Luxury Barge Tour in the Southern Burgundy region

Montchanin.

Guests are met at the designated meeting point in Lyon and transferred by air-conditioned minibus to the barge moored in Montchanin for a champagne welcome and the opportunity to meet the crew. Then perhaps take a stroll into this little town, the home of the factory which, for over 100 years until the 1960's produced the iconic, diamond-shaped Burgundy tiles. Numerous houses here are decorated with them, giving the place a charming character of its own. Dinner on board.

Montchanin to St-Julien-sur-Dheune.

This morning, we visit the riverside town of Paray-le-Monial and its basilica, a gem of Romanesque Art, stopping at Charolles on our way back to visit l'Institut Charolais to learn more about this world famous cattle breed and its wonderful meat. After lunch back on board, we begin our voyage along the Canal du Centre, negotiating the flight of seven locks before arriving at the little village of St-Julien-sur-Dheune. then we take a stroll to visit the fascinating Canal and Barge Museum at nearby Ecuisses. Dinner on board.

St-Julien-sur-Dheune to St-Leger-sur-Dheune.

After breakfast, we head to Autun, a town of ancient origins with Roman gates and a 17,000 seat amphitheatre. The 12th century cathedral is also renowned for its architecture and its position on the pilgrims' route from Vezelay to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. After lunch back on board, we continue our cruise along the Canal du Centre through undulating countryside, with plenty of opportunities to walk or cycle on the towpath along the way. Dinner on board

St-Leger-sur-Dheune to Rully.

This morning, we enjoy a leisurely cruise further along the canal, passing the famous wine-producing village of Santenay and the little town of Chagny, to moor near the village of Rully. After lunch on board, we visit the 14th century Chateau de Germolles, the best preserved of the residences of the Dukes of Burgundy, with its ducal chapel, medieval wall paintings and romantic gardens. Dinner on board.

Rully to Fragnes.

After breakfast, we set off on a drive through the Cote de Beaune vineyards to the town of Beaune itself, for a winery tour and private tasting of Bouchard Pere et Fils wines, before enjoying a gastronomic lunch in the delightful orangery of Chateau de Beaune, owned by the winery since 1820. Afterwards, we visit the fascinating 15th century Hotel-Dieu Hospice and explore the quaint shops of the town, before returning to the barge for a short late afternoon cruise to our rural mooring at Fragnes. Dinner on board.

Fragnes to St-Jean-de-Losne.

This morning we take a walking tour of old Dijon, including a visit to the vivid flower and product markets, mustard shops, and the impressive Notre Dame de Dijon, or enjoy some excellent shopping time. After lunch back on board, we embark on our final cruise, joining the River Saone at Chalon-sur-Saone and then passing delightful little ports such as Verdun-sur-le-Doubs and Seurre en route, to arrive at St-Jean-de-Losne. Time perhaps to wander along the quaysides before the Captain's farewell dinner on board

St-Jean-de-Losne.

After breakfast disembark and transfer to the designated drop off point in Lyon.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.