Classic Cruise – Burgundy

Guests are greeted at the designated meeting point in Paris and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the charming hotel barge L’Art de Vivre. Upon arrival, enjoy a champagne welcome, then take time to explore the medieval town of Auxerre or enjoy a walk along the scenic banks of the River Yonne before returning for dinner on board.

Begin the morning with an early cruise through a series of charming locks and alongside vineyard-covered hillsides, arriving at your peaceful rural mooring in Vincelles. After lunch on board, visit the Aubigny quarry—a remarkable subterranean site renowned for producing the limestone used in iconic structures such as the Paris Opera House. Explore this atmospheric underground setting before continuing to the nearby cellars of Bailly-Lapierre, also carved into the rock, for a tasting of their acclaimed Crémant de Bourgogne. Dinner is served on board.

Following an early breakfast, discover the medieval town of Auxerre. Later, tour the center of what was originally the capital of Lower Burgundy, with its lavish Renaissance houses, fine churches, and particularly its magnificent cathedral situated close to the river. Then return to the hotel barge for a cruise southward through rich pasturelands and past grazing Charolais cattle, to the sleepy village of Mailly-la-Ville. After your relaxed lunch on board, perhaps this is a good time to enjoy a walk or bicycle ride along the towpath. Dinner on board.

This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, head to the celebrated wine village of Chablis. After viewing the vineyards, make a private visit to the prestigious Domaine Laroche for a wine-tasting, followed by a tour of the 1000 years old Obédiencerie; originally part of the monastery of St. Martin, this is where the monks developed the craft of winemaking in the Middle Ages and to this day it remains the location for aging the wines. Lunch will be served by a private chef in the former refectory of the monks. Later in the afternoon, return to the barge to cruise past the cliffs at Le Saussois, a stunning natural setting with an international climbing center. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy delightful walks or bicycle rides along the towpath. Dinner onboard.

Your morning cruise is through the picturesque Yonne Valley to your mooring at Lucy-sur-Yonne. After lunch on board, enjoy an excursion to the pilgrimage town of Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous treasures, with the Romanesque Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops, and fine views of the surrounding countryside. Dinner on board.

A morning cruise through beautiful countryside takes you to your final mooring at the pretty canalside village of Chevroches, where you visit the elegant Château de Bazoches, built in the 12th century and 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. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon at leisure – perfect for a bicycle ride, or a walk along the towpaths before the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

After breakfast, guests are transferred to Paris.