'Litote'

Burgundy (between Dijon and Vandenesse-en-Auxois) on the Burgundy Canal, France THE ‘BEST OF THE BURGUNDY CANAL’ CRUISE

The Litote cruise takes us through the central part of Burgundy on the famous canal of the same name. This region is known for prestigious wines and hearty cuisine and passengers will discover its unique architecture and fascinating history. Visits to Dijon and the Palace of the Dukes, the famous Hospice de Beaune, Clos de Vougeot and Mersault vineyards, the medieval chateau of Chateauneuf with scenic views of the canal and the 15th century Chateau de Commarin.

Litote was converted and renovated in Burgundy, is a charming and warm barge featuring lots of natural woods, a central sundeck and 10 comfortable cabins, 4 of which are on the upper deck. This barge is fully air conditioned.

SATURDAY
We will meet in Dijon at the railroad station at 4.00pm. (Those arriving by car will meet the barge crew on the quay at 5pm and be shown where to park for the duration of the cruise). We are then transferred to Litote, moored in the port of Dijon, a delightful, landscaped park. After a champagne welcome aboard and the introduction of your crew, a cruise on the Burgundy canal to the village of Plombieres where we spend the night.

SUNDAY
After breakfast, a drive through the vineyards to the chateau of Clos de Vougeot, a monastic winery dating from medieval times and the present day headquarters of the Brotherhood of Knights of the Vine. We return to Litote for lunch and cruise through the afternoon to Fleurey sur Ouche. For those who wish, there are several locks giving opportunities to walk or cycle along the well maintained towpath which follows the canal.

MONDAY
We begin our cruising during breakfast, passing through scenic rural countryside to the village of Pont de Pany. Here we enter one of the most attractive stretchs of waterway in France, the Valley d’Ouche. The canal follows this river as it meanders through the valley with steep, wooded forest and rich pastures. We moor in the afternoon in the village of Gissey sur Ouche and then go by motor coach to Beaune and enjoy a guided visit to the famous Hospice, a charity hospital built in the mid 15th century. There will be free time to explore this delightful town before we return to Litote.

TUESDAY
Today is market day in Dijon, so after an early breakfast on board, we make a trip to this important city. We will have a guided visit of the principal monuments and plenty of free time to explore the open market and shops, not forgetting the Grey Poupon store in the main street. We return for lunch and a delightful afternoon cruise to La Bussiere. For those who wish, the peaceful abbey here is a wonderful place to stroll before dinner.

WEDNESDAY
This morning, we continue to cruise and climb through this pastoral valley to the village of Pont d’Ouche. After lunch, we take an excursion over the hills to Mersault, famous for its white wine. We will visit a private cellar and taste several of their prestigious wines.

THURSDAY
We begin cruising after breakfast and as we approach the summit level, increasingly frequent locks give more opportunities to walk and cycle along the towpath. We arrive in Vandenesse and after lunch, a short drive to visit the chateau of Commarin, dating from the 12th C, it is still a private home with many fine furnishings and works of art. Afterwards, we continue to the medieval village and castle of Chateauneuf, once an outpost of the Dukes of Burgundy, there are spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and feeder reservoirs for the canal. We return to Litote and prepare for our farewell gala dinner.

FRIDAY
After breakfast, we drive to Dijon where you will be transferred to the railroad station for your onward travel (other drop-offs are possible for full boat charter groups). Those who arrived by car will go to reclaim them and continue their onward journey.

Please note that this is a sample itinerary: it is subject to modification in the case of unforeseen circumstances and canal closures. The barge cruises in opposite direction on alternate weeks.