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Classic France River Cruise – Burgundy

Classic France River Cruise – Burgundy

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Description

France is unquestionably the homeland of luxury barge cruising. The beautiful European country has a plethora of waterways that pass through the breathtaking countryside and many of the country’s historic towns & cities. Burgundy, located in the east-central region of France may not be the most popular destination in the country, however, that does not make it any less spectacular. We can assure you that Burgundy will not disappoint.
The Burgundy Region is known to be home to some of the finest wines in the world. And with a total of 33 Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy. The glorious waterways such as the Canal du Centre and the Canal de Bourgogne run through the 60,000 acres of vineyards to create some of the most picturesque scenery in Europe. En route, you will also wind through medieval towns, elegant chateaus, UNESCO sites, magnificent cathedrals, The old capital of the Dukes of Burgundy Dijon and so many more fantastic sightseeing opportunities.
We offer barge cruises across the whole of burgundy, with each divide offering its own uniqueness and charm. Our burgundy cruises are the perfect place to take in glorious scenery and offer you the opportunity to explore the cuisines and wine that the region has to offer.
Burgundy Barge Cruise Highlights
Our Burgundy barge cruises pass through many of the vast waterways of the beautiful east-central region of France. The region is full of historic towns and cities that you will have the chance to explore and experience. The area truly does have some of the most beautiful scenery that France has to offer.
Taking a barge cruise down the waterways of burgundy is truly an unforgettable experience. The area boasts some of the most impressive vineyards in the world and the magical waterways flow straight through them, offering a hugely unique glimpse at the vast vineyards.
Our barge cruises travel to every corner of the region stopping at the many mediaeval towns, elegant chateaux, stunning cathedrals, picturesque villages and local markets to give you the full burgundy experience. We do not doubt that you will fall into the love story that is Burgundy.

Trip Name
Classic France River Cruise – Burgundy
Days
7
Overview
Vessel Type: Hotel Barge Length: 128 feet Passenger Capacity: 8 Finesse is a double-decker hotel barge that was built to exacting standards with luxury in mind, enhanced by her modern public areas and very spacious cabin suite accommodation. The well-designed public areas include a saloon with contemporary furnishings and panoramic windows where the emphasis is on making the most of the natural light. There is also a demonstration galley where guests can watch their chef preparing delicious gourmet meals. Outside, guests can relax on the large sun deck with its alfresco dining area, comfortable seating and spa pool. The four en-suite cabins, which can be in twin or double-bedded configuration, are very spacious (approx. 265sq ft including en suite), each one air-conditioned and with a beautifully appointed shower room. Finesse is the perfect vessel on which to cruise the meandering waterways of Southern Burgundy past vineyards and charming canal-side villages, and to discover fascinating places along the way such as Autun, Beaune and Dijon.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Auxerre
Guests are met at our meeting point in Paris** and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the pretty L’Art de Vivre. Following a champagne welcome, 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 on board.
Day 2 - Day 2 Auxerre to Vincelles
Our morning cruise starts early and takes us through some delightful locks and past vineyard-clad hillsides to our rural mooring at Vincelles. Following lunch on board, we head to the quarry of Aubigny, a subterranean wonderland of stonework which is famous for the limestone used on buildings such as the Paris Opera House, here we explore this uniquely atmospheric underground space. Afterwards, we visit the cellars of Bailly-Lapierre, also carved out of the rock, to taste some their sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne. Dinner on board.
Day 3 - Day 3 Vincelles to Mailly-la-Ville
Following an early breakfast, we discover the medieval town of Auxerre. Later, we tour the centre of what was originally the capital of Lower Burgundy, with its lavish Renaissance houses, fine churches and particularly its magnificent cathedral situated close to the river. We then return to the hotel barge for a cruise southward through rich pasturelands and past grazing Charolais cattle, to the sleepy village of Mailly-la-Ville. After your relaxed lunch on board, perhaps this is a good time to enjoy a walk or bicycle ride along the towpath. Dinner on board.
Day 4 - Day 4 Mailly-la-Ville to Le Saussois
This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, we head to the celebrated wine village of Chablis. After viewing the vineyards, we make a private visit to the prestigious Domaine Laroche for a wine-tasting, followed by a tour of the 1000 years old Obédiencerie; originally part of the monastery of St. Martin, this is where the monks developed the craft of winemaking in the Middle Ages and to this day it remains the location for aging the wines. Lunch will be served by a private chef in the Domaine’s dining hall. Later in the afternoon we return to the barge to cruise past the cliffs at Le Saussois, a stunning natural setting with an international climbing centre. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy delightful walks or bicycle rides along the towpath. Dinner onboard.
Day 5 - Day 5 Le Saussois to Lucy-sur-Yonne
Our morning cruise is through the picturesque Yonne Valley to our mooring at Lucy-sur-Yonne. After lunch on board, we enjoy an excursion to the pilgrimage town of Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous treasures with the Romanesque Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside. Dinner on board.
Day 6 - Day 6 Lucy-sur-Yonne to Chevroches
A morning cruise through beautiful countryside takes us to our final mooring at the pretty canalside village of Chevroches, where we’ll visit the elegant Château de Bazoches, built in the 12th century and whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart. The château was later remodelled by Maréchal Vauban and there are wonderful views from its elevated hillside setting. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon at leisure – perfect for a bicycle ride, or a walk along the towpaths before the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Day 7 - Day 7 Chevroches
After breakfast, guests are transferred to Paris
Day 8 - Please Note:
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise will be in the reverse direction.

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

    • You will travel through the stunning waterways of this stunning region passing through stunning vineyards, towns and cities.
    • You will visit a plethora of phenomenal locations that are both beautiful and steeped in history.
    • During the week you will get the opportunity to try some of the finest cuisines and wines that the world has to offer.

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