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Hotel
Barge Hirondelle
Cruise the Burgundy Canal
Seven Days / Six Nights
 Burgundy
boasts some of the world's finest wines
with almost 60,000 acres of sunlit vines
and arguably the prettiest canal in France.
The Nivernais canal randomly meanders along
the path of the picturesque River Yonne.
This delightful exchange brings you the
finest cruising in Burgundy. Medieval villages
are surrounded by unspoiled countryside
where gastronomic delights are a culture
in themselves.
 Taste
the famous escargots, dine on a typical
meal of Poulet aux Romarinen Papillotes,
or Truite a la Chablisienne accompanied
by a full-bodied Burgundian red wine or
lighter Chablis white. Simply indulge in
the utter enjoyment that every day delivers.
The 8 passenger Hirondelle has large windows,
well above the water line, and a sun-deck
on the top deck of the boat, which make
it easy for you to enjoy the passing scenery
of Burgundy and Franche-Comté: renowned
for their vineyards, Gothic churches and
abbeys, Renaissance châteaux and picturesque
villages.
 Hirondelles'
highly professional crew of four comprises
Master Chef, Tour Guide, and Stewardess,
led by a knowledgeable and experienced Captain
who will ensure your cruise is memorable
and more!
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Cruise Highlights |
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Clos de Vougeot
wine tasting |
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Rolling Burgundian
scenery |
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Walking tour of
Dijon |
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Visit the Hotel
Dieu in Beaune |
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| Culinary
Notes |
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Regional Dishes
Terrine de Pecheur facon Maison,
Tourte Chaude d'Escargots
a la Ciboulette,
Filet d'Agneau au Basilic,
Magret de Canard,
Poulet a l'Estragon
Regional Wines
Sancerre,
Chablis,
Pouilly Fume,
Cote de Nuite,
Hautes Cotes de Beaune,
Vosne Romanee,
Donaine Laroche,
Nuits St-Georges,
Epineuil
Regional Cheeses
Aisy Cendre,
Bouton de Culotte,
Epoisses,
Ami du Chambertin
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Check
availability of this cruise
France
Hotel Barge Programme |
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Check
availability of this cruise
France Hotel
Barge Programme
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DAY 1
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Sunday
PARIS TO BESANCON
Depart Paris, Gare de Lyon, on the TGV train in the afternoon. On arrival at Dijon station you are met by the Captain who transfers you to where the barge is moored at Besançon beneath the King’s tower of the Citadel. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. This evening the barge remains in Besançon, giving you the opportunity to view this bustling city. |
DAY 2
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Monday
VISIT THE CITADEL. CRUISE TO OSSELLE
Following a typical French breakfast your guide escorts you on a tour of the Citadel, designed in the 17th century by Vauban, military architect to Louis XIV. Leaving Besançon by boat is quite spectacular; the barge cruises a short distance up the River Doubs before turning into the canal tunnel and passing directly underneath the Citadel. Emerging downstream of the town we begin our descent of the Doubs Valley until reaching our first day’s destination, a quiet mooring near the sleepy town of Osselle. |
| DAY 3 |
Tuesday
CRUISE TO DOLE. VISIT THE ARBOIS REGION
The boat continues to cruise downstream, alternating between the river and sections of the Canal du Rhône au Rhine, which traverses the rugged Franche-Comté and Jura regions. Today’s visits are to Arbois, the principal town of the Jura wine producing region, and a walking tour of Dole, including the magnificent cathedral and La Maison Pasteur, home of Louis Pasteur. |
| DAY 4 |
Wednesday
CRUISE TO ST. JEAN DE LOSNE. VISIT BEAUNE
Enjoy the lovely countryside of the Franche Comté cruising from Dole on the very scenic Canal du Rhône au Rhine to St. Jean de Losne, the barging capital of France. After lunch, your guide escorts you on a walking tour of Beaune, the capital of Burgundy to visit the famous Hotel Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. Tonight’s mooring is St. Jean de Losne. Take some time to stroll around the port to see the many working and pleasure barges. |
| DAY 5 |
Thursday
CRUISE TO LONGECOURT. VISIT CLOS DE VOUGEOT
Today, the barge crosses the plain from the Saône to Dijon on the Canal de Bourgogne. This afternoon, visit the Côte d’Or, planted with vines that produce some of the world’s most famous wines. Your guide takes you on a tour of “Clos de Vougeot”, a medieval chateau 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. Your tour is followed by wine tasting |
| DAY 6 |
Friday
VISIT DIJON. CRUISE TO DIJON
After breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon, including a visit to the Ducal Palace, the market, and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. Tour the Musée des Beaux Arts and explore Dijon at your leisure. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon cruise. That evening the chef has prepared a memorable feast for your farewell gala dinner. |
| DAY 7 |
Saturday
DIJON TO PARIS
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon station for your return to Paris on the TGV. On arrival at Paris Gare de Lyon, you are met by our representative who will assist you with your luggage. |
| NOTE: |
This is a sample itinerary and
is subject to change.On alternate
weeks, the cruise will be in reverse
direction. |
| Meeting
Point |
| Sunday, 1.30
pm,
Local TGV Station |
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| Boat
Features |
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128 feet long |
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8 passengers |
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4 crew |
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1 Double Stateroom |
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3 Twin Staterooms |
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Air-conditioned |
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Touring Bikes |
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