Barge Cruise Through Burgandy and Chablis
Elegant 'La Belle Epoque' was designed with passenger comfort in mind, and offers an outdoor spa/pool plus sauna. She travels through Burgundy on an itinerary that begins in enchanting Auxerre, and is filled with medieval castles, quaint villages and wine tastings. Itinerary:
SundayWe are met at 1:30 pm at the Hotel Ampère in Paris and transferred to the elegant ‘La Belle Époque’ at Auxerre. Following a champagne welcome, we explore the medieval town with its Gothic cathedral before returning for dinner on board. Monday This morning we visit St. Bris with its extraordinary network of medieval passages beneath the town. A wine tasting introduces us to the outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the 12th-century cellars of Madame Bersan. In the afternoon, we cruise past vineyard-clad hillsides to Vincelles, where we moor in rural bliss.
Tuesday A tranquil morning cruise to the hamlet of Accolay, where we lunch in the setting of the Abbayé de Crisenon and its clear trout pools. During the afternoon, we visit the 14th-century hilltop town of Noyers, with its half-timbered houses and painted doors; it is surrounded by the meandering River Serein. In the evening, we cruise through rich pasture lands and past grazing Charolais cattle to Vermenton. Wednesday We begin the day’s excursion to Chablis and Domaine Guy Robin for a wine tasting of light and subtle vintages, with a guided tour of the cellars and wine press. Later we cruise south through the Yonne Valley, past dramatic steep cliffs, to the market town of Mailly to dine in fine Burgundian style ashore.
Thursday We cruise past the Saussois cliffs where an international climbing center creates a spectacular setting and a perfect lunchtime mooring. We then travel to Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous treasures, with the Roman Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside. Friday This morning we cruise through beautiful countryside toward Clamecy, where we have time to wander the ancient streets. We also visit the 18th-century Ferme de Miserey where traditional farming methods are explained and a foie gras tasting is accompanied by a noble Chablis.
Saturday We disembark after breakfast for transfer back to the Hotel Ampère in Paris where our tour ends. Cost for this trip:Standard suites range from $413 to $615 per person per dayDeluxe suites are a little higher $446 to $648 pp pd |