La Belle Époque: Burgundy Canal Barge Cruise
Graceful 'La Belle Epoque' drifts through Burgundy on a delightful itinerary between Venarey-les-Laumes and Tanlay. Visit the former Cistercian Abbaye de Fontenay and Château d'Ancy-le-Franc. Pause for a private wine tasting. Enjoy a falconry display during your tour of Château de Commarin. Back aboard, relax in the spa tub and savor gourmet meals created by your expert chef.
DAY 1: BOARD 'LA BELLE EPOQUE'
Meet in Paris for your transfer to ‘La Belle Époque,’ moored at Venarey-les-Laumes. After a welcome reception, enjoy dinner on board.
DAY 2: CHATEAU DE COMMARIN
After a morning cruise, visit Château de Commarin for a private visit hosted by Count Bertrand de Vogue that includes a falconry display.
DAY 3: FONTENAY ABBEY
Visit 12th-century Fontenay Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its peaceful gardens and beautiful cloisters. Return to the barge for a cruise to Ravières.
DAY 4: CHAMPAGNE TASTING
Visit Maison Alexandre Bonnet in Les Riceys for a Champagne tasting. Then drive to Château de Ricey-Bas for a private gourmet lunch ashore with the Baroness. After a stroll through the gardens, return to the barge for a leisurely cruise to Ancy-le-Franc with opportunities for walking or cycling on the towpath.
DAY 5: CHATEAU D'ANCY-LE-FRANC
Visit historic Château d'Ancy-le-Franc, dating from the 16th century. Rejoin the barge for a leisurely afternoon cruise to Lezinnes.
DAY 6: CHABLIS
Cruise to the final mooring at Tanlay today. Visit the vineyards and town of Chablis for a private tasting at Domaine Laroche that includes a tour of the 1,000-year-old monastic cellars. This evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner to celebrate the cruise week.
DAY 7: DISEMBARK
Disembark in Tanlay after breakfast for your transfer back to Paris, where your journey ends.
Highlights
The following are included in the canal cruise:
Choice of individual travel or private charters
Transfers from/to barges
All meals and drinks on board
All sightseeing excursions during the cruise
WHEN TO GO: March to October.
LENGTH: 7 Days/6 Nights
