H2olidays

Alphonsia Maria

Burgundy Franche-Comte ?

The Alphonsia Maria was built as a grain carrying barge in 1913 in the north of the Netherlands in the province of Friesland. Originally built as a sailing vessel, she was motorized and lengthened to her current 110 feet in 1923. She was entirely refurbished in 2002 as a hotel barge to receive up to six guests.
The accommodation consists of four cabins each with two beds, toilet, shower and hand basin. There is a large 300 square foot saloon in which to relax as well as a huge sundeck area. The French / Italian owners live aft.

Alphonsia Maria is available on a private charter basis for 4 to 6 persons although some individual cabin cruises may be available. Please contact us for more details.

Alphonsia Maria' is 33 meters long and 5 meters wide. ( 110 ft x 16ft). The hull shape is that of a Friese-aak. The 'Friese' part indicates that the ship's origins are in the province of Friesland in the north of Holland. The 'aak' part indicates the basic shape with its rounded bow and stern, and also the low profile enabling her to pass under the low bridges of that region.

She is powered by a powerful DAF Dutch diesel which gives her a cruising speed of 7 knots on the river. On the canals her speed is limited to 3 knots. The ship carries 6500L of fresh water and 3000L of black water. The entire ship has central heating.


The interior of the barge was completely built in 2000 and is in 'as new' condition. The main saloon is designed by her italian architect / chef owner Carlo Ciacchella. The huge sundeck of 80m2 has a small pool as well as plenty of space for relaxing and watching the countryside go by. The whole boat is now airconditioned.

Meals are either provided or taken ashore. There is no access to the galley.

Alphonsia Maria  has been designed to sleep 8 persons in comfort although she can carry a maximum by law of 6 persons. There are 4 cabins each with two berths available. Each cabin has its own private bathroom with WC, shower and handbasin.

Captain Franck Debanne and his crew are a fountain of knowledge for the whole Sancerre region and will make it a real pleasure to show you around.

Just a few kms from Nevers on the "Canal Latéral à la Loire" the Alphonsia Maria preents three bedrooms on an entirely restored Dutch barge classified in the "Gîtes de France" 3 stars category. Close to a hundred years old, the Alphonsia Maria  is an authentic 100 foot Dutch Freese Aak, built in 1913. The boat was fully renovated in 2000. The owner's epicurean cuisine is generous and will allow you discover the chef's specialities in a warm cordial and luxurious atmosphere. Breakfast will be served on the deck where you will have privileged moments of pool-side relaxation.

Take time to walk along the Canal, discovering historical locks, splendid natural landscapes, Loire River, as well as the vineyards of Sancerre, the castles and the medieval villages.

Table d'hôtes with touristic or gastronomical menus.

The menus are composed of traditional French food and Italian specialities, thanks to the experience and the origins of our Chef. Our dishes are prepared exclusively with fresh seasonal products.

These are sample dishes:

• Croûtons of goat cheese
• Salad, pears and Parmesan
• Chicken livers in Madeira
• Pies, quiches, savoury pancakes
• Stuffed zucchini flowers
• Roman Artichokes (roasted with garlic, olive oil and basil)
• Escargots de Bourgogne (Burgundy Snails)
• Braised red peppers in Bagna Cauda (sauce based on anchovy, raisins and aromatic herbs)
• St-Jacques scallops with Calvados (apple-brandy)
• French bellows
• Shrimp soup
• Salmon Coulibiac
• Risotto agli asparagi (with the wild asparagus tips)
• Gratinées of pike quenelles
• Fricassée of foie gras
• Oysters
• Marinated musselsParma ham and figs
• Breton soup
• Guinea fowl with pears
• Sandre in Sancerre (fish cooked in white wine)
• Rabbit stew with red fruit
• Grilled fish (according to season and arrivals) with caper sauce
• Salmon fillets with horseradish sauce
• Truite aux amandes (trout with almonds)
• Leg of lamb
• Roast pork with juniper
• Magret de canard à l'orange (duck fillet)
• Cailles farcies à la provençale (stuffed quails)
• Vitello Tonnato (roast veal, tuna cream)
• Side dishes made with fresh vegetables in Julienne slices, gratins, braised or vapor.
• Home made pastries (tarte flambée with pears, Charlotte, chocolate croquants, Bavarian cream, etc.)

The menus vary according to the tastes and particular wishes of you the guests.