Elizabeth

Cruising the Nivernais Canal

June 7 - Oct 25, 2008

SATURDAY: AUXERRE.
Collected the new group from their hotel in Paris and headed South towards Burgundy. Coffee stop in Moret sur Loing with time for a walk before continuing to Auxerre where the crew were waiting with Champagne and aperitifs on deck. Once everyone had settled in, the group decided to take a short tour of the town. Auxerre, the capital of the region, is still one of my favourite cities in France , even after twelve years! Dinner on board with time for an evening stroll to marvel at the reflections of the floodlight buildings on the river Yonne. A good start.

SUNDAY AUXERRE TO VINCELLES.
Left the barge after breakfast for a walking tour of the old marine quarter of town. Started with a wine tasting or “degustation” to taste the local Cremes (fruit based alcohol mixers usually added to wine). Then a walk through the old streets to the Abbey Saint Germain and a tour of the third century crypt. Fantastic. Back on board for a lazy afternoon cruise to Vincelles. Nearly everyone cycled a little, and then went off for a walk on arrival at Vincelles.

Dinner and an early night.

MONDAY VINCELLES TO VERMENTON.
Today was an early rise for the Captain, Peter; we had left by 9 o’clock on the way to Vermenton. We arrived at this charming port at two o’clock having offered our guests an array of salads, cheeses and pâtés making sure that our vegetarian friends were equally well catered for and of course wines for lunch on deck.  Leaving the Elisabeth, we drove first to St Bris for a visit to the eleventh century wine cellars of the Bersan family. If only they could tell their own story. From St Bris we drove over to Chablis for our second tasting. From petite Chablis to Grand Cru the whole group decided this was truly a wonderful experience. Back to Elisabeth for dinner.

TUESDAY VERMENTON TO MAILLY LE CHATEAU.
This morning’s visit was to the Grottes D’Arcy Sur Cure. One of the oldest and best preserved prehistoric caves in the world, and we arrange our own private visit. This is a great visit for both adults and families with children. Once back on board we cruised until early evening when we arrived at Mailly le Chateau. Time for a short walk in the village before dinner

WEDNESDAY MAILLY LE CHATEAU TO LUCY SUR YONNE.
Today’s cruise was to Lucy Sur Yonne a pretty village with it’s own collection of geese. From here we drove over to Vezelay to see the basilica de Mairie Magdelene, a UNESCO world heritage site. This stunning building dates from the eleventh century and has an amazing history. The hilltop town is still today a place of pilgrimage for many of the visitors. Back to Elisabeth in time for a walk, cycle or even a game of tennis, and then dinner.

THURSDAY LUCY SUR YONNE TO CLAMECY.
Our last full day today starting with a gentle cruise into Clamecy. Everyone enjoyed the weather and the cruising. After lunch we drove over to Bazoches to visit the Château. Although not as big as some of the Loire valley châteaux this is a rare example of a fully furnished, working château and I love offering this as a visit. As a bonus there is also the history of Marechal De Vauban who lived here, as do his descendants today. What a superb last visit to a great week. We returned to Elisabeth to find everything was prepared for our Captains Dinner. A special meal to finish the trip.  After dinner we took a short walk before bed ready for tomorrow’s departure.

FRIDAY RETURN TO PARIS.
After breakfast this morning we left Elisabeth for the return trip to Paris. All the passengers said what a great week it had been but that it had gone too fast! For me it really was a good week.

 On alternate weeks the route will be in reverse

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