Fandango

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Fandango was built in 1939 specifically to the dimensions of the locks and low stone arch bridges of the Canal du Midi. Abandoned near Bordeaux in the 1970's when highways took over barge freight, owner Hazel Young convinced the Provencal cosmetics company L'Occitane to restore her as the historical flagship of the Canal and a glamorous floating showroom.

The lovely décor of Fandango has been featured in French home decorating magazines and on television. The sky lit salon replete with collectibles from 'la vieille France' is a welcoming space to curl up with a book or discuss the day's adventures. The Fandango has two cabins which can be made up with twin or king beds and one smaller cabin with a double bed for one or two guests.
 

Cruise Highlights: 

Sunday, Day 1
Dijon (Suggest Paris to Dijon on the afternoon TGV train)
The Fandango tour guide will be there on the platform to escort you to the barge.   A Champagne welcome provides the perfect moment to meet the crew and preview the week ahead to be sure to include your preferences.  After acquainting yourself with your cabins your evening dinner  will be the start of your gourmet journey. 

Monday, Day 2
Cruise to Fleurey-sur-Ouche
Your morning cruise takes the barge out of the town and introduces you to the peaceful green pastoral setting of the river Ouche valley. The famous cream colored Charolais cows graze in their pastures, wildflowers abound, a wonderful  feeling of relaxation takes over as you slowly enter our tranquil week of cruising.
After lunch on board, you may want to cycle on the towpath to gather a thirst for a wine tasting in the evening at the medieval vineyard château of Clos de Vougeot.

Tuesday, Day 3
Cruise to Gissey-sur-Ouche
This morning is a minivan visit to the colourful  ‘les halles’ covered market of Dijon.  The chef will take you on the rounds of the market stalls, selecting cheeses and fresh produce, making sure all the specialties you want to try during your week go into the baskets. Following which, after a coffee,  the tour guide will accompany you on a historic tour of Dijon, including the Ducal Palace, famous Grey Poupon mustard shop  and  a little time spared for any boutique shopping or the Galleries Lafayette.
Back to the barge for lunch, and a restful cruise to our evening mooring in Gissey, another quaint and typical village.

Wednesday, Day 4
Cruise to Pont d’Ouche
You will enjoy the diversity of each lock keeper’s handiwork this morning as we cruise a staircase of locks bordered by well tended flower beds and vegetable gardens. Walking and biking are on offer, or just reading on deck letting the scenery glide by.  Today, we shall take you to the exquisitely restored Abbaye of La Bussière for a Michelin star lunch.
The tranquillity of your afternoon cruise will complete the experience to  ‘savourer le moment’.

Thursday, Day 5
Cruise to the Ecluse Roche aux Fees  (or Fairy Rock Lock !)
Into the minivan with the tour guide this morning for an exciting day out to taste wine along the Route des Grands Crus.  To accompany the wine, a ‘cassecroute’ lunch  of regional specialties, jambon persillé,  saucisson with sun dried tomatoes,  pâtés with cornichons, plus a ‘plateau de fromage extraordinaire’ all devoured with crispy baguettes of course.
Back to the barge for a late afternoon cruise, watching the sun set over Fairy Rock Lock.

Friday, Day 6
Cruise to Escommes
You will admire the hilltop castle of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois over  a lengthy breakfast while cruising to Vandenesse port.  Later on in the morning,  this medieval castle will be brought  to life during  a historical tour with your barge guide. Antique shops and exquisite views await you,  walking the cobblestoned streets will work up an appetite for your  typical Burgundy ‘plat du jour’ lunch at the bistrot.  Siesta and cruise up the last flight of locks to the Escommes lake. An evening drive to the exquisite village of Flavigny,  (location of the film Chocolate), is a definite must before your last dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7
Departure for continuation of journey, after breakfast the tour guide will transfer you to Dijon train station.
 

Rates 2009:

Your cruise includes 6 nights accommodations in your own private twin or queen-bedded cabin with elegant en suite bath (King beds available on Fandango); all meals, including one meal at a local restaurant for either lunch or dinner; fine local wines from the Languedoc with meals; open bar; guided-chauffeured daily sightseeing; transfers to and from the barge in the cruising area; and use of barge amenities including bicycles and spa. (Alcoholic beverages not included with on-shore meal.)

Value Season Prices. All CHARTER prices are eligible for 5% off if booked during Value Season. The value season is not available for individual cabin bookings but only for whole-boat charters.

Note: All prices are in EUROS

Features:

Comfortable cabins with ensuite baths can be made up with twin or Queen beds. The Van Gogh cabin, pictured here, is one of the most spacious cabins on the Canal du Midi. All cabins on Tango can be made up with twin or queen beds.

One of the great attractions of Fandango and Tango are the hand made tiles throughout all the cabin's baths. Designed by Alain Vagh of Salernes, the baths are stunning to look at as well as functional.

Rates include:

• Six nights accommodation, double occupancy

• All meals included in price with 1 meal taken on shore at quality local restaurant* of the captain's choice. (*alcoholic beverages not included for on shore meal).

• Transfers to and from the barge from either the Beziers TGV train station, Montpellier airport, car rental agency or hotel. Please note that airport pickups are available for charter groups only. Please consult with us about the most convenient meeting and drop off points before finalizing your plans.

• Excursions and visits to historical sites, vineyards for wine tastings, markets, and restaurants, in our air conditioned minivans

• All wines, bar and refreshment drinks consumed aboard

• Use of on-board bicycles