Sunday, Day 1 - Paris to Auxerre
Guests are met at Hotel Ampere in Paris at 1:30 PM and transferred to the elegant La Belle Époque in Auxerre, Burgundy. Following a Champagne Welcome, you are free to explore the medieval town of Auxerre or take a stroll along the banks of the river Yonne before returning for dinner aboard.
Monday, Day 2 - Auxerre to the Caves de Bailly
Our morning cruise takes us past vineyard-clad hillside to our rural mooring below the Caves de Bailly. The afternoon excursion is to 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, Day 3 - The Caves de Bailly to Accolay
An excursion to the town of Auxerre allows us to discover the medieval town centre. Originally the capital of Lower Burgundy, Auxerre prides itself on its fine churches. We cruise through rich pasturelands and past grazing Charolais cattle to Accolay. Dinner ashore in a local auberge.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Accolay to Mailly la Ville
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, 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, we visit the Chateau of Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart and which was later renovated by Maréchal Vauban, Dinner aboard.
Friday, Day 6 - Lucy sur Yonne to Clamecy
In the morning we enjoy an excursion to the 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. A cruise through beautiful countryside then takes us to Clamecy. Take a short walk into Clamecy to visit the town, the Cathedral and also the Logging and Barging Museum. The narrow streets lined with ancient buildings also present an opportunity for shopping. Captain’s farewell dinner aboard.
Saturday, Day 7 - Clamecy to Paris
Disembark after breakfast, and arrive at Hotel Ampere in Paris by about 1pm.
Note:
On alternative weeks the cruise is in reverse direction. This itinerary is subject to change
