Bare Barging in Burgundy: Boating, Exploring, Wining, and Dining

Combining a narrative travelogue with practical instructions, it is based on the experience of the author and his gourmet cook wife on a cruise on board the barge Matisse in 1999. With them on this cruise were Sue Kloman's daughter, her daughter's husband who served as skipper, and three granddaughters. The Klomans had previously taken two trips on hotel barges offering hotel-type amenities, and this book presents comprehensive information on the pros and cons of the two types of barge travel.

An introductory chapter on how to plan for a barge trip is followed by a chapter on Burgundy's fascinating history. The chapter on the week's cruise is a day by day account of the family's adventures— where they went, what they saw, where they dined, and how they navigated the waterways traversing an average of eight locks a day. Inserted in the text are the author's drawings and Suzanne's recipes for Burgundian dishes, several of which she obtained from restaurants visited along their route. Another chapter covers the several cuisines in the four departments of Burgundy, while an appendix presents a tour of the vineyards and wine centers for which Burgundy has been renowned over the centuries.

The back of the book contains six appendices with detailed information for those interested in planning a barge trip.

"There are a lot of unexpected and delightful moments.. .[the] appendix on wine is straightforward and useful."
Legal Times, July 16, 2001

"For adventurous travelers who like boating, good eating, the French countryside, and history, 'Bare Barging in Burgundy' is a practical and lyrical guide... that takes you on a delightful voyage to some of the most beautiful waterways of France."
The Georgetowner, July 12, 2001

"Author Erasmus Kloman describes everything you need to know— and more— about the fine art of barging... Illustrated with pen-and-ink drawings from the author, this utterly charming book is enough to convert anyone into a "barger" for life."
Chicago Tribune, July 1, 2001

Publication date—April 2001, Subject: travel, hardcover. ISBN 1-892123-04-1, $17.95 and paperback, Barging in Burgundy, $12.95. Available in most bookstores, Amazon.com and other Internet stores, and through the author: Email writepaint@verizon.net or phone 410-810-1799. Paperback version is also now available.

Related paintings

Three oil on canvas Kloman paintings of barge scenes are shown below. Click the thumbnails for a closer look, plus pricing and ordering information. Full scale poster boards of each painting available for $150.