Lafayette
"Grands Crus"
Cruise in Southern Burgundy
The Lafayette travels through an attractive area of Burgundy, cruising along the Burgundy Canal, the peaceful Saone river and the emandering Canal du Centre passing along the vineyards of Santenay.
During the cruise, passengers may explore colorful markets, vineyards and bustling little towns. There are visits to Dijon, capital of Burgundy, and to its cultural treasures, to Beaune, the historic wine capital with its famous Hospice, as well as to some private chateaux where wine tasting sessions are organized.
The Lafayette is a very comfortable and attractive boat with 12 well-appointed cabins - including 2 single cabins, a lounge with a bar and a pretty sundeck.
Saturday,
DAY
1 Dijon
We
meet at 11.30 in the lobby of Normandy Hotel, 7 rue de l’Echelle in
Paris.75001. Transfer to Gare de Lyon and TGV (high speed train) journey of an
hour and a half to Dijon. Coach transfer to the Libellule moored in Verdun sur
le Doubs. Welcome apéritif offered by the crew as we cruise upstream to the
picturesque brick-built riverside town of Seurre.
Sunday, DAY 2
Dijon / Longcourt-en-Plaine
Monday, DAY 3
Longcourt-en-PlaineCruise towards St Jean-de-Losne, traditionally the center of barging on Burgundy. Excursion to Beaune, centre of the wine trade in Burgundy, for a guided visit of the Hôtel Dieu. We leave Beaune to visit a wine cellar for a tasting of some local vintages before returning to the Lafayette at Seurre.
Tuesday, DAY 4
Seurre / Chalon-sur-SaoneTuesday is market day in Dijon. Guided tour of the city with free time. Cruise to Chalon-sur-Saone. Time to visit the medieval town center and the Cathedral of St Vincent before dinner.
Wednesday,
DAY 5
Chalon-sur-Saone
/ Chagny
Enter the Canal du
Centre from the river through a lock with a fifty foot rise and cruise along an
attractive winding stretch where a good towpath and fairly frequent locks give
ample opportunities to walk or cycle. Excursion to the nearby village of Rully
for a private guided tour of the 12C chateau in the company of the owner,
Countess D’Aviau de Ternay. Return to the Lafayette moored in the lively town
of Chagny.
Thursday, DAY 6
Chagny
Cruise
through the vineyards to Santenay and explore this famous wine producing village
of the Cote-de-Beaune. Cruise to Dennevy, then drive to Couches to visit the
Chateau of Marguerite of Burgundy, the beautifully preserved vestiges of a vast
medieval fortress followed by a wine tasting. Cruise to St-Leger-sue-Dheune.
Friday, DAY 7
St Leger
sur Dheune
After
breakfast, return to Paris Gare de Lyon
