Private Charter - Classic Cruise – Southern Burgundy

Guests are met in Paris or Dijon and chauffeured by air-conditioned minibus to Finesse for a champagne reception and introductions to the crew. Guests may then stroll the towpath and take in Burgundy’s timeless scenery before dinner is served on board.

This morning, begin your journey through Southern Burgundy along the Canal du Centre, gliding through rolling countryside en route to the quaint village of St-Léger-sur-Dheune. Along the way, descend 11 locks and pass several charming villages. After lunch on board, tour the 14th-century Château de Germolles—once a residence of the Dukes of Burgundy—renowned for its ducal chapel, medieval frescoes, and romantic gardens. Dinner is served on board.

This morning, head to Autun, founded by the Romans as Augustodunum, which has retained many of its original Antique monuments, such as Roman gates, ruins of a Temple, and a 17,000-seat amphitheater. Return to the barge for lunch, then cruise to the rural setting of Remigny, passing picturesque Burgundian villages, including the famous wine-producing village of Santenay. Dinner on board.

After breakfast, set off on a drive through the UNESCO-listed Côte de Beaune vineyards to the town of Beaune itself, which is the capital of Burgundy’s wine country. Your first stop will be a visit to the oldest winemakers in Burgundy, Maison Champy. Guests will enjoy a private tour of the wine cellars and experience a wine tasting, learning from an expert about the production 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”. Then go on to visit the stunning 15th-century Hotel-Dieu Hospice and return to the barge for an afternoon cruise past the charming little town of Chagny, to your mooring near the village of Rully. Dinner on board.

This morning, continue your 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. Your afternoon excursion is a leisurely walk or cycle (weather permitting) to the renowned Santenay domaine, Jean Baptiste Jessiaume. A short drive takes guests on a guided visit to the family's ‘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 savory choux pastry delicacy. Dinner on board.

This morning, 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, enjoy a tour of the iconic cellars. Continue along the Route des Grands Cru through the Côte de Nuits to stop at the prestigious vineyard of Romanée Conti for a brief history on the significance of its wines. Back on board Finesse, make your final cruise of the week, passing through the last lock on the canal, which lowers you an impressive 35 feet. Then head out onto the peaceful River Saône and turn downstream to your mooring at Chalon-sur-Saône with its elegant waterfront, imposing cathedral, and opportunities for some last-minute shopping. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus back to Paris or Dijon.