7 day locally hosted
14 passenger hotel barge

Luciole's size and shape allows her to explore the upper, less traveled sections of the Burgundy region and the Nivernais Canal with calls at abbeys, wine cellars, and chateaux. Sip the wonderful wines and take your time to absorb all the fascinating sights and experiences that will be yours in the heart of France's wine country. You have plenty of opportunities for walking and cycling on these trips.

Wednesday Paris/Auxerre D
You are met at the Hotel Regina in Paris by a member of the crew and transferred to Luciole, a fine example of a twin-decked barge. Significantly updated over the last few years, she offers a large saloon with a bar and dining area, where her experienced staff welcomes you with champagne and appetizers. They have been introducing guests to this area for the past 24 years. From the mooring at Auxerre's peaceful river frontage, you may set off on a walking exploration of the city's interesting streets. Stop to see the Cathedral of St-Etienne, perched on a hill overlooking the River Yonne. The 13th-century choir, the oldest part of the edifice, contains original stained glass, dominated by dazzling reds and blues. Beneath the choir is the frescoed 11th-century Romanesque crypt; alongside is the Treasury, featuring medieval enamels, manuscripts and miniatures.

Thursday Vineyards of Chablis BLD
This morning you board the barge's mini-coach for an excursion to the famed vineyards of the Chablis region. Some of the most beautiful are found at St. Bris, Coulanges and Irancy. Returning to the Luciole, you continue your fascinating journey by water now, where the terrain changes frequently from that of open country, where the Yonne winds languidly, to narrow sections overhung with cliffs, where the canal was originally built. Tonight dine on Burgundian fare prepared by your capable onboard chef.

Friday Vezelay BLD
Today you venture into the hill town of Vezelay for a visit to its 11th century basilica overlooking the river basin at Chatel-Censoir. In the 11th and 12th centuries, Vezelay's celebrated basilica, perched on a rocky crag, was one of the focal points of Christendom. Pilgrims poured in to gasp at the relics of St. Mary Magdalene before setting off on the great medieval trek to the shrine of St. James in northwest Spain. Today the basilica is considered France's most prestigious Romanesque showcase.

Saturday Clamecy BLD
Continuing your voyage, Luciole heads south, mooring at Clamecy, the largest settlement on the Nivernais with 6,000 residents. Slow-moving Clamecy is not on many tourist itineraries, but its tumbling alleyways and untouched ancient houses epitomize "La France Profonde." The river played a crucial role in Clamecy's development; trees from the nearby Morvan Forest were chopped down and floated in huge convoys (called flottage) to Paris until 1923.

Sunday Chitry-les-Mines/Avallon BLD
An impressive chateau presides over the wide canal basin of Chitry-les-Mines, where your boat moors for an excursion to Avallon, spectacularly situated on a promontory jutting over the Cousin Valley. The town's old streets and ramparts are pleasant places to stroll, before or after viewing the work of medieval stone carvers whose imaginations ran riot on the portals of the venerable church of St-Lazarus. Spend your evening relaxing on deck with a glass of fine Chablis, while admiring this scenic setting.

Monday Baye BLD
Today’s cruise sails through the final set of locks. You travel through three short, but exciting tunnels, then suddenly the placid lake at Baye appears before you, a lovely mooring place for tonight's gala farewell dinner.

Tuesday Baye/Paris B
After breakfast, your host will take you back to Paris and the Hotel Regina.

Note: Burgundy Canal cruises during the months of July and August are also available. Itinerary operates in reverse on alternate weeks.