Ile de France - Chablis Barge Cruise

Northern Burgundy and the Gatinais

Cruise the rivers and canals of France aboard a luxury 12-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). On this cruise, you will see northern Burgundy and the Gatinais (south of Paris), tour two magnificent chateaus, taste the wines and cheeses of Burgundy, and enjoy the French countryside with its traditional towns and villages.

This river boat was substantially refurbished for the beginning of the 2005 season. Her six staterooms offer luxurious accommodation for 12 passengers. The salon, dining area, and bar are finished in mahogany, teak and brass, decorated with antiques and paintings. Two spacious decks offer magnificent views of the countryside.

TYPICAL BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY
(actual program may vary)

Day 1 - Sunday: Paris to Auxerre. You will be picked up at Hotel Ampere in Paris at 2 pm for the scenic drive to the river boat moored in Auxerre. After a champagne reception, your tour guide will be on hand to accompany you on a leisurely walk through the city, one of the prettiest river towns in Burgundy.

Day 2 - Monday: Auxerre to Joigny. Cruise past the riverside villages on the Yonne River towards the overnight mooring at Joigny. There are plenty of opportunities for biking and walking along the pathways that follow the cruise route. After lunch, tour the world-famous town of Chablis and the Domaine Laroche cellars, with a wine tasting, of course. Continue through picturesque landscapes to a typical Burgundian farm and sample local cheeses before returning to the barge.

Day 3 - Tuesday: Joigny to Sens. The morning cruise before lunch follows narrow canals and gently flowing rivers towards the 15th-century fortified town of Villeneuve-sur-Yonne. After the barge moors near the restaurant owned by actress Lesley Caron, enjoy a trip into town. After lunch, you can visit Sens with its treasured 12th-century St Etienne Cathedral. Stroll through this popular market town before returning to the river boat.

Day 4 - Wednesday: Sens to the Canal du Loing. Cruise past the photogenic town of Pont-sur-Yonne and enter the narrow canal section of Courlon, built to facilitate the transport of wines and other goods to Paris. After lunch, visit the romantic Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte (setting for the film "The Man In The Iron Mask") with an opportunity to explore the magnificent formal French gardens. The barge will moor overnight near the entrance to the Canal du Loing.

Day 5 - Thursday: Canal du Loing to Nemours. Today's cruise takes you into the Gatinais region. This little-known region gently reveals its secrets along a waterway teeming with wildlife. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the medieval walled town of Moret-sur-Loing, the home of the famous Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley. There's time to explore the shops and visit the beautiful Church of Our Lady, before continuing the cruise to Nemours.

Day 6 - Friday: Nemours to Cepoy. This morning, cruise towards Cepoy, a quaint mooring spot just outside Montargis. After lunch, visit the Chateau of Fontainebleau, where virtually every French ruler from Francois I to Napoleon III left his mark. Explore the gardens and the town and, if time allows, visit the artist community of Barbizon before returning to the barge for the captain's dinner.

Day 7 - Saturday: Paris. After breakfast, transfer from the river boat back to Hotel Ampere 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

• Wine and cheese tasting in Burgundy
• St Etienne Cathedral in Sens
• Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte
• Moret-sur-Loing, home of the Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley
• Chateau of Fontainebleau
  

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 point

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: 6 staterooms that can be set up with two twin beds or one queen bed (12 passengers)
• Stateroom 1 has a large bathroom with shower. Staterooms 2 through 6 each have a separate toilet and shower.
• 6 crew members
• Size: 128 ft. long
  
• Air conditioning and central heating
• Air-conditioned coach for excursions
  

Cruise Departures

Every Sunday from late May to mid-August, subject to availability

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 the region of France where this cruise takes place. See pictures from our trips:

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