Hirondelle Canal Barge - Burgundy & Franche-Comte, France: 7 Days Cruise Tour

The 8 passenger Hirondelle, owned and operated by Afloat in France, cruises some of the most tranquil and beautiful waterways in all of Europe: the Canal de Bourgogne, the Canal du Centre, the Canal du Rhone au Rhine and the River Saone.

The large windows, well above the water line, and the sun-deck on the top deck of the boat make it easy for you to enjoy the passing scenery of Burgundy and Franche-Comte: renowned for their vineyards, Gothic churches and abbeys, Renaissance chateaux and picturesque villages.

Burgundy is a region of France in which gastronomic delights and the art of living have reigned supreme since Roman times.

Excursions are arranged to places with story-book names, whether it be the quaint town of Dole, the famous museum in Dijon, the castle in Chateauneuf or to Besancon, birthplace of Victor Hugo.

Inclusions

  • Gourmet cuisine including 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners
  • All-inclusive open bar including free wines
  • Entry fees to excursions

Special Notes

  • Travel April through October from $4200.00. Please call for rates and availability.



Itinerary

Day 1 - Paris to Besancon
Depart Paris, Gare de Lyon, on the TGV train in the afternoon. On arrival at Dijon station you are met by the Captain who transfers you to where the barge is moored at Besancon beneath the King's tower of the Citadel. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. This evening the barge remains in Besancon, giving you the opportunity to view this bustling city.

Day 2 - Visit the Citadel & Cruise to Osselle
Following a typical French breakfast your guide escorts you on a tour of the Citadel, designed in the 17th century by Vauban, military architect to Louis XIV. Leaving Besancon by boat is quite spectacular; the barge cruises a short distance up the River Doubs before turning into the canal tunnel and passing directly underneath the Citadel. Emerging downstream of the town we begin our descent of the Doubs Valley until reaching our first day's destination, a quiet mooring near the sleepy town of Osselle.

Day 3 - Cruise to Dole
Visit the Arbois Region The boat continues to cruise downstream, alternating between the river and sections of the Canal du Rhone au Rhine, which traverses the rugged Franche-Comte and Jura regions. Today's visits are to Arbois, the principal town of the Jura wine producing region, and a walking tour of Dole, including the magnificent cathedral and La Maison Pasteur, home of Louis Pasteur.

Day 4 - Cruise to St. Jean de Losne
Visit Beaune and enjoy the lovely countryside of the Franche Comte cruising from Dole on the very scenic Canal du Rhone au Rhine to St. Jean de Losne, the barging capital of France. After lunch, your guide escorts you on a walking tour of Beaune, the capital of Burgundy to visit the famous Hotel Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. Tonight's mooring is St. Jean de Losne. Take some time to stroll around the port to see the many working and pleasure barges.

Day 5 - Cruise to Longecourt
Visit Clos de Vougeot today as the barge crosses the plain from the Saone to Dijon on the Canal de Bourgogne. This afternoon, visit the Cote d'Or, planted with vines that produce some of the world's most famous wines. Your guide takes you on a tour of "Clos de Vougeot", a medieval chateau surrounded by vineyards. This is the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Cote d'Or vintages. Your tour is followed by wine tasting.

Day 6 - Cruise to Dijon
After breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon, including a visit to the Ducal Palace, the market, and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. Tour the Musee des Beaux Arts and explore Dijon at your leisure. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon cruise. That evening the chef has prepared a memorable feast for your farewell gala dinner.

Day 7 - Disembark, Dijon to Paris
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon station for your return to Paris on the TGV.

Travel Dates & Rates, Ask Agent

  • Note: From pricing is per person based on double occupancy and does not include airfare. Itineraries are subject to change due to canal/river conditions and are at the sole discretion of the captain.

Prices subject to change without notice until time of deposit. All dollar values not denoted as US or CA are in US Dollars.