Pastoral
views, famous wines and gourmet cuisine
Cruise
the Canal du Nivernais in central Burgundy aboard an 8-passenger barge-hotel
(7 days - 6 nights). This river boat has been carefully transformed by a team
of skilled craftsmen from a lumber barge into a self-contained hotel with gourmet
restaurant, bar, and sun deck complete with hot tub. Cruising through the heart
of the French countryside, you will visit quaint villages, local wineries, and
a World Heritage basilica.
TYPICAL
BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY
(actual program may vary)
Day
1 - Sunday: Auxerre.
Meet at Laroche Migennes train station or at the Hotel Maxime in Auxerre late
afternoon for the transfer to the barge. Enjoy a glass of champagne while you
meet the crew. After settling in, you can explore the medieval town of Auxerre
or take a stroll along the banks of the River Yonne before dinner on board the
barge.
Day
2 - Monday: Auxerre to Vincelles.
Morning cruise past vineyard-clad hillsides to Vincelles. The afternoon excursion
is to Chablis, home of one of the most famous white wines in the world. A tasting
in one of the town’s cellars will introduce you to some of the local wines.
Dinner on board the barge.
Day
3 - Tuesday: Vincelles to Mailly la Ville.
After breakfast, tour the medieval town of Auxerre. Originally the capital of
Lower Burgundy, the town is noted for its magnificent cathedral. Return to the
barge for a cruise south through rich pasturelands with grazing Charolais cattle
to the market town of Mailly la Ville. Dinner on board the barge.
Day
4 - Wednesday: Mailly la Ville to Le Saussois.
This morning, visit the charming 14th-century medieval village of Noyers, one
of the most beautiful villages in France. Afternoon cruise past the Saussois cliffs,
where an international climbing center creates a spectacular setting. Enjoy a
walk before returning to the barge for dinner .
Day
5 - Thursday: Le Saussois to Lucy sur Yonne.
Morning excursion to the town of Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous
treasures with its Romanesque Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine
views of the surrounding countryside. Lunch ashore at a local inn, followed by
an afternoon cruise to Lucy sur Yonne. Dinner on board the barge.
Day
6- Friday: Lucy sur Yonne to Clamecy.
Morning cruise through beautiful countryside to Clamecy. Take a short walk into
town to visit the Collegiale de St Martin and the Logging and Barging Museum.
Enjoy a little shopping in the narrow streets lined with ancient buildings. In
the afternoon, visit the Chateau of Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors included
Richard the Lionheart and which was later remodelled by Maréchal Vauban.
Captain's farewell dinner on board the barge.
Day
7- Saturday: Clamecy.
After breakfast, transfer from the barge to Laroche Migennes train station.
On
alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This itinerary is
subject to change without notice.
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Highlights
-
Wine tasting in Chablis
- Medieval
towns of Auxerre and Noyers
- 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
- Barge
crew gratuities (suggested 5% of cruise price)
- Superior
vintage wines
- Personal
expenses
- Optional
activities when available
- Other
items not specifically listed under "Included" above
Barge
Features
- 4
cabins:
twin or double/queen (8 passengers)
- 4
crew members
- Size:
100 ft. long
- Spa/Jacuzzi
- Air
conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned
coach for excursions
Departures
Every
Sunday subject to availability (except winter)
This
barge can be chartered for groups. Various themes and dates can be arranged to
fit the specific interests of each group.
Dates
and Prices
Book
Your Cruise!
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