Private Charter - Classic Cruise – Southern Burgundy

Guests are met at the designated meeting point in Paris and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the elegant L’Impressionniste. Upon arrival, a champagne reception is served, offering the opportunity to meet the captain and crew. Dinner is then served on board.

This morning, begin your first full day of navigation along the picturesque canal, with the option to walk or cycle the adjacent towpath past quiet villages and charming lock houses. After lunch, visit Clos de Vougeot, the historic headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin, known for awarding the prestigious label to top Côte d’Or vintages each year. En route back to the barge, enjoy a guided tour and private tasting of distinguished Burgundy wines. Dinner is served on board.

After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Old Dijon, including a visit to the vivid produce markets, mustard shops and the impressive Notre-Dame de Dijon church, or enjoy some excellent shopping time. Return to the hotel barge for lunch and a leisurely afternoon cruise to La Bussière and perhaps a walk or bicycle ride to the next lock or two. Dinner on board.

After a short morning cruise, set off on a drive through the slopes of the UNESCO-listed vineyards of the Côte de Beaune. Here, your expert guide will offer an insight into the production of the region’s finest premier and grand cru wines. Continue to Beaune – the capital of the Burgundy wine country, for a private tour and tasting at the renowned Domaine Chanson. The tour includes the medieval Bastion de l’Oratoire, a 15th-century defence tower whose 25-foot-thick walls now maintain the perfect temperature for ageing wine. This is followed by a private gastronomic lunch in the domaine’s chateau. Afterwards, visit the fascinating Hôtel-Dieu Hospice with time to explore the town, before returning for a short evening cruise to Pont d’Ouche. Dinner on board.

After breakfast, cruise to Vandenesse-en-Auxois, passing grazing white Charolais cattle, rolling hills and picturesque villages, crossing the only aqueduct on the Burgundy Canal. This afternoon, visit the moat-encircled Château de Commarin, where you are lucky enough to enjoy a private tour with a majestic falconry display, followed by the opportunity to meet Count Bertrand de Vogüé, the current resident and 26th generation of the de Vogüé family to maintain continuous residence since the 13th century. Guests can then explore the regal interior, rustic stables, and surrounding gardens. Dinner on board.

Your last day’s leisurely cruise takes you to the canal summit, 1,250 feet above sea level, just before the Pouilly tunnel. After lunch on board, visit the medieval village, craft shops, and castle of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, once an outpost of the Dukes of Burgundy, offering a fine overview of the feeder lakes, canal, and surrounding countryside. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

After breakfast, guests are transferred to Paris.