Dijon to St Leger (or reverse), cruising on the Burgundy Canal, the River Saône
and the Canal du Centre
 |
Cruise route map
(Click to enlarge) |
The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise the moorings
may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.
Sunday, Day 1 - Dijon.
On arrival at Dijon station you are met by the barge guide who escorts you on your transfer to Dijon’s Port du
Canal, where you board the barge for your cruise through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you
on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening, experience your first dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 - Cruise to Longecourt. Visit Château du Clos de Vougeot.
While the barge cruises the Canal de Bourgogne from Dijon to the River Saône your guide takes you to visit
Gevray Chambertin or the Musée des Beaux Arts. Later today you visit the Château du Clos de Vougeot, a
medieval château surrounded by vineyards. This is the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose
special label is awarded annually to the finest Côte d’Or vintages. You have the opportunity to see a family
run winery and to sample wines that may never reach your corner of the world.
Tuesday, Day 3 – Visit Dijon. Cruise to St. Jean de Losne.
After breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon, past the elegant houses. Visit the Ducal Palace,
the market, and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon cruise.
The barge leaves the Canal de Bourgogne and enters the River Saône for tonight’s mooring in St. Jean de
Losne, the barging capital of France. Take some time this evening or early tomorrow to stroll around the port
and see the many working and pleasure barges.
Wednesday, Day 4 – Visit Beaune. Cruise to Chalon-sur-Saône or Fragnes.
Continue to cruise the peaceful valley of the River Saône downstream to Seurre. Guests may stay on board
and enjoy the passing scenery. Today includes a visit to Beaune, the capital of the wine region of Burgundy
and a visit to the famous Hotel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. Reboard the boat for a leisurely cruise to tonight’s
mooring in Chalon-sur-Saône or Fragnes. Your guide takes you on a walking tour of the pedestrian area in
Chalon-sur-Saône, the last of the Burgundian style river towns and one of the major cities of the Saône Valley.
Thursday, Day 5 - Cruise to Rully. Visit Château de Rully.
The barge cruises upstream for a short distance and leaves the River Saône by clearing the lock to enter the
Canal du Centre. Now you are back into the canal environment where you may disembark the barge at each
lock, bicycle alongside or walk and keep up with the pace of the barge. After lunch, visit the Château de Rully
followed by a cellar tour and wine tasting in Bouzeron or a crémant tasting in Rully. Tonight it is back to a
countryside mooring in Rully.
Friday, Day 6 - Visit Couches and the Château Marguerite de Bourgogne. Cruise St. Léger.
A leisurely cruise on the Canal du Centre gives you a chance to savor the beauty of the French countryside.
The barge cruises to St. Léger, another quaint village along the Canal du Centre while your guide takes you to
Château Marguerite de Bourgogne in Couches, dating back to the 11th century, for a tour and wine tasting.
Back on board the chef is preparing a memorable feast for your farewell gala dinner.
Saturday, Day 7 - Dijon
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon for your onward travel.
Escommes to Dijon (or reverse), cruising on the Burgundy Canal
 |
Cruise route map
(Click to enlarge) |
The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any one
cruise the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on
the season and guest preferences.
Sunday, Day 1 - Dijon.
On arrival at Dijon station you are met by the barge guide and transferred to the barge at
Escommes for your cruise through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you on
board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening enjoy your first dining
experience on board.
Monday, Day 2 - Cruise to Pont d'Ouche. Visit Château de Pommard.
After breakfast, enjoy your first day cruising on the Canal de Bourgogne. Small-unspoiled
villages and green, forested hills provide exceptional views from the deck. After lunch visit
Château de Pommard, a stunning building dating from 1726 and surrounded by its own
vineyards. You have the chance to visit its exceptional cellar and sample its wines.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Cruise to La Bussière. Visit Beaune.
Relax on board this morning as the barge cruises towards the charming village of La Bussière.
After lunch, visit Beaune, capital of the Burgundy wine producing region, for a visit
to the famous Hotel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. Tonight's mooring is at another canal-side
village, La Bussière-sur-Ouche.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Cruise to Gissey. Visit l'Abbaye de La Bussière.
Mid-morning, tour l'Abbaye de la Bussière built in the 12th century under the guidance of
the Cistercian monks from Citeaux. After a stroll in the grounds enjoy lunch in the one
Michelin star restaurant. This afternoon, visit Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, a medieval hill-top
village, followed by a tour of the lovely countryside.
Thursday, Day 5 - Cruise to Fleurey-sur-Ouche. Visit Clos de Vougeot.
This morning the barge cruises through the Côte d'Or planted with vines that produce
some of the world's most famous wines. After lunch your guide takes you to visit 'Clos de
Vougeot', a medieval chateau surrounded by vineyards. This is the headquarters of the
Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Cote d'Or vintages.
On your way back to the barge, enjoy a wine tasting in Vougeot. Tonight's mooring
is at Fleurey-sur-Ouche.
Friday, Day 6 - Visit Dijon. Cruise to Dijon.
After breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon, to visit the Ducal Palace,
the market, and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. Return to the boat for lunch and the afternoon's
cruise. The barge moors for the night in Dijon's Port du Canal, a short distance
from the town centre. Farewell gala dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 - Dijon.
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the Dijon station for your onward travel.
St Leger-sur-Dheune to Lyon (or reverse), cruising on the Canal du Centre
and the River Rhone
 |
Cruise route map
(Click to enlarge) |
The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise the moorings may
change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.
Sunday, Day 1
Board the barge at St. Léger for your cruise through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and
gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening, enjoy your first dining experience on board.
Monday, Day 2 - Cruise to Rully. Visit Couches
While the barge cruises to Rully, a quaint village along the Canal du Centre, relax and enjoy the passing scenery.
Visit Château Marguerite de Bourgogne in Couches, dating back to the 11th century, for a tour and wine tasting. In
the afternoon, relax on board or walk or bicycle along the towpath and meet the barge further down the canal.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Cruise to Chalon-sur-Saône. Visit Beaune
This morning the barge cruises the final section of the Canal du Centre before entering the last and very deep lock
which takes you from the canal into the River Saône. The scenery changes from the close proximity of the canal
banks to the expanse of this beautiful river. Drive to Lavernois for lunch at the famous Relais & Châteaux hotel. This
afternoon's visit is to Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy. The town itself has hardly changed in appearance
throughout the years; it's tiny centre is a dense maze of narrow old streets with a circular boulevard running
round it's former ramparts, many of which still stand. Enjoy a visit to the famous Hotel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune followed
by a private wine tasting at Domaine Joseph Drouhin's wine cellar.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Visit Cluny. Cruise to Mâcon
This morning the barge cruises towards Mâcon. After lunch visit the Abbey of Cluny, the centre of a major monastic
reform movement in the Middle Ages and the largest church in the world for many centuries. Tonight's mooring is
Mâcon, a thriving market town bordering both the Mâconnais and the Beaujolais vineyards. The city is principal town
of the Saône and the birthplace of the well loved 19th century poet and politician, Alphonse Lamartine.
Thursday, Day 5 - Cruise to Montmerle. Visit Beaujolais region
Drive to the Roche de Solutré, a picturesque site with a superb view of Mâcon, the River Saône and the Pouilly-Fuissé
vineyards. The vines here grow right up to the village walls and the roads seem narrower, encroached by vines
planted as tightly as possible in every available space. Back on board for lunch followed by an afternoon cruise
through the valley of the Saône. Our mooring tonight is Montmerle in the heart of the Beaujolais region, known for
its vineyards and gastronomy.
Friday, Day 6 - Cruise to Lyon. Visit Lyon
Today's visit is Lyon, a cultural, historic and gastronomic centre little known outside of France. Dominating the city is
the splendidly ornate Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière. The standard of Lyon's shopping facilities is renowned for
its quality and includes many chic boutiques. There will be some free time for shopping, or perhaps just to sit in one
of the numerous pavements cafés and watch the world go by. Meanwhile the chef is busy on board preparing your
farewell gala dinner.
Saturday, Day 7 - Lyon
After breakfast disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.
St Jean to Escommes (or reverse), cruising on the Burgundy Canal
 |
Cruise route map
(Click to enlarge) |
The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise the moorings
may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.
Sunday, Day 1
A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. A late afternoon
cocktail cruise on the River Saône will prepare your palate for your first dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 - Cruise to Dijon. Visit Clos de Vougeot
This morning, enjoy your first cruise on the Canal de Bourgogne. There are plenty of opportunities to
walk and cycle along the tow path that stretches from here all the way to Escommes. After a wonderful
lunch on board we visit ‘Clos de Vougeot’, a medieval château surrounded by 12th century
vineyards. This is the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually
to the finest Côte d'Or vintages. Then stop off for a wine tasting in the village. The barge
moors for the night in Dijon port.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Cruise to Fleurey. Visit Dijon
After breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon to visit the local market, where you
have a chance to buy some local produce for lunch. Visit the Ducal Palace, the market, and the Grey
Poupon mustard shop. There is some free time for shopping or perhaps sit in one of the numerous
pavement cafés and simply watch the world go by. Return to the boat for lunch and the afternoon's
cruise.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Cruise to La Bussière. Visit La Bussière and Château de Pommard
Mid-morning, your guide takes you to l'Abbaye de la Bussière, built in the 12th century under the
guidance of the Cistercian monks from Citeaux. This beautiful abbey has now been converted into a
truly luxurious hotel. After a stroll in the grounds and a tour of the property with the owner, enjoy
lunch in the restaurant. This afternoon, visit the Château de Pommard, a stunning buidling dating
from 1726 and surrounded by its own vineyards. Visit its exceptional cellar and sample the wines. A
scenic drive will take you back to the barge just in time for cocktails.
Thursday, Day 5 - Cruise to La Rèpe. Visit Beaune
Relax onboard and enjoy a leisurely cruise towards La Rèpe. After lunch visit Beaune, capital of the
Burgundy wine producing region,and the famous Hotel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. The town itself has
hardly changed in appearance throughout the years; it's tiny centre is a dense maze of narrow old
streets with a circular boulevard running round it's former ramparts, many of which still stand. Tonight's
mooring is in the countryside by the hamlet of La Rèpe.
Friday, Day 6 - Cruise to Escommes. Visit Châteauneuf en Auxois
This morning enjoy a leisurely cruise through the lovely Ouche Valley. The barge will cruise through
several more locks before reaching its final destination of the port of Escommes. Your guide then
takes you on a scenic drive to Châteauneuf en Auxois, a medieval hill-top village with commanding
views over the plains, followed by a tour of the picturesque countryside. Meanwhile the chef is preparing
a feast for your farewell dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 - Dijon
After breakfast disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.
Saint Jean de Losne to Lyon on the River Saône
 |
Cruise route map
(Click to enlarge) |
The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise the moorings
may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.
Sunday - St Jean
Board the barge moored at St. Jean for your cruise through Burgundy and down the River Saône. A
champagne reception gives you a chance to meet the crew. A cocktail cruise introduces you to the delights
of cruising. Later enjoy your first dining experience on board.
Monday - Visit Clos de Vougeot. Cruise to Chalon-sur-Saône
Visit the 'Clos de Vougeot', a medieval chateau and the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin,
whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Côte d'Or vintages. Enjoy the opportunity to see
a family run winery and to sample wines that may never reach your corner of the world. The barge
continues cruising and moors in Châlon for the evening. This afternoon take a walking tour of Chalonsur-
Saône with its magnificent cathedral square and half timbered buildings.
Tuesday - Visit Beaune. Cruise to Tournus
Today your guide escorts you to Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy, for a visit to the famous
Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune followed by a private wine tasting at Domaine Joseph Drouhin,
where the King of France and the Duke of Burgundy used to store some of their wines. The town itself,
with its tiny centre, has hardly changed physically through the years. A circular boulevard runs round
its former ramparts, many of which still stand, and within there is a dense maze of narrow old streets.
Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon's cruise. Once moored at Tournus for the night, take a
leisurely walk to the Romanesque church of St. Philibert on the banks of the Saône.
Wednesday - Cruise to Mâcon. Visit Cluny
This morning's visit is to the Abbey of Cluny, for centuries the largest church in the world. Rejoin the
barge at Tournus for lunch. Enjoy a scenic afternoon's cruise along the Saône. The mooring this evening
is Mâcon, a thriving market town bordering both the Mâconnais and the Beaujolais vineyards.
Thursday - Visit Solutré. Cruise Montmerle. Visit the Château de Fléchères
In the morning, visit Solutré, a typical village of the Mâconnais region. The Roche de Solutré is a picturesque
site with a superb view of Mâcon, the River Saône and the Pouilly-Fuissé vineyards. In this
village the vines grow right up to the village walls and the roads seem to get narrower, encroached by
vines planted as tightly as possible in every available space. After lunch, visit the Château de Fléchères
built in 1630 and set in 80 acres of parkland.
Friday - Cruise to Lyon. Visit Lyon
Today's visit is to Lyon, a cultural, historic and gastronomic centre little known outside of France.
Dominating the city is the splendidly ornate Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière. The standard of
Lyon's shopping is renowned for its quality and includes many chic boutiques. There is some free time
to enjoy the wonderful shopping or perhaps to simply sit in one of the numerous pavement cafés and
watch the world go by. Meanwhile the chef is busy preparing for you farewell gala dinner on board.
Saturday - Lyon.
After breakfast disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.
|
)
)
)
)
)
