Burgundy - Dijon I Barge Cruise

The heart of ancient Burgundy

Cruise the rivers and canals of France aboard a 20-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). Rustic and picturesque scenery along the Burgundy canal in the Ouche River valley awaits you on this relaxing river boat cruise. You will also enjoy some of the best wines and the finest cuisine France has to offer. And, you will visit places that take you back to the Middle Ages.

TYPICAL BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY
(actual program may vary)

Day 1 - Saturday: Paris to Dijon. Passengers who choose the optional Paris transfer will meet at the Gare de Lyon train station in Paris at 1:30 pm to travel to Dijon via TGV (high-speed train). Everyone else should plan to meet the group at the Dijon train station 3:30 pm. You will then transfer to the river boat moored in the sleepy village of Vandenesse-en-Auxois. Sip champagne as we welcome you on board and introduce you to the crew. Enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board the barge this evening.

Day 2 - Sunday: Vandenesse to Pont d'Ouche. Begin the day with a morning tour of the 15th-century privately-owned Château de Commarin. The chateau is notable for its beautiful furnishings and a unique collection of Renaissance tapestries. Travel the short distance to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, a medieval village with majestic views of the valley and canal below. A sumptuous lunch on the boat is followed by a peaceful cruise along the Burgundy Canal to the picturesque village of Pont d’Ouche. This is an excellent day for walking along the canal towpath.

Day 3 - Monday: Meursault, La Bussière. This morning, travel to Meursault, one of Burgundy’s many famous wine-growing regions, for a cellar visit and a chance to sample some of the most prestigious wines from the area. We return to the barge in time for a delicious gourmet lunch and begin cruising through one of the most attractive areas of the Burgundy Canal to La Bussière. We moor a short distance from the Abbey, which is well worth a visit.

Day 4 - Tuesday: Dijon, Gissey-sur-Ouche. Tuesday is market day in Dijon, and after a guided tour of the city’s historic center, you can explore the delights of this typical picturesque French market. Return to the river boat for a late lunch and lazy afternoon with cruising to Gissey-sur-Ouche.

Day 5 - Wednesday: Beaune, Fleurey-sur-Ouche. This morning we cruise through some delightful villages with lots of opportunities to walk along the towpath. After another wonderful lunch, we take off for a visit of Beaune, wine capital of Burgundy and home to the magnificent Hôtel-Dieu, a charity hospital founded in 1443. This monument boasts the finest Burgundian-Flemish architecture in the world. Afterwards, we return to the barge moored in the small village of Fleurey-sur-Ouche.

Day 6 - Thursday: Dijon, Clos de Vougeot. This morning we cruise towards Dijon, passing alongside Lake Kir as we approach the port of Dijon. In the afternoon, a visit to Clos de Vougeot is in order. Wine was produced here as early as the 12th century by the local monks. A private wine tasting follows before we return to the river boat for our farewell gala dinner.

Day 7 - Friday: Transfer to Dijon or Paris. After breakfast, transfer from the barge to the Dijon train station - end of cruise. Those taking the Paris transfer service will board the TGV train back to Paris. The transfer service ends at the Gare de Lyon train station in Paris.

On alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.

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Highlights

• 15th-century Château de Commarin
• Medieval village of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
• Wine tasting in Meursault
• The Abbey of La Bussière
• Picturesque covered market of Dijon
• Dijon Ducal Palace
• Beaune with its world-famous Hospice
• Clos de Vougeot wine tasting
  

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
• Sightseeing tours and entrance fees as specified

Not Included

• Transportation to and from beginning and end points. (Optional transfer to and from Paris is available.)
• Health and travel insurance
• Barge crew gratuities (suggested 5% of cruise price)
• Bar drinks on board the barge
• Personal expenses
• Optional activities when available
• Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above

Barge Features

• Cabins: 6 twins/4 doubles (20 passengers)
• 7 crew members
• Size: 128 ft. x 17 ft.
  
• Sundeck, stereo and CD
• Air conditioning and central heating
• Air-conditioned coaches for excursions
  

Cruise Departures

Every Saturday subject to availability (except winter)

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 in France where the cruise takes place. See pictures from our trips:

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