French Gourmet with Justine Schofield | Cruising in Burgundy aboard Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque

During her recent exploration of French cuisine, Australian chef and television personality Justine Schofield embarked on a journey through Burgundy to uncover the secrets behind the region's exceptional food and wine.
Sailing along the Burgundy Canal aboard the luxurious La Belle Epoque, a 12-passenger hotel barge operated by European Waterways, Justine immersed herself in the local culture by indulging in the finest wines, cheeses, and traditional dishes that Burgundy has to offer. She also explored the rich history and stunning architecture of the region, including its impressive châteaux and medieval towns.
Watch the trailer to get a glimpse of the delectable delights that Justine discovered during her gourmet adventure in Burgundy...
La Belle Epoque
Justine Schofield’s French Gourmet was filmed in part on the hotel barge La Belle Epoque. Originally used to transport logs from Belgium to Paris, La Belle Epoque has been transformed into a luxurious 12-passenger barge for guests to enjoy a scenic cruise along the Burgundy Canal. The Classic Cruise itinerary offers similar highlights to Justine's culinary journey, with the option for tailor-made experiences on private whole-barge charters.
Today, La Belle Epoque is manned by a dedicated crew of six who ensure guests have an authentic Burgundian experience. From delicious regional dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients to exclusive excursions led by the onboard guide, guests are treated to a memorable voyage. The hosts on board strive to make guests feel at home by catering to their preferences and ensuring their cabins are fully equipped.
The barge features a spacious saloon with wood paneling, a sundeck with a dining table and spa pool, perfect for relaxing while enjoying the beautiful countryside. Guests can also explore the area on bicycles provided by the barge, with dedicated bike maps highlighting scenic routes along the towpath or further afield.
What is Hotel Barging?
Despite the growing popularity of cruising, especially 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.
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