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 to reach our mooring at Montbard.

After lunch on board, we head 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. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 – Montbard to Buffon

This morning, we visit the elegant Château de Bazoches, built in the 12th century, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart. The château was later remodelled by Maréchal Vauban and there are wonderful views from its elevated hillside setting. Here we are also treated to a private demonstration of the medieval sport of falconry (weather dependent). The close-up encounter with these majestic birds in the castle grounds is an amazing experience.

We return to the barge for lunch and then continue our cruise along the Burgundy canal – with excellent towpath walking or cycling opportunities – to our mooring near the 18th century Forges de Buffon. 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 return to the barge and begin our cruise to Ravières, with plenty of opportunities to walk or cycle along the towpath or sit on deck with another glass of bubbly. Dinner on board.

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

We start our day with a gentle cruise as La Belle Epoque continues along the Burgundy Canal and descends through the picturesque locks to moor at Ancy-le-Franc.

After a relaxing lunch on board we visit 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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