Embark on a 7-day private cruise aboard the L'Art de Vivre. Explore Burgundy and travel from Auxerre to Chevroches via the Canal du Nivernais, with stops at historic towns, limestone quarries, and notable vineyards. Highlights include a private wine tasting in Chablis, a visit to the Vezelay Basilica, and the Chateau de Bazoches. Cruise past scenic vineyards, pastoral landscapes, and dramatic cliffs, with opportunities for guided excursions, cycling, and walking along quiet towpaths. This itinerary offers a structured, small-group experience focused on history, wine, and regional heritage.
Highlights
Explore Auxerre’s medieval center with your private group of up to 8 guests
Walk through Lucy-sur-Yonne’s peaceful village and rural surroundings
Experience Vezelay’s Romanesque basilica and charming craft boutiques
Visit Chateau de Bazoches and enjoy panoramic views from its hillside
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$77,000
or $6,417 per person based on 8 max passengers
Main Deck
100 sq. ft. including modern en suite facilities. Each room has twin or double beds, wardrobe, small table and a private bathroom with shower
Notes
- All children under the age of 18 years accepted onboard qualify for a discount of $300 per child per week.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Credit card, check, and bank transfer. All final payments by credit card subject to a surcharge of 2.5% and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
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