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Barge Cruises in France ~
Burgundy
- Chablis
Rustic
countryside in Chablis wine country
Cruise
the Canal de Bourgogne in France aboard a 12-passenger barge-hotel (7 days
- 6 nights). This cruise will take you past vineyards, pastures, farms and towns
dating back to the Middle Ages. While enjoying the pristine scenery, you will
savor famous local cuisine and wines. What a delight! 
TYPICAL
BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY
(actual program may vary)
Note:
This cruise is also available with the following special itineraries: walking,
wine.
The barge can also be chartered in tandem with an 8-passenger barge for groups
of up to 20 people. Contact us
for details. Day
1 - Sunday: Tanlay.
You will be met at the designated meeting point and transferred to the barge moored
in Tanlay. The full crew will welcome you with champagne and appetizers. After
settling into your cabin, you will enjoy your first dinner aboard - an introduction
to Burgundy’s excellent cuisine, accompanied by local wines. Day
2 - Monday: Tanlay to Lezinne. Enjoy
a leisurely breakfast and morning cruise through the Burgundian countryside with
the opportunity to cycle or walk into the picturesque 16th-century village of
Saint Vinemer. After lunch visit the 16th-century Renaissance-style Chateau de
Tanlay. Dinner on board the barge. Day
3 - Tuesday: Lezinne to Ancy le Franc. After breakfast
enjoy a relaxing cruise to Ancy le Franc with plenty of opportunity to wander
or cycle ahead as the vessel goes through the locks towards the beautiful 16th-century
Renaissance palace and gardens of Chateau d’Ancy le Franc. Lunch ata local
auberge followed by a visit of the vineyards and town of Chablis, dating back
to Roman times. Private wine tasting at the Domaine Billaud Simon renowned for
its Premier and Grand Cru wines. Dinner on board the barge. Day
4 - Wednesday: Ancy le Franc to Ravieres.
Morning visit to the local market at Noyers, where you can savor the sights and
smells of the vegetables, cheeses, and other local produce. Then, back to the
barge to enjoy a gentle afternoon cruise to Ravieres past grazing Charolais cattle.
Next is a visit ofthe 16th-century Renaissance palace and gardens of Chateau d’Ancy
le Franc. Dinner on board the barge. Day
5 - Thursday: Ravieres to Montbard. Morning
cruise to Montbard passing the Forges de Buffon. After
lunch you'll be taken to the fascinating Abbey de Fontenay, a World Heritage site
founded by St Bernard in 1118. A virtually intact example of early Cistercian
architecture, Fontenay provides an exceptional glimpse of medieval life, with
its peaceful gardens and ponds and fascinating cloisters, dormitories and scriptorium.
Dinner on board the barge. Day
6 - Friday: Montbard to Venarey les Laumes.
Morning cruise through woodlands and rolling fields, with great towpath biking
and walking opportunities, past the tiny villages of Nogent, Courcelles and Les
Granges. Afternoon visit of the hilltop village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, where
the movie Chocolat was shot. On the way, from the summit of Mt Auxois,
you'll see Alesia, the last battle site between the Gauls and Romans that took
place in 52 BC. You will also
have time to enjoy the picturesque town of Semur-en-Auxois. Captain’s Farewell
Dinner on board the barge. Day
7 - Saturday: Venarey les Laumes.
After breakfast, transfer from the barge to the Montbard train station. On
alternate weeks, the cruise runs in the reverse direction.
This itinerary is
subject to change without notice.
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Highlights - Cistercian
Abbey of Fontenay, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- 18-century
Forges de Buffon
- Village
of Flavigny, location of the movie Chocolat
- Alesia,
site of the last battle between the Gauls and the Romans
- Local
market in Noyers
- Chateau
of Ancy le Franc
-
Chateau of Tanlay
- Chablis
wine tasting
Included - Accommodations
with private bath or shower and all meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on
day 7
- Wine
with lunch and dinner and selected alcoholic beverages consumed aboard the barge
- Sightseeing
tours and entrance fees as specified
- Round
trip transfers from specified meeting points
Not
Included - Transportation
to and from beginning and end points
- Health
and travel insurance
- Barge
crew gratuities (suggested 5% of cruise price)
- Superior
vintage wines
- Personal
expenses
- Optional
activities when available
- Other
items not specifically listed under "Included" above
Barge
Features - Cabins:
1 double suite, 1 twin or double suite, 2 twin junior suites, 2 twin or double
junior suites (12 passengers)
- All
cabins have private bath with shower.
- 5
crew members
- Size:
128 ft. long
- Sun
deck with hot tub
- Dining
and lounge area with bar
- Air
conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned
coaches for excursions
Cruise
Departures Every
Sunday subject to availability (except winter). Note: October 9 cruise is a "walking"
cruise. Contact us for details. This
barge can be chartered for groups. Various themes, such as wine,
can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group. DEPARTURES
AND PRICES BOOK
YOUR CRUISE
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