Sunday, Day 1: St-Julien-sur-Dheune

Guests are met in Paris or Dijon and transferred by air-conditioned minibus to Finesse for 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 : St-Julien-sur-Dheune to St-Léger-sur-Dheune

Today we begin our voyage along Southern Burgundy’s Canal du Centre, mooring at the charming village of St-Léger-sur-Dheune. We descend a series of 11 locks while cruising past the villages along the way.

Enjoy lunch on board. This afternoon, we explore Château de Germolles, Burgundy’s best-preserved ducal residence with medieval paintings and romantic gardens. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 : St-Léger-sur-Dheune to Remigny

This morning, we head to Autun, founded by the Romans as Augustodunum. It has retained many of its original antique monuments such as Roman gates, ruins of a temple, and a 17,000 seat amphitheatre.

We return to the barge for lunch, then we cruise to the rural setting of Remigny, passing along the route picturesque Burgundian villages such as the famous wine-producing village of Santenay. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 : Remigny to Rully

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, guests go on to visit the stunning 15th century Hôtel-Dieu Hospice. Afterwards, we return to the barge for an afternoon cruise past the charming little town of Chagny, to our mooring near the village of Rully. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 : Rully to Fragnes

This morning, we continue our cruise along the Canal du Centre at a leisurely pace to moor at the village of Fragnes. There are perfect opportunities to walk or cycle along the towpath en route.

Our afternoon excursion is a leisurely walk or cycle (weather permitting) to the renowned Santenay domaine, Jean Baptiste Jessiaume. A short drives takes guests on a guided visit to the family “Clos” or vineyard with a family member, followed by a cellar tour and a private tasting of their biodynamic wines hosted by a member of the Jessiaume family. The wines are accompanied by a selection of gougères – a classic Burgundian savoury choux pastry delicacy. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 : Fragnes to Chalon-sur-Saône

This morning, we visit the wall-enclosed vineyard of Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin (translates as “Fraternity of Knights of the Wine-Tasting Cup”), who award a special prized label to the finest Côte d’Or vintages every year. Here, we’ll enjoy a tour of the iconic cellars. Continue along the Route des Grands Cru through the Côte de Nuits, before returning to Finesse.

Back on board, our we’ll make our final cruise of the week, passing through the last lock on the canal which lowers us an impressive 35 feet. We then head out onto the peaceful River Saône and turn downstream to our mooring at Chalon-sur-Saône with its elegant waterfront, imposing cathedral and opportunities for some last-minute shopping. 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:

• 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 > Standard Classic Barge Cruise

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