LA BELLE EPOQUE - Burgundy, France, Luxury French canal barge cruise vacation in Burgundy aboard La Belle Epoque, wine cruise and art workshop charters

Burgundy boasts some of Europe’s prettiest canal routes and offers great possibilities for walkers of all abilities. La Belle Epoque on the Canal du Nivernais provides a very comfortable base (with a spa pool in which to relax those joints before or after a walk) and your own master chef to prepare delicious regional meals to provide perfect sustenance for a week’s walking! An open bar provides liquid refreshment of all types and a cheerful crew ensure all your needs are catered for. With this carefully planned cruise and walking schedule, you can properly experience the grass roots of Burgundy! Great food, smooth cruise, calm walking…. In the company of our professional walking guide, saunter along the region’s scenic pathways through dreamy old villages, past castles and vineyards. Have no fear, we provide just the right balance of exploration, exertion and relaxation! This walking-barging cruise departs on 12th or 19th October 2008 for 6 nights.

Sunday - DAY 1 - Auxerre

We meet you at Hotel Ampere in Paris at 1.30pm and you are transferred to hotel barge La Belle Epoque for our Champagne Reception and Welcome Dinner.

Monday - DAY 2 - Bailly

After cruising out of Auxerre we leave the barge to walk through farmland to the village of Vaux. Continuing along the river we arrive at La Coeur Barrée where we meet the barge for lunch. In the afternoon we tour the Chablis vineyards ending at St Bris. Here we see the intricate network of medieval passages beneath the village before tasting the outstanding wines of the region in the 12th century cellars of Monsieur Bersan, the region’s foremost producer.

Tuesday - DAY 3 - Accolay

From Vincelottes we wander through the Auxerrois vineyards with superb views of the Yonne valley below us. En route to the ancient town of Cravant Donjon we pass through the picturesque village of Irancy, home of many well known wines. Our afternoon excursion is to the glorious gothic cathedral of Auxerre. Afterwards there is time to meander through the mediaeval streets at leisure before returning to our mooring in Accolay. In the evening we dine in a local restaurant that is well known for its Burgundian specialities and the standard of its cuisine.

Wednesday - DAY 4 - Mailly-la-Ville

From Accolay we walk the wooded valley of the river Cure, passing the ruins of Regny Abbey before a gentle traverse back to the Yonne at the tiny hamlet of Sere where we rejoin the barge. In the afternoon we visit Noyers sur Serein, one of the most beautiful villages in Burgundy.

Thursday - DAY 5 - Lucy-sur-Yonne

From Mailly we leave the Yonne to walk through open fields to Merry sur Yonne. En route we stand on top of the dramatic Roches du Saussois, cliffs that tower dramatically 200 feet above the river. After lunch we visit the ancient Chateau de Bazoches, home of Sebastien Vauban, the Frenchman who revolutionised siege warfare in the late 17th century.

Friday - DAY 6 - Clamecy

This morning we visit Vezelay with its stunning romanesque Basilica, the scene of the “calling” of the Second Crusade in 1146, and its fine speciality shops. In the afternoon we walk along the canal into Clamecy where there is time to wander through the narrow streets and visit the cathedral before returning to the barge. Aboard for our final evening, the captain hosts our farewell dinner.

Saturday - DAY 6

We disembark for a private transfer back from Clamecy to Hotel Ampere in Paris by about 1pm.

These are sample itineraries, which will show guests a sample of interesting and low to medium difficulty walks through a variety of landscapes. We have a tremendous selection of walks available so just ask for more information.

Clothing: Clients should bring suitable walking boots and protective clothing and small backpack. Members will be provided with a compass and local map.

Guides: All Walking Cruises will have the services of a professional local walking guide who is familiar with the terrain. The guide will carry a handheld radio and cell phone for emergencies.

Lunch: If you are on a long walk the crew will meet your group at a predestined point and serve lunch so that you can continue your walk without having to return to the barge.