French Country Waterways Launches Casual Cruising

"We understand that in today's economy, some of our guests would prefer to have a few less inclusions and reduce their costs - so we have introduced a program that makes some minor changes in our regular program and passes those savings on to the passenger," states company president, Glenn Carr. Pricing for this new style of barging is $2,495 to $3,495 per person, double.

Guests aboard the Esprit, sailing in France's Cote d'Or region between St. Leger-sur-Dheune and Pontailler-sur-Saone, are met at and returned to a Dijon hotel. Sightseeing highlights feature a tour of the medieval Clos de Vougeot, the Chevaliers du Tastevin headquarters surrounded by vineyards dating back to the 12th century, and a private wine tasting in the town; a visit to Beaune, the charming wine capital of Burgundy, includes the Hospice, as well as time to browse the village's fine specialty shops; and a private wine tasting in the wine village of Santenay. The sailings provide all lunches and three dinners on board. The other dinners, on their own or as a group ashore in towns with good restaurant variety & access - recommendations and reservations offered, are at the expense of the guests. Otherwise, guests receive the same French Country Waterway's signature characteristics as on the other luxury barges: creative cuisine prepared by talented young chefs, who blend classic cooking techniques with the trend to lighter cuisine; four-course candlelit dinners accompanied by wines from Burgundy and other major French wine regions; attentive service from a crew fluent in English and French; daily sightseeing excursions and private wine tastings; and time to relax on the sundeck and walk or bicycle along canal towpaths. Smoking is not permitted inside the barges and coaches. Hot-air ballooning is also an option.

The line's other three luxury barges -- the 12-passenger all-suite Adrienne, eight-passenger Horizon II, and 12-passenger newly-renovated Nenuphar -- continue to offer an elegant dinner ashore at the most celebrated Michelin-starred restaurant near each cruise route including Lameloise in Chagny, L'Assiette Champenoise in Tinqueux and Le Relais Bernard Loiseau in Saulieu; all other dinners onboard; Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines and transfers from Paris.

The Adrienne sails France's Champagne region -- between Maizy and Château-Thierry -- showcasing champagne producers including the House of Ployez-Jacquemart and the vast cellars of Moët & Chandon, as well as historic battlefields dating back to Julius Caesar. Other highlights include the Cathedral of Reims, which served as the setting for the coronation of kings; and the wheat fields and farms of Belleau, site of the American Cemetery and World War I battlefields. The vessel boasts six suites with lavishly carved king-size beds, armoires and bathrooms of granite and marble. Prices range from $5,295 to $6,295.

For guests wishing to explore the "Historic Burgundy" region, visiting Auxerre’s St. Etienne Cathedral and historic quarter; the Abbaye de Fontenay, one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries; and the splendid Renaissance château of Ancy-le-Franc; as well as enjoy a private wine tasting in the vineyards of Chablis, the Horizon II is the perfect vehicle. It's all-suite configuration and traditional French cherry furnishings make it an ideal base of operations from which to head off on excursions and enjoy the company of fellow passengers. Prices on the Canal de Bourgogne sailings between Tanlay and Veneray-les-Laumes are $5,495 to $6,495.

The recently renovated 12-passenger Nenuphar, with custom cherry paneling and marble bathrooms, sails the Dijon-to-St. Léger-sur-Dheune route in France's famed Côte-d'Or wine region. Guests tour the historic center of Dijon, visiting the Ducal Palace and Musee des Beaux Arts with time to wander among the elegant shops; the privately-owned 18th-century Château de Longecourt; medieval Clos de Vougeot; Beaune, the charming wine capital of Burgundy; the lively port of Chalon-sur-Saône; 12th-century La Rochepot castle; and a tasting of renowned Burgundies in the private cellars of a local vintner in Santenay. Fares for this cruise are $5,095 to $6,295.

Fare ranges reflect a savings of $1,000 from high-season prices during the first five and last two departures of the season and $500 during value season sailings: the first two weeks of May, the six departures between July 11 and 15, and October 17. Additional savings of $250 per person are being offered on the April departures of the Adrienne, Horizon II and Nenuphar; and couples celebrating a quinquennial wedding anniversary (multiples of five) during 2010 can save up to the amount equal to their anniversary - maximum of 50% for 50 years - on select sailings of the same three barges. The full season runs from April 4 to November 6. The luxury barges have been meticulously designed and are extensively refurbished annually. The vessels are appointed in warm woods and plush carpeting and are fully air-conditioned. Accommodations feature private baths with full-sized beds or king, queen or twin suites.

The barges are available for individual bookings and for charter by families, friends and groups of eight to 18 persons. Special room rates are offered at several deluxe hotels in Paris and Dijon.