In Europe, barging is a popular way to experience the quiet countryside of regions that are slightly “off-the-beaten-track”. This type of “slow travel” experience offers guests an immersive escape into the local culture of the area and an array of daily shore excursions ensures that you never miss an opportunity to explore and discover the hidden towns and villages along the way. Next summer, we embark on an unforgettable tour of Northern Burgundy aboard our private hotel barge for the duration, La Belle. Together, we will meander along the waterways that connect Burgundy to Paris while enjoying private tours and exclusive wine tastings along the way. In addition to informative and immersive daily activities, you will be personally hosted by our friend and trusted wine expert, the “winefairy”, Katie Barratt. Enjoy 7 days onboard this spacious hotel barge and experience an authentic and fun tour of the beautiful, French countryside that we promise you won’t forget!
Guests are met at our meeting point in central Paris and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to our home on the canal. Today you will be greeted with a full crew Welcome Aboard with champagne and canapés. After time to settle into your cabin, you will enjoy your first dinner on board and an introduction to Burgundy’s excellent cuisine.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then we cruise through woodlands and rolling fields with great towpath biking and walking opportunities past the tiny canalside villages of Nogent, Courcelles and Les Granges. After an early lunch, we visit the moat-encircled Château de Commarin to be treated to a private demonstration of the medieval sport of falconry. The close-up encounter with these majestic birds against the backdrop of the castle grounds is an amazing experience and afterwards, we meet Count Bertrand de Vogue, the current resident and 26th generation of the de Vogue family to maintain continuous residence since the 13th century. This is followed by a private tour of the building. Dinner on board.
Morning cruise with excellent towpath walking or cycling, passing the 18th century Forges de Buffon. Then after lunch we escort you to the exquisite UNESCO World Heritage Site of Abbaye de Fontenay founded by St Bernard in 1118. Representing a distinctive example of early Cistercian architecture and virtually intact, Fontenay allows an exceptional glimpse of Cistercian life and industry with its peaceful gardens, ponds and fascinating cloisters, dormitories and scriptorium. Return to the barge and cruise to Ravières. Dinner on board.
A truly unique day lies ahead. Following breakfast aboard we head to Les Riceys, the only wine growing area of the Champagne region to have 3 Appellation d’Origine Contrôlées. Here we visit the Maison Alexandre Bonnet for a private champagne tasting, a family owned Champagne house renowned for a stunning yearly harvest of Pinot Noir that leads to some exquisite vintages. After you’ve tasted an array of champagne’s, we take a short drive to Château de Ricey-Bas. Here we will be greeted for a Champagne aperitif and a gourmet lunch with the Baroness herself, which we take in either the private salon or the atmospheric vaulted 13th century kitchen. We will spend the remainder of the afternoon strolling the beautiful gardens or exploring the regal chateau interiors.
This morning we visit Château d’Ancy-le-Franc. This beautifully symmetrical, 16th century masterpiece contains France’s biggest collection of Renaissance murals and is set in magnificent gardens and parkland. In the afternoon, a gentle cruise as your hotel barge continues along the Burgundy Canal and descends through the picturesque locks to moor at Lezinnes. Dinner on board.
After breakfast we enjoy a leisurely cruise to our final mooring at Tanlay, with the opportunity to cycle or walk into the picturesque village of Saint Vinnemer. Following lunch, we visit the town of Chablis, dating back to Roman times, and enjoy a private wine tasting at the prestigious Domaine Laroche. There, we also visit the 1000-year-old Obediencerie, originally part of the monastery of St Martin, the founders of Chablis, where for centuries, the Domaine’s wines have been aged. Later we return to the barge for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
As our Burgundy Barging wine adventure draws to an end, we enjoy a final breakfast onboard followed by a private transfer to either Paris or Lyon. Should the thought of returning home not sound appealing, choose one of Art In Voyage's optional wine-centric extensions to keep things flowing or simply extend your stay with an additional tour of Provence or a wonderful night in Paris.
Our day-to-day itinerary may, from time to time and prior to departure, need to be altered or slightly modified to address possible unforeseen logistical and weather challenges. In such rare instances, Art In Voyage guarantees delivery of the content of the itinerary yet, in a different order.
All listed retreats (hotels, villas, and barges) are, at times, subject to changes. In such rare instances, similar or higher standards will be upheld.
Travel insurance, once purchased, goes into effect upon payment of the premium. You have 15 days from that date to cancel it (providing no claims have been filed or initiated during that period). Beyond 15 days, it becomes non-refundable/non-changeable/non-transferrable.
In case of a cancelation at more than 60 days prior to departure, your deposit will be returned minus a $500 per person administrative fee.
In case of a cancelation within the penalty period: Find a replacement at least 30 days prior to departure and your journey will be fully refunded, minus a $500 per person administrative fee.