Elisabeth is a beautiful hotel barge on the Canal du Nivernais and the Canal de Bourgogne offering unique, luxury, all-inclusive, fully customisable cruising holidays. Redesigned in 2018 and 2019, Hotel Barge Elisabeth has been specifically designed for comfort, tranquillity and privacy whilst boasting a spacious and light environment with modern hotel facilities.
All three guest rooms provide air-conditioned, private en suite facilities with access to the saloon, bar with tea and coffee making facilities and dining area. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the canals and rivers of France and allow our dedicated and experienced crew to provide you with unrivalled personal service.
Elisabeth is an elegant Dutch barge built in 1930 and is one of the last remaining luxemotor hotel barges to retain her sweeping lines. She was thoughtfully converted from a cargo carrying barge to a deluxe floating hotel in the 1980s and has been delighting guests ever since. At 29.6 metres long and 5.05 metres wide (97ft x 16.5ft ) Elisabeth offers queen sized bed chambers and an in-room laptop safe big enough for all of your modern crown jewels (or diamonds and tiaras)!
We expect all our guests to treat Elisabeth as their home from home during their stay. Relax in the large, comfortable sofas with a cocktail from the bar, read a book from the library on the sun terrace or perhaps curl up to watch a romantic movie using our entertainment system.
Each of the three spacious guest suites can be arranged as either a walk-around queen or, if preferred, a generous twin room - all have private en suite facilities with luxurious toiletries and fully adjustable air-conditioning.
We pride ourselves on sourcing only the very best linens for our guests; nothing says indulgence like superior quality bed linens, hand picked pillows and a perfectly balanced mattress. Enjoy the best night’s sleep the waterways of France have to offer.
Antique and modern furniture create a special boutique hotel style and atmosphere. The generous and tastefully decorated air-conditioned saloon and bar provide a calm and peaceful environment to relax with a good book, a glass of carefully selected wine or perhaps share the day’s inspiring sights, sounds and tastes with your fellow bargees. Do you want to play that special song? Ask Alexa or you can connect your phone or tablet to one of the Bose Bluetooth speakers.
The tranquil shaded terrace offers panoramic views of the bucolic Bugundy countryside. Settle back, unwind and watch the world go by from the sumptuous outdoor furnishings – the onboard crew are always at hand to spoil you and indulge your every whim!
Facilities include:
The experienced owners, David and Matthew and their crew will endeavour to look after your every need and offer you a personalised, unrivalled service.
David has spent many years in the hospitality industry, more than 15 years travelling the world for work and has run a successful hotel barge on the River Thames, UK. All of his business experience has honed his customer service skills and refined his ideas of luxury travel, so that he is now delighted to be able to offer his own discerning levels of service and his innate sense of style to the guests of Hotel Barge Elisabeth.
Matthew, an internationally renowned musician and passionate foodie, is now bringing his perfectionism and attention to detail to the cuisine of Elisabeth. His dedication to flavour and locally sourced ingredients, coupled with his artistic flair, ensures a “standing ovation” after every meal.
Lily is the friendliest member of the crew. She loves to sit at the bow watching the crew handle the ropes; making sure everything is ship shape.
After being met at a pre-arranged meeting point and transferred to Elisabeth. David, Matthew and crew welcome you on board with a Champagne reception. After settling in to your guest rooms and a short cruise to our countryside mooring, you will enjoy your first dinner onboard showcasing wonderful local cuisine and the spectacular wines of Northern Burgundy.
Your first day of tranquil, elegant, luxury begins with a leisurely breakfast and a short cruise to Gurgy. After lunch on board, we celebrate your arrival with our unique “Elisabeth Welcome”. You spend the afternoon immersing yourself in the region’s culture and traditions, and meeting charming local characters. On your return to Elisabeth, you will have some time to wander around the pretty little village of Gurgy before dinner on board.
After dinner, you can make the most of your unique and comfortable surroundings, taking in the sunset and wildlife, as everything else is looked after by your hosts.
This morning we cruise to the ancient city of Auxerre. After lunch on board, you will be taken on a walking tour of this beautiful city. Formerly the capital of Lower Burgundy and strategically situated on the banks of the Yonne, your personal guide will tell the story of the city through its array of impressive buildings.
Dinner on board.
Today, we tour the vineyards and architecture of Chablis enjoying this famous village and tasting some excellent examples of this celebrated wine with our exclusive private tour. Lunch today is a relaxed affair at a typically Burgundian restaurant in Chablis. After you have soaked up the atmosphere and experienced the Burgundian classics, you take your time getting to know Chablis in more depth exploring the ancient back streets, tree-shaded cafés and bars at your leisure. Your trusted and knowledgeable tour guide is only a phone call away should need help negotiating rural French life.
You return to Elisabeth for dinner on board in the pretty riverside village of Vincelles.
This morning, after a breakfast of still warm pastries and breads from the artisanal village baker, we tour the Grottes D’Arcy sur Cure. This is where pre-historic man lived and painted some 38,000 years ago! The paintings in the caves are still original and have remained untouched – truly awe-inspiring!
Following lunch on board, this afternoon we cruise past the hill top vines of Irancy on our way to Accolay for tonight’s mooring. A delicious dinner awaits you on board this evening.
Our final cruise is to the pretty, sleepy village of Mailly-la-Ville. After lunch on board, your tour this afternoon is to Vezelay; one of the must see UNESCO listed sites in Burgundy. The town is crowned by its 12th century basilica from where St Bernard delivered his rousing speech before the 2nd crusade in 1147, and where Richard the Lionheart joined forces with King Philip II of France in 1190 before the 3rd Crusade. After the welcome cool of the Basilica, our tour guide introduces you to the historically unique sights of this important town. We invite you for an exclusive and private wine tasting in a 12th century cellar with magnificent views across the valley.
This evening we celebrate your time on board Elisabeth with our Gala Dinner!
After breakfast, sadly it's time to say goodbye - à la prochaine fois ! Your private transfer will drop you back to your prearranged departure point.
After being met at a pre-arranged meeting point and transferred to Elisabeth. David, Matthew and crew welcome you on board with a Champagne reception. After settling in to your guest rooms and a short cruise to our countryside mooring, you will enjoy your first dinner onboard showcasing wonderful local cuisine and the spectacular wines of Northern Burgundy.
Your first day of tranquil, elegant, luxury begins with a leisurely breakfast and a short cruise to Tanlay. After lunch on board, we celebrate your arrival with our unique “Elisabeth Welcome”. You spend the afternoon immersing yourself in the region’s culture and traditions, and meeting charming local characters. On your return to Elisabeth, you will have some time to wander around the pretty little village of Tanlay before dinner on board.
After dinner, you can make the most of your unique and comfortable surroundings, taking in the sunset and wildlife, as everything else is looked after by your hosts.
This morning's relaxing cruise is to Lezinnes. After lunch we make our way to Champagne! You will be visiting a unique house of Southern Champagne with an opportunity to stock-up your cellars! Back on board, relax and reflect on your experiences of the day, enjoying cocktails and a sumptuous dinner.
Today, we tour the vineyards and architecture of Chablis enjoying this famous village and tasting some excellent examples of this celebrated wine with our exclusive private tour. Lunch today is a relaxed affair at a typically Burgundian restaurant in Chablis. After you have soaked up the atmosphere and experienced the Burgundian classics, you take your time getting to know Chablis in more depth exploring the ancient back streets, tree-shaded cafés and bars at your leisure. Your trusted and knowledgeable tour guide is only a phone call away should need help negotiating rural French life.
Dinner on board.
This morning we cruise to Ancy le Franc. After lunch, you take a short stroll takes and discover the Renaissance delights of the 16th Century Chateau d'Ancy-le-Franc with a private guided tour. An evening of fine wine, delicious food and great company awaits you.
This morning why not enjoy a walk or a cycle along the towpath; passing picturesque villages through which Elisabeth cruises on her way to our final destination of Ravieres.
This afternoon your tour is to the home of “Chocolat”, Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, where you will tour this stunning village and visit a friend of your hosts who owns and runs the local boulangerie and chocolaterie. Here you will learn to make some fabulous chocolates and other Burgundian delights, bringing the results of your day back to the barge for your very own “Great Elisabeth Baking Showdown”! (The Chef’s decision is final!!)
Tonight we celebrate your time aboard Elisabeth with the Gala Dinner.
After breakfast, sadly it's time to say goodbye - à la prochaine fois ! Your private transfer will drop you back to your prearranged departure point.
After being met at a pre-arranged meeting point and transferred to Elisabeth, you will enjoy a champagne welcome with your captain and crew. After a short evening cruise to Mailly la Ville and settling in to your guest rooms, you will enjoy your first dinner onboard introducing you to the wonderful local cuisine and wines of Burgundy.
The first day of your study in relaxation begins with a leisurely breakfast of your choice. After breakfast your excursions begin. The first is to Bazoches! The original castle was built in 1180. Following various changes of ownership in the next five centuries it was bought and extensively upgraged by Vauban, a military engineer who had the favour of Louis XIV in 1675. On our way back to Elisabeth we have the opportunity to do a tour and tasting at the Caves de Bailly – a producer of some fabulous fizz! Lunch will be served on our return to Elisabeth.
This afternoon, your first cruise will be a gentle glide along the Canal du Nivernais to Accolay. You can look forward to relaxing, reflecting on your experiences of the day and enjoying another fabulous dinner. After dinner, you can make the most of your unique and comfortable surroundings, taking in the sunset and wildlife, as everything else is looked after by your hosts.
This morning, you will discover the wonderful town of Vezélay. one of the must-see UNESCO listed sites found in Burgundy. The town is crowned by a 12th century basilica from where St.Bernard of Clairvaux delivered his rousing speech before the 2nd crusade of 1147. On your return, you will be served another delicious lunch. The afternoon is spent onboard relaxing during the cruise to Vincelles. Dinner on board.
This morning’s relaxing cruise is to Auxerre. After lunch on board, we tour the town of Auxerre. Formerly the capital of Lower Burgundy and strategically situated on the banks of the Yonne, your tour guide will tell the story of the city through its array of impressive buildings. Dinner this evening will be ashore. Your hosts will help with selection of the restaurant and, if necessary, chauffeur you there and back.
After breakfast, we will take you to one of the prettiest villages in France. Famous for its beautiful narrow streets, medieval buildings as well as its wonderful artisanal shops offering an array of locally made products, Noyers will not disappoint.
We return to Elisabeth for lunch and for our leisurely cruise to our next destination of Gurgy. Here we join in with local people ashore for a wine and cheese tasting (un apero ! ) before dinner on board.
Today's morning cruise takes us to Migennes. Following lunch on board our tour takes us to the caves of the Grottes d'Arcy-sur-Cure. Carved out of the limestone landscape by subterranean river systems this fascinating cavern features some of the oldest cave paintings in Europe. Another delicious dinner served on board.
After breakfast, we take a trip in to Champagne country! You will experience a private tour and tasting at two Champagne houses. Lunch will be ashore. On our return to Elisabeth we will cruise to Brienon sur Armançon followed by dinner on board.
After breakfast, you will have the chance to take in the sights, sounds and smells of a traditional French market with a visit the famous market in Chablis! Here you can watch artisans making some of the best boudin noir you will ever taste, marvel at the beautiful displays of fruits and vegetables, and taste local cheese and meats. Dare you try the local speciality of andouillette?! After this we will visit one of the most prestigious wine makers in Chablis to learn about and taste their wonderful wines. On your return to Elisabeth lunch will be served. This afternoon, our cruise continues to Saint Florentin.
This afternoon, your first cruise will be a gentle glide along the Canal du Nivernais to Accolay. You can look forward to relaxing, reflecting on your experiences of the day and enjoying another fabulous dinner. After dinner, you can make the most of your unique and comfortable surroundings, taking in the sunset and wildlife, as everything else is looked after by your hosts.
This morning, you will visit a local cheese maker; you will be walked through the whole process and be able to taste their delicious cheeses. Another fine lunch awaits you on Elisabeth. This afternoon we cruise to Flogney la Chapelle. Why not explore this lovely rural village before dinner on board?
Following another delicious breakfast on board we make our way to the Abbaye de Fontenay; the oldest preserved Cistercian abbey and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This morning, you will visit the town of Tonnerre. Step in the footsteps of the Romans, discover the secrets of the Chavalier d’Eon, explore the Hotel Dieu de Tonnerre and who was Marguerite de Bourgogne-Tonnerre? Once back on Elisabeth, you will be served another delicious lunch. The afternoon we cruise to Tanlay. Why not explore this lovely rural village before dinner on board?
Today we will tour the beautiful 16th Century chateau at Tanlay. A chateau that has remained in the same family since 1705. You will see the wonderful gallery painted in Trompe-l'œil as well as gaining an understanding of the history of the wars of religion in France whilst seeing a 16th Century fresco in the Tour de la Ligue. This afternoon’s cruise is to Lezinnes.
This morning we continue our cruise through the beautiful Burgundian countryside to our final destination of Ancy-le-Franc. After lunch you tour guide will take you to the Chateau d’Ancy le Franc – a short stroll away from our mooring. The chateau has one of the largest collections of Renaissance murals. Step in the footsteps of Louis XIV whilst exploring this beautiful jewel of Burgundy.
This evening we celebrate your time aboard Elisabeth with the Captain's Gala Dinner.
After breakfast, sadly it's time to say goodbye - à la prochaine fois ! Your private transfer will drop you back to your prearranged departure point.
Our food philosophy is to provide fresh, regional and seasonal food. We have been introduced to some incredible local producers in our search for the very best ingredients available in the region.
Our experienced chef creates a bespoke menu based on the availability of the freshest produce and your dietary requirements. You will be served a two course lunch and five course dinner every day during your stay.
A typical lunch;
A typical dinner;
We have specifically selected local wines to complement your food and are happy to provide other wines upon request. We also have a range of beers, spirits and soft drinks available on board. All of these drinks, as well as teas and coffees are included in your stay.
If you have any specific food or drink requirements or special requests please let us know in advance.
Should you wish to book your bespoke luxury cruise then please contact us to discuss your arrangements.
2023 Rate | 6 night charter |
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6 Passengers | USD 33,000 |
5 Passengers | USD 30,800 |
4 Passengers | USD 28,600 |
2024 Rate | 6 night charter |
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6 Passengers | USD 33,000 |
5 Passengers | USD 30,800 |
4 Passengers | USD 28,600 |
The full charter prices quoted above include;
We accept payments by credit card or by direct bank transfer. Please call on +33(0)6 01 42 95 68 or email us at info@hotelbargeelisabeth.com for more details.
The price does not include:
Cheeses and Dairy products – FROMAGERIE LES BONS GARÇONS, 4 Rue des Forges, 58800 Corbigny
Foie Gras and other Duck products - FOIE GRAS RABUAT ET FILS, 2 Rue de la Fontaine - Cidex 401 89144 Méré - https://www.foiegras-rabuat.fr/
Bakers -
Butcher and Charcutier – PICOCHE, 1 Grande rue Basse, 89430 Tanlay
Fresh and smoked trout - FERME AQUACOLE DE CRISENON, Lieu-Dit Crisenon, 89460 PREGILBERT