Canal Cruising in Burgundy: Wine & Fine Dining in the Heart of France

Sample Itinerary

DAY 1/SUN :PARIS / DIJON / EMBARK CRUISE

LUXURY PENICHE

At 1:00 pm you are met in the lobby of the Paris hotel and transferred to the Gare de Lyon Station for the First- Class TGV (Train Gran Vitesse – High Speed Train). As you arrive Dijon, the Captain awaits on the platform to accompany you to the Luxury Peniche (a deluxe canal barge – we offer many from which to choose) at anchor in Dijon. Enjoy a champagne reception, an introduction to the crew and the first of many gourmet dinners. (D)

DAY 2/MON : FLEURY-SUR-OUCHE

LUXURY PENICHE

Begin the journey into the heart of “La France profonde” with a morning cruise to the village of Fleury-sur-Ouche. The rest of the day is devoted to exploring the Cote d’Or wine area south of the canal. Drive through the gorgeous “Route des Grand Crus” vineyards, followed by a visit to Chateau du Clos de Vougeot. The original building was a 12th-century winery built by Cistercian Monks; the old wine presses are on display, as well as rooms where the monks lived and stored the wine. Return to your Luxury Peniche for dinner on board. (B,L,D)

DAY 3/TUE : GISSEY-SUR-OUCHE

LUXURY PENICHE

After breakfast, drive the short distance back to Dijon for the lively local food market, shop for antiques on rue Verriere or explore the medieval town center. The 14th-century Ducal Palace dominates the architecture of this historic town. In the afternoon cruise further into the beautiful valley of the Ouche with its limestone cliffs, wooded hills and majestic chateaux looming in the distance. Dinner is at the Chateau de Gilly, an old priory converted into one of Burgundy’s finest restaurants. (B,L,D)

DAY 4/WED : LA BUSSIERE-SUR-OUCHE

LUXURY PENICHE

Start the day floating through gorgeous scenery to La Bussiere, mooring near the gardens of an old abbey. This afternoon return to the Cote d’Or vineyards for a personal introduction to winegrowers and a special private tasting. There may be time for a visit to a chateau where the owner collects and displays antique airplanes! Dinner on board completes the day. (B,L,D)

DAY 5/THU : POINT D’OUCHE

LUXURY PENICHE

Walk the towpath, cycle into the passing towns or just laze on the deck as you continue your journey on the Canal de Bourgogne, completed in 1836. In the afternoon explore Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Tour the remarkable, perfectly preserved Hospice de Beaune, the 14th-century hospital in use until the early 20th century. Shop for wine, gifts, tapestry pillows and accessories – or just sit in the square and enjoy life. Then back on board for dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 6/FRI : VANDENESSE-EN-AUXOIS

LUXURY PENICHE

Cruise past the dramatic village and chateau of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois perched high on a hill overlooking the canal. After a delicious lunch of Burgundian fare, return to explore this charming medieval town. A festive Captain’s dinner ends the cruise in style. (B,L,D)

DAY 7/SAT : DIJON / PARIS

EN ROUTE

Transfer to the Dijon train station where you board the TGV train, arriving back at the Gare de Lyon Station in Paris around noon. (B)