Luciole Canal Barge - Burgundy, France: 7 Days Cruise Tour

Luciole has been specially adapted to the dimensions of the Nivernais Canal and the Burgundy Canal and she is the largest barge now operating these two "up-country" routes of Burgundy. She can accommodate in comfort up to 14 guests with a spacious saloon and 6 double or twin-bedded and 2 single-bedded cabins, each cabin with individually-controlled air conditioning.

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'll have plenty of opportunities for walking and cycling on these trips.

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 $2550.00. Please call for rates and availability.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Paris to Auxerre
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. 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.

Day 2 - Vineyards of Chablis
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.

Day 3 - Vezelay
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.

Day 4 - Clamecy
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.

Day 5 - Chitry-les-Mines & Avallon
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.

Day 6 - Baye
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.

Day 7 - Baye to Paris
After breakfast, your host will take you back to Paris and the Hotel Regina.

Travel Dates & Rates, Ask Agent

  • Note: From pricing is per person based on double occupancy and does not include airfare. Itinerary operates in reverse on alternate weeks. 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.