Cruise the regions of Burgundy and Franche-Comté, in eastern France, on board a classy 8-passenger barge-hotel (7days - 6 nights). This boat sails on three different routes that include some of the most peaceful and beautiful waterways in all of Europe: the Canal de Bourgogne, the Canal du Centre, the Canal du Rhône au Rhin and the River Saône. The large windows, well above the water line, and the sundeck make it easy to enjoy the pastoral scenery in these two regions renowned for their vineyards, Gothic churches and abbeys, Renaissance châteaus and picturesque villages. It is also an area of France where gastronomic delights and the art of living well have reigned supreme since Roman times.
2008 Itineraries
Apr 6 - Jun 1, Aug 3 & 10, Sep 28 - Oct 26: Escommes - St Jean (see below)
Jun 8, Jul 27, Aug 17, Sep 21: Dijon - Escommes
Jun 15 - Jun 29, Jul 20, Aug 24, Sep 14: Dijon - Besancon
Jul 6 - Jul 13, Aug 31, Sep 7: St Leger - Besancon
On alternate weeks, some cruises run in the reverse direction. All routes are subject to change without notice.
Typical Itinerary: Escommes to St. Jean
Day 1: Sunday – Paris to Dijon. Depart Paris, Gare de Lyon train station, on the TGV (high-speed train) in the afternoon. On arrival at Dijon station you are met by the guide and transferred to the barge at Escommes for your cruise through Burgundy. A champagne reception gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening enjoy your first dining experience on board.
Day 2: Monday – Cruise to La Bussière. Visit Châteauneuf-en-Auxois.
After breakfast, enjoy your first day of cruising on the Canal de Bourgogne. Small unspoiled villages and green, forested hills provide exceptional views from the deck. This afternoon, visit the lovely hill-top village of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois.
Day 3: Tuesday – Cruise to Fleurey-sur-Ouche. Tour Beaune. Relax onboard this morning as the barge cruises toward the charming village of Fleurey-sur-Ouche. After lunch your guide takes you to visit Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy and the famous Hôtel Dieu, Hospice de Beaune.
Day 4: Wednesday – Cruise to Dijon. Visit La Bussière and Chateau de Commarin. Visit the Abbey la Bussière, built in the 12th century under the guidance of the Cistercian monks from Cluny. After a stroll around the grounds, we have lunch at the Michelin one-star restaurant. In the afternoon we visit the Château de Commarin, an interesting castle that has been continuously occupied since it was built in the 14th century.
Day 5: Thursday - Cruise to Longecourt. Visit Clos de Vougeot and Longecourt. Tour the Côte d’Or, planted with vines that produce some of the world’s most famous wines, and visit some of the finest wine producers in France. Visit the Clos de Vougeot, a medieval chateau and the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Cote d’Or vintages. On the way back to the barge visit the Château de Longecourt.
Day 6: Friday - Cruise to St Jean. Visit Dijon. This morning your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon. Visit the Ducal Palace, the market and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. During the day, the barge slowly makes its way to its final mooring at St Jean. Farewell gala dinner on board.
Day 7: Saturday - Dijon to Paris. After breakfast, disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon station. Board the TGV to Paris, Gare de Lyon, where you are met by our representative who will assist you with your luggage.
Barge Features:
- 4 Cabins (one double and three twins)
- 4 crew members
- Size: 128 ft. x 17 ft.
- Air conditioning
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Low season: US$4620 per person double occupancy; single supplement $1155. High season: $4950 per person double occupancy; single supplement $2475.
Included:
- Accommodations with private bathroom (shower)
- All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7
- Wine with lunch and dinner and bar drinks on board
- Sightseeing tours and entrance fees as specified
- Round-trip transfers via first class TGV (high-speed train) from/to Paris Gare de Lyon station
Not Included:
- Transportation to/from start/end points in Paris
- Health and travel insurance
- Crew gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities when available
- Other items not specifically listed under "Included"
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Barging
Food & Wine
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