La Belle Epoque

Sunday, Day 1 Venarey-les-Laumes

Guests are met at our meeting point in central Paris** and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to La Belle Epoque. A full crew Welcome Aboard with champagne and canapés. After time to settle into your cabin you will enjoy your first dinner on board and an introduction to Burgundy’s excellent cuisine.

Monday, Day 2 Venarey-les-Laumes to Montbard

Following a leisurely breakfast we cruise through woodlands and rolling fields – with great towpath biking and walking opportunities – past the tiny canal side villages of Nogent, Courcelles and Les Granges, to reach our mooring at Montbard. After lunch on board we head to the exquisite UNESCO World Heritage Site of Abbaye de Fontenay founded by St Bernard in 1118. Representing a distinctive example of early Cistercian architecture and virtually intact, Fontenay allows an exceptional glimpse of Cistercian life and industry with its peaceful gardens, ponds and fascinating cloisters, dormitories, and scriptorium. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 Montbard to Buffon

This morning we visit the elegant Château de Bazoches, built in the 12th century, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart. The château was later remodelled by Maréchal Vauban and there are wonderful views from its elevated hillside setting. Here we are also treated to a private demonstration of the medieval sport of falconry***. The close-up encounter with these majestic birds in the castle grounds is an amazing experience. We return to the barge for lunch and then continue our cruise along the Burgundy canal – with excellent towpath walking or cycling opportunities – to our mooring near the 18th century Forges de Buffon. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 Buffon to Ravières

A truly unique day lies ahead. Following breakfast aboard we head to Les Riceys, the only wine growing area of the Champagne region to have 3 Appellation d’Origine Contrôlées. Here we visit Maison Taisne Riocour, viewing the vineyards and winery with the Baron. We then head to the impressive Château de Ricey-Bas. With its 12^th century vaulted cellars and thousand’s year history, it’s the ideal location to appreciate the rolling vineyards and enjoy a glimpse of family life in a rural château. Here we will be greeted with a champagne aperitif and a gourmet lunch with the Baron and Baroness themselves, which we will take in the private family salon. We return to the barge and begin our cruise to Ravières, with plenty of opportunities to walk or cycle along the towpath or sit on deck with another glass of bubbly. Dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 Ravières to Ancy-le-Franc

We start our day with a gentle cruise as our hotel-barge continues along the Burgundy Canal and descends through the picturesque locks to moor at Ancy-le-Franc. After a relaxing lunch on board we visit Château d’Ancy-le-Franc. This beautifully symmetrical, 16th century masterpiece contains France’s biggest collection of Renaissance murals and is set in magnificent gardens and parkland. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Ancy-le-Franc to Lézinnes

After breakfast we tour the vineyards and town of Chablis dating back to Roman times, to enjoy a private wine tasting at the prestigious Domaine Laroche. Here, we also visit the 1000-year-old Obédiencerie , originally part of the monastery of St Martin – the founders of Chablis, where for centuries, the Domaine’s wines have been aged. Following lunch, we enjoy a leisurely cruise to our final mooring at Lézinnes. Later we return to the barge for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Saturday, Day 7 Lézinnes

After breakfast, guests are transferred to Paris**.

* 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
*** Weather dependent