Hirondelle

Digoin to St Leger

Burgundy

The day to day itinerary described below is a sample of a typical cruise on the Hirondell. 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 Le Creusot and Digoin.
Depart Paris, Gare de Lyon, in the afternoon on the TGV train. On arrival at Le Creusot station you are met by the guide who transfers you to the barge at Digoin for your cruise through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you and gives you the 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 -Cruise to Paray-le-Monial. Visit La Clayette.
This morning, enjoy a leisurely cruise to Paray Le Monial.  After lunch, drive through the countryside to La Clayette to visit the specialty chocolate shop of M. Bernard Dufoux. The master himself will demonstrate the art of making chocolate, followed by a private tasting.  Car enthusiasts may tour the vintage car museum just around the corner where all the vehicles are for sale.

Tuesday - Tour Paray-le-Monial. Cruise to Genélard. Visit Cluny
After breakfast, take a short walk to Paray-le-Monial, with its famous Basilica of the Sacré Coeur and site of pilgrimage since 1873. After lunch, visit Cluny, a little town dominated by its great benedictine abbey.

Wednesday – Visit Montceau les Mines. Cruise to Blanzy. Visit Autun.
This morning, take a short drive to the canal-side market at Montceau les Mines.  Later, tour the city of Autun, founded by emperor Augustus and known as one of the leading cities of Roman Gaul.  Visit the roman amphitheatre, one of the largest in France with a seating capacity of 17,000.</p>

Thursday - Visit Château Marguerite de Bourgogne. Cruise to St. Julien-sur-Dheune.
Cruise to Montchanin, where you disembark for your trip to Couches. Enjoy lunch in the grounds of the Château Marguerite de Bourgogne and a private wine tasting in the secret passages beneath the chateau.  Return to the barge for a late afternoon cruise to St. Julien-sur-Dheune, a small country mooring and a quiet place to walk or bicycle.

Friday - Cruise to St. Léger-sur-Dheune. Visit Beaune.
Today, tour the famous Cote d'Or, home of Burgundy's finest vineyards: Meursault, Puligny, Montrachet, Santenay. Later, visit Beaune, the capital of Burgundy for a tour of the famous 15^th century Hôtel Dieu, Hospice de Beaune.  Farewell gala dinner on board.

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

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