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: 

* Sample Itinerary to be reversed on alternative weeks

Sunday – Meeting point Dijon 4:00 PM
The Fandango tour guide will either be on the platform to meet your train or pick you up at your Dijon hotel to escort you to the barge by mini-van. A champagne welcome provides the perfect moment to meet the rest of the crew and preview the week ahead. After acquainting yourself with your cabin, your evening meal will be the start of your gourmet journey.

Monday – Cruise to Gissey sur Ouche
While you enjoy your first delicious breakfast of warm croissants and crispy baguettes from the canal-side village 'boulangerie,' the barge is readied for departure. Your morning cruise introduces you to the peaceful green pastoral setting of the river Ouche Valley where you will spend your week relaxing into the slow pace of the barge's progress at walking speed. You may get on and off at the locks to walk or bike ride if you feel you want to exercise.
At lunchtime we shall moor up at the most charming flower bedecked village of St. Marie sur Ouche. The first day usually feels fine not to leave the barge and enjoy more afternoon cruising to the evening mooring, and dinner on board.

Tuesday – Cruise to La Bussiere
It's market day in Dijon and perfect for stocking up with all the wonderful produce, cheeses and meats that make Burgundy the great destination for traditional French cuisine. Any thing that catches your eye can be added to the shopping basket, as the chef makes the rounds of the 'les halles' covered market. A stop at the marvelous Maille mustard shop mustn't be missed. A historic tour will be included, and time is given to exploring the ancient streets of this busy town full of smart boutiques and even boasting a Galeries Lafayette.

A feast of market spoils will be laid out back at the barge for lunch, followed by a restful afternoon cruise. The evening mooring in La Bussiere is one of the most beautiful as it overlooks horses grazing in the paddocks of a riding stable. Riding can be arranged if desired. Dinner on board.

Wednesday- Cruise to Veuvey sur Ouche
Time for an up close look at the vineyards with a mini-van visit through the  great 'grand cru' wine area of Burgundy. A guided tour of Clos de Vougeot is followed by a wine tasting at Nuits St. Georges, suppliers of the barge's favorite reds; Vosne Romanee and Cote de Nuits St. Georges.  This will build up a serious appetite for the Michelin star lunch at the Abbey de la Bussiere. The magnificent setting of this restored Abbey within its
private park including a lake, invites a walk after lunch. Then, a well earned siesta cruise to Veuvey sur Ouche, a village worth a stroll before a light dinner on board.

Thursday- Cruise to Pont d'Ouche
A morning cruise taking in the cream colored cows grazing in their pastures, more attractive lock houses decorated with beautifully tended gardens full of flowers, and the rhythm of cruising is well installed.  But after lunch on board, one of the most exciting mini-van tours beckons, to Beaune. The scenic drive through the woods to this favorite Burgundy wine capital town is lovely. Beaune is unspoiled, the perfect French town from a bygone era. Pretty shops along cobblestone streets surround the famous Hospice you will visit. There are more wine tasting opportunities at cellars who will ship to your home.  Another delicious dinner will be waiting for tired travelers at their cozy barge.

Friday- Cruise to Vandenesse
The captain will be warming the engine while coffees are being enjoyed as it's another full day ahead, chateaux viewing. After a couple of hours cruising, the barge will be moored up to enable the mini-van tour of the local chateaux of Commarin, Chateauneuf en Auxois, and on to visit Flavigny, of Chocolate film fame. At 'Le Grange,' local farmer's wives lay out a delicious array of quiches which go down well with an ice cold Auxois white wine. After succulent fruit tarts and coffee, we're on our way back to the barge, taking in two more moated castles en route. During a late afternoon cruise to our final mooring, you'll savour, for the last time, the wonderful smells from the galley as the chef prepares your festive Farewell Dinner.

Saturday – Departure for continuation of journey
After breakfast the tour guide will transfer you to a Dijon train station, car rental agency or local hotel.

Rates 2010:

Your cruise includes 6 nights accommodations in your own private twin or queen-bedded cabin with elegant en suite bath (King beds available); 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.)

Note: All prices are in EUROS

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

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.