Finesse

Sunday, Day 1 St-Julien-sur-Dheune

Guests are met in Paris or Dijon** and transferred by air-conditioned minibus to Finesse for a champagne welcome and the opportunity to meet the crew. Then there is time to wander along the towpath to admire the classic Burgundy scenery before dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 St-Julien-sur-Dheune to St-Léger-sur-Dheune

This morning, we begin our voyage through Southern Burgundy cruising along the Canal du Centre through undulating countryside to moor at the little village of St-Léger-sur-Dheune. We descend a series of 11 locks while cruising past the villages along the way. After lunch on board, we visit the remarkable 14th century Château de Germolles, the best preserved of the residences of the Dukes of Burgundy, with its ducal chapel, medieval wall paintings and romantic gardens. As part of our tour we are lucky enough to enjoy a private, majestic falconry display*** in a part of the grounds usually closed to visitors, in front of Marshal Vauban’s old stables. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 St-Léger-sur-Dheune to Remigny

Today we head to the impressive Chateau de Couches. Belonging to the Dukes of Burgundy and dating back to the 11th century, this imposing defensive fortress dominates the surrounding countryside and is a medieval gem, with its crenellated towers and extensive underground passageways. Here we enjoy a tour of the chateau and its attractive gardens before heading back to the barge for lunch. In the afternoon we cruise to the rural setting of Remigny, passing picturesque Burgundian villages such as the famous wine-producing village of Santenay. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 Remigny to Rully

After breakfast, we set off on a drive through the UNESCO-listed Côte de Beaune vineyards to the town of Beaune itself, which is the capital of Burgundy’s wine country. Our first stop will be a visit to the oldest winemakers in Burgundy, Maison Champy. Guests will enjoy a private tour of the wine cellars and experience a wine tasting, learning from an expert about the production of the region’s finest premier and grand cru wines. A private lunch is served in a unique dining venue, which has been created from one of the winery’s historic large wooden wine vats or “cuves”. We then we go on to visit the stunning 15th century Hôtel-Dieu Hospice and return to the barge for an afternoon cruise past the charming little town of Chagny, to our mooring near the village of Rully. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 Rully to Fragnes

This morning, we continue our cruise along the Canal du Centre at a leisurely pace to moor at the village of Fragnes. There are perfect opportunities to walk or cycle along the towpath en route. Our afternoon excursion is a leisurely walk or cycle (weather permitting) to the renowned Santenay domaine, Jean Baptiste Jessiaume. A short drives takes guests on a guided visit to the family ‘Clos’ or vineyard with a family member, followed by a cellar tour and a private tasting of their biodynamic wines hosted by a member of the Jessiaume family. The wines are accompanied by a selection of gougères – a classic Burgundian savoury choux pastry delicacy. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Fragnes to Chalon-sur-Saône

After breakfast we call in at the bustling weekly market in the vibrant town of Nuits St Georges, before heading on to visit the wall-enclosed vineyard of Clos de Vougeot, the headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin (translates as “Fraternity of Knights of the Wine-Tasting Cup”), who award a special prized label to the finest Côte d‘Or vintages every year. Here, we’ll enjoy a tour of the iconic cellars. We then continue along the ‘Route des Grands Cru’ through the Côte de Nuits to stop off at the prestigious vineyard of Romanée Conti for a brief history on the significance of its wines. Back on-board Finesse, we’ll make our final cruise of the week, passing through the last lock on the canal which lowers us an impressive 35 feet. We then head out onto the peaceful River Saône and turn downstream to our mooring at Chalon-sur-Saône with its elegant waterfront, imposing cathedral, and opportunities for some last-minute shopping. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 Chalon-sur-Saône

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus back to Paris or Dijon**.

* This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change
On alternate weeks, the cruise will be in the reverse direction
** Other locations available for private Charter bookings