French Gourmet: A Journey through Burgundy with Justine Schofield

Justine's Journey along the Burgundy Canal

French Gourmet with Justine Schofield – Episode 1 (14th April 2024)

Cooking in the 15^th century vaulted kitchen at Chateau de Ricey Bas
One of Burgundy’s most impressive châteaux, the Château de Ricey Bas bears a fascinating connection to the Duchy of Burgundy. Today, guests cruising aboard La Belle Epoque have the opportunity to visit the château and impressive gardens, before sitting to dine with the current Baroness Ségolène Detaisne, which will take place either in the private salon or the atmospheric vaulted 15th century vaulted kitchen.

Chocolate Snails at Chocolaterie Olivier Vidal
Watch as master chocolatier, Olivier Vidal showcases his famous chocolate and praline snails at his boutique in Auxerre. Olivier Vidal was awarded the title ‘Meilleur Ouvrier de France’ in 2007, and wears his customary blue, white, and red-collared jacket with pride. Here, Justine has a go at making these artisanal chocolates herself, and is lucky to sample a few as she goes!

French Gourmet with Justine Schofield – Episode 2 (21st April 2024)

Dijon Mustard sampling in Dijon
You can’t come to Dijon without sampling some Dijon mustard! Possibly one of the most famous mustard mills in Europe, the family-owned La Moutarderie Fallot has been producing this spicy condiment since 1840. Sample their varieties, and be sure to take some home as a souvenir from your time in this charming city in Burgundy. Here, Justine picks the perfect variety to use in a recipe back on board La Belle Epoque.

French Gourmet with Justine Schofield – Episode 3 (28th April 2024)

Cooking with Top Chef Contestant and Barge Chef, Léo Renusson
Every one of our hotel barge chefs has a fascinating CV, and chef Léo Renusson is certainly one to watch. Having taken part in the television cooking competition, Top Chef, back in February of 2023, Léo creates his own take of a Burgundian classic which is a firm favourite on board. And, with Justine Schofield’s culinary talents included in the mix – this recipe is to be a sure hit for anyone recreating it at home!

French Gourmet with Justine Schofield – Episode 4 (5th May 2024)

Wine Tasting at Domaine Laroche
A visit to the Domaine Laroche is a highlight for guests cruising aboard La Belle Epoque, especially fans of the Chablis variety. As well as a leisurely walk through the domaine’s ancient vineyards, guests will also have the opportunity to understand its wine-making process, and how important sustainability and environmental impact is.

French Gourmet with Justine Schofield – Episode 5 (12th May 2024)

Cheese Making at a Goat Farm
You can’t visit Burgundy without sampling some goat’s cheese, and how better to do so than at La Ferme d’Ulteria. Justine meets owner Claire Genet, who spend some of her youth working in Australia, as well as spending time in the company of the goats in their natural habitat, observe a milking session, and of course sample some delicious goats cheese.

Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard La Belle Epoque
At the end of every European Waterways cruise, guests will be invited to join the Captain for a farewell dinner. It’s a great time to ask any questions you may have from the cruise, and if you’d like – get some recommendations on the wider area if you’re staying nearby, or perhaps recommendations for your next hotel barge cruise!

Northern Burgundy with La Belle Epoque

Justine Schofield’s French Gourmet was filmed partly aboard hotel barge La Belle Epoque. Starting life carrying logs from Belgium to Paris, La Belle Epoque has always been a hard-working barge with precious cargo to transport. Today, she has been transformed into a Deluxe 12-passenger barge which takes guests on a scenic journey along the Burgundy Canal between Venarey-les-Laumes and Tanlay. Her Classic Cruise itinerary includes many of the highlights experienced by Justine on her culinary adventure, however much of her itinerary was tailor-made, which is similar to the offerings on our private whole-barge charters.

Today aboard La Belle Epoque, the six crew members are on hand to ensure guests enjoy an authentic immersion into Burgundian life – from regional dishes prepared by the barge chef using locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, to private – and often exclusive – excursions led by the onboard tour guide. And, our dedicated hosts strive to make your time onboard simply unforgettable as they learn of your favourite tipples, how you like your eggs prepared, or simply ensuring your en suite cabin has everything you need for a home-from-home experience.

The barge itself enjoys a spacious wood-panelled saloon that leads on to a gorgeous sundeck featuring an outdoor dining table and luxurious spa pool where many guests like to sit back and enjoy the picturesque countryside passing them by. And for guests wanting to really explore the surrounding countryside, there’s ample opportunity to take advantage of the barge’s bicycles for a towpath or cycle, or perhaps further afield with the use of the barge’s dedicated bike maps, highlighting some great cycling routes along the way.

European Waterways' Luxury Barge Cruises

Follow in Justine Schofield’s French Gourmet footsteps and cruise Burgundy aboard the 12-passenger La Belle Epoque, or perhaps aboard one of her sister barges: L’Art de Vivre (8 passengers) | Finesse (8 passengers)| L’Impressionniste (12 passengers)

European Waterways’ 6-night, luxury all-inclusive hotel barge cruises are fully inclusive. This means that from the moment we pick you up, all you need to think about is how best you’d like to relax – whether it’s kicking back on deck with a good book, enjoying the scenery in the spa pool, sipping a refreshing cocktail in the cosy saloon, or in the comfort of your en suite cabin.

If you’d like to find out more about our cruises, then order a brochure, or talk to our Cruise Team via this contact form. Your ideal itinerary is waiting to be discovered!