Sunday, Day 1 - Montbard to Venarey les Laumes
Guests are met at the Montbard TGV station at 18.04 or Hotel De L'Ecu at 18.30 and transferred to the barge, in a private air-conditioned minibus, moored in Venarey les Laumes. A full crew Welcome Aboard with Champagne and canapés. After time to settle into your cabin you are invited to join us for a first dinner aboard and introduction to Burgundy’s excellent cuisine.

Monday, Day 2 – Venarey les Laumes to Montbard
Wake to the aromas of ground coffee and French patisseries, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning cruise through woodlands and rolling fields with great towpath biking and walking opportunities past the tiny canalside villages of Nogent, Courcelles and Les Granges.  This afternoon we escort you to the exquisite World Heritage Unesco site of Abbayé 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 early Cistercian life and industry with its peaceful gardens and ponds and fascinating cloisters, dormitories and scriptorium.  Dinner aboard.

Tuesday, Day 3 – Montbard to Ravieres
Morning cruise to Ravieres passing the Forges de Buffon where later in the day we see various examples of early Industrial Revolution engineering on the banks of the tiny yet powerful Armancon River, whose power was harnessed to run the forge. We also visit the hilltop village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, where the film Chocolat was located. On the way, from the summit of Mt Auxois, we look at Alesia, the last battle site between the Gaulles and Romans that took place in 52 BC. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday, Day 4 – Ravieres to Ancy le Franc
Morning visit to medieval Noyers sur Serein to enjoy the vegetables, cheeses, colours and delights of the local market, or wander the town ramparts in one of the most beautiful villages of France. Lunch ashore in Noyers in a local auberge. Lazy afternoon cruise past grazing white Charolais cattle.  Dinner aboard.

Thursday, Day 5 – Ancy le Franc to Tanlay
Gentle morning cruise gently down from Ancy le Franc with plenty of opportunity to wander or cycle ahead as the vessel descends through the locks past the beautiful 16th century Renaissance palace and gardens of  Chateau d’Ancy le Franc.  After lunch we walk across to the 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau de Tanlay, nestling serenely within this picturesque village, which also boasts a challenging 9 hole golf course.

Friday, Day 6 – Tanlay to Tonnerre
This morning we visit the vineyards and town of Chablis, dating back to Roman times. We enjoy a private wine tasting at the Domaine Servan renowned for its Premier and Grand Cru wines popularized by Alexis Lichine in the 1950’s. Return to the barge for lunch and a leisurely afternoon cruise to Tonnerre.  Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday, Day 7 – Tonnerre to Montbard
After breakfast, disembark the barge and transfer to Montbard railway station, in time for the 11.28am train to Paris Gare de Lyon, or a Montbard hotel.

Notes:

• On alternative weeks the cruise is in reverse direction. This itinerary is subject to change.
• We recommend you book the following trains in advance: Before cruise (Sunday) Paris Gare de Lyon to Montbard (TGV), train departs Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:58hrs and arrives in Montbard at 18:04hrs.  End of cruise (Saturday) Montbard to Paris Gare de Lyon (TGV), train departs 11:28hrs arriving in Paris Gare de Lyon at 12:37hrs.

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