Happy New Year to all the slow travellers of the world!

News from the riverboat, the Randle – Winter 2019

The river is normally a tranquil sleepy snake that winds its way through the Yonne valley.  However, in the winter it can be a little restive, and last winter was no exception. A great winter storm filled the banks with so much water that the captain needed wellies in order the collect the daily bread, and trees ripped from the shores floated down with the torrent.

This can be a regular seasonal event; however, a well-engineered system of dams and sluices moderates the flow and prevents serious flooding. Some the dams are over 200 years old and involve a system of wooden needles that are manually adjusted to maintain levels and moderate the flow. First installed on the Nivernais in the 19th century because of its unique combination of river and canal, the needle dam system was eventually used throughout France. Needle Barrages, as they are called, are a feature of the Nivernais Canal and very much part of its watery charm.

Collette, a stunning new film

A stunning new film has just been released, based on the life of Colette, author of Gigi, mentor of Audrey Hepburn, and a daughter of Burgundy. Visit Colette’s home village and museum dedicated to her life, cruise through the beautiful countryside, visit vineyards, chateaus, and castles, enjoy fine wine and fine dining, live the life of the “belle époque” aboard the Randle, a dream of Burgundy!

Just to lift mood with those in the northern winter, here’s a dreamy video of last summer by our local tourist office featuring many of the places we visit on our riverboat tours.. now dreaming of summer 2019 !

“Rêver… je ne plus attendre rêver, pourtant, j’adore rêver…”

Dream .. I cannot wait to dream again, why, I love to dream …

Visit our New Website!

www.edgecharter.com

Welcome to our bright new website with abundant information about cruising the inland waterways of Burgundy. Build your very own perfect cruise with many custom options using our Cruise Builder.

Contact us with your own ideas. Come for the perfect cruise vacation aboard the Randle!

Wishing everybody a very happy and prosperous 2019!

Tim Harrold is owner and captain of the Randle, a beautiful and classically styled river boat fitted with two en-suite cabins and all the modern facilities to travel in comfort. Tim offers private barge tours on the picturesque Burgundy Canal du Nivernais and river Yonne. A luxury cruise with Tim and his crew includes gourmet cuisine, fine wine, and guided tours by private car to vineyards and chateaux. Learn more about Edge Charter and barge trips on the Randle along Burgundy's canals and rivers here. Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.