The 13 passenger La Belle Epoque is a state-of-the art luxury hotel barge and sistership to L'impressionniste in our European fleet. La Belle Epoque has been designed with both elegance and passenger comfort in mind, and offers a sun-deck spa pool, chartroom, wood paneled saloon and dining room, together with other luxury facilities, all fully air-conditioned. The spacious cabins offer a choice of twin or double beds, with marble en-suite facilities as does the new single cabin. The Captain leads a crew of six, comprising Master Chef, Tour guide, House keeper and two Stewardesses.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1, Sunday: Guests are met in Paris at 1:30 pm and transferred to the elegant La Belle Époque. Following a Champagne Welcome and outline of the weeks wine cruise you are free to explore the medieval town of Auxerre or take a stroll along the banks of the river Yonne before returning for dinner aboard.
Day 2, Monday: Our morning cruise takes us past vineyard-clad hillside to Vincelles where we moor in rural bliss. After lunch, accompanied by our wine guide, we drive to St. Bris with its extraordinary network of medieval passages beneath the town. Following a tour of the Bersan family’s 12th century cellars we taste the unique selection of wines made in this little known Burgundian village. Dinner aboard
Day 3, Tuesday: Morning cruise past gently rolling hills. Vineyards interspersed with cherry orchards. Charolais cattle glance up as we pass them grazing in the lush fields alongside the river. Cruise through lunch. At St. Pallaye our wine guide takes us over the nearby hills to the legendary vineyards surrounding the world famous town of Chablis. A tour of the grand Cru vineyards is followed by an exclusive visit to a state of the art winery. The afternoon is completed with an extensive wine tasting including rare Premier and Grand Cru wines. Return to barge awaiting us at Mailly le Ville. Dinner aboard
Day 4, Wednesday: In the morning we cruise past the prehistoric coral reefs, which now form the spectacular cliffs at Mailly le Chateau and Le Saussois, a favorite rendez-vous for rock climbers. In the early afternoon we arrive at our mooring in the pretty village of Chatel Censoir. From here we enjoy an excursion to Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous treasures with the Roman Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside while sipping a glass of wine from the ancient monastic vineyard. Dinner aboard
Day 5, Thursday: An early start after breakfast for the drive to Beaune arriving late morning for a tasting in the Grand Cru vineyards at Puligny Montrachet. Lunch in a top class restaurant in the center of Beaune followed by a visit to the famous Hotel Dieu. Afternoon drive north through the Cote de Nuits vineyards passing Romanée Conti and Clos Vougeot. Arrive back on board for short evening cruise to Lucy and light dinner
Day 6, Friday: We take an excursion to the 18th century Ferme de Miserey where traditional farming methods are explained and a foie grass tasting. Returning to the barge our wine guide presents a wine tasting aperitif exploring other regions of Burgundy. Following lunch a gentle cruise through the pastoral Morvan countryside to the sleepy market town of Clamecy. Captains Farewell Dinner On Board
Day 7, Saturday: Disembark after breakfast, and then return to Paris by about 1 pm. On alternative weeks the cruise is in reverse direction.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Open bar
- Free wines
- Gourmet cuisine
- Entry fees to excursions
Junior Suite per person $4,590
Suite per person $4,850
Single supplement $1,750
Single cabin $4,990
Charter 10 passengers whole boat $49,500
Charter 11 passengers whole boat $51,000
Charter 12 passengers whole boat $52,500
Charter 13 passengers whole boat $54,000
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Boating and Sailing
Food & Wine
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