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Southern Burgundy Cruise (Finesse)

Southern Burgundy Cruise (Finesse)

BRREW
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Description

France is where the idea of luxury barge cruises first started, due in no small part to the myriad of waterways which cross not only its scenic countryside, but also many of its historic towns and cities. And while a Burgundy barge cruise may not be one of the best known holiday options for visitors to France, those who do discover hotel barging in Burgundy are sure not to be disappointed.

In fact, taking a Burgundy barge cruise down one of the region’s canals is a truly wonderful experience. The area boasts some of the world’s finest wines with around 60,000 acres of sunlit vines and arguably the prettiest canals in France. The waterways wind through the heart of the territory’s renowned vineyards, medieval towns, elegant châteaux, magnificent cathedrals, picturesque villages and wonderful local markets. En route, barging in Burgundy guarantees our clients a wealth of sightseeing opportunities.

This is a region with a vast variety of cheeses, in all shapes, sizes and colours, strong in character or mild and fresh and all can be enjoyed with full-bodied red Burgundies, or perhaps with lighter white Chablis wines. The Burgundian gastronomic tradition is rich and diverse and a sedate Burgundy barge cruise along one of its delightful waterways will allow you to indulge along the way in good food and wine: two of life’s essential pleasures.

Please Note: Family, Golf & Wine Appreciation Theme Departures Available. Please contact us for more details.

On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.

Trip Name
Southern Burgundy Cruise (Finesse)
Days
7
Overview
Vessel Type: Hotel Barge / River Boat 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 cabin suites, 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 canalside villages, and to discover fascinating places along the way such as Autun, Beaune and Dijon.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 St-Julien-sur-Dheune
Guests are met in Dijon* and transferred by air-conditioned minibus to Finesse for a Champagne Welcome and the opportunity to meet the crew. Then there is time to wander along the towpath and admire the classic Burgundy scenery before dinner on board.
Day 2 - Day 2 St-Julien-sur-Dheune to St-Léger-sur-Dheune
This morning, we begin our voyage through Southern Burgundy along the Canal du Centre through undulating countryside to moor at the little village of St-Leger-sur-Dheune. We descend a series of 11 locks while cruising past the villages along the way. After lunch on board, we visit the 14th century Château de Germolles, the best preserved of the residences of the Dukes of Burgundy, with its ducal chapel, medieval wall paintings and romantic gardens Dinner on board.
Day 3 - Day 3 St-Léger-sur-Dheune to Remigny
This morning, we head to Autun, founded by the Romans as Augustodunum it has retained many of its original Antique monuments such as Roman gates, ruins of a Temple and a 17,000 seat amphitheatre. We return to the barge for lunch, then we cruise to the rural setting of Remigny, passing along the route picturesque Burgundian villages such as the famous wine-producing village of Santenay. Dinner on board.
Day 4 - Day 4 Remigny to Rully
After breakfast, we set off on a drive through the Côte de Beaune vineyards to the town of Beaune itself, capital of Burgundy wine country where we visit the fascinating 15th century Hôtel-Dieu Hospice and explore the quaint shops of the town, before enjoying a gastronomic lunch in the heart of Puligny & Chassagne Montrachet vineyards at the restaurant Le Montrachet. After lunch, we return to the barge for an afternoon cruise past the charming little town of Chagny, to our mooring near the village of Rully. Dinner on board.
Day 5 - Day 5 Rully to Fragnes
This morning, we continue our cruise along the Canal du Centre at a leisurely pace to moor at the village of Fragnes. There are perfect opportunities to walk or cycle along the towpath en route. In the afternoon we escort you on a winery tour and private tasting to the delightful 17th century Château de Chamirey in Mercurey, owned by the Devillard family for five generations. Dinner on board.
Day 6 - Day 6 Fragnes to St-Jean-de-Losne
This morning, the barge leaves the winding canal to join the peaceful River Saône, passing delightful little ports such as Seurre and Verdun-sur-le-Doubs en route, to arrive at St-Jean-de-Losne. After lunch on board, we take a walking tour of old Dijon, gastronomic capital of France with its mustard shops and home to the impressive Notre-Dame de Dijon. You might also wish to enjoy some excellent shopping time. Farewell Dinner on board.
Day 7 - Day 7 St-Jean-de-Losne
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Dijon.
Day 8 - Please Note:
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Tour of the historic city of Dijon, including the magnificent Notre-Dame
    • Visit to the 14th century Château de Germolles
    • Tour and private wine tasting at Château de Chamirey in Mercurey
    • Visit to Beaune, including Hôtel-Dieu Hospice
    • Tour of ancient Autun and its 12th century cathedral
    • Gastronomic lunch ashore at a Michelin starred restaurant
    • Excellent opportunities for walking and cycling
    • “Biking Plus” option available

Map