Burgundy
boasts some of the world’s finest food and wine, as well as one of
Europe’s prettiest canals. We cruise the Burgundy Canal aboard La Belle
Epoque, our luxury barge hotel, slipping into delightful moorings and
gaining access to the region’s scenic pathways. We see such Renaissance
château towns as Tonnerre, Tanlay and Ancy-le-Franc. On foot and afloat
we see rural France at its most romantic; we pass castles rising from
vineyards and dreamy old villages.
Sunday
- DAY 1
We
rendezvous at Hotel Ampere in Paris and travel to the barge - “La Belle
Epoque” - for our Champagne Reception. Your Walking Guide will
introduce himself and give you a brief introduction for your walking
itinerary for the week ahead. Welcome Dinner. Mooring: Auxerre
Monday
- DAY 2
We
walk the banks of the River Yonne and through the vineyard-clad hills
to the village of Vaux. Continuing along the river, we arrive at
Champs-sur-Yonne where we meet our barge for lunch. We go on to St
Bris, with its intricate network of medieval passages beneath the town.
At the 12th-century cellars of Monsieur Bersan, we taste the
outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot of the region. Mooring:
Bailly
Tuesday
- DAY 3
On
foot we follow the canal to Cravant Donjon, a tiny community priding
itself on its fine church. A path through rich pastures with views of
the valley brings us to Accolay, which sits beside the River la Cure.
Following lunch we continue our walk to
Regny Abbey
and Bessy-sur-Cure. Mooring: Accolay
Wednesday
- DAY 4
From
Vermenton we head towards a wooded hill, while our barge travels south
through the Yonne valley. We cruise past dramatic steep cliffs to the
market town of Mailly, and then enjoy an excursion to Vezelay, known
for its Romanesque Basilica of St Mary Magdalene and fine specialty
shops. Mooring: Mailly-la- Ville
Thursday
- DAY 5
We
walk in the hills above the canal to the pretty cliff top village of
Mailly-le-Chateau, finding diverse fauna and fascinating archaeology in
La Reserve Naturelle de Bois du Parc. Following lunch on the barge, our
walk continues along the canal. Mooring: Lucy-sur- Yonne
Friday
- DAY 6
TThis
morning we visit Ferme de Joux and gain an interesting insight into the
production of foie gras. A cruise through beautiful countryside then
takes us to Clamecy. We take a short walk into Clamecy and then tour
the Cathedral and the Logging and Barging Museum. There is time to
wander through the narrow streets lined with ancient buildings and an
opportunity for shopping before returning to the barge. Aboard for our
final evening, the Captain hosts our farewell dinner. Mooring: Clamec
Saturday
- DAY 6
We disembark for a private transfer back from Clamecy to Paris
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.
