Hotel Wilson in Dijon
The railway station
The Who Knows
Questions and answers about the charter cruises
In this section we try to answer all the questions you may have about your cruise. You may have a question in which the answer is not here and of course you can contact me at anytime to ask anything you need to about the cruise.
How much Luggage should I bring with me?
For many of you the barge trip may be part of a larger European trip, it is important to know that even most european hotels have relativly small rooms and many of the airports and stations require you to drag bags all over the place. With this in mind we recommend one large suite case and a carry on per person. The barge has an office we can and do store your bags in it for the week.
What Should I Bring with me
This will depend somewhat on the season you are travelling, however a basic out line for the week aboard the barge is casual clothes for the day to day trip aboard and visits and one or two smart sets for lunches or dinners. Even the most exclusive restaurants no longer require a tie however if you are planning to dine in a three star Micheline restaurant then a jacket for the gentelmen is recomended. Bring a pullover and a rain jacket, as we all know the weather these days is all cockeyed, the barge has central heating and airconditioning so you will be comfortable whilst aboard but whilst out and about they may be needed.
What footwear should I wear?
Running shoes are the best shoes for a barge holiday as they are comfortable for walking, cycling, sitting on the deck and doing the visits in. A pair of smart shoes are recommended for the smarter restsaurants.
Where can we stay before and After the trip?
France is one of the most visited countries on the planet and because of this certain areas like Paris can become absolutly packed with Tourists. I Would recommend Paris to anyone who has never seen it before it is as magicle and romantic as you imagine, I shall not recomend any hotels as I have done so in the past and this has bitten me, I will say this even the lower class of hotel will cost a lot so use trip advisor on the web and pick carefully.
If you would prefer to get away from the hustle and bustle I recommend coming down to Dijon a few days before the trip. Dijon is a small University Town with a wonderfull mediaeval city centre, art gallery, Ducal Palace, Impresive morning market on saturdays, fine restaurants and hotels some of whom I recommend below. The tourist office will help you with all visits in and around Dijon, but please be careful not to do visits that we shall do later on in the week, please see our itinery.
How should we travel around?
France is blessed with space and because of this it has a wonderful train system, probably the best in the world. The road system through France is also very good. if you are just making the one journey from Paris to Dijon and return then I highly reccommend the high speed train (TGV) it takes one and a half hour and is a real experiense in itself. tickets only become available three months before departure and it is often worth checking the difference between first and second class as it can be as little as 1 euro difference. Train to Dijon leave Paris on a regular basis from Gare de Lyon.
Many people try to go direct from the international airport Charles de Gaule to Dijon and it is possible however the trains are at very sporadic times and so my advise is to get into the centre of Paris as there is normaly a train once an hour from Gare de Lyon.
To get from the airport to the train station in paris there are several ways, train, rer, taxi and bus The train leaves from the airports train terminal as does the RER which is the french version of a tram system and maps will show you that it goes all over the city. the RER stops at all stations so it takes an hour and a half. Taxis are reliable (make sure it has a taxi sign on the roof) but can be expensive and with bags and 4 or more in the group you will need two taxis. The bus is a great option and goes from all terminals direct to Gare de Lyon and takes 45 minutes it costs around 20euros per person.
Hiring a car is sensible if you are going to a rural part of the country as it really lets you explore hidden France at its best. There are rental firms at Dijon Train station for both drop off and pickup with most of the major companies represented.
Where can i stay in Dijon?
I can recommend a few hotels in Dijon for you. Please find their telephone numbers and web addresses below.
City centre hotels
- Hotel Chapeau Rouge: (4 star) excellent position from station and to the centre of town, good restaurant. Tel (33) 03 80 50 88 88. Internet www.chapeau-rouge.fr
- Hotel Phillip Le Bon: (3 Star) hidden in the old town good but expensive restaurant called Les Oenephile. Tel (33) 03 80 30 73 52. internet www.hotelphilliplebon.com
- Hotel Wilson: (3 star) 17th century postal relaise on Wilson square. Tel (33) 03 80 66 82 50. Internet www.wilson-hotel.com
Hotels close to the station
- Campanile (2 star chain) opposite the station. Tel (33) 03 80 43 40 01. internet www.campanile-dijon-centre.com
- Ibis (2 star chain) next to station. Tel (33) 03 80 43 01 12. internet www.hotel-ibisarquebuse-dijon.com
- Kyriad Dijon Gare (2 Star chain) tel (33) 03 80 53 10 10. internet www.kyriaddijon.com
Life on-board
Will there be a hairdryer?
Each air conditioned cabin has its own private bathroom with soaps, towels, hairdrier and ample hanging space.
Can I bring my computer?
Yes, if you need to work whilst on board, or to download your photos then please bring a laptop but remember you need to lug it around everywhere before and after the barge trip. You can also rest assured that you can charge all your electricle equipment such as laptops, phones, cameras and electronicbooks on board.
Will I be able to use the internet?
Whilst on-board the barge we have no Television and no internet! Relaxation and escape is the aim of the game. However we are not completly cut off from the world the internet is available several times during the week from various restaurants and cafes and newspapers can be bought including the International Herald Tribune.
Do I need a Telephone.
It is a good idea for someone in your group to have a mobile phone even just for saftey alone. You can get European coverage on most mobile phone plans. Please ensure you know how it works, any pin numbers and any codes you may need to access it. May I suggest you also try calling home once in europe to ensure it works, its no good trying to use it in an emergency and not knowing how to dial a number in France. You can find My telephone number on the contacts page of this website.
Can I do laundry whilst on board.
Whilst we do have a washing machcine and tumble drier aboard the barge, they are normaly in use cleaning the bed linen and towels, there may be an oportunity to do one wash in the week on board but there is no guarantee. There are two stops during the week where the port has facilities and i can let you know where these are as we go along.
I have an Alergey to nuts will I be ok?
Many of our guests have Dietry requirements and Dawn has so far been able to cater to everyones needs with great success. All the restaurants you go to will be most accomodating and I shall of-course explain any needs you have on your behalf.
Music/ipod
We have an ipod docking station on board so if you want to play your ipod on our system please feel free to do so.
Miscellaneous.
Insurance.
The French company "Who Knows S.A.R.L" is fully registered and fully insured for barge, bikes, mini-van. Not all barges are, so please be aware!
Personal Travel, Health and Cancellation insurance is imperative, i cannot stress this enough, GET IT, it could save you a fortune. We do not provide this but your credit card company, travel agent, bank and house insurer can provide this.
Money Abroad.
What Currency will I need?
France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Austria and Greece all use the Euro. Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc and England still has the Pound. It is advisable to arrive in any of these countries with a couple of hundred dollars worth of local currency.
Can I bring Travellers Cheques?
please do not bring travllers cheques as they are no longer used in Europe dispite what some banks and travel agents may say.
What Credit cards work in Europe and how can i use them?
Visa and Mastercard are the most widly used credit cards and 99% of restaurants and shops take these cards. France and much of Europe uses a system called Chip and Pin and so as well as the traditional swipe and signing of a card slip the new system requires your card to have a chip on it and a 4 digit code.
ATM's (cash dispenser) are omni-present but again you'll need that 4 digit pin code to withdraw money.
Tipping.
The industry standard on barges, hotels and restaurants on tipping is between 5 and 10% of the total cost. However with the introduction of the minimum wage in the hotel industry waiting staff no longer require tips to survive so my guide line is this, if you belive the service, food and experience was worth it please leave a tip if not then don't. You will not get questioned and if you are tell them they dont deserve it!
Customers in the past have left gratuities for us as a way of thanks and we are incredibly greatful to anyone who does, however we cannot accept travelers cheques and in all cases whether on board, in Restaurants, hotels or a taxi please leave any gratuity in Euros, thank you.