Litote
Chablis Cruise in Burgundy
The Litote follows an attractive itinerary through the northern part of Burgundy. The cruise includes a tour of the famous Chablis wine region and a visit to historic Vezelay, whence, in medieval times, the Knights of Europe set out for Crusades. Auxerre is the capital of lower Burgundy - busy old town with a cathedral and a citadel overlooking the Yonne River. Along the Burgundy Canal, picturesque towns and villages can be explored by bicycle or on foot.
The Litote has been custom-built to pass under the low bridges of the Burgundy Canal. This charming boat, with foredeck and sheltered central deck, has 10 comfortable cabins, includign 4 on the upper deck with large windows.
Saturday, DAY
1 Paris
to St Florentin
Meeting
point: 2:15pm at the Hotel Regina in Paris. Coach transfer to the
Litote moored in St Florentin. Welcome on board with cocktails. Free
time to stroll through this small market town with a fine Gothic church.
Dinner on board.
Sunday, DAY 2 St
Florentin to Tonnere
Cruise
through some very pretty villages to Tonnere. Excursion to the wine region
of Chablis where the famous vineyards climb up teh hills. Visit the
picturesque town of Chablis and a private cellar for a wine tasting.
Dinner on board.
Monday, DAY 3 Tonnere
to Tanlay
Cruise
through pastoral scenery to the village of Tanlay. Visit to the richly
furnished Chateau of Tanlay built in the 16C and fine example of the French
Renaissance style with a magnificent architectural composition. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, DAY 4 Tanlay
to Ancy le Franc
Excursion
to the old town of Auxerre: visit to the fine Gothic cathedral and its
Romanesque crypt decorated with 11-13C frescoes and a 15C clock tower.
Free time to stroll through the narrow cobbled streets of the medieval city
center with its excellent shops.
Cruise to Ancy le Franc and mooring next to the magnificent Italian Renaissance chateau. Dinner on board.
Wednesday, DAY 5 Ancy
le Franc to Ravieres
Cruise
past limestone cliffs to the small town of Ravieres. Excursion to the
historic village Vezelay the "eternal hillside" where St Bernard
preached the second crusade in 1147: the Romanesque basilica, the town with its
old houses and ramparts, one of the treasures of Burgundy (Unesco World
Heritage). Free time to stroll through the narrow streets and visit the
numerous art and craft galleries. Dinner
on board.
Thursday, DAY 6 Ravieres to
Montbard
Cruise
into the Auxois district, past the 18C iron foundry created by the scientist and
natural historian Buffon, to the market town of Montbard. Excursion to the
former Abbey of Fontenay (Unesco World Heritage). Fontenay is the best
preserved example of a complete Cistercian monastery and is set in remarkably
picturesque surroundings. Farewell gala dinner on board.
Friday, DAY 7 Paris
After breakfast, coach transfer to Paris, arriving at about 12 noon.
