Explore Paris before you board on a traditional barge & cruise along the picturesque villages of 16th & 18th centuries, Renaissance-style chateaux, and private vineyards of France’s Burgundy region, as your captain navigates the waters of the Burgundy Canal towards Lezinnes, Ancy le Franc, Ravieres, Montbard and Vernarey les Laumes. Voyage aboard an elegant barge, a gracefully converted hotel version of the vessels that have made their way through these same waterways for hundreds of years. Experience the enjoyment of cycling and walking into the most beautiful villages of Burgundy, as your barge comes to planned stops along the Burgundy Canal. Enjoy delightful local specialties prepared by your onboard Chef, and revel in culture and the flavour of the renowned Premier and Grand Cru Burgundy wines which were popularized in the 1950's. Each six-night cruise includes all meals, selected domaine and chateau wines, an open bar, daily escorted excursions, local transfers and the use of all barge facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.

2012: Cruise departure every Sunday from Apr 1 - Oct 28.
Available by individual cabins, or private charter. Cruise may operate in reverse order.

Paris is confident that it's the world's most beautiful, fashionable and artistic capital. After visiting the city you will no doubt find it hard to disagree. Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with over 30 million foreign visitors per year. Three of the most famous Parisian landmarks are the twelfth century cathedral Notre Dame de Paris on the Île de la Cité, the nineteenth century Eiffel Tower, and the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe. The city's most prized museum is the Louvre, though there are dozens of other important ones.

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.

Westminster (4*) hotel is located close to the Place Vendome and the Opera house, 5 minutes walk from the Tuileries Gardens. This is an elegant district offering a wide variety of prestigious designer boutiques and jewellers. This is an attractive and elegant, 6 storey Parisian style hotel. The lobby is spacious and luxurious, with an impressive marble reception desk and comfortable Louis XV style central seating area. The public areas are bright and elegant. This is a very nice and traditional Parisian hotel, with a brilliant location. The hotel offers 80 rooms and 21 suites, each individually decorated by the famous interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. The "Westminster Fitness Club", overlooking the rooftops of Paris offers sauna, steam room, exercise room, relaxation room and Orlane beauty treatments.

Overnight at Westminster (4*).

Enjoy a shared tour of Paris with an English speaking driver-guide. On the tour you will discover the monuments which have made Paris famous throughout the world: Louvre museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Hotel de Ville, Le Quartier Latin, Concorde Square, Champs-Elysées Avenue, Eiffel Tower (photo stop), Montmartre. The tasting starts at noon in a beautiful tasting room of O Chateau's wine bar near the Louvre. You’ll taste five different wines, coming from five different regions of France. From Champagne to Bordeaux, from Sancerre to the Rhone, Wine and Cheese Lunch is a great opportunity not only to taste good French products but also to get an education about them. Your sommelier will suggest pairings, will explain to you why this cheese might work better with that wine. End of the tour: on the spot Louvre Rivoli metro (Paris 1st district).

Overnight at Westminster (4*).

Set sail along the magnificently picturesque French countryside, cruising the rivers of the remarkable Burgundy region. Connected to the Yonne River in the north, and the Saone River in the south, the Burgundy Canal offers your luxurious river barge a timeless route to navigate France from north to south. Impeccable vineyards and charming medieval towns serve as an ideal backdrop to such a relaxing way of travel.

You are met at your desingnated meeting point and transferred to the barge moored in Tanlay.

A Champagne reception welcomes you on board today, and provides you with a chance to meet the crew.

The 12 passenger La Belle Epoque is a state of the art luxury hotel barge and sistership to L'Impressionniste in the European fleet. The Captain leads a crew of five, comprising Master Chef, Tour guide, and two Housekeepers. La Belle Epoque has been designed with both elegance and passenger comfort in mind. It offers a sun-deck, spa pool, 12 bikes and an always open inclusive bar. These together with other luxury facilities create a vessel perfect for a relaxing, luxurious cruise.

Overnight at La Belle Epoque Barge (BLD).

This morning, experience your first day's cruise along with the aromas of ground coffee and French patisseries.  Cruise to Lezinnes which also promises a walk or cycle into the picturesque 16th century village of Saint Vinemer. After lunch, you visit the 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau de Tanlay, nestling serenely within this picturesque village and also visit the 18th century Fosse Dionne.

Overnight at La Belle Epoque Barge (BLD).

After breakfast, you will enjoy a lazt cruise up to Ancy le France with plenty of opportunity to wander or cycle ahead as the vessel ascends through the locks towards the beautiful 16th century Renaissance palace and gardens of Chateau d'Ancy le Franc. After lunch, you will visit the vineyards and town of Chablis, dating back to Roman times. You will also enjoy a private wine tasting at the Domaine Billaud Simon renowned for its premier and grand cru wines popularized by Alexis Lichine in the 1950's

Overnight at La Belle Epoque Barge (BLD).

In the morning you will visit the medieval Noyers sur Serein to admire the local produce, colours and delights of the wonderful market or you can wander the town ramparts in one of the most beautiful villages in France. After returning to the barge, you will enjoy a gentle afternoon cruise past grazing Charolais cattle to Ravieres followed by a visit to the 16th century Renaissance palace and gardens of Chateau d'Ancy le Franc

Overnight at La Belle Epoque Barge (BLD).

In the morning, you will have excellent opportunities of cycling and walking at Montbard passing the Forges de Buffon. After lunch, you will be escorted ot the exquisite World Heritage site of Abbaye de Fontenay founded by St. Bernard in 1118. Fontenay also allows an exceptional glimpse of early Cistercian life and industy with its peaceful gardens and ponds and fascination cloisters, dormitories and scriptorium.

Overnight at La Belle Epoque Barge (BLD).

In the morning, you will cruise through woodlands and rolling fields, with great towpath biking and walking opportunities, past the tiny canal side villages of Nogent, Courcelles and Les Granges. In the afternoon, you will stroll around the hilltop village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, where the film 'Chocolat' was located. On the way from the summit of Mt. Auxois, we look at Alesia which was the last battle site between the Gaulles and Romans that took place in 52 BC. You will also have time to enjoy the town of Semur-en-Auxois.

Overnight at La Belle Epoque Barge (BLD).

After breakfast, disembark the barge and transfer to your hotel back in Paris.

Overnight at Westminster (4*).

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.

Transfer to other booked hotel (not included in price).

Overnight at Hotel (Client Booked).