Join us on a splendid trip to France. Travel with us to France and experience the beauty and pleasure of cruising along a canal on a barge. The pace is calm, the opportunities are numerous and the flexibility of various activities is up to you.
This is truly a magnificent way to explore France. The barge is your home, so no unpacking and re-packing is necessary. You travel at a peaceful pace avoiding the congestion of traffic and the nuisance of exhaust fumes and traffic lights...and yet you get to see and experience fabulous places.
There are dozens of barge cruises available...below is just one example. Call us, tell us what part of France you would like to experience and we'll respond with a barge cruise that fits your dreams...
Cruising the Magical Canals of Burgundy
"Yoga, Wellness & Rejuvenation"
Join us for an intimate journey in the exploration of the magical canals of Burgundy, France, as we gently drift along in a beautiful passenger barge. This canal cruise is a fantastic opportunity to experience the inspiring French countryside from the unique perspective of a canal boat. What makes this canal adventure even more intriguing is that we offer yoga, chanting, meditations, and other ceremonies during the entire journey. The intention of this experience is to allow you to enjoy this charming setting while expanding your personal growth.
You will also have your own bicycle so you may investigate the treasures in the charming villages along the way and you may nurture yourself through the delectable food which will be served. So that we may tend to each individual in a caring and thoughtful way, this journey is limited to a maximum of nine passengers.
The Heart of the Journey
This excursion has been created for people who love to try something different...people who like to explore the world around them in unique ways, and people who wish to explore their inner being. We have combined the opportunity of floating in a barge on a canal through a splendidly scenic country, with activities designed to nurture and empower you.
The offerings include meditation in the mornings and some evenings, yoga sessions spread throughout the trip, chanting, dance and movement, and various ceremonies intended to deepen your inner connectedness. A cooking class on West Indian cuisine will be offered, and you may go bicycling and walking through many of the villages which we will visit along the canal route.
Your Home for the Week
You will be comfortably living on the passenger barge "Au fil de l'eau", or a similar barge, depending on the size of the group. She is a shortened version of a French "Freycinet" barge that was trading in 1956. She is now 30 meters long and her size is 5 meters. She was decorated and rebuilt entirely during 2004/5 by Jacques and Sophie. The barge has been restored in a modern and light style interior.
The main salon offers many panoramic windows and finishes are done in beach wood. From the salon, you have direct access onto the inviting sundeck. From here you can view the Burgundy countryside drifting past while you soak up its captivating beauty.
For your comfort on board the "Au fil de l'eau"
Four cabins with a single bunk berth above and a double berth below, an en suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. Each cabin is designed to accommodate either two or three guests.
A comfortable living-room with stereo, library, piano, corner hutch, tables and chairs. A fully equipped kitchen where you have four small fridges, a dishwasher, a four burner cooker with an electric oven, a coffee machine, a microwave oven and food storage space. There is also a deepfreezer. All the plates, dishes, glasses, kitchenware and cutlery are at your disposal.
A large terrace with deckchairs and barbecue is available to all guests. Bicycles are conveniently placed on board so you may venture out into the country side whenever you hear the calling.
An Overview of the Journey
On day One, we rendezvous at the charming Phillipe le Bon hotel in Dijon where you will stay for the first night. The Hotel Philippe Le Bon in Dijon is located in the historic centre of the town and dates back to the fifteenth century, arranged around a gothic courtyard and surrounded by gardens.
Your welcome evening meal will be served next door at the restaurant, Les Oenophiles, accessible from the garden courtyard; it occupies a 15th century wood-paneled dining room and features Louis XII chairs and oriental carpets. The hotel is just 800 meters from the main market square and the shopping area, as well as the Musee Magin and Musee des Beaux Arts... enjoy the surroundings, you can easily explore Dijon on foot. The hotel and meal are included in the price of the trip.
The following day you will be escorted to a train that will take you to your barge. Once you make yourself at home, you may explore the town of Chalon Sur Saone by bicycle or on foot or you may choose to relax on the barge until dinner. The barge leaves Chalon the next morning around 9 am to begin its voyage.
The Days on Canal du Centre
As you awaken, each day will unfold with a variety of choices of activities. Meditations will be offered daily, yoga will be available several days as well as evening chanting and drumming sessions and other ceremonies and activities designed to empower you.
The route will take us from Chalon sur Saone to Montceau Les Mines. (There may be a possibility that the route will be reversed depending on where the barge is the week before...either way the journey is the same and we will get you where you need to be) We will be passing and stopping at several villages including: Fragnes, Chagny, Chelly Les Maranges, St Leger sur Dheune, Ecuisses, and other interesting villages. The barge will be traveling at a gentle pace for four hours or so a day, so you will have several options of walking or bicycling through the countryside and villages along the way. (If you wish to learn more about some of the towns and villages we will be visiting, scroll down to the section "Towns and Villages" at the end of this page)
On the last day you complete your journey and disembark a little before noon. We can help you make the arrangements to either return to your home or if you wish to stay in France or visit other countries in Europe, we will be happy to assist you with those arrangements.
Your Hosts
Franco Mariniand Kay LatchmanSinghare your hosts for this journey. They have been creating unique and powerful travel opportunities for people who wish to explore stimulating, memorable areas of the world while discovering the luminous beauty within themselves.
Franco is a ceremonialist, a drum maker and a teacher. He is dedicated to supporting people in creating possibilities in their life that bring forth joy, satisfaction and magic. Kay has been immersed in the traditions of yoga since her birth and is excited to share her knowledge and insights to support others in their personal growth.This event is being sponsored by Global Journeys, an organization dedicated to creating possibilities for individuals to experience magnificence in their life. This journey is created with a vision of global acceptance and understanding, and offers a wonderful opportunity for all involved to celebrate their uniqueness and connectedness. Franco and Kay are the owners/directors of Global Journeys, and have been traveling to various places for over 20 years. They are committed to providing impeccable service and are dedicated to creating powerful, satisfying and joyful opportunities for each participant on this trip. Franco, Kay, and local guides will accompany you on every step of your journey to assure your satisfaction.
Cost, Accommodations, Dates, Terms & Conditions
Cost:The cost for the "Cruising the Magical Waters in Burgundy" journey is as follows:
Three people sharing a cabin on the barge - $3,200 per person (U.S. dollars)
Two people sharing a cabin on the barge - $3,850 per person (U.S.dollars)
A single person in a cabin on the barge - $5,200 (U.S. dollars)
Included in the cost are:
The first night stay at the hotel in Dijon and the welcome dinner
Transportation to the barge
Accommodations on the barge and all breakfasts and dinners including wine at dinner
One bicycle per guest
All activities and workshops on the barge
Guests are responsible for:
Airfare and travel to the hotel in Dijon and return transportation.
Lunches and additional beverages
Tips and extra excursions
Accommodations: The first night in Dijon will be at the Phillippe Hotel. The remainder of the lodging will be aboard the barge in one of the four cabins.
Airfare & Transportation Support:If you would like assistance with booking an air fare, or arriving to/from Dijon , call Global Journeys @ 516 343 3210 and we will assist you in any way we can.
Dates:Cruising the Magical Waters in Burgundy- Contact Us for Dates Deposits and Payments:A $500 deposit will hold your place. Half of the remaining balance is due 60 days prior to departure, and the final balance is due 45 days prior to departure. Please note: If paying by credit card, a one time processing fee of $50.00 will be charged to the credit card.
Cancellations and Refunds:
A $300 per person cancellation fee will be assessed for cancellations received 60 days or more prior to departure.
A 50% cancellation fee will be assessed for cancellations received between 45 - 59 days prior to departure.
A 100% cancellation fee will be assessed for cancellations received 44 or fewer days prior to departure.
Travel Package:Upon registration you will be mailed a travel package including information on: a suggested packing list, baggage allowance, credit cards, customs, passport information and other details.
Travel Insurance:We suggest that you purchase travel insurance in case you need to cancel due to illness or other emergencies. If you choose to purchase travel insurance, you must do so on your own. We have been recommending Travel Guard International at 800 826-1300, and have received positive feedback.
Registration for this Journey
You may register for this trip by using your credit card and calling516 343-3210 or you may go below and fill out the Registration form. You may also make a check out to
Dijon began as a Roman settlement called Castrum Divionense, located on the road from Lyon to Mainz. Saint Benignus (Saint Bénigne), the city's patron saint, is said to have introduced Christianity to the area before being martyred. This province was home to the Dukes of Burgundy from the early 11th century until the late 1400's and Burgundy was a place of tremendous wealth and power and one of the great European centers of art, learning and science.
The town center is one of the best-preserved in France: over half of the buildings are over 200 years old. There are a surprisingly large number of splendid churches and cathedrals there, including St. Benigne, Nortre-Dame, St. Etienne, and St. Michel. It is noteworthy that the crypt of Cathédrale Saint-Bégnine dates from 1000 years ago, and the city has retained many architectural charms from many of the main periods from the past millenium - Gothic, Renaissance, Capetian... even many of the still-inhabited houses in the city's central district date from before the 18th century.
Dijon was spared the destruction of various wars such as the 1870 Franco-Prussian War, despite the fact that the Prussian army invaded the city. Therefore, many of the wonderful old buildings such as the half-timbered houses dating from the 12th to the 15th century (found mainly in the city's core district), are undamaged at least by organized violence.
There are many fine museums in the city, not the least of which is one dedicated to - yes, mustard!! Another is the Musée des Beaux Arts in the old part of the Ducal Palace (see below). It contains some fine sculptures, ducal kitchens that date back to the mid-1400’s, and a collection of European paintings from the early Renaissance to the Impressionistic periods.
Among the more interesting of Dijon's "must see" localities is the Ducal Palace (i.e. the "Palais des Ducs et des Etats de Bourgogne"), which is one of only a few remaining examples of the Capetian period in the region.(If you like climbing steps and/or great views, make your way to the top of the "Tour de Philippe le Bon", where will have one of the most impressive views of Dijon.) Another is a curious carving of an owl, on the church of Notre Dame on the rue de la Préfecture. It is reported that this has become regarded as a good-luck charm: people touch it with their left hand and make a wish.
To top it all off, as detailed in subsequent sections of this entry, there are a plethera of well-regarded eating and shopping localities for those who wish to enjoy their visit to Dijon in high style. For more information and photos click on ...
The town center is one of the best-preserved in France: over half of the buildings are over 200 years old. There are a surprisingly large number of splendid churches and cathedrals there, including St. Benigne, Nortre-Dame, St. Etienne, and St. Michel. It is noteworthy that the crypt of Cathédrale Saint-Bégnine dates from 1000 years ago, and the city has retained many architectural charms from many of the main periods from the past millenium - Gothic, Renaissance, Capetian... even many of the still-inhabited houses in the city's central district date from before the 18th century.
Dijon was spared the destruction of various wars such as the 1870 Franco-Prussian War, despite the fact that the Prussian army invaded the city. Therefore, many of the wonderful old buildings such as the half-timbered houses dating from the 12th to the 15th century (found mainly in the city's core district), are undamaged at least by organized violence.
There are many fine museums in the city, not the least of which is one dedicated to - yes, mustard!! Another is the Musée des Beaux Arts in the old part of the Ducal Palace (see below). It contains some fine sculptures, ducal kitchens that date back to the mid-1400’s, and a collection of European paintings from the early Renaissance to the Impressionistic periods.
Among the more interesting of Dijon's "must see" localities is the Ducal Palace (i.e. the "Palais des Ducs et des Etats de Bourgogne"), which is one of only a few remaining examples of the Capetian period in the region.(If you like climbing steps and/or great views, make your way to the top of the "Tour de Philippe le Bon", where will have one of the most impressive views of Dijon.) Another is a curious carving of an owl, on the church of Notre Dame on the rue de la Préfecture. It is reported that this has become regarded as a good-luck charm: people touch it with their left hand and make a wish.
To top it all off, as detailed in subsequent sections of this entry, there are a plethera of well-regarded eating and shopping localities for those who wish to enjoy their visit to Dijon in high style. For more information and photos click on ...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dijon
Chalon sur Saone
Situated close to the main axes of communication and holiday routes, to the vineyards of the Côte Chalonnaise, to Romanesque churches, to châteaux and other historic monuments, Chalon-sur-Saône is the ideal destination for the gourmet, the wine-lover and those interested in art and heritage.
Its flourishing economy, which has always been favourable to commerce development, makes Chalon the first trading shop window of south Burgundy.
The town, in a strong position because of its popularity, often welcomed famous people who were born or who came here : Nicéphore Niepce, who invented photography ; Vivant Denon, an artist and a diplomat responsible for the organization ot the Louvre and other France’s museums in Napoleon’s times ; Emiland Gauthey, a civil engineer in the 18th century. The “Cote chalonnaise” region, classified in « appellation contrôlée », is provided with rich vineyards, and their chardonnay and black pinot vines give wines -in Mercurey, Givry, Rully or Montagny- their taste so highly appreciated by specialists.
Chalon is a culturally important town and is classified as a town of Art and History, for it has many touristic places : Museums Denon and Niepce (which contains over two millions pictures and the very first created camera) ; the “Espace des Arts” (an entertainment and creation place) ; the “Abattoir” (one of the 6 national centres for Street shows production) ; the Conservatoire of Music and Dance ; Saint Vincent Cathedral ; the Exhibition Hall , and let us not forget Strasbourg Street, where all gastronomes go.
Another monument is the Carnival. For almost a century, it has been one of the most famous carnivals in France. It is mainly distinguished by the “gôniots” -characters which were created in Chalon, the kings of horrible disguise and of burlesque- and also by its fun fair which welcomes the most important and innovating entertainments. Every year, over 10,000 visitors attend this real institution.
But the town is mostly famous for its cultural event “Chalon dans la Rue” which has gathered each year in July since 1986 many artists of street theatre, ready to show the richness of their creativity and of their talent, for the profit of Chalon’s public and visitors. It is one of the most important street show festivals organized in France, and gets unanimous recognition from all over France and even Europe.
Chalon is also a very sports-minded town, with nearly 15,000 permit-holders and about 100 clubs, accomodated in structures such as the Colisée, the town’s sports centre. Organisms internationally renowned blossom, such as Chalon’s water-sports club which is the first French amateur swimming club and has nearly 1,200 permit-holders ; the basketball club (l’Elan) which was created in 1970 and has distinguished itself in the professional category since 1994, reaching the best French and European levels ; or the RCC, the rugby club which is linked to the National League.
The town also does particularly well in the field of environment. In 2002, Chalon was chosen as a pilot town to become involved in the PRIVILEGE programme (towns initiative programme for greenhouse gases reduction), signed with ADEME and the European Union. Moreover, Chalon is greatly involved in cycle paths and in green spaces.
St Leger sur Dheune
St. Leger is one of the docking spots along the canal.On the way to it you can admire the different types of typical Burgundian architecture for which this town is renowned. You might also want to add a gourmet touch to your stores, by visiting Péché Sucré and buying some of the marvellous homemade jams, made with fruit and wine, the chutneys and the spiced bread. There is also a selection of regional products from other artisans to choose from. The building is also worth a look as it used to be the Perrusson tile works and the facade and ceilings are tiled in ceramics. St Léger’s church is also worth a visit, as it is unusual in having features from four different epochs, including a 15th century bell tower, a 16th century choeur and an 18th century nave.
Chagny
Located in the middle of the great vintages, the city will allure you by its multiple facets.
With the turning of its streets, you will discover a rich and varied cultural inheritance. Considered gastronomical stage, Chagny, town of water and greenery, are also a natural theatre which invites to the relaxation on the Green lane, along the channel of the center, on the many hikes, between vineyards and hills in the middle of the forest.
Proud of its history and its inheritance, Chagny is today a daring city which turns resolutely to the future and the others. For a few years its center has changed and the districts are modernized to improve the “well-food” of its inhabitants; it becomes thus gravitational, more tempting and more accessible for newcomers.
Chagny is also a cultural reference by the richness and the diversity of its cultural events of great quality.
Registration for this Journey
You may register or get more information about this trip by calling516 343-3210. For Payment you may use your credit card, you may e-mail us at info@globalj.org,or you may go below and fill out the Registration form. You may also make a check out to"Global Journeys" and mail to:
Global Journeys 292 West Windsor Parkway
Oceanside, NY11572, USA
Global Journeys Inc. 516 906-2133 www.globalj.org info@globalj.org
