Sunday, Day 1: Aveney

Guests are met in Paris or Dijon, then transferred by private, air-conditioned minibus to Barge Finesse. Once aboard, enjoy a Champagne Welcome and the opportunity to meet the crew. Then there is time to wander along the towpath and admire the classic Burgundy scenery before dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 : Aveney to Ranchot

Starting our day with a relaxing breakfast, this morning we begin our voyage through Southern Burgundy and Franche Comte, cruising along the Canal du Rhône au Rhine to our mooring at the little village of Ranchot.

After lunch on board, we visit the 14th century Château de Germolles. This château is Burgundy’s best-preserved ducal residence with medieval paintings, chapel, and romantic gardens. Our tour includes a private, majestic falconry display* held in front of Marshal Vauban’s old stables and normally closed to visitors. We return to the barge for dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 : Ranchot to Rochefort sur Nenon

Today we begin with a visit to the impressive 17th century Citadelle de Besançon, a UNESCO world heritage site, and one of the finest fortresses designed by the famous architect Vauban. Strategically significant, the citadel commands excellent views over Besançon, the river Doubs, and the surrounding countryside.

Afterwards we head back to Finesse for lunch, then spend a tranquil afternoon cruising south-west to reach our mooring at the medieval town of Rochefort sur Nenon. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 : Rochefort sur Nenon to Dole

After breakfast, we set off on a drive through the UNESCO-listed Côte de Beaune vineyards to the town of Beaune itself. Beaune is the capital of Burgundy’s wine country. Our first stop will be a visit to the oldest winemakers in Burgundy, Maison Champy. Guests will experience a private cellar tour and expert-led tasting of the region’s finest Premier and Grand Cru wines. A private lunch is served in a unique dining venue, which has been created from one of the winery’s historic large wooden wine vats or “cuves”.

After lunch, we visit the stunning 15th century Hôtel-Dieu Hospices before returning to the barge for a late afternoon cruise to the town of Dole, with its historic buildings and pretty canals. An excellent opportunity for cycling or a walk. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 : Dole to Saint-Jean-de-Losne

Today starts with a morning navigation along the canal to Saint-Jean-de-Losne, a bustling hub and important center for inland boating. Relax on deck and enjoy the attractive rural scenery or maybe take the opportunity to cycle or walk along the towpath.

After lunch on board, we head to the renowned domaine of Jean Baptiste Jessiaume. Here we enjoy a guided stroll through the family ‘Clos’ or vineyards, followed by a cellar tour and a private tasting of their own biodynamic wines hosted by the Jessiaume family – and served with gougères, a classic Burgundian delicacy. We return to the barge for dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 : Saint-Jean-de-Losne to Chalon-sur-Saône

After breakfast, we call in at the bustling weekly market in the vibrant town of Nuits St Georges. Then we visit the wall-enclosed vineyard of Clos de Vougeot, the headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin (translates as “Fraternity of Knights of the Wine-Tasting Cup”). They award a special prized label to the finest Côte d‘Or vintages every year. Here, we’ll enjoy a tour of the iconic cellars. We then continue along the ‘Route des Grands Cru’ through the Côte de Nuits to stop off at the prestigious vineyard of Romanée Conti for a brief history on the significance of its wines.

We return to Finesse for lunch and an afternoon’s cruising along the peaceful River Saône to our mooring at Chalon-sur-Saône. This town has an elegant waterfront, imposing cathedral, and charming old center. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 : Chalon-sur-Saône

After breakfast, guest are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Paris or Dijon.

NOTE:

• The falconry display is weather dependent.
• Other locations available for private charter bookings
• This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.

FINESSE > ITINERARIES > Alternate Saône Barge Cruise Itinerary

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