Hirondelle
Dijon
to Besancon
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.
Day 1, Sunday –
Paris
to Dijon.
Depart Paris, Gare de Lyon, on the TGV
train in the afternoon. On arrival at
Dijon
station you are met by the barge
guide who transfers you to the barge,
moored in Dijon’s Port du Canal, for your cruise
through Burgundy
and Franche Comté. A champagne reception
welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew.
Day 2, Monday - Cruise to Longecourt.
Visit Clos de Vougeot and Château de Longecourt.
Today the barge cruises the Canal de
Bourgogne from Dijon
towards the River Saône, and moors at
Longecourt. In the afternoon visit
‘Clos de Vougeot’, a medieval château surrounded by vineyards.
This is the headquarters of the Chevaliers
du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Côte
d’Or vintages. Return to Longecourt for a visit to the Château.
Day 3, Tuesday – Visit
Dijon. Cruise to
St. Jean
de Losne.
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. Enjoy lunch at a bistro
in the town centre before returning to the boat for lunch and the afternoon’s
cruise to St Jean de Losne.
Day 4, Wednesday – Cruise to Dole.
Visit
Dole.
This morning you leave the Saône
River
and enter the Canal du Rhone au Rhin. This afternoon, discover the
charming town of
Dole
with a walking tour of the town,
including the magnificent cathedral and la Maison Pasteur, home of Louis
Pasteur.
Day 5, Thursday – Cruise to Osselle.
Visit the Arbois.
This morning we cruise through spectacular
scenery along the edge of the forest
of Chaux
to moor at Osselle.
Here you visit Arbois, the principal town of the Jura wine producing
region, and enjoy a wine tasting of the region’s famous vin
jaune.
Day 6, Friday - Cruise t
o Besançon. Visit Besançon.
Your final
day of cruising alternates between canal and river, passing through two tunnels
before arriving in Besançon, capital of the Franche-Comté. The barge moors
directly below the King’s tower which forms part of the defensive rampart of
the town’s magnificent citadel. A tour of the seventeenth century citadel and
museums are scheduled for the afternoon. Back on board the chef is preparing a
memorable feast for your farewell dinner.
Back
to barges
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