Burgundy
- Chablis Barge Cruise
Rustic
countryside in Chablis wine country
Cruise
the rivers and canals of France aboard a 13-passenger barge-hotel (7 days
- 6 nights). This river boat cruise will take you through the River Yonne valley
and on the Canal du Nivernais past vineyards, pastures, farms and towns dating
back to the Middle Ages. While enjoying the pristine scenery, you will savor famous
local cuisine and delicacies such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines and pâté
de foie gras. What a delight!
TYPICAL
BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY
(actual program may vary)
Day
1 - Sunday: Paris to Auxerre.
Guests are met at a specified hotel in Paris at 1:30 p.m. and transferred to the
river boat in Auxerre. 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 the barge.
Day
2 - Monday: Auxerre to the Caves de Bailly.
Our morning cruise takes us past vineyard-covered hillsides to our rural mooring
below the Caves de Bailly. In the afternoon, tour St. Bris with its extraordinary
network of medieval passages beneath the town. A wine tasting introduces you to
the outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines produced in Monsieur Bersan's
12th century cellars. Dinner on board the river boat.
Day
3 - Tuesday: The Caves de Bailly to Accolay.
A sightseeing tour of the town of Auxerre allows us to discover the medieval town
center. Originally the capital of Lower Burgundy, Auxerre prides itself on its
fine churches, half-timbered buildings and great shopping. During the afternoon,
we cruise through rich pasturelands and past grazing Charolais cattle to Accolay.
Dinner ashore at a local inn.
Day
4 - Wednesday: Accolay to Mailly la Ville.
We spend the morning cruising south through the River Yonne valley past dramatic
steep cliffs to the market town of Mailly. In the afternoon we travel to the 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 the boat.
Day
5 - Thursday: Mailly la Ville to Lucy sur Yonne.
In the morning we cruise past the Saussois cliffs, where an international climbing
center creates a spectacular setting. Mooring at Lucy sur Yonne. In the afternoon
we visit the Château of Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors included
Richard the Lionhearted and which was later renovated by Maréchal Vauban.
Dinner on board the barge.
Day
6 - Friday: Lucy sur Yonne to Clamecy.
A visit to Ferme de Joux in the morning provides us with an interesting insight
into the production of foie gras, a staple of gastronomy in France. A cruise through
the beautiful countryside then takes us to Clamecy. Take a short walk into
Clamecy for a tour of the cathedral and the Logging and Barging Museum. There
is also time to wander through the narrow streets lined with ancient buildings
and an opportunity for shopping before returning to the barge. Captain's farewell
dinner on board.
Day
7 - Saturday: Clamecy to Paris.
Leave the river boat after breakfast and arrive at the hotel in Paris by 1 pm
- end of cruise.
On
alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This itinerary is
subject to change without notice.
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Highlights
-
Medieval town of Auxerre
- Wine
tasting at local winery
- Vézelay
basilica, a World Heritage site
-
Château of 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
- Cabins:
2 doubles/4 twins/1 single (13 passengers)
- 5
crew members
- Size:
128 ft. long
- Spa/Jacuzzi,
chart room
- Air
conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned
coaches for excursions
Cruise
Departures
Every
Sunday subject to availability (except winter)
Special
theme cruises (Contact us
for details and availability.)
1.
Discounted family cruise departure July 6, 2008. Includes special activities
for children of all ages.
2. Walking plus cruising itinerary on the
following departure dates. A professional walking guide will be on board all week
to take you on walks through the Burgundy countryside.
2008:
Oct 12 & 19
2009: To be announced
This
river boat can be chartered for groups. Various themes and dates can be arranged
to fit the specific interests of each group.
| |
Standard/Individuals |
Charters/Groups |
We
have personally visited this river boat and the Burgundy
region of France where the cruise takes place. See pictures from our trips:
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