Skip to Main Content
A vibrant flower garden in France with colorful tulips and other blossoms under a green trellis.
whole ship icon
France

The Art & History of France: A Barge Voyage on the Yonne & Seine

Program No. 24422RJ
Participant Reviews
4.83
Based on 15 Reviews
SHOWING
Carolyn – Class of 2024 | Ann Arbor, MI
Fantastic trip! Excellent itinerary enhanced by a superb guide. Charming barge staffed by a wonderful crew and phenomenal chef.
— Review left November 9, 2025
Patricia – Class of 2025 | Winston Salem, NC
This is an amazing program and was greatly enhanced by our guide, Jennifer.
— Review left October 23, 2025
Linda – Class of 2022 | Saint Charles, MO
A fantastic program. Enjoyed everything about this barge trip. The trip leader is phenomenal. The crew on the barge are first class.
— Review left October 21, 2025
This participant did not give a star rating.
Joyce – Class of 2013 | Urbana, IL
Every aspect of this trip exceeded my expectations! Jen, our guide, perfectly "read" our group of 17 and provided an informative interpretation of topics and a collective friendliness for each in the group. She actually was a "hoot" - meant in a most complimentary way. Fellow participants were enthusiastic and friendly. Our small barge, the Deborah, and its crew were fantastic! Our chef took great pride in his specially prepared courses and meticulous presentations. The wines & cocktails truly enhanced the experience. Charter bus excursions varied in length, but were always comfortable and worth the experience. We were immersed into the Art & History of France in a most intimate manner, from experiencing artists' homes, studios, gardens, burial sites to grand villas and illustrious court settings. A most rewarding personal experience as a solo traveler!
— Review left May 19, 2025
Natalie – Class of 2016 | Sebastopol, CA
River cruise on a barge made me feel very much a part of France and its history.
— Review left May 3, 2025
Christopher – Class of 2022 | Miami Shores, FL
An amazing must-do program!
— Review left November 10, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Susan – Class of 2023 | Milwaukee, WI
Everything about this trip was enjoyable and enriching. Our tour guide, Aurore, was incredibly knowledgeable and provided relevant instruction, while always seeking to make all participants feel comfortable and included. The excursions were wonderful, providing insight to the history of the regions we visited. I found everything to be as good, or better, than explained in the trip materials. The time on the barge was very enjoyable. The staff was welcoming and helpful. We were always pleasantly greeted and I feel any concern I may have had would have been promptly addressed. The staff was always professional. They really fostered a friendly atmosphere and helped the group come together. I can’t imagine having better meals than we did. A delicious variety of lunches and dinners, with wine and cheese pairings. Chef Jonathan made each course a masterpiece, with desserts always being the crowning glory. Many local dishes. His sauces were 5*****. I really don’t think there’s anything I would change about this trip!!!
— Review left November 10, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Wayne – Class of 2016 | South Burlington, VT
Learned so much, while enjoying relaxing time aboard the delightful passenger barge, the Deborah. Thanks both to our remarkably knowledgeable and spirited guide, Jennifer Burdon, and a friendly group of fellow Road Scholar travelers. I'd be remiss if I did not mention the dedicated crew of the Deborah and the excellent food and wines served. When we booked the trip we were a little concerned about being in a small cabin. Yes, the cabins are small, but they are very efficiently designed with comfortable beds -- with room under the beds to store luggage, and enough shelf and hangar space to unpack our clothing. Look forward to taking another barge trip with Road Scholar!
— Review left September 24, 2024
Bruce – Class of 2019 | Ann Arbor, MI
Jennifer guided us through art history and geography with highlights being Renoir, Monet, Claudel, Van Gogh and the Barbizon School. Every day was an adventure full of fun, learning, beauty, food and drink. This trip captures the essence of what makes France great in both big and small ways.
— Review left September 20, 2024
Susan | Spartanburg, SC
Be prepared in the hotel to get into a tub 50% higher than our normal bathtubs, and use the Fossett and towel bar as grab bars. Also bring a little battery votive candle that you can turn on in the bath toilet. Hotel is beautifully situated has great food and all the amenities but it’s pegged to a younger generation, so be careful getting in and out of that slippery tub when you shower loved everything about this trip And highly recommend it
— Review left June 29, 2024
Barbara – Class of 2022 | Mattapoisett, MA
Try it YOU WILL LIKE IT
— Review left June 9, 2024
Joseph – Class of 2014 | Saint Louis, MO
This is an intimate voyage with a terrific staff and top notch service in a casual friendly atmosphere. It was like being at a friend’s house cruising the Yonne and Seine.
— Review left May 12, 2024
Janet – Class of 2016 | Lemitar, NM
An excellent experience to small French villages, real life experiences, and knowledgeable guides. Special care provided on an intimate barge through lovely countryside.
— Review left October 20, 2023
Paula – Class of 2019 | Satellite Beach, FL
Our recent Paris barge trip on board Deborah was a delight. This was a debut trip which did have a few snags, but I trust that you will iron these out. We loved our fellow guests, Jennifer & the barge crew.
— Review left May 7, 2023
Kathleen – Class of 2008 | Pottstown, PA
I loved this program and would certainly recommend it to others. Learned a lot and was greatly inspired to learn more and to paint!A very nice balance of activity and relaxation!
— Review left May 6, 2023