To win a fabulous cruise for two on the luxury barge La Belle Epoque, cruising the Nivernais canal in Burgundy, all you had to do was...

Answer a few simple questions and tell us why a La Belle Epoque Burgundy cruise would be a once in a lifetime vacation.

Answer all questions correctly, write the best description and you could win a free cruise for two people in Burgundy France, to be taken during 2004.

We have two cruises to give away, and the we announce the lucky winners below..


First of all, thanks to everyone who entered. We hope you had fun learning about La Belle Epoque and thinking about your answers. The quality of the entries was of a very high standard - especially the reasons why a La Belle Epoque cruise would be the holiday of a lifetime, so much thought and so many good answers...it was hard to pick the winners.

So, we had to pick out some individual entries for special praise and then choose the two winners. The entries below all win something - if you have not won a cruise, then we offer the folks featured below a 10% discount on La Belle Epoque cruise in May, June, July or August 2004 on available departure dates, for up to 4 people as long as they cruise on the same departure date, subject to availability - please contact us here to discuss avaliable dates

Entry 1:

" Viewing the exquisite slideshow of La Belle Epoque (et La Belle France aussi), I fought back tears. The longing to become part of the sensory delight and peaceful beauty of the experience became almost overwhelming. I could almost touch the water and landscape, and nearly taste the glorious food and divine wine on this charming and pampering visit to the most wonderful place on the earth, France. Thank you for the dream."

Leora Brodnick, Toluca Lake, California, USA - wins a 10% discount offer

Entry 2:

" A trip that is a million miles from ordinary! Treat yourself to the La Belle Epoque barge cruise experience, as you travel in true luxury through Burgundy, France. You will have the opportunity to sample the culture, artwork and cuisine this fascinating region has to offer. On board, the superbly trained staff provides unparalled attention to travelers' needs, so that you have a truly enjoyable vacation. Why not experience this magical journey today? Heaven on earth has been discovered!

Rhonda Kremer, Linn, Missouri, USA - wins a 10% discount offer

Entry 3:

" At a time when the world seems rife with discord and dissonance, the opportunity that such a cruise provides is to share the beauty of the land, the people and the bounty of the earth. To listen to the sounds and reflect. To savour the richness that has endured through time. It offers a unique chance to bring people together to share what is essential in human endeavors. It is not a solipsistic adventure, but rather a communing of kindred spirits that celebrate the land. We''d look forward to such an homage and celebration of an epoch that is timeless. "

Bradley Sevin, Narbeth, Pennsylvania, USA - wins the runner up prize - a luxury cruise for two..! to be taken in May, September or October, 2004,
dates to be agreed with GoBarging by end of end April 2004 latest, subject to availability.

Entry 4:

" This is how France should be seen, at a stroll, savored like a glass of fine wine. I would love to trade the car and autoroutes for a leisurely cruise on the meandering waterways. The mist on the water, an old stone bridge…another glass of wine, please! "

Ronald Graham, Lambsborn, Rheinland Pfalz, Germany - wins a 10% discount offer

Entry 5:

" The food, the wine, the friends made, the exquisite French countryside that I have always imagined and would love to experience in the leasurely, relaxed atmosphere of a luxurious touring barge...to have the sun on my face and the quite wind in my hair on a morning balloon ride across a glorious vineyard...What a way to go! "

Shelley Buhl, Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, USA - wins a 10% discount offer

Entry 6:

" La Belle Epoque, the Flagship of the Go Barging fleet, this and the location, would make it a superlative treat.
Balloons in the air, the Cathedral at Auxerre, a visit to St Bris, and tasting Foie Gras with Chablis.
Exquisite fare prepared by a crew who care, cruising gently past sunlit vines – what a find! "

Liz Brown, Ringwood, Hants, United Kingdom - wins a 10% discount offer

Entry 7: The Winner - we liked this one, it had a certain "Je ne sais quois..."

La Belle Epoque - La barge magnifique!
Le Canal Nivernais - Allez voyager!
Les villes sont belles - Auxerre, Vincelles Vézelay, Clamecy Mailly, Lucy!
Chateaux d'histoire - Beauté
Routes à bicyclette - Liberté
La cuisine, le vin - Egalité
La cameraderie - Fraternité
La Belle Epoque - La barge magnifique!
Le Canal Nivernais - Allez voyager!

Les Furnanz, Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA - wins a cruise for two on La Belle Epoque in Burgundy to be taken on any available date in 2004, dates agreed with GoBarging by end of end April 2004 latest, subject to availability

Magnifque Les..!, and well done to everyone else....


If this has got you all thinking, then why not enter April's competition