Cruise the French countryside through pristine vineyard-covered hills aboard a 20-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). This is a delightful cruise along the bucolic River Saône. It is the perfect way to experience historic riverside towns and indulge in exceptional Burgundy wines. Lyon is France’s second city and the country's gourmet capital.
Typical Itinerary (actual program may vary)
Day 1, Saturday: Paris to Dijon. For those purchasing the optional transfer from Paris via first-class TGV high-speed train, we will meet in the lobby of Hotel Regina at 1 p.m. Everyone else should meet us at the Dijon train station across from the Quick Restaurant at 4 p.m. We will then transfer to the barge moored in St. Jean de Losne. Sip champagne as we welcome you on board and introduce you to the crew. Settle in on our cruise to nearby Seurre, with time for a lovely pre-dinner stroll around this pleasant small town. Enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board this evening.
Day 2, Sunday: Dijon to Chalon-sur-Saône. After breakfast, drive to Dijon for a walking tour of this historic capital, including the Ducal Palace and lovely medieval district. Then stroll the city on your own. See the many fine mansions that line the city streets and, if you like, pay a visit to the Fine Arts Museum. We return to the barge and take off during lunch on a cruise through delightful pastoral scenery. Late this afternoon, we dock in Chalon-sur-Saône, the birthplace of photography. We moor in the heart of the city, close to St. Vincent Cathedral and the medieval quarter, now a pedestrian zone.
Day 3, Monday: Beaune to Tournus. After breakfast, we head for Beaune, center of Burgundy’s wine trade. Our drive follows the Côte de Beaune, whose villages read like a fine wine list: Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, Auxey Duresses, Volnay, Pommard, etc. In the walled town of Beaune, take a guided visit of the Hôtel-Dieu, a charity hospital founded in 1443. A masterpiece of late medieval architecture, it houses priceless art and is topped by a remarkable glazed-tiled roof. Afterwards, explore on your own. After lunch and strolling time in Chalon, we cruise to historic Tournus, home to the Romanesque-style Collegiate Church of St. Philibert.
Day 4, Tuesday: Tournus to Mâcon. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, before visiting the castle of Cormatin. Return to the barge for lunch, and then explore the town. Back underway, we cruise through pastures dotted with the famed white Charolais cattle that are native to this area. A mid-afternoon mooring in Mâcon leaves time for exploring, biking, or a quiet walk along the river.
Day 5, Wednesday: Beaujolais to Trévoux. This morning we visit the Beaujolais hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Grapes for exclusive wines grow in these hills, where limestone deposits give the wines extraordinary quality and body. Enjoy a private tasting before returning to the barge for lunch. This afternoon, cruise past several villages before anchoring in picturesque Trévoux, an attractive, partially fortified town and former capital of a local principality.
Day 6, Thursday: Trévoux to Lyon. Stroll through charming Trévoux before cruising into the chic northern suburbs of Lyon, the culinary capital of France. Entering the city by river affords views not available to those traveling by road, including elegant riverfront homes and the city’s oldest quarter. Take a guided walking tour of the Old Town followed by leisure time to explore France’s second city. Tonight, sit down to a gala farewell dinner.
Day 7, Friday: Transfer to Lyon or Paris. After breakfast, transfer to the Lyon Perrache railroad station - end of cruise. Those taking our Paris transfer service will board the first-class TGV train back to Paris. The transfer service ends at the train station Gare de Lyon in Paris.
The above describes a southbound cruise. For northbound cruises with optional transfer service, the meeting place is the same in Paris. Those arriving in Lyon on their own will meet at the Hotel Château Perrache, which is across from the Lyon Perrache railroad station, at 4:30 p.m.
On alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change without notice.
Highlights:
- Lyon
- Visit to Beaujolais vineyards
- 12th century Abbey of St Phillibert
- Chalon sur Saône, birthplace of photography
- Hospice of Beaune
- Dijon, Capital of Burgundy - Ducal Palace.
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
- Sightseeing tours and entrance fees as specified
Not Included:
- Transportation to and from beginning and end points. (Optional transfer to and from Paris is available.)
- Health and travel insurance
- Crew gratuities
- Bar drinks on board the barge
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities when available
- Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above.
Barge Features
- Cabins: 8 twins/2 doubles (20 passengers)
- 7 crew members
- Size: 128 ft. x 17 ft.
- Sundeck, stereo and CD
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned coaches for excursions
Departures every Saturday subject to availability (except winter)
This barge can be chartered for groups. Various themes and dates can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group. Extra customized trips and excursions may be added before or after the cruise.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Low season: US$2215 per person double occupancy.
Add $200 for high season, $300 upper deck supplement, $500 single supplement, $250 round-trip Paris transfer.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Food & Wine
Barging
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