This trip includes
- Walking tour of Dijon, the Halles covered market and Saint-Bénigne cathedral
- Visit of the route des Grands Crus and tasting at Clos de Vougeot
- Discovery of Beaune, centre of the Côte d’Or wines, and private mustard tasting
- Walk or cycle along the wonderful towpath that runs alongside the canal
- Demonstration cooking: watch your chef prepare a gourmet meal
- Round trip chauffeured transfers to and from Paris
- All meals on board and on land, from supper on the first evening to breakfast on the last morning
- All wines served during lunches and suppers on board and ashore
- Guided tours with private driver
- Terrace with lounge chairs and hot tub
- Bicycles and helmets
This trip does not include
- International airfares
- Cancellation insurance
Route
Day 1: Fleurey-sur-Ouche
Your guide will pick you up at the pre-arranged meeting point for your private chauffeured transfer to the hotel barge named “Rendez-Vous”, moored in the charming village of Fleurey-sur-Ouche. After a champagne reception, you will meet the crew and settle in before your first gourmet supper on board.
Day 2: Gissey-sur-Ouche
Your luxury journey begins with a leisurely morning cruise. Relax on deck in the hot tub or explore the towpath along the water’s edge with a walk or bike ride. This afternoon, exploring the city of Dijon offers a pleasant shore excursion. Preserved palaces and beautiful churches reminiscent of the reign of the Dukes of Burgundy vie for attention with specialist shops, small cafes and tranquil gardens. Shop, sip and stroll through this small town full of authentic Burgundian life. Return to Le Rendez-Vous for a cocktail while the chef prepares the evening meal.
Day 3: Pont d'Ouche
This morning, your tour guide takes you to the Château du Clos de Vougeot, where Cistercian monks made wine in the 12th century. Explore the preserved presses on which these iconic Burgundian wines were made. Return to the Rendez-Vous for lunch and an afternoon cruise. Laze on the deck in the hot tub or explore the countryside by bike and relax before drinks and supper on board.
Day 4: Pont d’Ouche
Start the day with a leisurely morning cruise. This afternoon, your tour guide accompanies you to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, a castle overlooking the canal. A walking tour of the castle reveals the architectural details and timeworn remains that bear witness to the deprivation and decadence so prevalent in French history. Tonight’s supper is taken ashore at a gourmet restaurant, the Château de Sainte Sabine. Enjoy traditional French gastronomy with a contemporary approach. Enjoy your meal!
Day 5: Vandenesse-en-Auxois
Start the day with a leisurely morning cruise. Visit your captain in his wheelhouse or join the chef in the open kitchen for an informal cooking demonstration. In the afternoon, a drive in your private vehicle through the vineyards of the Côte d’Or will lead to the charming town of Beaune, the wine capital of the region. Your tour guide will accompany you to the Hospice de Beaune, a prestigious medieval hospital built in the 15th century. Return to the barge where the chef puts the finishing touches to tonight’s supper.
Day 6: Éscommes
A leisurely morning cruise through the Burgundy countryside marks the start of the day’s adventures and activities. In the afternoon, you will be accompanied to the Domaine Famille Picard, founded in 1951, at Château de Chassagne-Montrachet. Enjoy a presentation of the estate, a tour of the impeccable cellars and a tasting of these world-renowned wines. Then return to the Rendez-vous for a final sunset cocktail before the chef presents a multi-course candlelit farewell supper to bring your private luxury barge cruise to a perfect ending.
Day 7: Éscommes
After lunch on board, disembark at 9 am for transfer to the drop-off point and continuation of the journey.
