Standard Classic Barge Cruise

Cruising along one the Canal de Bourgogne aboard the French Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque is a wonderful experience. Besides the standard classic barge cruise itinerary, La Belle Epoque also offers various themed cruises.

The waterways wind through the heart of Burgundy’s renowned vineyards, medieval towns, elegant châteaux, magnificent cathedrals, picturesque villages and wonderful local markets. Burgundy guarantees a wealth of sightseeing opportunities.

Map of Canal de Bourgogne – Northern Burgundy, France

Sunday, Day 1 – Venarey-les-Laumes

The crew meet guests in Paris and transfers them via by private minibus to La Belle Epoque. Enjoy a full crew welcome with champagne and canapés. After time to settle into your cabin you will enjoy your first dinner on board and an introduction to Burgundy’s excellent cuisine.

Monday, Day 2 – Venarey-les-Laumes to Montbard

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then we cruise through woodlands and rolling fields with great towpath biking and walking opportunities past the tiny canalside villages of Nogent, Courcelles and Les Granges.

After early lunch, we visit Château de Commarin, where a falconer provides a private medieval falconry demonstration (weather permitting). The close up encounter with these majestic birds against the backdrop of the castle grounds is an amazing experience and afterwards, we meet Count Bertrand de Vogue, the current resident and 26th generation of the de Vogüé family to maintain continuous residence since the 13th century. He will give a fascinating insight into the Château’s history. Our guide then leads a private tour of the building. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 – Montbard to Buffon

Morning cruise with excellent towpath for walking or cycling, passing the 18th century Forges de Buffon. Then after lunch we escort you to the exquisite UNESCO World Heritage Site of Abbaye 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 Cistercian life and industry with its peaceful gardens, ponds and fascinating cloisters, dormitories and scriptorium.

Return to the barge and cruise to Ravières. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 – Buffon to Ravières

A truly unique day lies ahead. Following breakfast aboard we head to Les Riceys, the only wine growing area of the Champagne region to have three Appellation d’Origine Contrôlées. Here we visit Maison Taisne Riocour, viewing the vineyards and winery before tasting some of their champagnes. We then head to Château de Ricey-Bas; with its 12th-century vaulted cellars and thousand-year history it’s the ideal location to appreciate the rolling vineyards and enjoy a glimpse of family life in a rural château.

Join the Baroness for a Champagne aperitif and gourmet lunch in her private salon or vaulted kitchen. We will spend the remainder of our time there strolling the beautiful gardens or exploring the regal château interiors. We cruise to Ravières in the afternoon, enjoying walks, bike rides, or bubbly on the barge deck. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 – Ravières to Ancy-le-Franc

This morning La Belle Epoque will continue along the pretty Burgundy Canal to moor at Ancy-le-Franc.

In the afternoon, we will enjoy an afternoon visit to the beautiful Château d’Ancy-le-Franc. This 16th-century masterpiece features France’s largest Renaissance mural collection and sits within magnificent gardens and parkland. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 – Ancy-le-Franc to Lézinnes

After breakfast we tour the vineyards and town of Chablis dating back to Roman times, to enjoy a private wine tasting at the prestigious Domaine Laroche. We also visit the 1000-year-old Obédiencerie, part of the former St Martin monastery where the Domaine’s wines age.

Following lunch, we enjoy a leisurely cruise to our final mooring at Lézinnes with the opportunity to cycle or walk into the picturesque village of Saint-Vinnemer. Later we return to the barge for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Saturday, Day 7 – Lézinnes

After breakfast, the driver transfers guests to Paris.

Notes: On alternative weeks the cruise is in reverse direction. This itinerary is subject to change.

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