Le Premier - The Barge Company 2008

Dijon to Escommes, cruising on the Burgundy Canal

At the heart of the natural beauty of this fascinating cruising area are the golden slopes of the Cote d’Or. Burgundy has always been a wealthy and important region fought over by empires and kingdoms since Roman times. As the Cistercian order was founded here, there are many abbeys and churches and the vast empire of the Ducs de Bourgogne produced the chateaux and palaces.

This route passes through the valley of the river Ouche as the Burgundy Canal winds its way to its’ summit through 54 locks.

This is an interesting cruise with many twists and turns through the scenic countryside as we pass medieval chateaux and picturesque villages along the way.

Sunday, Day 1:

Arrive late afternoon in Dijon and transfer to Le Premier for a champagne welcome and your first dinner on board. Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, is renowned for its’ stunning architecture. The home of the Dukes of Burgundy, the influences of its’ long and varied history make it an interesting city. The centre is only a short walk from the canal.

Monday, Day 2: Dijon to Fleurey-sur-Ouche

A full days cruising with 13 locks to navigate. During the trip guests can visit the famous wine making village of Nuits St George in the centre of the Côte de Nuits and the neighbouring Clos de Vougeout, the site where the Cistercian monks originally started the wine making of Burgundy. We moor for the night at Fleurey-sur-Ouche, under the trees on the village quay.

Tuesday, Day 3: Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Gissey

Continuing along the Ouche valley, today we navigate 9 locks passing through a mixture of forests and canal side villages. Guests may visit one of the domains of the Côte d’Or for lunch and a degustation of some of Frances’ best Premier and Grand Cru wines. We moor for the night in the tiny but beautiful village of Gissey, overlooking the ancient bridge over the river.

Wednesday, Day 4: Gissey to Pont d’Ouche

This is a particularly attractive section of the canal, again, with 13 locks. Around lunch time, we are very close to La Bussiere, an ancient abbey, founded by the Cistercians, within beautiful landscaped grounds.

Guests who enjoy a little exercise can easily cycle to the abbey and rejoin Le Premier along the canal tow path. Alternatively, simply enjoy the cruise and visit the abbey by car later. We arrive in Pont d’Ouche in the late afternoon, here the canal crosses a small aqueduct as the river heads towards Bligney and the canal makes it’s way slowly upwards towards the summit.

Thursday, Day 5: Pont d’Ouche to Vandenesse

After Pont d’Ouche, the canal passes through the stunning scenery of a very narrow gorge, which in previous times was clearly worked as a quarry. This morning, guests may visit the ancient town of Beaune. We meet the boat again at Crugey in time for lunch and continue towards Vandenesse. During the afternoon we catch glimpses of the fortified village of Chateauneuf perched high above, as the canal winds its’ way through the valley towards Vandenesse. The floodlit chateau stands guard over our mooring and is a spectacular setting for dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6: Vandenesse to Escommes

This morning Le Premier climbs the final eight lock flight to the summit of the Burgundy Canal through forests and fields. We pass an unusual section of canal populated by mannequins fishing from boats, climbing trees and doing the garden.The eclusiers, the French lock keepers, are colourful characters, creating beautiful and ornately decorated houses and gardens. Some exhibit art or a small museum or sell their fresh produce such as eggs and honey.After lunch a visit to the chateau at Commarin and watching the sunset from Chateauneuf are the ideal finale to your cruise of Burgundy. Time to enjoy cocktails and a farewell dinner on board le premier.

Saturday, Day 7: - Transfer to Dijon after breakfast.

The suggested excursions are intended to give you an idea of the trips available. The timing, variety, number and duration of excursions are up to you. In general all excursions are possible from any point of the cruise. It is also possible to enjoy lunch or dinner ashore should you wish.

NOTE: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.