BURGUNDY Itinerary on the Canal du Centre (St Léger to Digoin)
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Cruise route map
(Click to enlarge) |
Sunday - Paris to Dijon. Moor in St. Léger
Depart Paris, Gare de Lyon, on the TGV train in the afternoon (if you have booked this service). On arrival
at Dijon station you are met by the Barge Guide who transfers you to the barge at St. Léger-sur-Dheune.
A champagne reception welcomes you on board followed by an evening cruise before dinner.
Monday - Visit Beaune. Cruise to St. Julien-sur-Dheune
Today, tour the famous Côte d'Or, home of Burgundy's finest vineyards; Meursault, Puligny, Montrachet,
Santenay, to name but a few. Visit Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, including the medieval hospital,
the ‘Hospice de Beaune’. Cruise to St. Julien-sur-Dheune, a small country mooring and a quiet place to
walk or bicycle.
Tuesday - Cruise to Blanzy. Visit Château Marguerite de Bourgogne
This morning visit the Château Marguerite de Bourgogne, built in the 12th century, followed by a private
wine tasting in the secret passages which run beneath the castle. Relax in the afternoon as the barge
cruises to Blanzy.
Wednesday - Cruise to Genélard. Visit Autun
Visit the canal side market at Montceau Les Mines before cruising to Genélard. Later, tour the city of Autun,
founded by Emperor Augustus, and known as one of the leading cities of Roman Gaul. Visit the roman
amphitheatre, one of the largest in France with a seating capacity of 17,000.
Thursday - Tour Paray-Le Monial. Visit Cluny. Cruise to Paray-le-Monial
After breakfast tour Paray-le-Monial, with its famous Basilica of the Sacré Coeur and site of pilgrimage
since 1873. After lunch, visit Cluny, a little town dominated by its great Benedictine abbey.
Friday - Visit La Clayette. Cruise to Digoin
Drive through the countryside to La Clayette to visit the specialty chocolate shop of M. Bernard Dufoux.
The master himself will demonstrate the art of making chocolate, followed by a private tasting. Car enthusiasts
may tour the vintage car museum just around the corner where all the vehicles are for sale. Afternoon
cruise to Digoin where the barge will moor close to the Pont Canal de Digoin, a canal bridge which
spans the Loire. Farewell Gala Dinner on board.
Saturday - Le Creusot -Paris
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to the Le Creusot rail station. Return to Paris (Gare de
Lyon) on the TGV (if you have booked this service).
PLEASE NOTE—THIS IS A SAMPLE ITINERARY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
UPPER LOIRE Itinerary on the Canal Latéral à la Loire (Le Guétin to Digoin)
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Cruise route map
(Click to enlarge) |
Sunday – Paris to Nevers. Transfer to Pont Canal de Guétin
Depart Paris, Gare de Lyon, on the TGV train in the afternoon (if you have booked this service). On arrival
at Nevers station you are met by the Barge Guide who transfers you to the barge moored in Pont Canal
du Guétin. A champagne reception welcomes you and gives you a chance to meet the crew. An evening
cruise on the Canal de Latéral à la Loire will introduce you to the pleasure of canal cruising.
Monday - Cruise to Imphy (Chevenon). Visit Nevers
This morning, the barge cruises to Imphy, the site of a ‘pont canal’ which traverses the river Allier. Imphy
(Chevenon) is a small country mooring and a quiet place to walk or bicycle. After lunch, enjoy a
walking tour of Nevers, the capital of the Nivernais, with a private visit to the workshop of Mr Bernard to
see the master ceramic maker at work and a chance to buy some of the distinctive blue and gold faience.
Tuesday - Visit Château d’Aprémont and wine tasting. Cruise to Decize
After breakfast, visit the 15th century Château d’Aprémont with its fabulous gardens set in a medieval
village. Enjoy a wine tasting at one of our favorite vineyards in the Loire Valley. The barge will cruise
from Imphy to Decize stopping at the little village of Avril-sur-Loire where you can visit the rural ‘Ferme
d’Escargots’ (snail farm) where you can sample one of France’s most famous delicacies!
Wednesday - Visit Bourbon -Lancy. Cruise to Garnat-sur-Engièvre
Today’s excursion is to the beautiful medieval town of Bourbon Lancy. Step back in time as your guide
leads you through the medieval quarter with its authentic timbered houses and 14th century belfry which
houses a unique automaton.
Thursday - Visit Chateau of St Aubin. Cruise to Diou
Enjoy a leisurely morning cruise to Diou. This afternoon, take a private tour of the chateau of St Aubin, a
fine example of renaissance architecture with extensive grounds and kitchen gardens.
Friday - Cruise to Digoin. Visit La Clayette
Cruise to Digoin and moor at the picturesque Pont Canal. After lunch, enjoy a drive through the countryside
to see La Clayette, its château and the specialty chocolate factory of M. Bernard Dufoux. The master
himself demonstrates the art of making chocolate, followed by a private tasting. Automobile enthusiasts
may tour the vintage car museum where all the vehicles are for sale.
Saturday - Le Creusot - Paris
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to the Le Creusot rail station. Return to Paris (Gare de
Lyon) on the TGV (if you have booked this service).
PLEASE NOTE—THIS IS A SAMPLE ITINERARY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
UPPER LOIRE ITINERARY on the Canal de Briare and Canal Latéral à la Loire (Rogny les Sept
Écluses to Le Guétin)
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Cruise route map
(Click to enlarge) |
Sunday – Paris to Nevers. Moor in Rogny les Sept Écluses
Depart Paris, Gare de Lyon, on the TGV train this afternoon (if you have booked this service). On arrival at
Nevers station you are met by the Barge Guide who transfers you to the barge at Rogny les Sept Écluses
on the Canal de Briare. A champagne welcome is followed by an evening cruise on the canal. Enjoy your
first dining experience on board.
Monday - Visit Le Jardin de Parfumers and Château de St. Fargeau. Cruise to Châtillon-sur-Loire
This morning, visit the lovely village of Mezilles and the Jardin de Parfumer where they still make perfume
in the traditional way. Nearby is the beautiful Château de Saint-Fargeau with a history spanning a thousand
years. Today, the barge traverses the River Loire via the longest canal bridge in Europe, connecting
the Canal du Briare to the Canal Latéral à la Loire.
Tuesday - Cruise to Léré. Visit Gien and Guédelon
After breakfast, visit a faïence factory in the beautiful town of Gien. The barge cruises southward to Léré,
a pleasant countryside mooring. After lunch, visit Guédelon where for the last seven years a team of engineers
have been constructing a fortified château using traditional 13th century techniques - fascinating for
all.
Wednesday - Cruise to Ménétréol. Visit Sancerre
This morning explore the typical French market at Cosne-sur-Loire and sample some of the local delicacies.
Return to the boat for lunch and a leisurely cruise to the village of Ménétréol. In the afternoon, visit Sancerre,
situated on an impressive hilltop west and the goat farm of Francois Blain to see how the famous
‘crottin’ cheese is made. Enjoy a private wine tasting at the fabulous 15th century Chateau Tracy, one of
the most prestigious producers in the Loire.
Thursday – Cruise to Passy (La Charité-sur-Loire). Visit La Charité-sur-Loire
Take a short trip to Tharenay to taste the famous Pouilly Fumé wine - a perfect aperitif before lunch! This
afternoon, visit La Charité-sur-Loire, an important site of Burgundian Romanesque art and a renowned
resting place for pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela.
Friday – Cruise to Le Guétin. Visit Nevers and Aprémont
Enjoy a walking tour of Nevers, the capital of the Nivernais, with a private visit to the workshop of Mr Bernard
to see the master ceramic maker at work and a chance to buy some of the distinctive blue and gold
faience. This afternoon take a short drive to Aprémont, one of the most beautiful villages in France, to
visit the private Château and gardens. Farewell Gala Dinner on board.
Saturday - Nevers-Paris
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to the Nevers rail station. Return to Paris (Gare de Lyon)
on the TGV (if you have booked this service).
PLEASE NOTE—THIS IS A SAMPLE ITINERARY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
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