Fleur de Lys

Typical Cruise Itinerary

The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise, the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.

Sunday - Paris to Dijon.
Depart Paris, Gare de Lyon, on the TGV train in the afternoon. On arrival at Dijon station you are met by the Afloat in France guide who escorts you on your transfer to Dijon’s Port du Canal, where you board the barge for your cruise through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening, experience your first dinner on board.

Monday - Cruise to Longecourt. Visit Château du Clos de Vougeot.
While the barge cruises the Canal de Bourgogne from Dijon to the River Saône your guide takes you to visit Gevray Chambertin or the Musée des Beaux Arts. Later today you visit the Château du Clos de Vougeot, a medieval château surrounded by vineyards. This is the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Côte d’Or vintages. You have the opportunity to see a family run winery and to sample wines that may never reach your corner of the world.

Tuesday -Visit Dijon. Cruise to St. Jean de Losne
After breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon, past the elegant houses. Visit the Ducal Palace, the market, and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon cruise. The barge leaves the Canal de Bourgogne and enters the River Saône for tonight’s mooring in St. Jean de Losne, the barging capital of France. Take some time this evening or early tomorrow to stroll around the port and see the many working and pleasure barges.

Wednesday - Visit Beaune. Cruise to Chalon-sur-Saône.
Continue to cruise the peaceful valley of the River Saône downstream to Seurre. Guests may stay on board and enjoy the passing scenery. Today includes a visit to Beaune, the capital of the wine region of Burgundy and a visit to the famous Hotel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. Reboard the boat for a leisurely cruise to tonight’s mooring in Chalon-sur-Saône or Fragnes. Your guide takes you on a walking tour of the pedestrian area in Chalon-sur-Saône, the last of the Burgundian style river towns and one of the major cities of the Saône Valley.

Thursday - Cruise to Rully. Visit Château de Rully.
The barge cruises upstream for a short distance and leaves the River Saône by clearing the lock to enter the Canal du Centre. Now you are back into the canal environment where you may disembark the barge at each lock, bicycle alongside or walk and keep up with the pace of the barge. After lunch, visit the Château de Rully followed by a cellar tour and wine tasting in Bouzeron or a crémant tasting in Rully. Tonight it is back to a countryside mooring in Rully.

Friday - Visit Couches and the Château Marguerite de Bourgogne. Cruise St. Léger.
A leisurely cruise on the Canal du Centre gives you a chance to savor the beauty of the French countryside. The barge cruises to St. Léger, another quaint village along the Canal du Centre while your guide takes you to Château Marguerite de Bourgogne in Couches, dating back to the 11th century, for a tour and wine tasting. Back on board the chef is preparing a memorable feast for your farewell gala dinner.

Saturday - Dijon-Paris.
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon. Return to Paris, Gare de Lyon, on the TGV where you are met by a representative to assist you with your baggage.