Hirondelle Burgundy Cruise

The Hirondelle cruises some of the most tranquil and beautiful waterways in all of Europe: the Canal de Bourgogne, the Canal du Centre, the Canal du Rhône au Rhin and the River Saône.

Hirondelle was constructed as a 27 metre cargo barge at Hoogerand in the Netherlands in 1928 and was originally named Vios. She was later lengthened to 38,50 metres, in order to increase her tonnage and hence her cargo capacity. This, combined with her 5.05 metre beam, now makes her the largest size of barge able to fit in to the canal locks.

She was brought to France and was converted to welcome passengers in 1992 - 1993, when her name was changed to Hirondelle.

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 Escommes, a delightful mooring on the Canal de Bourgogne, 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. Take a brief cocktail cruise and, later that evening, enjoy your first dining experience on board.

Monday - Visit L’Abbaye de Fontenay. Cruise to La Bussière.
In the morning your guide takes you to L’Abbaye de Fontenay one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in Europe. Back on the barge for lunch and an afternoon cruise. Small-unspoiled villages and green forested hills provide you with exceptional views from the deck. Tonight we moor at La Bussière, a small village that your guide takes you to visit.

Tuesday - Visit Châteauneuf-en-Auxois. Cruise to Fleurey-sur-Ouche. Visit Beaune.
After breakfast you visit the village of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois and its château, which has an interesting history. Lunch on board while the boat continues to cruise to Fleurey. Later your guide takes you to visit Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy, and the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune.

Wednesday - Visit Clos de Vougeot. Cruise to Dijon
Today’s excursion is a visit to 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. Enjoy a dégustation at Domaine Confuron. After lunch, spend the afternoon relaxing on board as the barge continues its cruise. The barge moors for the night in Dijon’s Port du Canal, a short distance from the town centre.

Thursday - Visit Gevrey Chambertin. Cruise to Longecourt.
Today, your guide has planned a visit to the Côte d’Or, planted with vines that produce some of the world’s most famous wines. View charming villages and visit some of the finest wine producers in France. You have the opportunity to see a family run winery and to sample wines that may never reach your corner of the world.

Friday - Cruise to Seurre. Visit Dijon.
This morning your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon. Visit the Ducal Palace, the market and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. The barge slowly makes its way to its final mooring at Seurre. Meanwhile the chef is preparing a gala dinner for your last evening on board.

Saturday - Dijon - Paris.
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon station. Return to Paris (Gare de Lyon) on the TGV where you are met by our Afloat in France representative to assist you with your luggage.