Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. Due to seasonality, and taxes prices of the tour are subject to change without due notice. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price.
Waterways of France by Luxury Barge
Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
- See the highlights of beguiling Paris– full of romantic architecture, art and history
- Relish a week on a luxury river barge, floating through historic & quaint French villages
- Bicycle along the canal waterfront
- Sample local wines, savory cheeses & delicious regional delicacies
- Visit Gothic churches & magnificent Renaissance châteaux
- Discover the history of the winemaking in Chablis
Short Description
Begin your journey in Paris - a city of art and romance. Tour the iconic highlights-Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and more. Then, venture to pastoral Burgundy and discover its history and beauty aboard a luxury river barge. Spend a week cruising the idyllic canals and river ways, stopping at villages and sites along the way. Taste the fruit of the vineyards, explore the Gothic churches, and admire the magnificent Renaissance châteaux. A knowledgeable guide will lead you to the best spots touring by car, on foot or perhaps by bicycle. The luxurious Orient-Express riverboat, Hirondelle, is your floating home for the week, featuring a luxury cabin and gourmet cuisine accompanied by French wine, of course.
Destinations
FranceAttractions & Cities Visited
Arc de Triomphe Burgundy Champs-Élysées Eiffel Tower Louvre Museum Notre Dame Cathedral Paris Rhone Rhine CanalItinerary
Day 1: Arrive Paris, France
Accommodation: Hotel Esprit St. Germain
Welcome to France! You are met upon arrival in Paris taken to your luxury hotel in the heart of the city.
The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.
Day 2: Paris
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Esprit St. Germain
Your full day of city sightseeing includes the highlights of this historic and artistic ‘City of Lights.’ View I.M. Pei’s Grand Louvre, an unsurpassed art museum, and national monument of France, the majestic Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, and the iconic Eiffel Tower.
Travel along the famed Champs Élysée to see the Arc de Triomphe, proudly proclaiming its position as the center of Paris, and the infamous Bastille, symbol of French freedom and liberty. Visit the Concorde, the Eglise de St. Madeleine, the Opera and many more.
In the afternoon, explore the historic and enchanting Montmartre district with its white-domed Basilica of Sacre Coeur. Visit the Ile de la Cité, an island in the center of the Seine, and considered to hold the heart of Paris.
Day 3: Paris to Dole * and embark on the Hirondelle
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: BelmondHirondelle
This morning, transfer to Dole, where you are escorted onto the elegant Hirondelle, an eight-passenger Belmond-style river barge, your home for the next six nights.
Relish a week cruising the beautiful canals and river ways of historic Burgundy and romantic Franche-Comté. View vineyards, Gothic churches, Renaissance châteaux and picturesque villages. Frequent stops are made en route, with guided tours, wine tasting, craftsmen demonstrations, bicycle tours, and more—all included. Your guide will discuss the program and possibilities with you, and try to accommodate any special interests you may have.
Tonight, enjoy a champagne reception and dinner.
Day 4: Cruise to St Jean de Losne – Visit Clos de Vougeot
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Belmond Hirondelle
This morning’s cruise takes you to St. Jean de Losne, the barging capital of France. Enjoy lunch on board whilst the barge winds along the Rhone Rhine Canal to meet the Saone River, there are plenty of opportunities to walk or cycle.
Leave the barge after lunch to drive down the famous route des grands crus, passing through the celebrated villages of the Cote d`or. A stop in Vougeot allows you to visit the celebrated Clos de Vougeot vineyard and Chateau where the Cistercian monks first started making wine in the 12th century. The medieval chateau still contains the ancient presses and is now the headquarters of the renowned Burgundian wine society, the Confrerie de Chevaliers de Tastevin. A private winetasting at a reputed local producer follows the visit.
Day 5: Cruise to Verdun sur le Doubs - Visit Dijon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Belmond Hirondelle
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of historic Dijon including a visit to the market, the Grey Poupon mustard shop and the Ducal Palace, seat of the great medieval dukes of Burgundy. There will be some free time for shopping or perhaps, to sit in one of the numerous pavement cafés and simply watch the world pass by.
Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon cruise along the majestic Soane River to Verdun sur le Doubs. Tonight you will experience dinner out at a charming local Michelin rated restaurant.
Day 6: Cruise to Fragnes - Visit Beaune
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Belmond Hirondelle
A morning cruise down the broad and stately River Saone takes you onto the pretty Canal du Centre and Fragnes.
After lunch, take a short ride to visit the historic city of Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Enjoy a private tour of the magnificent 15th century Hotel Dieu, a splendidly decorated charity hospital which represents both the history of Burgundy and the story of its wine. Take time to explore the charming old town, with its wonderful architecture and fine shopping, before returning to the barge moored in Fragnes.
Day 7: Cruise to Chagny - Visit Château de Germolles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Belmond Hirondelle
Relax this morning as the barge begins a beautiful cruise along the Canal du Centre. Back in the canal environment you may disembark the barge at a lock, bicycle alongside or walk and keep up with the pace of the barge.
After lunch, visit the Château de Germolles, the only remaining residence of the Dukes of Burgundy for a private tour with the owner. Tonight it is back to a countryside mooring in Chagny, where you can dine out at a charming local Michelin rated restaurant.
Day 8: Cruise to St. Léger - Visit Château de Chamirey, Mercurey
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: BelmondHirondelle
This morning a leisurely cruise takes you to St Léger, another quaint village along the Canal du Centre which is your final destination.
After lunch visit Chateau de Chamirey, a family-run wine estate in Mercurey. Enjoy a tour of the vineyards themselves before gathering for a visit of the property, the wine cellar and a tasting of the fine range of wines.
This evening enjoy a farewell gala dinner on board.
Day 9: St Leger* to Paris & Depart for Home
Meal: Breakfast
Bid adieu to your floating home and friendly crew before you are transferred to your hotel at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.
Availability
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Waterways of France by Luxury Barge
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Details
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Flight & Transport Inclusions
All internal ground transport
Group Size
Private - your group only
Accommodations
Hotel Esprit St. Germain, Paris
Hotel Esprit Saint Germain has been designed along the lines of a private residence. Ideally situated in the heart of Paris, this is a very Parisian hotel intimate, warm, five-star and stunningly designed with real loving care put into each of its 28 rooms and lounges. Clients are welcomed as if they were guests in a friends home with a personalized and dedicated service, enjoying complimentary drinks as they sit by the fireplace in the living room. The individually designed luxurious guest rooms and suites are a combination of stylish interior, leather, rich fabrics and warm colors with modern technology. Some rooms have original 18th century beams as well as either purple or green slate bathrooms.
Belmond Hirondelle
Explore France from the unique accommodations of a luxury barge. Decorated in soft country shades, the Belmond Hirondelle's relaxed atmosphere is perfectly in tune with the gentle scenery outside. Large picture windows and skylights flood the airy lounge with natural sunlight, making it the ideal spot to relax and watch rural France pass by. Spend leisurely hours on the sun deck and sip Champagne as day fades into night. Enjoy a gourmet supper in the dining room, and then return outside to gaze at stars sparkling in the navy sky above. Your day draws to a close in one of four spacious cabins, each with an en suite shower. This spacious barge can comfortably welcome eight people on board: it is the perfect place to reconnect with family and friends in true Orient-Express style.
Cancellation policy
The cancellation policy is applicable to journey price, single supplements, intra tour air, extensions and other tour related arrangements. Penalties are valid from date of reservation until:
- 120 days or more before departure: 10% per person
- 119 to 90 days before departure: 20%
- 89 to 60 days before departure: 50%
- 59 days or less and en route: 100%
Travcoa will only reimburse according to our cancellation policy.
Trip ID#:
WatOffTra
What's excluded
- Travcoa Travel Director
- Meals, except where noted
- International Airfare
- Airport taxes
- Passport & Visa fees
- Gratuities
Meals Included
8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 6 Dinners
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