Burgundy & Normandy Highlights

From our once-in-a-lifetime Burgundy river barge voyage to a deep dive into the rich history of Paris and the WWII sites of Normandy, embark on more than two weeks of unforgettable adventures in heritage and gastronomy. Float by canal to medieval towns and pastoral vineyards, and enjoy plenty of free time to roam gorgeous centuries-old cities, gardens, and grounds. To resist France’s allure is futile – this experience is nothing short of revolutionary.

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
Cycle to Gevrey-Chambertin, a small but well known Burgundy village. Enjoy wine tasting at a local winery and continue to Côte du Nuits before meeting the barge in Longecourt-en-Plaine. This mostly flat route is the best way to see quintessential Burgundy.

Day 4 Longecourt-en-Plaine/Auxonne
Spend this morning walking along the canal stopping in small villages and looking at the various locks. Enjoy the Burgundy canal as we walk a 10km (6.2 mi) stretch of the canal between Longecourt and St-Jean-de-Losne. Embark on the barge to continue towards Auxonne. Upon arrival, take a short train ride to the charming town of Dole for dinner and free time to explore.

Day 5 Auxonne/Seurre
Have a relaxing morning on board, or take some more time to wander around Auxonne. Continue on to Seurre with some free time to explore this quaint town on your own.

Day 6 Seurre/Verdun-sur-le-Doubs
Spend the morning relaxing on the barge. This afternoon, take in a presentation by a local winemaker and enjoy a horizontal tasting. Continue towards Verdun-sur-le-Doubs with free time to explore.

Day 7 Verdun-sur-le-Doubs/Fragnes
Enjoy a full day of biking through vineyards and villages along the Canal du Centre. Stop in the charming villages of Chagny and Santenay along the way. Enjoy wine tasting at the Château de Marsannay, followed by a stop in Meursault for an optional lunch before returning to the barge in Fragnes.

Day 8 Fragnes/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
Enjoy a free day to explore Paris. Opt to visit museums, shop, or take a river cruise.

Day 11 Paris/Bayeux
Depart for Giverny to visit Claude Monet's garden, inspiration for the artist's water lily series and named as one of National Geographic's "top 10 most magnificent gardens in the world." Continue on to the pretty port town of Honfleur for a walk with our CEO and some free time. Arrive this evening in Bayeux and enjoy a dinner at a local crêperie.

Day 12 Bayeux
This morning, we immerse ourselves in WWII history with a local, accredited expert. Begin with a lecture on the Allied invasion and visit a museum to view and handle WWII relics including vintage weapons, uniforms, and maps. Then board a WWII transport vehicle to visit Secqueville-en-Bessin War Cemetery to learn about the significance of poppies — the ultimate emblem of military sacrifice. This afternoon, continue exploring with our CEO, visiting Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American cemetery and memorial.

Day 13 Bayeux
Today, enjoy an excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel, an island commune off the coast of Normandy. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medieval fortress is considered one of the most stunning and imposing sites in Europe with origins dating back to the 6th century. Take an orientation walk with our CEO then enjoy free time to explore. Opt to visit the abbey, monastery, or museums, or wander the winding lanes and cobblestone streets.

Day 14 Bayeux
Enjoy a free day to explore Bayeux and its medieval centre. Wander its quaint streets to visit shops and cafés then opt to visit the cathedral and the famed Bayeux Tapestry.

Day 15 Bayeux/Paris
Depart for the river port city of Rouen where we take an orientation walk with our CEO and enjoy some free time. Continue back to Paris for some free time to explore the City of Lights.

Day 16 Paris
Enjoy a morning walk with our CEO in the medieval centre of Paris; the Île de la Cité. Opt to visit inside Notre Dame, and the Sainte-Chapelle. Afterward, take advantage of free time to explore the city.

Day 17 Paris
Depart at any time.