Quintessential Burgundy

There may be no more beautiful way to explore the countryside villages of timeless Burgundy than from a river barge coasting the Saône River. Drift from one stunning landscape to another, stopping to roam the region’s famous vineyards, ride bikes through its vast forests, and indulge in its unforgettable flavours. Then head to Paris for two nights of discovery for all of your senses. Experience the France of your dreams from the inside out.

Day 1 Dijon
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Dijon
Enjoy an orientation walk in the morning to explore Dijon. Visit the Ducal Palace, the local market, and the old town. In the afternoon, enjoy free time before transferring to the river barge and embarking the Danièle.

Day 3 Dijon/Longecourt-en-Plaine
Depart Dijon for a full day cycling tour through the Côte de Nuits region along the Route des Grands Crus, lined with lovely vineyards and some of the most picturesque villages in the region. Enjoy a wine tasting in the quaint village of Vougeot before meeting our barge in Longecourt-en-Plaine.

Day 4 Longecourt-en-Plaine/Saint-Jean-de-Losne
Start the day with a walk around the beautiful lush gardens of Château de Longecourt, a typical Burgundy castle. Continue the morning walking along the canal and visiting its many locks. Enjoy the Burgundy canal as we walk a 5km (3 mi) stretch of the canal between Longecourt and La Biètre lock. Climb aboard the barge and continue sailing to St-Jean-de-Losne. Free time in the afternoon to visit St-Jean-de-Losne.

Day 5 Saint-Jean-de-Losne/Chalon-sur-Saône
Cruise along the Saône River before arriving to Chalon-sur-Saône. Take in a presentation by a local wine expert and enjoy a horizontal tasting on board. Spend a relaxing afternoon walking through the footpaths around Chalon-sur-Saône. Choose to do some shopping in town or relax on board with a glass of local wine.

Day 6 Chalon-sur-Saône/Chagny
Cycle along the Côte de Beaune, stopping at villages and vineyards along the way. Explore the vineyards of Chateau de Chassigny-Montrachet while stopping to sample some wines. This mostly flat ride is an ideal way to experience quintessential Burgundy.

Day 7 Chagny/Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune
Arrive to Santenay. Enjoy a tour of the stunning Château de Santenay and indulge in a wine tasting from local wineries. Continue cruising to Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune. Enjoy lunch on board while watching the countryside go by. Upon arrival, explore the quaint village or visit the medieval castle of Château de Couches.

Day 8 Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune/Paris
Transfer to Beaune, the historic wine capital of Burgundy. Enjoy a tour with a docent, exploring the Hospices of Beaune, a charitable hospital that has been funded by the annual wine auction for over 155 years. Delve into history and discuss the relationship of the hospice with the powerful wine merchants of Burgundy. Enjoy some free time to explore before catching the train to Paris.

Day 9 Paris
Explore the historic covered Marché d'Aligre with a local chef and food expert. Rarely visited by tourists, this market is where locals come to shop for food. Meet vendors, enjoy tastings, and learn about the history of the market and the specialties offered here. The afternoon is free to explore the city on your own.

Day 10 Paris
Depart at any time.