Trip Report Burgundy barge Part 2
May 29th, 2006, 05:36 PM
#1
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Trip Report Burgundy barge Part 2
Besides the bucolic scenery and superb food, I really enjoyed the daily excursions. Our captain, Michael, a Scot by birth, has lived in Burgundy for fifteen years and his enthusiasm for the region and its history was infectious.
Each day we tied up along the canal and Michael drove us by minibus to our touring place. The first day we visited the chateau of Bazoches, set amidst rolling countryside. Michael's knowledge of its most famous owner, the Marquis de Vauban, was simply remarkable; his explanations about each room made the man and his times come alive for me.
My favorite town was Auxerre with its charming half timbered houses, a bustling atmosphere and good shopping. I also enjoyed the medival town of Clamecy by the River Yonne, lovely Vezelay and sweet Vermenton.
On our wine tasting tour in Chablis Michael took us up into the vineyards to understand something of the soil, climate and geology that contribute to the distinctive characteristics of the Chardonnays from Chablis.
I realize that in detailing a dinner menu in my first post I left out an important point. Each evening there was a cheese course that featured 5 or 6 sensational cheeses (28 in all) that compared favorably with cheese carts at Michelin starred restaurants.
So we loved the barge experience. Yes, it appealed to the overworked city slicker; the rest of the trip spoke to other dimensions. And I'm ready to think about barging in Alsace or the Canal du Midi in Provence!
Each day we tied up along the canal and Michael drove us by minibus to our touring place. The first day we visited the chateau of Bazoches, set amidst rolling countryside. Michael's knowledge of its most famous owner, the Marquis de Vauban, was simply remarkable; his explanations about each room made the man and his times come alive for me.
My favorite town was Auxerre with its charming half timbered houses, a bustling atmosphere and good shopping. I also enjoyed the medival town of Clamecy by the River Yonne, lovely Vezelay and sweet Vermenton.
On our wine tasting tour in Chablis Michael took us up into the vineyards to understand something of the soil, climate and geology that contribute to the distinctive characteristics of the Chardonnays from Chablis.
I realize that in detailing a dinner menu in my first post I left out an important point. Each evening there was a cheese course that featured 5 or 6 sensational cheeses (28 in all) that compared favorably with cheese carts at Michelin starred restaurants.
So we loved the barge experience. Yes, it appealed to the overworked city slicker; the rest of the trip spoke to other dimensions. And I'm ready to think about barging in Alsace or the Canal du Midi in Provence!
May 30th, 2006, 01:28 AM
#3
Dear Robbietravels, missed the first part of your posting. Who was your trip with? - I am quite interested as considering this sort of thing for a "big birthday" trip later this year. It sounds great and just the thing for a grown-up holiday. Thanks for sharing.
