Join chefs Todd English, Michael Ginor, Jean-Louis Palladin, and Thierry Rautureau as they journey through the French countryside on the Anacoluthe and La Belle Epoque barges, vessels with the comforts of a mini ocean liner and the charms of a river steamer. Let these experts, with their native knowledge and gastronomic know-how, naviagte you and your appetite through one of France's richest regions.

Cruises feature the Chablis hills, the sides of central Burgundy, and a look at 60,000 acres of vineyards while floating down the Nivernais canal. Each trip will have an itinerary personally customized by the award-winning guest chefs, and will include one special food-related event each day, such as a visit to the market, cooking demonstrations, and exclusive foie gras, wine, and cheese tastings.

Curises include food, wine, and transportation to and from the barge from Paris. Business-class airfare is an additional $2,000 per person. Proceeds will partially benefit The James Beard Foundation.

October 17-23, 1998 Anacoluthe--51 passengers with Jean-Louis Palladin $2,490

April 18-24, 1999 La Bell Epoque--12 passengers with Thierry Rautureau $3,390

May 8-14, 1999 Anacoluthe--51 passengers with Todd English and Michael Ginor $2,490

For more details and reservations, visit http://www.theverybest.com/travelbarge.html or contact Michele Seligmann at

(516) 773-4400 or (914) 939-2309, or email her at betelgeuse@aol.com.