Fleurey-sur-Ouche (near Dijon) to Pont Royal - 50 miles of beautiful canal scenery - sample itinerary.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1, Sunday: You will be met by a Papillon crew member at your hotel in Paris at 1pm and driven to the Papillon moored near Dijon in the village of Fleurey-sur-Ouche. On the way we can visit the fabulous château of Vaux-le-Vicomte – a mini rival to Versailles. Alternatively you can take the fast TGV train from Paris and a Papillon crew member will meet you at the railway station in Dijon. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed aboard Le Papillon with a Champagne reception and introduced to the crew of four – time to settle in before dinner.
Day 2, Monday: After breakfast, we will start cruising along the Canal de Bourgogne. There will be ample opportunities to take a bike or walk along the canal towing path. By mid afternoon we shall be moored in the delightful village of Gissey-sur-Ouche. A short drive in the minibus will take us to the medieval quarter of Dijon for a walking tour followed by a visit to the Musée des Beaux Arts in the ducal palace. Our drive back to Papillon will include the Route des Grands Crus through the vineyards of the Côte de Nuits, passing by Clos Vougeot.
Day 3, Tuesday: Food lovers can make an early start and accompany our chef to the busy morning food market in Dijon. This is an opportunity to meet our cheese, fish, meat and vegetable suppliers, of whom we are very proud, face to face. Maybe take a coffee with the chef and discuss some of your favorite dishes. There will be some free time for any shopping – the Rue Verrerie with its famous antique shops is nearby. Lunch back aboard and then cruise to the village of Veuvey-sur-Ouche.
Day 4, Wednesday: This morning’s cruise will take us to Pont d’Ouche where we cruise over the Ouche river. After lunch we will drive through the nearby hills and descend into the Cote d’Or vineyards and visit Beaune – a thriving little town and proud capital of the wine trade. By far the most famous sight is the hospice with its multicolored roof tiles which was built in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, chancellor to the dukes of Burgundy. Next door in the spectacular cellars of the Marché aux Vins we can taste some of Burgundy’s finest wines or alternatively stop at one of the vineyards on our way back to Papillon. During the afternoon Papillon will have cruised on to La Repe where she will be moored for the night.
Day 5, Thursday: A 5 minute drive from Papillon will take us up to the hilltop village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois. Highly restored and very picturesque, the village also offers a fine aerial view of the canal. Back onboard, we will climb the remaining locks before reaching the summit level of the canal – the highest point on this water route from the Mediterranean to the English Channel. After lunch we can visit the little chateaus of Commarin with its fine tapestries. And then on through one of the wonders of the canal system – a two mile tunnel leading to the town of Pouilly-en-Auxois. Nearby the chateau of Chailly has a fine golf course.
Day 6, Friday: Today’s cruise will take us through lovely rolling countryside to Pont Royal. From there, a pleasant circular trip in the minibus could include visits to the hilltop village of Flavigny where ‘Chocolat’ was filmed, the Cistercian abbey of Fontenay (UNESCO world heritage sight) and the virtually undiscovered medieval town of Semur-en-Auxois.
Day 7, Saturday: After breakfast, minibus transfer to Dijon train station or your hotel or airport in Paris.
Notes: The above description of a week on Le Papillon, cruising from Fleurey to Pont Royal contains similar points of interest as a cruise in the opposite direction from Pont Royal to Fleurey, although times for excursions will clearly differ between the two routes. No two cruises on Le Papillon are ever exactly the same however, since we always mould each voyage to fit the interests of our passengers.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Six night accommodation,
- All organic meals,
- All beverages (including open bar),
- Daily excursions with private guide/driver,
- Use of bicycles and transfer to and from Paris.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Barging
Cultural Journey
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