We tour the vineyards and town of Chablis, dating back to Roman times and enjoy a private wine tasting at a renowned winemaker such as the family-run Domaine Régnard, which makes the most of the region’s wonderful local terroir to produce high quality wines.
Chablis
On the banks of the River Serein, Chablis is a pretty little village. Called the “Golden Gate” of Burgundy, it is famous the world over for its white wines. Visitors enter through the turreted towers of the Porte Noël gateway, opening on to narrow stone streets and houses dating from the 14th to 16th century.
St-Martin’s collegiate church, started in 1160, was one of the first French churches of Gothic design. It is the miniature copy of the cathedral of Sens.
St-Martin was known as the patron saint of travelers. According to tradition, Joan of Arc nailed down one of her horse’s shoes to pay tribute to the famous saint whose relics had been kept in the city of Chablis. The hospice or Hôtel Dieu dates from the 12th century.
The Petit Pontigny is a set of buildings, surrounded by walls, that is the center of all festivities and ceremonies of Chablis and its famous vineyards. The cellar, dating from the 12th century, is now the only original building of what was once the property of the monks of Pontigny.
The St-Cosme priory was built in the 12th century by the monks of the Premontré order. It is said that Joan of Arc slept there, one night in February of 1429, on her way to Chinon.
Chablis Wine Region
Chablis produces the white wine of the same name, one of the most famous in France. The district grows no red grapes. Northernmost in the region of Burgundy, Chablis vineyards must be protected from frost by windmills, sprinkler systems and oil burners.
Chablis Wine
Chablis wine is often imitated, but the imitations rarely resemble the real thing. Grown on limestone, Chablis is a crisp, steely white with flinty mineral flavors. It is brisk, fruity, and very dry, with a refreshing acidity. There are four levels:
1. Grand Cru Chablis, the highest rating available, has been given to seven vineyards. These wines are rich and dry with a combination of butter, nuts and minerals.
2. Grands crus may be matured in oak. Premier Cru designation has been given to 30-odd vineyards in various towns around Chablis. They account for about one-quarter of production.
3. Chablis, without any other designation on the label, means a wine from any of the parishes in the Chablis district.
4. Petit Chablis is a light, less alcoholic wine made in the outlying parts of the district.
What is hotel barging?
Despite the growing popularity of cruising, especiallly on large river vessels, hotel barging is still a little known niche concept. Most hotel barges started life as cargo vessels but have since been painstakingly converted to offer luxury boutique accommodation for small groups of up to 20 passengers.
This is cruising, but in a very different style to ships plying the big rivers or oceans. The pace is slow, with a 6 day cruise covering maybe just 50 miles along a rural canal. Passengers can walk or bike the towpaths as their floating hotel glides gently along. Guests enjoy an intimate atmosphere, high levels of personal service and immersion into the culture, history and gastronomy of regions of Europe such as Burgundy, the Midi, or the Italian Veneto.
Every day there is an excursion, perhaps to a chateau, a vineyard for a wine tasting, or some other ‘off the beaten track’ location. About half of European Waterways’ bookings are for whole boat charters, ideal for families. Otherwise, clients book a cabin to join other like-minded people. A ‘slow boat’ European Waterways barge cruise offers the ultimate in experiential travel. A truly unique experience!
European Waterways offer luxury hotel barge cruises on the beautiful canals and rivers of Europe, such as through Burgundy, the Midi, Alsace, the Po Valley, Holland and the Scottish Highlands.
The exclusive collection of hotel barges accommodate up to 20 passengers who may charter a whole barge with family or friends, or join a small group of like-minded travellers on an individual cabin basis.
Each barge is fully crewed with a Captain, chef, hostesses, deck-hand and tour guide. The 6-night cruises include gourmet meals, fine wines, open bar, excursions and the use of facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.
http://www.europeanwaterways.com/
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