Sunday - Family cruise Day 1 - Auxerre

Guests are met at Laroche Migennes Train Station at 16:45 or Hotel Maxime in Auxerre at 17:15 and transferred to the elegant L’Art de Vivre in Auxerre, Burgundy. Following a Champagne Welcome, you are free to explore the medieval town of Auxerre by bicycle or foot or take a stroll along the banks of the River Yonne before returning for dinner aboard.

Monday - Family cruise Day 2 - Auxerre to the Caves de Bailly

There is a choice this morning or either ice-skating, swimming and perhaps if there is time a game of 10 pin bowling as well.  An alternative tour is St Bris with its extraordinary network of medieval passages beneath the town. A wine tasting introduces you to the outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines produced in Monsieur Bersan’s 12th century cellars.  Dinner aboard.

Tuesday - Family cruise Day 3 - The Caves de Bailly to Accolay

This mornings choice of excursions depends on the children ages but you can choose quad biking (12+) Paint Balling (16+), potholing (10+) or pony riding (3+).  Alternatively visit Auxerre and discover the medieval town centre. Originally the capital of Lower Burgundy, Auxerre prides itself on its fine churches. Lunch ashore at a local aubrge.  In the afternoon we cruise through rich pasturelands and past grazing Charolais cattle to Accolay. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday - Family cruise Day 4 - Accolay to Mailly la Ville

Visit the caves this morning of Arcy sur Cure.  The site of Arcy sur Cure, a major one for the medium and late palaeolithic age in northern France, is located between Auxerre and Avallon.  It includes a set of caves dug out by the Cure River into a coral massif that emerged at the end of the secondary era.  Alternatively this morning, we visit the charming mediaeval village of Noyers, one of the most beautiful villages in France, on an excursion through delightful countryside.  We then return to the barge for a cruise southwards through the Yonne valley past dramatic steep cliffs to the market town of Mailly. Dinner aboard.

Thursday - Family cruise Day 5 - Mailly la Ville to Lucy sur Yonne

In the morning we cruise past the Saussois cliffs where an international climbing centre creates a spectacular setting,  mooring at Lucy sur Yonne.  All ages will love a canoeing trip or rafting on the River Cure near Vezelay.  The canoeing really is a fantastic excursion, which we feel, should not be missed.  For those a little less adventurous we can visit the Chateau of Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart and which was later remodelled by Maréchal Vauban.  Dinner aboard.

Friday - Family cruise Day 6 - Lucy sur Yonne to Clamecy

Saturday - Family cruise Day 7 - Clamecy

Disembark after breakfast and arrive at Laroche Migennes train station by 10am

Note:

RECOMMENDED TRAINS TO BOOK  IN ADVANCE: Start of Cruise: Paris Bercy to Laroche Migennes Train TER #91019 depart Paris Bercy at 15.20hrs arriving in Laroche Migennes at 16:38hrs.  End of cruise Laroche Migennes to Paris Bercy Train TER #91156 Saturday depart 10:24hrs arrive Paris Bercy at 11:44hrs

IN ADDITION, we will be running a treasure hunt and scavenger hunt, plus various other fun competition and games throughout the week.

GROUPS OR INDIVIDUAL CABIN BOOKINGS: Most of our family cruises are for whole boat charter groups but occasionally we are able to offer special Family Cruises for individuals to book on a cabin basis. Please contact us for further information

BICYCLES: There are adult bikes on board. Children's bikes for all ages and/or child seats for adult bikes can be supplied usually at no charge if requested at least 6 weeks prior to departure

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Optional activities, for example hot air ballooning, pony trekking, quad biking, bowling, fishing etc may be available on your cruise and can be arranged at an additional supplement. Optional activities usually require advanced booking so please advise at least 6 weeks prior to departure

BABY/CHILD EQUIPMENT: We are pleased to supply travel cots, high chairs, car seat, bottle warmer, toys, stroller etc at no charge but we must be notified at least 6 weeks prior to departure as to your requirements.

Plus, if you are a larger group, consider a tandem cruise. Ask us for info!

Itinerary is subject to change and on alternative weeks is in the reverse direction.