Hirondelle

Digoin to Pont to Canal du Guétin

Burgundy

The day to day itinerary described below is a sample of a typical cruise on the Hirondelle. However, on any one cruise, the moorings may change, there may be fewer or more excursions, the places visited may vary depending on the season and the passenger preferences. Because there are a limited number of passengers on any of our vessels the guide can tailor the itinerary in accordance with the passengers’ wishes.

Sunday – Paris to Montchanin
Depart Paris, Gare de Lyon on the TGV train in the afternoon. On arrival at Le Creusot station you are met by the Afloat in France guide and transferred to the barge at Digoin for your cruise through Burgundy.  A champagne reception welcomes you and gives you a chance to meet the crew.  Take a brief evening cruise across the Loire River on the canal bridge which connects the Canal du Centre to the Canal Latéral à la Loire

Monday - Visit "La Clayette. Cruise La Clayette. Cruise to Diou.
Enjoy a drive through the countryside to see La Clayette, its château and the specialty chocolate factory of M. Bernard Dufoux.  The master himself demonstrates the art of making chocolate, followed by a private tasting. Automobile enthusiasts may tour the vintage car museum where all the vehicles are for sale.

Tuesday - Cruise to Garnat-sur-Engièvre. Visit Bourbon Lancy.
Today’s visit is to the medieval town of Bourban Lancy.  Enjoy a guided walking tour through the medieval quarter with its authentic timbered houses and 14^th century belfry which houses a unique automaton.  In the afternoon, relax on board as the barge continues its cruise to Garnat-sur-Engièvre.

Wednesday - Cruise to Decize. Visit Chateau of St Aubin.
Enjoy a full day cruising from Garnat-sur-Engièvre to Decize. Take a private tour of the chateau of St Aubin, a fine example of renaissance architecture with extensive grounds and kitchen gardens.

Thursday - Cruise to Imphy. Visit Château d’Apremont.
After breakfast your guide takes you to a “ferme des escargots”to see how this Burgundian speciality is produced. Later cruise to Imphy, a small country mooring and a quiet place to walk or bicycle. In the afternoon visit the 15^th century Château d’Apremont followed by a wine tasting at one of our favorite vineyards in the Loire Valley

Friday - Visit Nevers. Cruise to Pont Cana du Guétin.
This morning enjoy a walking tour of Nevers, the capital of the Nivernais, with a private visit to the workshop of Mr. Bernard to see the master ceramic maker at work.  During the afternoon the barge cruises to Pont Canal du Guétin, the site of another “pont canal” which traverses the river. Enjoy a farewell gala dinner on board.

Saturday - Nevers-Paris.
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Nevers station. Return to Paris (Gare de Lyon) on the TGV where you are met by our Afloat in France representative who will assist you with your luggage. ;

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