CRUISE MAP
Classic Burgundy Cruise - Tanlay to Venarey les Laumes
Sunday, Day 1 - Tanlay
Guests are met at the destignated meeting point and transferred to the barge moored in Tanlay. A full crew Welcome Aboard with champagne and canapés. After time to settle into your cabin you will enjoy your first dinner aboard and introduction to Burgundy’s excellent cuisine.
Monday, Day 2 - Tanlay to Lezinne
Wake to the aromas of ground coffee and French patisseries, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning cruise to Lezinne with the opportunity to cycle or walk into the picturesque 16th century village of Saint Vinemer. After lunch we visit the 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau de Tanlay, nestling serenely within this picturesque village and also the 18th century Fosse Dionne. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Lezinne to Ancy le Franc
After breakfast enjoy a lazy cruise up to Ancy le Franc with plenty of opportunity to wander or cycle ahead as the vessel ascends through the locks towards the beautiful 16th century Renaissance palace and gardens of Chateau d’Ancy le Franc. Lunch in Chablis at a local auberge and then visit the vineyards and town of Chablis, dating back to Roman times. We enjoy a private wine tasting at the Domaine Servan renowned for its Premier and Grand Cru wines popularized by Alexis Lichine in the 1950’s. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Ancy le Franc to Ravieres
Morning visit to medieval Noyers sur Serein to admire the local produce, colours and delights of the wonderful market, or to wander the town ramparts in this, one of the most beautiful villages in France. We return to the barge and enjoy a gentle afternoon cruise past grazing Charolais cattle to Ravieres followed by a visit to the 16th century Renaissance palace and gardens of Chateau d’Ancy le Franc. Dinner on board.
Thursday, Day 5 - Ravieres to Montbard
Morning cruise, with excellent walking and cycling opportunities, to Montbard passing the Forges de Buffon. After lunch, we escort you to the exquisite World Heritage Unesco site of Abbayé de Fontenay founded by St Bernard in 1118. Representing a distinctive example of early Cistercian architecture and virtually intact, Fontenay allows an exceptional glimpse of early Cistercian life and industry with its peaceful gardens and ponds and fascinating cloisters, dormitories and scriptorium. Dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6 - Montbard to Venarey les Laumes
Morning cruise through woodlands and rolling fields, with great towpath biking and walking opportunities, past the tiny canalside villages of Nogent, Courcelles and Les Granges. This afternoon we enjoy a stroll around the hilltop village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, where the film ‘Chocolat’ was located. On the way from the summit of Mt Auxois, we look at Alesia, the last battle site between the Gaulles and Romans that took place in 52 BC. Also time to enjoy the town of Semur-en-Auxois. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 - Venarey les Laumes
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the designated drop off point.
On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
Classic Burgundy "Family" Cruise - Tanlay to Venarey les Laumes
Sunday, Day 1 - Tanlay
Guests are met at the designated meeting point and transferred to the barge moored in Tanlay. A full crew Welcome Aboard with champagne and canapés. After time to settle into your cabin you are invited to join us for a first dinner on board and introduction to Burgundy’s excellent cuisine.
Monday, Day 2 - Tanlay to Lezinne
Wake to the aromas of ground coffee and French patisseries, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning cruise to Lezinne with time to cycle or walk the tow paths into the picturesque 16th Century village of Saint Vinemer. After lunch there is a choice of visits. In fine weather safe swimming at Lac de Marcenay with lakeside beach or the local indoor municipal pool, or walk across to the 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau de Tanlay, nestling serenely within this picturesque village, which also boasts a challenging 9 hole golf course Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Lezinne to Ancy le Franc
This morning we can visit Le Parc Adventure Acrobatix with Kayaking and tree climbing available, before returning to the barge and enjoy a cruise down to Ancy le Franc with plenty of opportunity to wander or cycle as the vessel ascend through the locks cruise. Before dinner, wander or cycle around the village and across to the 16th century Renaissance Chateau d’Ancy le Franc or enjoy a game of boules. Dinner on board. (Tree climbing is not included and should be paid on the day directly to the provider).
Wednesday, Day 4 - Ancy le Franc to Ravieres
All day visit to either Loisirs en Morvan Parc Adventure for Quad Biking and kayaking or the Amphitrite Centre with outside play pools for all ages with lunch in a local auberge or picnic lunch out. Return to the barge for on board. (Quad biking is not included and should be paid on the day directly to the provider).
Thursday, Day 5 - Ravieres to Montbard
This morning we drive for 30 minutes to the Grottes d’Arcy sur Cure with its network of underground caves and lakes formed from limestone with prehistoric Paleolithic cave paintings. Lunch on board and then in the afternoon we can go to the summit of Mt Auxois and we look at Alesia, the last battle site between the Gaulles and Romans that took place in 52 BC. Dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6 - Montbard to Venarey les Laumes
Morning cruise through woodlands and rolling fields with great towpath biking and walking opportunities past the tiny canal side villages of Lezinnes, Argentenay and Saint Vinnemer. This afternoon visit Parc L’Auxois and enjoy this wonderful animal zoo and science learning centre. Return to the barge for Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 - Venarey les Laumes
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the designated drop off point.
On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
Classic Burgundy "Walking" Cruise - Tanlay to Venarey les Laumes
Sunday, Day 1 - Paris to Tanlay
We rendezvous in Paris and transfer to the barge, moored in Tanlay, in a private air-conditioned minibus. A full crew Welcome Aboard with champagne and canapés during which we hear about the week’s itinerary, its walks and its activities. After time to settle into your cabin we gather for our Welcome Dinner on board - a wonderful introduction to Burgundy’s excellent cuisine.
Monday, Day 2 - Tanlay to Lezinne
After a delicious breakfast which includes fresh croissants from a local boulangerie, we start our holiday with a morning cruise through the Burgundian countryside to Lezinnes with the option to take a leisurely walk along the towpath. After lunch on board we visit the 16th Century Renaissance-style Chateau de Tanlay for a guided tour of this beautiful castle. A very pastoral and woody walk then takes us to the ruined Abbey of Quincy before we return by minibus to the barge for dinner.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Lezinne to Ancy le Franc
We start the day with a canal-side walk passing ancient villages before we depart for the world-famous town and vineyards of Chablis. Before a gourmet lunch in Chablis, we enjoy a private wine-tasting at the Domaine Servan, renowned for its Premier and Grand Cru wines popularized by Alex Lichine in the 1950's. After lunch there is time to wander around the town before we take a late afternoon walk towards Tonnerre, nestled in a loop in the river, through forests and slopes covered in vineyards which are ablaze with gold, yellow and orange autumn colours. We visit the amazing Fosse Dionne and the 13th century Hotel Dieu and then return to the barge moored at Ancy le Franc.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Ancy le Franc to Ravieres
A morning visit to Noyers sur Serein, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, to enjoy the vegetables, cheeses, colours and delights of the local market. We are then guided around the medieval streets and ramparts before returning to the barge for lunch. In the afternoon we either enjoy a lazy cruise gently down Ravières or walk there by a ciruitous route through the Burgundian countryside. We start this in the ancient village of Chassignelles and end in Ravières where we join our barge again.
Thursday, Day 5 - Ravieres to Montbard
Starting at the tiny village of Cry, this morning’s walk takes us through a cacophony of woodland, rolling fields and a ruined castle. In the afternoon we drive to the exquisite World Heritage Unesco site of Abbey de Fontenay founded by St Bernard in 1118. Not only is it a wonderful example of early Cistercian architecture but it is virtually in tact. With its peaceful gardens and ponds and fascinating cloisters, dormitories and scriptorium, Fontenay gives an exceptional glimpse of Cistercian life and industry. A late afternoon walk from the Abbey, crossing woodland and the ancient town of Montbard, takes us back to the barge by sunset to enjoy an aperitif before dinner.
Friday, Day 6 - Montbard to Venarey les Laumes
After climbing out of the valley, our final walk takes us past fields of Charollais cattle and through the hamlet of Benoisey before reaching Grignan where we descend to meet the barge. En route we have the best views of the week with stunning vistas across the valley of the Brenne and the Canal du Bourgogne. In the afternoon we first visit the fascinating walled hilltop village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, where the film Chocolat was made. This is followed by a visit Alesia, the site of the final battle between the Gauls and Romans that took place in 52 BC, before ending the afternoon in the medieval fortified town of Semur en Auxois. We return to the barge moored at Venarey les Laumes for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
Saturday, Day 7 - Venarey les Laumes
After breakfast, we disembark the barge and take a private transfer to Paris.
On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
Classic Burgundy "Wine Appreciation" Cruise - Tanlay to Venarey les Laumes
Sunday, Day 1 - Tanlay
Guests are met at the designated meeting point and transferred to the barge moored in Tanlay. A full crew Welcome Aboard with Champagne and canapés. After time to settle into your cabin you are invited to join us for a first dinner on board and introduction to Burgundy’s excellent cuisine and wines.
Monday, Day 2 - Tanlay to Lezinne
Wake to the aromas of ground coffee and French patisseries, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and your wine guide collects you for your visit to the Grand Cru vineyards of Chablis where you get a wonderful view of these world famous Chardonnay vineyards. A brief history of the region is given then on to a great local wine producer to taste a selection of wines including 1er Premier Cru and Grand Cru’s. Return to the barge and cruise this afternoon to Lezinne. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Lezinne to Ancy le Franc
This morning we visit Les Riceys, the centre of Champagne producing region of the Aude. A visit and tasting at an excellent local Champagne producer followed by a wander around the old town centre. We return to the barge and enjoy a lazy cruise gently up to Ancy le Franc with plenty of opportunity to wander or cycle ahead as the vessel ascends through the locks towards the beautiful 16th century Renaissance palace and gardens of Chateau d’Ancy le Franc. Dinner on board.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Ancy le Franc to Ravieres
Morning visit to the medieval Noyers sur Serein to enjoy the vegetables, cheeses, colours and delights of the local market, or wander the town ramparts in one of the most beautiful villages of France. A lazy afternoon cruising past grazing white Charolais cattle and before dinner on board, cycle or wander around the village of Ravieres. Dinner on board.
Thursday, Day 5 - Ravieres to Montbard
Leaving the barge shortly after breakfast we drive south to some of the most prestigious vineyards in the world. In the town of Nuits St George, we visit a small family wine producer to visit their cellar and taste some of their world renowned Pinot Noirs from villages, including Gevrey-Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée. Lunch in the wine capital of Beaune during today. Return to the barge and, if time allows, cruise to Montbard passing the Forges de Buffon where later in the day we see various examples of early Industrial Revolution engineering on the banks of the tiny yet powerful Armancon River, whose power was harnessed to run the forge. Dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6 - Montbard to Venarey les Laumes
Morning cruise through woodlands and rolling fields with great towpath biking and walking opportunities past the tiny canal side villages of Nogent, Courcelles and Les Granges. During the cruise your wine guide joins the barge and while cruising he will give a wine talk whilst you taste samples of wines from different villages of Burgundy .This afternoon we escort you to the exquisite World Heritage Unesco site of Abbayé de Fontenay founded by St Bernard in 1118. Representing a distinctive example of early Cistercian architecture and virtually intact, Fontenay allows an exceptional glimpse of early Cistercian life and industry with its peaceful gardens and ponds and fascinating cloisters, dormitories and scriptorium. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 - Venarey les Laumes
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the designated drop off point.
On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
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Waterways - La Belle Epoque Hotel Barge 2013 Rates 
