Luxury Barge Tour on Lower Nivernais and Burgundy canals

Auxerre.

Guests are met at the designated meeting in Paris and transferred to the barge. Following a champagne welcome you are free to explore the medieval town of Auxerre or take a stroll along the banks of the River Yonne before returning for dinner on board.

Auxerre to Vincelles.

Our morning cruise takes us through some delightful locks and past vineyard-clad hillsides to our rural mooring at Vincelles. The afternoon excursion is to Chablis, home of one of the most famous white wines in the world. A tasting in one of the town's aged cellars will introduce you to some of the local Petit Chablis and Chablis wines. Dinner on board.

Vincelles to Mailly-la-Ville.

After breakfast, our excursion is to the medieval town of Auxerre. Originally the capital of Lower Burgundy, the town prides itself on its lavish Renaissance houses, fine churches and particularly its magnificent cathedral situated close to the river. We then return to the hotel barge for a cruise southwards through rich pasturelands and past grazing Charolais cattle to the town of Mailly-la-Ville. After a relaxed lunch on board there is the opportunity to enjoy a walk or bicycle ride along the towpath. Dinner on board.

Mailly-la-Ville to Le Sassois.

This morning we visit the charming 14th century medieval market village of Noyers-sur-Surein, one of the most beautiful villages in France, on an excurion through delightful countryside. In the afternoon we cruise past the cliffs at Le Saussois, a stunning natural setting, with an international climbing centre. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy delightful walks or bicycle rides along the towpath, before dinner ashore at a local restaurant.

Le Saussois to Lucy-sur-Yonne.

In the morning we enjoy an excursion to the pilgrimage town of Vezelay, one of Burgundy's most famous treasures with the Romanesque Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside. After lunch on board, an afternoon cruise though the picturesque Yonne Valley to arrive at Lucy-sur-Yonne. Dinner on board.

Lucy-sur-Yonne to Chevroches.

A morning cruise through beautiful countryside takes us to the pretty canalside village of Chevroches and again this is a perfect time for a walk or a bicycle ride. In the afternoon, we visit the Chateau de Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart. The chateau was later remodelled by Marechal Vauban. Captain's farewell dinner on board.

Chevroches.

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

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