Burgundy Luxury Hotel Barge Cruises

Burgundy is renowned for its vineyards, ancient chateaux, historic churches, and picturesque villages. Long-time associated with fine food and wine, the Burgundy region is crossed by three major canals – the Canal de Bourgogne, the Canal du Nivernais and the Canal de Briare. Our 7 luxury hotel barge routes cover different sections of canal – each passing through superb countryside with a wealth of history and attractions.

In the east of Burgundy, the Upper Burgundy Canal is cruised by the 12-passenger La Belle Epoque through the wine country of Chablis. Sights include the chateaux of Tanlay and Ancy fe Franc and the World Heritage Site of the Abbaye de Fontenay. The Lower Burgundy Canal is cruised by12-passenger L’Impressioniste and 8-passenger La Reine Pedauque, suitable for wheelchair access. Visit chateaux, the city of Dijon and its ducal palace, and Beaune noted for its wines and its ancient Hotel Dieu Hospice.

The Canal du Nivernais is one of the loveliest in France, passing through medieval towns, sleepy villages, forests and pastures. Cruised by 8-passenger L’Art de Vivre, sights include Auxerre and its cathedral, the hilltop village of Vezelay with its World Heritage Site church, and Chablis vineyards.

In western Burgundy the Canal du Briare is the oldest in France, featuring the Pont de Briare, built by Gustav Eiffel in 1896, and the seven lock flight at Rogny les Sept Ecluses. Cruise through the Sancerre wine region, explore the beautiful village of Apremont, and tour wine chateaux. The southern Canal de Briare is cruised by 8-passenger Hirondelle, the northern section by 8-passenger Renaissance, an ultra de-luxe hotel barge, and in summer by 8-passenger wheelchair accessible La Nouvelle Etoile.