Cruise the French countryside through Burgundy aboard an 8-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). This barge started its life as a Scottish lumber carrier. It has been carefully transformed by a team of skilled craftsmen into a floating celebration of the Burgundian "good life." The wine region it traverses fairly oozes charm and bucolic tranquility. The cruise is a journey back in time along a magical waterway.
Typical Itinerary (actual program may vary)
Day 1, Sunday: Paris to Clamecy. Guests are met at a specified hotel in Paris at 1:30 p.m. and transferred to the barge. After a champagne welcome, wander around Clamecy, the "raison d'être" of the Nivernais Canal, enjoying the 13th-century cathedral, old winding streets and views of the River Yonne. Dinner on board.
Day 2, Monday: Clamecy to Villiers-sur-Yonne. Morning visit to Clamecy for a tour of the cathedral and the Logging and Barging Museum. There is time to wander through the narrow streets lined with historic buildings and an opportunity for shopping. After lunch, excursion to Guédelon, a medieval castle under construction. This impressive project is being built by hand, using medieval tools and methods only - no power equipment! You can meet and talk to the stone masons, blacksmith, carpenters and other craftsmen. Dinner on board the barge.
Day 3, Tuesday: Villiers-sur-Yonne to Monceau le Comte. Today we start our cruise in the morning, passing the impressive double lock at Tannay. A brief stop is made in Anois to visit "Le Bouc qui Fume" (The Smoking Billy Goat), an antique/curiosity shop in an old chapel. After lunch we visit the local wineries of Tannay, famous for its special melon grape variety. We then continue our cruise and moor in the old logging port of Monceau le Comte. Dinner on board the barge.
Day 4, Wednesday: Monceau le Comte to La Granges. This morning we visit one of Burgundy's most picturesque hilltop settings, Vézelay. Discover the treasured Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene, lace and craft shops and superb views over the surrounding countryside. Return to the barge and cruise to Chitry, passing through Dirol and its two Van Gogh-style hand-operated lift bridges. Dinner ashore at a local inn.
Day 5, Thursday: La Granges to Sardy. After a morning stroll around the village of Chitry we cruise through the remote countryside of "France Profonde" and the meadows at the foot of the 16-lock flight at Sardy. After lunch we visit the Château de Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors have included Richard the Lionhearted. This castle became the home of Maréchal Vauban, the famous defense engineer, in whose family it has remained until today. Dinner on board.
Day 6, Friday: Sardy to Baye. Today we begin with a passage through the 16-lock flight leading to the summit of the Nivernais canal. Some of the locks are less than 200 yards apart. Alongside each lock is a pretty waterfall maintaining the level of the canal. Some of the lock houses are now craft shops, which can be visited while you stroll alongside the barge. Many consider this canal stretch to be one of the most beautiful in France. We moor for lunch at the last lock before our final cruise through the three tunnels of La Collancelle. Captain's farewell dinner on board the barge.
Day 7, Saturday: Baye to Paris. After breakfast return to Paris. Arrival at hotel around 1 p.m. - end of cruise.
On alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change without notice.
Highlights:
- Guédelon, a medieval castle under construction
- Vézelay Basilica, a World Heritage site
- Château de Bazoches
Included:
- Accommodations with private bath or shower and all meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7
- Wine with lunch and dinner and selected alcoholic beverages consumed aboard the barge
- Sightseeing tours and entrance fees as specified
- Round-trip transfers from specified meeting points.
Not Included:
- Transportation to and from beginning and end points
- Health and travel insurance
- Crew gratuities
- Superior vintage wines
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities when available
- Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above.
Barge Features
- Cabins: 1 double/3 twins (8 passengers)
- 4 crew members
- Size: 100 ft. long
- Spa/Jacuzzi
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned coaches for excursions.
Departures every Sunday subject to availability (except winter)
This barge can be chartered or tandemed with a sister ship for groups. Various itineraries, themes and dates can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group. Extra customized trips and excursions may be added before or after the cruise.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Low season: US$3490 per person double occupancy. Add $500 for high season, $1300-$1500 single supplement.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Food & Wine
Barging
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