Afloat in France by Orient-Express

3afloatinfrance.com 3afloatinfrance.com

AfloAt in frAnce

MAGicAl frAnce

Travel in comfort and luxury across France’s romantic waterways. 4-5

SteP on BoArD Savour the beauty of the countryside at the leisurely pace it deserves. 8-9

oUr fleet

Be transported on a gentle cruise aboard our luxury craft. ALOUETTE 10-11AMARYLLIS 12-13FLEUR DE LYS 14-15HIRONDELLE 16-17NAPOLÉON 18-19

DriftinG AlonG

Enjoy lazy days, friendly service and stunning scenery on board. 20-21

GoUrMet HeAVen

Our on-board chefs guide you through France’s gastronomic delights. 22-23

HiDDen frAnceDiscover lush vineyards, ancient villages and historic châteaux with our inspiring itineraries. 26-29

A fine VintAGeTailor-made tours of the Loire, Rhône and Burgundy wine regions. 30-31

fAMilY eScAPeSPlan the perfect family holiday cruising along the rivers and canals. 32-33

extenD YoUr StAYExtend your holiday with a short break to Paris, Chantilly or Reims. 34-35

Before YoU trAVel Visa requirements, money matters and other essential information. 36

oUr collectionDiscover our world. 37-38

Key throughout brochure: n ExtensionTravel and hotel accommodation combined, as stated within the itinerary description.

4 afloatinfrance.com

There is no better way to enjoy the splendour of France than by cruising along the rivers and canals that criss-cross the countryside, where the landscape is stunning, the food and wine are delicious and the locals are warm and welcoming. Calling these waterways home are the five luxury barges, or péniche-hôtels as they are knownlocally, of Afloat in France: Alouette (pages 10-11),Amaryllis (pages 12-13), Fleur de Lys (pages 14-15), Hirondelle (pages 16-17) and Napoléon (pages 18-19).

From the canals and rivers, vineyards and plateaux of Burgundy and down the mighty Rhône, and along the picturesque Canal du Midi in the Languedoc, the barges are your luxury passport into the enchanting hidden heart of France—its people and places, food and wine.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing family holiday, a romantic trip or a reunion with a group of friends, or share a love of France’s history, its finest appellations and cuisine, or even golf, our luxurious barges can accommodate your needs to create the perfect tour. Available on a private-hire or per-cabin basis, our fleet allows you to experience France the way you desire, at the leisurely pace you deserve.

For larger parties and celebrations you can even book two or more of our barges and travel in tandem, making them perfect for larger groups, but with the ability to remain independent as required. We can also help you to customise your itinerary within the barge’s operating areas.

AFLoAt iN FrANce

A field ablaze with sunflowers, a château atop a distant hill, lunch under a vine-laden pergola, and all the time in the world to explore… this is cruising for the connoisseur, a voyage of discovery through the French countryside in the comfort of your luxurious péniche hôtel.

5afloatinfrance.com

There is no better way to enjoy the splendour of France than by cruising along the rivers and canals that criss-cross the countryside, where the landscape is stunning, the food and wine are delicious and the locals are warm and welcoming. Calling these waterways home are the five luxury barges, or péniche-hôtels as they are knownlocally, of Afloat in France: Alouette (pages 10-11),Amaryllis (pages 12-13), Fleur de Lys (pages 14-15), Hirondelle (pages 16-17) and Napoléon (pages 18-19).

From the canals and rivers, vineyards and plateaux of Burgundy and down the mighty Rhône, and along the picturesque Canal du Midi in the Languedoc, the barges are your luxury passport into the enchanting hidden heart of France—its people and places, food and wine.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing family holiday, a romantic trip or a reunion with a group of friends, or share a love of France’s history, its finest appellations and cuisine, or even golf, our luxurious barges can accommodate your needs to create the perfect tour. Available on a private-hire or per-cabin basis, our fleet allows you to experience France the way you desire, at the leisurely pace you deserve.

For larger parties and celebrations you can even book two or more of our barges and travel in tandem, making them perfect for larger groups, but with the ability to remain independent as required. We can also help you to customise your itinerary within the barge’s operating areas.

AFLoAt iN FrANce

A field ablaze with sunflowers, a château atop a distant hill, lunch under a vine-laden pergola, and all the time in the world to explore… this is cruising for the connoisseur, a voyage of discovery through the French countryside in the comfort of your luxurious péniche hôtel.

5afloatinfrance.com

NEVERS ●

LYON ●

VALENCE ●

MONTÉLIMAR ●

AVIGNON ●

● PARIS

BESANÇON ●

CARCASSONNE ●

TOULOUSE ●

ROGNY ●

MONTPELLIER ●● ARLES

● MÂCON

ST-LÉGER ●

ST-JEAN ●

● TAIN

● DOLE

DIJON ●

● CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE

DIGOIN ●

Canal Latéral à la Loire

Canal du Rhône

Canal du Midi

● BÉZIERS

VANDENESSE ●

Canal de Bourgogne

LE GUÉTIN ●

WHAT’S ONThere’s always a great festival happening in France. Why not plan your trip to coincide with one of these events?

April – Festival Flamenco, Toulouse: a 10-day extravaganza of flamboyant dance and music.MAy – Féria de Pentecôte, Nîmes: bullfights in the city’s Roman Arena.June – Carcassonne Festival: opera, dance and theatre. July – Fête de la Lavande, Provence: heaven-scent at the annual lavender harvest.August – Fête de la Vigne, Dijon: pre-harvest merriment.septeMber – Besançon International Music Festival: one of the oldest classical music festivals around. OctOber – Nuits Blanches, Paris: enjoy a night at the museum at the capital’s cultural hotspots.

WHere...Cruise along some of France’s most scenic waterways from the picture-postcard towns and historic sites along the Canal du Midi to the vineyards and villages of Burgundy and fine wines, or the culture and charm of Provence.

WHeN...Afloat in France operates from April to October. Itineraries can be tailored to individual requirements for charter arrangements. For departure dates and prices, please refer to the insert with this brochure.

HOW... To make a booking, please contact your travel agent or visit orient-express.com/contacts where you will find details of your local Reservations office.

AFLOAT IN FRANCE

CHAGNY ●

9afloatinfrance.com

Let our luxury fleet transport you to the idyllic waterways of France with all the time in the world to explore…

NEVERS ●

LYON ●

VALENCE ●

MONTÉLIMAR ●

AVIGNON ●

● PARIS

BESANÇON ●

CARCASSONNE ●

TOULOUSE ●

ROGNY ●

MONTPELLIER ●● ARLES

● MÂCON

ST-LÉGER ●

ST-JEAN ●

● TAIN

● DOLE

DIJON ●

● CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE

DIGOIN ●

Canal Latéral à la Loire

Canal du Rhône

Canal du Midi

● BÉZIERS

VANDENESSE ●

Canal de Bourgogne

LE GUÉTIN ●

WHAT’S ONThere’s always a great festival happening in France. Why not plan your trip to coincide with one of these events?

April – Festival Flamenco, Toulouse: a 10-day extravaganza of flamboyant dance and music.MAy – Féria de Pentecôte, Nîmes: bullfights in the city’s Roman Arena.June – Carcassonne Festival: opera, dance and theatre. July – Fête de la Lavande, Provence: heaven-scent at the annual lavender harvest.August – Fête de la Vigne, Dijon: pre-harvest merriment.septeMber – Besançon International Music Festival: one of the oldest classical music festivals around. OctOber – Nuits Blanches, Paris: enjoy a night at the museum at the capital’s cultural hotspots.

WHere...Cruise along some of France’s most scenic waterways from the picture-postcard towns and historic sites along the Canal du Midi to the vineyards and villages of Burgundy and fine wines, or the culture and charm of Provence.

WHeN...Afloat in France operates from April to October. Itineraries can be tailored to individual requirements for charter arrangements. For departure dates and prices, please refer to the insert with this brochure.

HOW... To make a booking, please contact your travel agent or visit orient-express.com/contacts where you will find details of your local Reservations office.

AFLOAT IN FRANCE

CHAGNY ●

9afloatinfrance.com

Let our luxury fleet transport you to the idyllic waterways of France with all the time in the world to explore…

10 afloatinfrance.com 11afloatinfrance.com

AfloAt in frAnce

CarCassonne to Béziers

cruising the canal du Midi with its beautiful towns and historic sights.

Alouette is perfect for intimate gatherings or romantic tête-à-têtes. The two beautifully furnished cabins, each with en-suite shower, can accommodate up to four guests in double or twin beds. The deck, with its comfortable loungers and sun shades, is the perfect spot from which to soak up the scenery during the day, while the large picture windows in the lounge offer optimal views—even from inside. The spacious lounge/dining area has a library, writing desk, stereo and games for evening entertainment. Delicious meals are created by your cordon bleu chef using the freshest local ingredients.

cabin 1 cabin 2 lounge

Sun Deck

Please note that these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not to scale.

Available: Private Hire.facilities: Lounge and dining area with TV, DVD system, selection of DVDs and CDs, HiFi system and Bose iPod docking station. Selection of books and board games. Computer with internet access. Sun deck with a 360˚ view, sun loungers, chairs, table and umbrella. technical specifications: Total length: 100ft/30.48m. Width: 15.58ft/4.75m. Decks: 1 (sun deck with 360˚ view). Crew: 4. Capacity: 4 passengers.

Clockwise from above left: the generous deck area, perfect for lounging; large picture windows afford views of the stunning countryside; cabins are equipped with double or twin beds. Opposite: the beautiful Canal du Midi.

11afloatinfrance.com

AfloAt in frAnce

CarCassonne to Béziers

cruising the canal du Midi with its beautiful towns and historic sights.

Alouette is perfect for intimate gatherings or romantic tête-à-têtes. The two beautifully furnished cabins, each with en-suite shower, can accommodate up to four guests in double or twin beds. The deck, with its comfortable loungers and sun shades, is the perfect spot from which to soak up the scenery during the day, while the large picture windows in the lounge offer optimal views—even from inside. The spacious lounge/dining area has a library, writing desk, stereo and games for evening entertainment. Delicious meals are created by your cordon bleu chef using the freshest local ingredients.

cabin 1 cabin 2 lounge

Sun Deck

Available: Private Hire.facilities: Lounge and dining area with TV, DVD system, selection of DVDs and CDs, HiFi system and Bose iPod docking station. Selection of books and board games. Computer with internet access. Sun deck with a 360˚ view, sun loungers, chairs, table and umbrella. technical specifications: Total length: 100ft/30.48m. Width: 15.58ft/4.75m. Decks: 1 (sun deck with 360˚ view). Crew: 4. Capacity: 4 passengers.

Clockwise from above left: the generous deck area, perfect for lounging; large picture windows afford views of the stunning countryside; cabins are equipped with double or twin beds. Opposite: the beautiful Canal du Midi.

Sun Deck

Cabin 4 Cabin 3 Cabin 2

Lounge Dining Room Cabin 1

PoolPlease note that these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not to scale.

Dijon to ST-LÉGER

Visiting the great cities, vineyards and villages of Burgundy.

With its antique Louis XVI furniture, stunning trompe l'oeil wall mural, embroidered Parisienne bedcovers and marble en-suite bathrooms, Amaryllisexemplifies the best of French style and flair. Carrying up to eight people, the barge offers four generous cabins, each with king or twin beds. Stylish relaxation comes courtesy of a heated pool on deck—ideal for whiling away lazy, sunny days. In the evening, dine in splendour in the formal dining room or open the main lounge doors, which span the full width of the barge, to enjoy a delightful alfresco dinner.

Available: Private Hire.Facilities: Lounge with large windows, side-drawer cupboards, DVD player, selection of DVDs and CDs, stereo surround-sound system and Bose iPod docking station. Selection of books and board games. Computer with internet access. Dining room. Sun deck with canopied area and a heated swimming pool.Technical specifications: Total length: 128ft/39m.Width: 16.567ft/5.05m.Decks: 2. Crew: 6.Capacity: 8 passengers.

Clockwise from far left: Amaryllis has six crew on board; dine alfresco by the pool; each suite has a choice of double or twin accommodation; antique and modern lounge interior.

AFLoAT in FRAnCe

Sun Deck

Cabin 4 Cabin 3 Cabin 2

Lounge Dining Room Cabin 1

PoolPlease note that these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not to scale.

Dijon to ST-LÉGER

Visiting the great cities, vineyards and villages of Burgundy.

With its antique Louis XVI furniture, stunning trompe l'oeil wall mural, embroidered Parisienne bedcovers and marble en-suite bathrooms, Amaryllisexemplifies the best of French style and flair. Carrying up to eight people, the barge offers four generous cabins, each with king or twin beds. Stylish relaxation comes courtesy of a heated pool on deck—ideal for whiling away lazy, sunny days. In the evening, dine in splendour in the formal dining room or open the main lounge doors, which span the full width of the barge, to enjoy a delightful alfresco dinner.

Available: Private Hire.Facilities: Lounge with large windows, side-drawer cupboards, DVD player, selection of DVDs and CDs, stereo surround-sound system and Bose iPod docking station. Selection of books and board games. Computer with internet access. Dining room. Sun deck with canopied area and a heated swimming pool.Technical specifications: Total length: 128ft/39m.Width: 16.567ft/5.05m.Decks: 2. Crew: 6.Capacity: 8 passengers.

Clockwise from far left: Amaryllis has six crew on board; dine alfresco by the pool; each suite has a choice of double or twin accommodation; antique and modern lounge interior.

AFLoAT in FRAnCe

AfloAt in frAnce

Dijon to vanDenesse-en-auxois

exploring the tranquil waterways linking Burgundy’s magnificent cities and elegant châteaux.

A flavour of India in the heart of France is the unique offering from fleur de lys. Authentic Indian furnishings make the interior a visual delight, from the rich fabrics to the four-poster beds. With three spacious cabins, each with en-suite bathrooms and dressing areas, the barge can accommodate up to six guests in considerable comfort. During the day, you can admire the views from your very own outdoor heated pool, or unwind in the fully air-conditioned lounge. Magnificent five-course dinners are served in the separate dining room, after which you can adjourn to the lounge and play on the grand piano for a typically refined end to another perfect day on board.

Available: Private Hireor Per Cabin.facilities: Loungewith large windows, grand piano, writing desk and chair, HiFi/stereo, computer with internet access, DVD player, selection of DVDs, CDs, books and games and Bose iPod docking station. Sun deck with a heated swimming pool.technical specifications: Total length: 129ft/39.3m.Width: 16.567ft/5.05m.Decks: 2. Crew: 6. Capacity: 6 passengers.

Clockwise from above left: each cabin has an en-suite bathroom; the air-conditioned lounge opens out onto the deck area; cool off in the plunge pool; linger over cordon bleu dishes.

Sun Deck lounge Dining room cabin 1

cabin 3 cabin 2

AfloAt in frAnce

Dijon to vanDenesse-en-auxois

exploring the tranquil waterways linking Burgundy’s magnificent cities and elegant châteaux.

A flavour of India in the heart of France is the unique offering from fleur de lys. Authentic Indian furnishings make the interior a visual delight, from the rich fabrics to the four-poster beds. With three spacious cabins, each with en-suite bathrooms and dressing areas, the barge can accommodate up to six guests in considerable comfort. During the day, you can admire the views from your very own outdoor heated pool, or unwind in the fully air-conditioned lounge. Magnificent five-course dinners are served in the separate dining room, after which you can adjourn to the lounge and play on the grand piano for a typically refined end to another perfect day on board.

Available: Private Hireor Per Cabin.facilities: Loungewith large windows, grand piano, writing desk and chair, HiFi/stereo, computer with internet access, DVD player, selection of DVDs, CDs, books and games and Bose iPod docking station. Sun deck with a heated swimming pool.technical specifications: Total length: 129ft/39.3m.Width: 16.567ft/5.05m.Decks: 2. Crew: 6. Capacity: 6 passengers.

Clockwise from above left: each cabin has an en-suite bathroom; the air-conditioned lounge opens out onto the deck area; cool off in the plunge pool; linger over cordon bleu dishes.

Sun Deck lounge Dining room cabin 1

cabin 3 cabin 2

BESANçON to chAgNy

Discovering Franche-Comté, its wines and heritage of hidden France.

From the freshly cut flowers on the table to the bottle of champagne chilling in the dining room, this is cruising at its most leisurely. Tastefully decorated in soft country shades, Hirondelle has a relaxed atmosphere that is perfectly in tune with the scenery outside. The barge can comfortably accommodate eight people in four spacious cabins, each with en-suite bathroom. Large picture windows flood the bright, airy lounge with natural sunlight, making it the ideal spot to relax and read up on the next destination on your itinerary. On the sun deck, you can watch the day fade into evening over cocktails before dinner.

Available: Private Hire or Per Cabin.Facilities: A lounge and dining area with stereo system, Bose iPod docking station, DVD player, selection of books, games, DVDs and CDs. Computer with internet access. Sun deck with 360˚ views, deckchairs, two tables and a large parasol.Technical specifications: Total length: 129ft/39m.Width: 16.56ft/5.05m.Decks: 2 (sun deck with 360˚ view). Crew: 5. Capacity: 8 passengers.

Clockwise from far left: Hirondelle’s skilful crew negotiate a lock; the spacious deck area with room for eight; exquisite cuisine from the on-board chef; the bright lounge with its large picture windows.

Sun Deck

Lounge Dining RoomCabin 1 Cabin 2 Cabin 3 Cabin 4

AFLoAT in FRAnCe

BESANçON to chAgNy

Discovering Franche-Comté, its wines and heritage of hidden France.

From the freshly cut flowers on the table to the bottle of champagne chilling in the dining room, this is cruising at its most leisurely. Tastefully decorated in soft country shades, Hirondelle has a relaxed atmosphere that is perfectly in tune with the scenery outside. The barge can comfortably accommodate eight people in four spacious cabins, each with en-suite bathroom. Large picture windows flood the bright, airy lounge with natural sunlight, making it the ideal spot to relax and read up on the next destination on your itinerary. On the sun deck, you can watch the day fade into evening over cocktails before dinner.

Available: Private Hire or Per Cabin.Facilities: A lounge and dining area with stereo system, Bose iPod docking station, DVD player, selection of books, games, DVDs and CDs. Computer with internet access. Sun deck with 360˚ views, deckchairs, two tables and a large parasol.Technical specifications: Total length: 129ft/39m.Width: 16.56ft/5.05m.Decks: 2 (sun deck with 360˚ view). Crew: 5. Capacity: 8 passengers.

Clockwise from far left: Hirondelle’s skilful crew negotiate a lock; the spacious deck area with room for eight; exquisite cuisine from the on-board chef; the bright lounge with its large picture windows.

Sun Deck

Lounge Dining RoomCabin 1 Cabin 2 Cabin 3 Cabin 4

AFLoAT in FRAnCe

18 afloatinfrance.com 19

AfloAt in frAnce

Tain to arles

Plying the majestic rhône, taking in the culture and charm of Provence.

Cocktail parties under the stars, sumptuous feasts in the stately lounge, idyllic hours spent in the outdoor Jacuzzi—napoléon is perfect for convivial gatherings. Hosting up to 12 passengers in six sizeable cabins, each with its own en-suite bathroom, this generously proportioned barge has a wealth of facilities to pamper its guests. Mingle with your fellow passengers over a leisurely nightcap on the upper deck, enjoy candlelit alfresco dinners, while away an afternoon on the spacious sun deck and visit some of France’s most iconic wine châteaux.

Available: Private Hireor Per Cabin. facilities: Loungewith piano keyboard, a Bose iPod docking station, computer with internet access, selection of books, games, DVDs and CDs. Dining room. Sun deck area with Jacuzzi, sun loungers and an exercise bike, plus a large canopy over part of the deck to provide a cool, shaded dining area.technical specifications: Total length: 129ft/39.3m.Width: 16.56ft/5.05m.Decks: 3. Crew: 6. Capacity: 12 passengers.

Sun Deck

lounge

cabin 4

cabin 5

cabin 3

cabin 6

cabin 2

Dining room cabin 1

Jacuzzi outdoor Dining exercise equipment

Clockwise from left: Napoléon offers guests the perfect vantage point; dining alfresco; the famous Pont d’Avignon.

18 afloatinfrance.com 19

AfloAt in frAnce

Tain to arles

Plying the majestic rhône, taking in the culture and charm of Provence.

Cocktail parties under the stars, sumptuous feasts in the stately lounge, idyllic hours spent in the outdoor Jacuzzi—napoléon is perfect for convivial gatherings. Hosting up to 12 passengers in six sizeable cabins, each with its own en-suite bathroom, this generously proportioned barge has a wealth of facilities to pamper its guests. Mingle with your fellow passengers over a leisurely nightcap on the upper deck, enjoy candlelit alfresco dinners, while away an afternoon on the spacious sun deck and visit some of France’s most iconic wine châteaux.

Available: Private Hireor Per Cabin. facilities: Loungewith piano keyboard, a Bose iPod docking station, computer with internet access, selection of books, games, DVDs and CDs. Dining room. Sun deck area with Jacuzzi, sun loungers and an exercise bike, plus a large canopy over part of the deck to provide a cool, shaded dining area.technical specifications: Total length: 129ft/39.3m.Width: 16.56ft/5.05m.Decks: 3. Crew: 6. Capacity: 12 passengers.

Sun Deck

lounge

cabin 4

cabin 5

cabin 3

cabin 6

cabin 2

Dining room cabin 1

Jacuzzi outdoor Dining exercise equipment

Clockwise from left: Napoléon offers guests the perfect vantage point; dining alfresco; the famous Pont d’Avignon.

AfloAt in frAnce

THE ROUTES...A variety of journeys are available between April and October, including tours around Côte d’Or, Burgundy, Franche-Comté, Saône, Provence, Vallée du Rhône and the Canal du Midi. You can also extend your cruise with a few days in Paris or nearby cities either side (see pages 34-35).

THE BARGES...The five barges that make up Afloat in France are amongst the most exclusive and lavish ever to navigate the country’s waterways. Each individually designed péniche-hôtel is distinguished by spacious and luxurious facilities that include, on certain barges, heated swimming pools and sun decks with 360˚ views. You can enjoy a barge on a private-hire or per-cabin basis, as shown on pages 10-19. Either option includes all meals, beverages and excursions. With a capacity of four to 12 guests across the fleet, this is a truly unique way to cruise the canals. For larger parties, you can even take two or more of our barges and travel in tandem.

THE CREW...Our expertly trained on-board staff will pamper you from the moment you arrive. Your personal guide will introduce you to the region’s most renowned vineyards, architectural landmarks, activities and local traditions. All five barges have a high crew-to-guest ratio and a cordon bleu chef to ensure excellent service. Most crew members speak two or more languages for your added convenience.

EXCURSIONS...The essence of travel with Afloat in France is that your time is relaxed and any excursions will be tailored to your personal requirements. From stately châteaux and bustling markets to ballooning, our itineraries include visits to local places of interest. An air-conditioned vehicle accompanies the barge during its cruise to take guests on their chosen visits.

THE CABINS...Cabins on board the various barges form a twin, double or king configuration with an en-suite bathroom (with an overhead shower or a bath and shower). Facilities include air-conditioning and intercoms. The oversized picture windows and spacious decks afford spectacular views of the charming scenery passing by.

DRESS...The atmosphere on board is relaxed and, as such, formal wear is not required. For dinner, smart-casual attire is appropriate—gentlemen, for example, might like to wear an open-necked shirt. It is advisable to wear flat or low-heeled shoes when on deck. Spring and autumn may be cool at times so we suggest you pack a sweater and a light raincoat.

DINING...Your cruise begins in style with a champagne reception to welcome you on board—a taste of the wining and dining to come. The superb cuisine—including five-course candlelit dinners—prepared by our on-board chef is a real highlight of the cruise, particularly when accompanied by a selection of wines from France’s finest vineyards. Each week’s menus include some of our chefs’ original recipes as well as regional delicacies—and all the delicious meals on board are included in the fare. Enjoy your Continental breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining room or on the sun deck (when the weather allows). Complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are also available throughout the day—simply ask your hostess for any drinks required or help yourself from the bar.

Admire the picturesque countryside as you enjoy the attentive service of our on-board staff, relaxing in our comfortable cabins and on the sun decks, savouring our superb cuisine and the finest wines.

“There is nothing—absolutely nothing—half so much worth

doing as simply messing about on boats.”

Kenneth Grahame, writer