( June 18, 2002 ) -- French Country Waterways is introducing a fall special, its lowest rates of the year, on the October 27 departure of three luxury barge cruises in Burgundy. The 25% discount on value-season rates reduces the all-inclusive cost of a six-night cruise to $2,396 per person on the eight-passenger Liberté‚ $2,471 on the 18-passenger Esprit and $2,696-$2,921 on the 12-passenger Horizon II.

Leisurely cruises on tranquil, tree-lined canals emphasize Burgundy's renowned cuisine, Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines and the beauty of the rolling countryside. An elegant dinner ashore is at the most prestigious Michelin two- or three-star restaurant near each cruise route: L'Espérance in St-Père-sous-Vézelay; Lameloise in Chagny; and La Côte d'Or in Saulieu.

Daily excursions feature medieval towns and cities, Gothic and Romanesque churches, stately châteaux and private wine tastings. During free time passengers can relax on the sundeck and walk or bicycle along towpaths. Hot-air ballooning is an option.

Rates cover stateroom or suite accommodations, all meals, dinner ashore at a two- or three-star Michelin restaurant, estate-bottled wines at lunch and dinner, open bar, tours and excursions, personal service by an English-speaking crew, bicycles and escorted transfers between Paris and the barges.

Information, brochures and reservations are available from French Country Waterways, Ltd., P.O. Box 2195, Duxbury, MA 02331; (800) 222-1236 in the U.S. and Canada and (781) 934-2454 in Massachusetts.