Sunday - Paris to Le Creusot and Digoin
Depart
Paris, Gare de Lyon, in the afternoon on the TGV train. On arrival at
Le Creusot station you are met by the guide who transfers you to
the barge at Digoin for your cruise through Burgundy. A champagne
reception welcomes you and gives you the chance to meet the crew. Take
a brief evening cruise across the Loire river on the canal bridge which
connects the Canal du Centre to the Canal Latéral à la Loire.
Monday - Cruise to Paray-le-Monial. Visit La Clayette.
This
morning, enjoy a leisurely cruise to Paray Le Monial. After lunch,
drive through the countryside to La Clayette to visit the specialty
chocolate shop of M. Bernard Dufoux. The master himself will
demonstrate the art of making chocolate, followed by a private tasting.
Car enthusiasts may tour the vintage car museum just around the corner
where all the vehicles are for sale.
Tuesday - Tour Paray-le-Monial. Cruise to Genélard. Visit Cluny.
After
breakfast, take a short walk to Paray-le-Monial, with its famous
Basilica of the Sacré Coeur and site of pilgrimage since 1873. After
lunch, visit Cluny, a little town dominated by its great benedictine
abbey.
Wednesday – Visit Montceau les Mines. Cruise to Blanzy. Visit Autun.
This
morning, take a short drive to the canal-side market at Montceau les
Mines. Later, tour the city of Autun, founded by emperor Augustus and
known as one of the leading cities of Roman Gaul. Visit the roman
amphitheatre, one of the largest in France with a seating capacity of
17,000.
Thursday - Visit Château Marguerite de Bourgogne. Cruise to St. Julien-sur-Dheune.
Cruise
to Montchanin, where you disembark for your trip to Couches. Enjoy
lunch in the grounds of the Château Marguerite de Bourgogne and a
private wine tasting in the secret passages beneath the chateau. Return
to the barge for a late afternoon cruise to St. Julien-sur-Dheune, a
small country mooring and a quiet place to walk or bicycle.
Friday - Cruise to St. Léger-sur-Dheune. Visit Beaune.
Today,
tour the famous Cote d'Or, home of Burgundy's finest vineyards:
Meursault, Puligny, Montrachet, Santenay. Later, visit Beaune, the
capital of Burgundy for a tour of the famous 15th century Hôtel Dieu,
Hospice de Beaune. Farewell gala dinner on board.
Saturday - Dijon-Paris.
After
breakfast disembark the barge and and transfer to Dijon rail station.
Return to Paris (Gare de Lyon) on the TGV where you are met by the
Afloat in France representative who will assist you with your luggage.
NOTE: Itineraries are subject to change
