Enjoy the unparalleled history and beauty of the Burgundy region via barge travel in France — 150 vineyards, cellars and wine traders in the region are open for sampling and more than 32 fine restaurants bear Michelin stars, including four 3-star establishments.


Sunday: Paris to Vandenesse-en-Auxois Private chauffeured transfer - of course!
A member of Prosperite crew will meet your party at one pickup location in central Paris at 2:00 pm or, alternatively, one pickup location in Dijon, Beaune or the immediate Cote d’Or area at 4:00 pm, and then chauffeur you via Mercedes Minivan to the barge, at anchor in Vandesesse-en-Auxois. You'll be welcomed by the traditional champagne reception, and enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners on board with the romantic hilltop village of Vandenesse-en-Auxois as a backdrop.

Monday: Vandenesse-en-Auxois to Pont d'Ouche Romantic Canal Cruise Past Colorful Lockhouses
Set sail this morning, heading down the Burgundy Canal to the tiny hamlet of Pont d'Ouche. We are deep in the heart of traditional Burgundy, exemplified by the lockhouses which line the canal. After lunch on board, we will introduce you to another facet of Burgundy, the culture of wine. We will pass through the villages of Puligny and Chassagne Montrachet on the way to winetasting at Domaine Prieur-Brunet in Santenay. These scenes are gorgeous, with vineyards hugging both hills in the distance and fields right beside the roads. Return to Prospérité for cocktails and dinner on board.

Tuesday: Pont d'Ouche to La Bussiere-sur-Ouche Medieval Hospice in Beaune - Plus Shopping!
This morning we are still deep in the countryside, cruising from Pont d’Ouche to La Bussière sur Ouche. What about taking out the bicycles to explore? Or you can walk into a passing town for a cafe. The beauty of the region is spread out before you no matter what activity you choose.  After lunch, it's back into the Mercedes Minivan for a cruise high point: An excursion to Beaune. This enchanting town is the wine capital of the Cote d'Or; underneath its streets lie hundreds of miles of wine cellars. Visit the 14th century Hospital Hotel Dieu; it is gorgeously preserved and provides a glimpse of life in the Middle Ages. There may be time for an impromptu wine tasting, a browse in the shops lining the pedestrian zone, or a cafe and pastry on the town square. Then it's back to Prospérité to re-live the day at dinner on board.

Wednesday: La Bussiere-sur-Ouche to Gissey-sur-Ouche Dinner out at a Restored Cistercian Abbey
Scenes from out of an Impressionist painting float by on our cruise to Gissey-sur-Ouche. After Lunch, begin with a quick stop at "La Ferme du Poisset", a nearby farm which produces divine goat cheese. Yes, we will taste some cheese! Then it's back to the adorable village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois perched high on a hill overlooking the canal. Here is an enchanting old chateau - very simple, but with history and ghosts around every corner. Then walk the cobblestoned lanes of the village; perhaps one of the craft shops is open. Then it's back to Prospérité where there will be time to prepare for dinner at Abbey de la Bussiere, a former Cistercian Abbey now immaculately restored into a hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant.

Thursday: Gissey-sur-Ouche to Fleurey-sur-Ouche Where Monks First Made Wine in Burgundy!
Another lazy morning cruise begins the day. After lunch, we will drive southward to the Cote d'or Vineyard region. First, we will drive among more villages and vineyards of the "Route des Giand Cru" on the way to Clos de Vougeot, a 12th century chateau where Cisterican monks perfected the art of winemaking (taking over a tradition begun by the Romans). Explore the ancient wine presses and soak in the ambiance of this elegant chateau surrounded by vineyards. Then it is back to Prospérité on Fleurey-sur-Ouch for dinner aboard.

Friday: Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Dijon Join the Locals at Dijon Market
A short drive takes us into Dijon - an old city with a beautifully preserved and pristine historic district. We will first take a walking tour, stopping at an old Palace of the Ducs of Burgundy (now an art museum), an elegant church, ending at the Covered Food Market designed by Eiffel of Tower fame. A vast selection of produce, fish, cheeses, breads, baked goods and prepared delicacies brings this bustling market to life. There will be time to browse int the tiny shops lining the cobblestoned streets, too. Then it is back to Prospérité for lunch and the afternoon cruise into the port of Dijon, arriving late afternoon. (You may elect to stay in Dijon - we will collect you when the barge arrives in port.) You will enjoy the festive Captain's Dinner, a nostalgic finish to your Prospérité cruise.

Saturday: Return to Paris A Sad Farewell
You'll depart between 8:00AM - 9:00 AM and chauffeured as a group either to one location in central Paris or one location at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Driving time to Paris is estimated at three hours; driving time to Charles de Gaulle at four hours. Please do not book a flight before 2:00 PM on the day of departure. (Transfers which fall outside of these specific parameters can be arranged by us before departure at your expense.) We hope to see you soon on Prospérité!

Note: The route is run in reverse on alternate weeks.

PROSPERITE > ITINERARY > Vandenesse-en-Auxois to Dijon