Burgundy Barge Cruises Classic Cruise – Southern Burgundy

Guests are met in Paris or Dijon** and transferred by air-conditioned minibus to Finesse for a champagne welcome and the opportunity to meet the crew. Then there is time to wander along the towpath to admire the classic Burgundy scenery before dinner on board.

This morning, we begin our voyage through Southern Burgundy along the Canal du Centre through undulating countryside to moor at the little village of St-Leger-sur-Dheune. We descend a series of 11 locks while cruising past the villages along the way. After lunch on board, we visit the 14 th century Château de Germolles, the best preserved of the residences of the Dukes of Burgundy, with its ducal chapel, medieval wall paintings and romantic gardens Dinner on board.

This morning, we head to Autun, founded by the Romans as Augustodunum it has retained many of its original Antique monuments such as Roman gates, ruins of a Temple and a 17,000 seat amphitheatre. We return to the barge for lunch, then we cruise to the rural setting of Remigny, passing picturesque Burgundian villages such as the famous wine-producing village of Santenay. Dinner on board.

After breakfast, we set off on a drive through the UNESCO-listed Côte de Beaune vineyards to the town of Beaune itself, which is the capital of Burgundy’s wine country. Our first stop will be a visit to the oldest winemakers in Burgundy, Maison Champy. Guests will enjoy a private tour of the wine cellars and experience a wine tasting, learning from an expert about the production of the region’s finest premier and grand cru wines. A private lunch is served in a unique dining venue, which has been created from one of the winery’s historic large wooden wine vats or “cuves”. We then we go on to visit the stunning 15th century Hôtel-Dieu Hospice and return to the barge for an afternoon cruise past the charming little town of Chagny, to our mooring near the village of Rully. Dinner on board.

This morning, we continue our cruise along the Canal du Centre at a leisurely pace to moor at the village of Fragnes. There are perfect opportunities to walk or cycle along the towpath en route. Our afternoon excursion is a leisurely walk or cycle (weather permitting) to the renowned Santenay domaine, Jean Baptiste Jessiaume. A short drives takes guests on a guided visit to the family ‘Clos’ or vineyard with a family member, followed by a cellar tour and a private tasting of their biodynamic wines hosted by a member of the Jessiaume family. The wines are accompanied by a selection of gougères – a classic Burgundian savoury choux pastry delicacy. Dinner on board.

This morning, we visit the wall-enclosed vineyard of Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin (translates as “Fraternity of Knights of the Wine-Tasting Cup”), who award a special prized label to the finest Côte d‘Or vintages every year. Here, we’ll enjoy a tour of the iconic cellars. Continue along the Route des Grands Cru through the Côte de Nuits to stop at the prestigious vineyard of Romanée Conti for a brief history on the significance of its wines. Back on board Finesse, we’ll make our final cruise of the week, passing through the last lock on the canal which lowers us an impressive 35 feet. We then head out onto the peaceful River Saône and turn downstream to our mooring at Chalon-sur-Saône with its elegant waterfront, imposing cathedral, and opportunities for some last-minute shopping. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus back to Paris or Dijon**.