'Papillon'

No hectic day by day schedule awaits you here...just relax and share the slow pace of life aboard the Papillon—where serious pampering is firmly on the agenda.

Like a fine wine or a good meal, Burgundy should be savoured slowly. Leave behind the hurried humdrum and share the anticipation – the one thing we don’t do is rush. Of course that means that there’s plenty of time for a chilled glass of champagne before the next lock or village. And time to remember what you did yesterday or the day before without the whirlwind itineraries so typical of modern tourism. And if you would like to take the wheel and pilot your floating home from home between this lock and the next then why not? You’re more than welcome, under the watchful eye of the skipper. Equally so to jump ashore at a lock and practice your French whilst helping the lock-keeper pass us into the next stretch. There is only one thing we need to warn you about – you should be prepared to relax. We go nowhere fast. We like it that way. Don’t worry, you’ll soon get used to it!

Come to Burgundy and you step into the past. Here is a country rooted deep in history and legend, carrying us back to the dawn of Western civilization. Here Caesar came and saw and conquered. Here the Dukes of Burgundy held dominion in the golden Middle Ages. And here today in the very heart of France, Le Papillon cruises. In 2009 we may also cruise in Franche-Comté and Alsace-Lorraine. But, wherever we are, we can choose our moorings together – town, village or open countryside? Then maybe head out in the minibus to a private tasting with a local wine grower or ride a bicycle and explore the countryside. Let us tell you what is possible so that you can choose. After all, there’s no agenda other than your own. We’ll make sure however that you don’t miss any sights that are really special – we want to you to love our cruises as much as we do!

While it’s very much France at a snail’s pace, there’s always something to catch the eye. Best of all there’s always time to look and sketch or take pictures. And all the time, the waters glide by, gurgling below the bow. We can honestly say we know nothing so easy on the eye, so gentle on the soul, or so inspiring for the spirit than a few days losing yourself along these once highways, now historic backwaters of France…

PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU’D LIKE A SAMPLE DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY E-MAILED TO YOU.