Sunday,
Day 1 - Montbard to Pouillenay
Guests
are met at the Montbard TGV station at 18.04 or Hotel in Montbard at
18.30 and transferred to the barge in a private air-conditioned minibus
moored in Pouillenay. A full crew Welcome Aboard with champagne and
canapés. After time to settle into your cabin you are invited to join
us for a first dinner aboard and introduction to Burgundy’s excellent
cuisine.
Monday,
Day 2 - Pouillenay to Venarey les Laumes
Wake
to the aromas of ground coffee and French patisseries, enjoy a
leisurely breakfast and morning cruise through deep Burgundian
countryside. After lunch we drive you to the exquisite World Heritage
Unesco site of Abbey de Fontenay founded by St Bernard in 1118.
Representing a distinctive example of early Cistercian architecture and
virtually intact, Fontenay allows an exceptional glimpse of early
Cistercian life and industry with its peaceful gardens and ponds and
fascinating cloisters, dormitories and scriptorium. Dinner aboard.
Tuesday,
Day 3 - Venarey Les Laumes to Buffon
Morning
stroll around the hilltop village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, where the
film Chocolat was filmed. On the way, from the summit of Mt Auxois, we
look at Alesia, the last battle site between the Gaulles and Romans
that took place in 52 BC. We cruise through the market town of Montbard
to the stone steps of the Forges de Buffon, founded in 1768 by 18th
century naturalist Georges-Louis de Buffon. We wander around the forge
and see various examples of early Industrial Revolution engineering on
the banks of the tiny yet powerful Armancon River, whose power was
harnessed to run the forge. Dinner ashore in Semur-en-Auxois.
Wednesday,
Day 4 - Buffon to Ancy le Franc
Morning
visit to Noyers to enjoy the vegetables, cheeses, colors and delights
of the local market. Returning to the barge we enjoy a lazy cruise
gently down to Ancy le Franc with plenty of opportunity to wander or
cycle as the vessel descends through the locks. Before dinner, wander
around the village and across to the 16th century Renaissance Chateau
d’Ancy le Franc. Dinner aboard.
Thursday,
Day 5 - Ancy le Franc to Tanlay
Morning
cruise through woodlands and rolling fields with great towpath biking
and walking opportunities past the tiny canalside villages of Lezinnes,
Argentenay and Saint Vinnemer. During the afternoon we visit the
vineyards and town of Chablis, dating back to Roman times. We enjoy a
private wine tasting at Saint Bris le Vineaux in the Bersan cellars
before returning for dinner aboard.
Friday,
Day 6 - Tanlay to Tonnerre
Morning
walk across to the 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau de Tanlay,
nestling serenely within this picturesque village, which also boasts a
challenging 9 hole golf course. Our cruise after lunch takes us to our
final destination of Tonnerre. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard.
Saturday,
Day 7 - Tonnerre to Paris
After breakfast, disembark the barge and
transfer to the railway station in time for the 11.28am train to Paris
Gare de Lyon.
Note:
On alternative weeks the cruise is in
reverse direction. This itinerary is subject to change.
If
you are taking the TGV (high-speed train), a representative will be at
Paris Gare de Lyon TGV Station on Sunday from 16:30 to assist guests
with the TGV. Recommended Trains to book in advance: Paris Gare de
Lyon-Montbard (TGV) Train #6789 depart Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:58hrs
arriving in Montbard at 18:04hrs. End of cruise Montbard-Paris (TGV)
Train #6714 Saturday depart 11:28hrs arrive Paris Gare de Lyon at
12:37hrs
