Sunday, Day One: St. Léger sur Dheune
Board the barge at St. Léger sur Dheune for your cruise through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening enjoy your first dining experience on board.
Monday, Day Two: Cruise to Chagny. Visit Château de Chamirey
A leisurely cruise on the Canal du Centre gives you a chance to savor the beauty of the French countryside, with plenty of opportunities at the many locks to get off the barge and walk or cycle along the splendid tow path. After lunch enjoy a visit to the Château de Chamirey, a family run wine estate in Mercurey where a tour of the vineyards themselves will be followed by a guided visit of the property and wine cellar, and a tasting of the fine range of wines. Return to the barge for dinner.
Tuesday, Day Three: Cruise to Fragnes. Visit Beaune
After breakfast disembark with your guide and visit the charming old town of Beaune to see the famous Hotel-Dieu, a magnificent 15th century charity hospital, followed by a private wine tasting. There is time to stroll through the old town taking in the wonderful architecture and fine shopping before returning to the barge for lunch. Relax on board while the barge cruises the final section of the Canal du Centre, mooring in the pretty village of Fragnes just before the last and very deep lock into the River Saône just north of Chalon-sur-Saône. Dinner is served on board.
Wednesday, Day Four: Cruise to Verdun sur le Doubs. Visit Chateau de Rully
This morning your guide will take you to the pretty village of Rully and the 12th Century medieval fortress which has remained in the same family by marriage since its origin. The owner will guide you through his home sharing the intriguing history of his ancestors. Return to the barge for lunch and enjoy a somewhat different cruising experience this afternoon, as we leave the canal behind and join the majestic Soane River. Dinner is on served on board.
Thursday, Day Five: Cruise to St Jean de Losne. Visit Clos de Vougeot
This morning the barge continues the cruise upstream on the Saone River to St Jean de Losne. After a wonderful lunch on board we visit the historic Clos de Vougeot where the Cistercian monks first began making wine in the 12th century. The ancient chateau is now the headquarters of the celebrated Burgundian wine society the, Confrererie des chevaliers de tastevin, and contains the ancient cellar and wine presses from medieval times. Rejoin the barge in St Jean de Losne, this evening’s mooring location. Dinner is served on board.
Friday, Day Six: Cruise to Dole. Visit Dijon
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of historic Dijon including a visit to the market, the famous Maille mustard shop and the Ducal Palace, seat of the great medieval dukes of Burgundy. There will be some free time for shopping, and to enjoy lunch at one of the pavement cafés. Return to the boat after lunch for our final cruise. As the chef prepares for your Farewell gala dinner on board, perhaps try a ‘Kir’ aperitif; a cocktail which mixes the locally produced Cassis black current liqueur with the area’s Aligoté white wine.
Saturday, Day Seven: Pontailler
After breakfast the crew bids you farewell before you disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.
Please note route may be subject to change without prior warning as a result of unforeseen circumstances.
CRUISE INQUIRY FORM
