'LA BELLE ÉPOQUE'

Sunday, Day 1 Montbard to Tanlay
Guests are met at the Montbard TGV station at 18.04 or Hotel Ecu in Montbard at 18.30 if you have stayed there pre cruise, and transferred to the barge moored in Tanlay. A full crew Welcome Aboard with Champagne and canapés. After time to settle into your cabin you will enjoy your first dinner aboard and introduction to Burgundy’s excellent cuisine.

Monday, Day 2 Tanlay to Lezinne
Wake to the aromas of ground coffee and French patisseries, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning cruise to Lezinne with the opportunity to cycle or walk into the picturesque 16th Century village of Saint Vinemer. After lunch we visit the 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau de Tanlay, nestling serenely within this picturesque village and also the 18th century Fosse Dionne. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday, Day 3 Lezinne to Ancy le Franc
After breakfast enjoy a lazy cruise up to Ancy le Franc with plenty of opportunity to wander or cycle ahead as the vessel ascends through the locks towards the beautiful 16th century Renaissance palace and gardens of Chateau d’Ancy le Franc. Lunch in a local auberge and then visit the vineyards and town of Chablis, dating back to Roman times. We enjoy a private wine tasting at the Domaine Billaud Simon renowned for its Premier and Grand Cru wines popularized by Alexis Lichine in the 1950’s. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday, Day 4 Ancy le Franc to Ravieres
Morning visit to medieval Noyers sur Serein to admire the local produce, colours and delights of the wonderful market, or to wander the town ramparts in this, one of the most beautiful villages in France. We return to the barge and enjoy a gentle afternoon cruise past grazing Charolais cattle to Ravieres followed by a visit to the 16th century Renaissance palace and gardens of Chateau d’Ancy le Franc. Dinner aboard.

Thursday, Day 5 Ravieres to Montbard
Morning cruise, with excellent walking and cycling opportunities, to Montbard passing the Forges de Buffon. After lunch, 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.

Friday, Day 6 Montbard to Venarey les Laumes
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 enjoy a stroll around 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. Also time to enjoy the town of Semur-en-Auxois. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday, Day 7 Venarey les Laumes to Montbard
After breakfast, disembark the barge and transfer to Montbard railway station by 11am.

On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.