Cruise route: Dijon to Vandenesse

Region: Burgundy

Barges: Amaryllis & Fleur de Lys

Arrival mooring: St Leger Sur Dheune

Nearest train station: Le Creusot Nearest Airport: Dijon Longvic – Private and Business

Departure mooring: Vendenesse en Auxois

Nearest train station: Dijon Ville Nearest Airport: Dijon Longvic – Private and Business

Highlights

Cycling the Ouche Valley and surroundings, Visit the Château de Pommard, Abbaye de la Bussière, Hotel-Dieu and the historic Clos de Vougeot.

Cycling the Ouche Valley and surroundings: the natural beauty of the Ouche Valley landscape lends its own unique charm to the many cycling routes branching away from it. The un-spoilt and unpolluted environment is a delight for the discerning cyclist, who can cycle as many km’s outside of mealtimes and optional visits. You can meet the barge at one of the many locks along the way or at one of the overnight moorings. Our expert guide will be happy to discuss any alternative routes with you.

Château de Pommard:a delightful privately owned Chateau and renowned wine domain.Built in the Regency style in 1726 by Vivant Micault, Secretary to King Louis XV, the new Château replaced a feudal château that had been mistreated somewhat by history. From the moment it was built, Château Vivant Micault regained its original splendour and, in its turn, played host to distinguished guests. Bonaparte himself is said to have honoured the Château with a visit!

Hotel-Dieu in Central historic Beaune: a fascinatinginsight into the life and times of Chancellor Nicolas Rolin and spanning 500 years of Burgundian history.With its gothic facade, varnished roof tiles and flamboyant colours, it makes up part of the patrimony of the Hospices de Beaune, a charitable institute created in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin and his wife Guigone de Salins. A recent exhaustive inventory includes 2,500 pieces of furniture and some 2,500 objects (tapestries, paintings, sculptures etc.), a fascinating and informative tour.

Dinner in the gastronomic restaurant at Abbaye de la Bussière – a stunning location & combination of architecture, history & gastronomy. Founded in 1131 by Etienne Harding 3^rd Bishop of Citeaux, the Abbey counted 300 resident monks at the end of the 13^th century. Although now a privately owned luxury hotel, the Abbey has lost none its majestic charm and attraction – an unforgettable treat.

Clos de Vougeot: perfect for history, architecture and wine lovers and originally a simple wine farm built in the 12^th century by the monks from nearby Abbey of Citeaux. In the 16^th century a splendid Renaissance style chateau was added to the existing buildings – a tribute to the incredible winegrowing prowess of the Cistercian Monks centuries ago. Many famous guests have been wined and dined at the several banquets held each year guests.

Itinerary

Day One:Dijon

Board the barge moored at Dijon’s Port du Canal for your cruise through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew.Later that evening enjoy your first dining experience on board.

Day Two:Cruise to Fleurey-sur-Ouche. Visit Clos de Vougeot.

Leaving Dijon, the canal follows the River Ouche where small-unspoiled villages and green, forested hills provide exceptional views from the deck. Spend the morning walking, or perhaps cycling along the tow path. This afternoon’s excursion is a dégustation in Vougeot and a visit to “Clos de Vougeot”, a medieval château and the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Côte d’Or vintages. The barge moors for the night in the small village of Fleury-sur-Ouche.

Cycling option: This morning cycle to and around Lake Kir, there is a great cycle path that follows along the entire cruise.

Day Three:Cruise to Gissey.Visit Dijon.

After a wonderful French style 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. Enjoy some free time for shopping at the many wonderful shops in the town, or perhaps just sit in one of the numerous pavement cafes and simply watch the world go pass. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon’s cruise to the charming village of Gissey.This is a truly stunning part of the canal, sit back and watch the ever changing scenery glide by.

Cycling option:Once back to the barge, after lunch either follow the tow path or cycle along the small road that cuts through the valley, passing through the village of St Marie to Gissey.

Day Four:Cruise to La Bussière. Visit Château du Pommard

Mid-morning, disembark the boat for a visit to l’Abbaye de la Bussière, which was built in the 12th century under the guidance of the Cistercian monks from Citeaux. Enjoy a tour of the grounds and have lunch in the restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Chateau du Pommard, for a tour of the vines and wine tasting.

Cycling option:This morning it would be possible to cycle to La Bussiere, where you will have lunch.Depending on ability, there is a hilly route to Commarin, where there is a magnificent Chateau.

Day Five:Cruise to Pont d’Ouche.Visit Beaune.

Relax with a morning cruise through the rolling hills of the Ouche Valley to Pont d’Ouche. After lunch visit Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy and the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. There is free time for shopping or strolling through the cobbled streets of this lovely town. Sample some of the local wines before returning to the barge.

Cycling option: This morning cycle either along the tow path or to Bligny, a scenic route through the valley with rolling country side.

Day Six:Cruise to Vandenesse.Visit Châteauneuf-en-Auxois.

Our final cruise of the week takes us to the country side mooring of Vandenesse then after lunch visit Châteauneuf-en-Auxois.This medieval village with its commanding views over the plains is a wonderful place for a visit. Both the village and the château have a long and interesting history. This is followed by a tour of the surrounding countryside. Meanwhile the chef is preparing your Farewell gala dinner on board.

Cycling option: Perhaps cycle up to Chateauneuf, the charming hill top village (this afternoons visit) – there is a steep climb up, with wonderful views.Also you could cycle to the entrance of the Pouilly tunnel, where the canal passes through the hill side.

Day Seven:Vandenesse en Auxois

After breakfast the crew bids you farewell before you disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.

Please note route may be subject to change without prior warning as a result of unforeseen circumstances.

Fleur De Lys, Dates and Prices 2020/2021

Charters- 5 April 2020. 17 May 2020. 28 June 2020.

4 and 18 April 2021. 2,16 and 30 May 2021. 27 June 2021. 11 and 25 July 2021. 22 August 2021.

5 and 19 September 2021. 3 and 17 October 2021.

7 Days / 6 Nights, from € 8,188 per guest - Price based on private hire for 4 guests.

7 Days / 6 Nights, from € 6,125 per guest - Price based on private hire for 6 guests.

Amaryllis, Dates and Prices 2020/2021

Charters- 5 April 2020.

7 Days / 6 Nights, from € 9,944 per guest - Price based on private hire for 4 guests.

7 Days / 6 Nights, from € 5,972 per guest - Price based on private hire for 8 guests.

BOOKING & RESERVATION

All prices are at publicly-quoted rates. We will be happy to answer any questions and make the booking for you - contact us in the UK: +44 ()) 1249 890205 or info@luxuryriverboatclub.com

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