visit one of the big cellars and also a small champagne house for a personal tasting in a family environment, presenting you very special wines Dormans: We finaly sail on the river Marne with the vineyards above us. At the foot of the statue of pope Urbanus II, who called for the first crusade, you have a wonderful view on the river Marne with the Reims mountains in your back. Visit of Dom Caudron winery for a Champagne and Chocolate pairing experience Château-Thierry: We enter Picardy region, following the meandering Marne to our final destination Château-Thierry. To the West is the American WWI Monument. More to the North is the Belleau Wood memorial site. Or you can choose for an excursion to Conde-en-Brie with its historic castle, halles, church and old washing facilities Château-Thierry: Farewel after breakfast. Return to drop-off point in Reims or Paris. Optional excursions: - Hot air balloon over the area. (Weather permitting) - Visit of the Reims mountains in old timer Citroën 2CV. - E-bike tour of Hautvillers and surroundingds. On alternate weeks, route in reverse direction.

6 Upper Seine (On request only) Our charming hotel barge Johanna takes you along one of the oldest waterways of France through the unspoilt countryside of the Gatinais, the flower- and breadbasket of Paris. Along the route, we discover castles and cathedrals, ancient locks and sleepy little villages. -1 Évry: Pick-up at central point in Paris and transport to our mooring place in Evry. The capital of the Essonne department has a very modern cathedral with 20 trees on the roof. Welcome aboard. -3 Melun: Make a historic discovery tour of the city along the signed walking trail. Visit the castle of Vaux le Vicomte that was built by the same architects that later designed Versailles. And as we are in the Brie cheese region, taste the Brie de Melun. -4 Moret-sur-Loing: Home of the impressionist painter Alfred Sisley, the village is still as picturesque as ever. The castle of Fontainebleau is only 9 km away and more than worth a visit. It was the hunting castle of many French kings and residence of Napoleon. -5 Nemours: Moored in the center of this medieval city, we visit the XII century castle (now museum), the church of Saint-John the baptist and the many small canals. -6 Neronville / Château-Landon: The delightful medieval fortified town of Château-Landon is the historic capital of the Counts of the Gâtinais and a former pilgrimage site. Perched on a rocky promontory, its old houses, monuments, towers and pretty terraced gardens form a very scenic picture with the narrow Fusain river flowing past below. Also not to be missed is Notre-Dame church and the fortress-like old royal abbey of Saint-Séverin. The area is further known for its white stone that was used to build the Sacré Coeur and other monuments in Paris. -6 Montargis: The town center has several notable sights to discover and is characterized by the canals and river that cross the town and provide much of its character. According to Montargis Tourist Office there are 131 of these bridges and canal crossings in the town, which is affectionately called the 'Venice of the Gatinais'. -7 Montargis: Farewell after breakfast. Return to central drop-off point.

7 Upper Loire (On request only) We are sailing on the oldest summit level canal in Europe, connecting the Loire and Seine valleys. In this region known as Le Gatinais (or "the garden of Paris"), the passing countryside of open fields, the picturesque winding waterways and the succession of many classic French villages never cease to amaze you on this relaxing and bucolic route. -3 Rogny-les-7-Ecluses: Picturesque village, known and named after the staircase of 7 locks that was in use from 1642 till Traces of the original canal can still be found in the area above the locks. -4 La Gazonne near the lakes that feed the summit pound of the canal. Visit the french style gardens of the Pont- Chevron castle with its mosaics dating from the roman era. -1 Paris/Montargis: Welcome on board. The second largest city of the Loiret department, after Orleans, is also known as the Venice of the Gatinais. The town is criss-crossed with small canals with 131 bridges and an abundance of flowers. -2 Montbuoy: The typical french country-village of Montbouy, nested on the left bank of the Briare Canal, is full of history. Remains from antiquity are visible such as a Gallo-Roman amphitheater that could seat 6000 spectators. Visit nearby Bellegarde with its castle of the 14-18th century. -5 Briare: a former medieval place that became a country little-known village. It developed during the reign of Henry IV who started the construction of the canal of «Loyre en Seine». Visit the nearby town of Gien with its well known faience factory and museum. -6 Châtillon-sur-Loire: Today we cross the famous canal bridge over the river Loire. Visit the old Mantelot lock where ships used to cross the river before the canal bridge was built. Optional excursion to Sancerre with wine tasting. -7 Châtillon-sur-Loire: Farewell after breakfast, return to central drop-off point. This is a sample itinerary. Excursions can be added or changed based on passenger preferences or local circomstances. On return voyages, the route is in opposite direction (see calendar).

8 Life on board A typical day would start with breakfast around 8. It is served as a buffet, so you can take what you like, be it coffee or tea, rolls or toast or cereals, eggs or jam, cheese, ham We try to leave at 9 for some 4 to 6 hours of slow cruising to our next destination. Most will want to stay on board and enjoy the scenery while having a chat on the sundeck with some tea or coffee and a biscuit at 10. Our more sporty guests can take a bike to cycle to our next mooring place, in between visiting local villages, wineries and other interesting places. Depending on the locks to operate, a light lunch is served between 12 and 13h. In the early afternoon when we arrive at our next mooring place, we offer local guided excursions with minibus. Bikes are at your disposal for those that prefer a more challenging day. A 3 course dinner is served at 20 h,on the sundeck if weather permitting. Some sample menus Cappuccino of asparagus Rabbit stew with beer, sour cherries and mashed potatoes Iced coffee with Belgian chocolates Coffee and thee Salad of crushed cherry tomatoes and olives Veal skewers with cheese and rosemary Selection of pastries Coffee and thee

9 KR-line P.O. box Bruges Belgium Tel/mobile: +32 (0) Kr-line: Relaxing barge cruises on the rivers and canals of Belgium and France A barge cruise on board Johanna is a way of travelling where relaxation and rest are key. On the water you're 100% away from the whirlwind of everyday life, you enjoy nature and everything that happens on and around the water. A barge cruise means you are experiencing the world from the water. Motorship Johanna is leading you from one location to another, offering you a boat holiday full of discovery, variation, history and culture. Nature is really close, giving you the possibility to interact with air, water, plant and animal. Life on board Our customers are adults and children. As it isn t not possible to put extra beds in the cabins, children will get their own cabin. Recommended minimum age is 12 years. Pets Having 2 cats of our own on board, we can t allow other pets. Although the cabins are off-limit for the cats, guests with allergies have to take into account their presence onboard. Spoken language Both Kris and Patsie speak English, French and Dutch. Kris also does speak German. Security The ship complies to all safety requirements and even exceeds them in many cases. As an ex-firefighter and paramedic, Kris has the necessary first aid certificates. Both are qualified skippers. Style On board there is a family atmosphere, we like to use first names. Leisure clothing is the dress-code. We strongly recommend to wear comfortable shoes, decks can be slippery and for the excursions they are most advisable too. High heels are not recommended at all. Smoking is only allowed outside on the sundeck, but please consider your fellow passengers. Luggage On board, storage room is limited. Don t bring too many clothes, but keep in mind the season and the variable climate. Foldable travel bags are more convenient than a suitcase. Other general information Bookings can be made by , telephone, letter or via a travel agency. A written confirmation and payment of 25% validates the reservation. No later than 90 days before departure date the full amount must be paid. The skipper has full responsibility and can, due to external circumstances, decide to change a cruise or provide an alternative program. Are included - All taxes and fees. - All meals, coffee and tea, drinks. - The use of bed linen and towels, Internet when in range. - Bicycles, helmets, gps and bike network maps. - Transport pick-up/drop-off at central meeting point (Paris). - Guided excursions in air-conditioned minibus + entrance fees. Are not included - Travel expenses to and from the ship or meeting point. - Travel and cancellation insurance (highly recommended) - Health and personal accident insurance. - Optional excursions. - Personal expenses. - Crew gratuities ( suggested 5-10%) Typical day schedule on board: - Boarding on sunday afternoon, getting acquainted, dinner. - After breakfast, we sail for about 4 to 6 h, so there is plenty of time in the afternoon for excursions and visits. Drinks - There is a central mini bar with soft drinks, wine and local beers. - A limited selection of liquors is available. - For safety reasons, alcohol and drug abuse is not tolerated and can lead to your removal from the ship.

10 General conditions Reservations, booking and payment: 1) The first person on the form, further called the client, signs the form and accepts these general conditions for all persons listed. 2) Except for special conditions, mentioned on the form and signed by both parties, only the general conditions mentioned below are applicable. 3) By signing the form, the client declares to have read and to accept the general conditions. 4) A reservation becomes a booking only after receipt of the signed reservation form and payment of 30% of the price. Upon receipts of the payment, a confirmation is sent by the skipper to the client. The full amount is due 90 days before departure of the cruise. If the balance is not paid in time, the booking is considered to be cancelled. 5) The skipper can refuse a booking without giving a motivation. Cancellation 6) If the client has to cancel the cruise, he informs the skipper immediately in writing. For a cancellation up to 180 days before departure, a minimum of 250 / person is charged. Cancelling less than 180 days before departure results in a refund of 50% of the deposited amount, but only on condition of new booking for the same cruise week. For a cancelling less than 90 days before departure no refund can be obtained and the full amount is due. 7) Changing the date after booking confirmation is received results in a cancellation except if the skipper can change the cruise to the new date. 8) If, for reasons beyond the control of the skipper, the ship is not available, he will try to find another ship with same capacity and comfort or another solution that satisfies the client. If this is not possible, the full amount paid will be refunded without any additional compensation. 9) The skipper does all what is possible to make the cruise as planned. He has full responsibility and can, due to external circumstances, decide to change a cruise or provide an alternative program. He is not responsible and no remuneration or compensation is paid if the trip can not be made due to repairs, strikes, flooding, drought or other external conditions for which he can not be held responsible. 10) The skipper has the right to end the voyage for a person or group if this person or group endangers the ship, the equipment or other guests by not respecting the rules or advice of the skipper. For the same safety reasons, people under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be removed from the ship at the first possible stop. There will be no compensation for these interruptions of the cruise. Complaints and changes: 11) The skipper and crew do all possible to offer their guests a comfortable and relaxing cruise. In case the client has any complaints, he will report them to the skipper immediately with written details so the skipper can investigate and react accordingly. Complaints should be made within 28 days after the cruise to be accepted. 12) It is unlikely that a planned cruise must be changed. Sometimes, the skipper has to alter the voyage and he has the full right to do so. Alterations can be the change of route, change of dates, change of departure and arrival places, change of region to cruise. The skipper will inform the client as soon as possible of any of these changes. 13) In case of disputes, only Belgian law is applicable before the courts of Bruges or another court of choice of the skipper. The Dutch text of the general conditions has precedence over any translation. 14) Website and folders are made with care. The owners can not be held responsible for any errors, mistakes, or unforeseen changes. Insurances and price changes 15) There is an all-risk insurance for the ship and a civil liability insurance for the skipper and crew to the customers. There is no insurance for the civil liability or the personal belongings of the clients. A travel insurance is thus highly advisable. If the client has no travel insurance, he will not hold the skipper responsible for any costs involved in personal loss. 16) If between booking and departure date, prices increase for fuel, wages, transportation costs, taxes, harbour fees, the skipper has the right to increase the cruise price. Only price increases of 2% or more are calculated. After payment of the balance, no further price increases will be made. Payment information: Bank: Belfius n.v. Account: IBAN: BE Bank Identification: BIC: GKCCBEBB Holder: Kris Rotsaert Sint-Pieterskaai Brugge Belgium Version: 01/2018

11 KR-line P.O. box 19 tel: Bruges Belgium web: Cruise Calendar 2018 Date Route Remarks Apr 29 - May 12 Bruges - Paris (14 days) May Upper Seine (Evry-Montargis) May Upper Loire (Montargis-Ch.s/Loire) May 27 - Jun 2 Upper Loire (Ch.s/Loire-Montargis) Jun 3-9 Upper Seine (Montargis-Evry) Jun Seine - Marne Relocation cruise -25% Jun Champagne (Ch-Thierry - Reims) Jun Champagne (Reims - Ch-Thierry) Jul 1-7 Champagne (Ch-Thierry - Reims) Jul 8-14 Champagne (Reims - Ch-Thierry) Jul Champagne (Ch-Thierry - Reims) Jul Champagne (Reims - Ch-Thierry) Booked Jul 29 - aug 4 Champagne (Ch-Thierry - Reims) 1cabin booked, 2 cabins free Aug 5-11 Champagne (Reims - Ch-Thierry) Aug Champagne (Ch-Thierry - Reims) Aug Champagne (Reims - Ch-Thierry) Aug 26 - sep 1 Champagne (Ch-Thierry - Reims) Sep 2-8 Champagne (Reims - Ch-Thierry) Sep 9-15 Champagne (Ch-Thierry - Reims) Booked Sep Reims - Bruges (14 days) WW1 Special Oct '18 - Mar 19 B&B in Bruges

12 Price list 2018 KR-line P.O. Box 19 tel: Bruges Belgium web: Charter price for the whole ship 6 persons charter 7d: $ 22,500 14d: $ 44,500 5 persons charter 7d: $ 19,250 14d: $ 38,000 4 persons charter 7d: $ 16,000 14d: $ 31, persons charter 7d: $ 13,250 14d: $ 26,000 Cabin booking (*) 7d: $ 8,500 14d: $ 16,500 Single occupancy (*) 7d: $ 5,100 14d: $ 9,900 (*) Cabin bookings only on special request or on certain dates and routes (see website). 14 day cruises: Bruges - Paris or combination of Upper Seine and Upper Loire cruise. Full board prices based on double occupancy of the rooms. They include your stay on board, all meals, drinks, use of bikes, Wifi, taxes, guided excursions, pick-up and drop-off at central meeting point (Paris, Reims ). Only 1 pick-up or drop-off point per cruise. Not included: Special drinks (e.g. vintage Champagne, expensive whiskeys, ) and drinks we normally don't have on board. Special prices on request for tailor made charters of the ship: 3/4 board, half board, cruises with only B&B, with or without guided minibus excursions or self guided visits by bycicle or on foot, just relaxing on board, adaptable navigation hours Contact us for availability, conditions and prices. Prices in US $, valid for 2018 cruise bookings trough 2017 and '18, subject to changes of exchange rate. Bed and Breakfast in Bruges (B&B, October - March): Weekend (Friday - Saturday) per room per night (1 or 2 pers.) Max. 150 Week (Sunday - Thursday) per room per night (1 or 2 pers.) Max. 125 See our website or reviews & availability on booking.com. Version: 10 Sept. 2017