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Hotel
Barge Hirondelle
Cruise the Burgundy Canal
Seven Days / Six Nights
The
8 passenger Hirondelle  cruises some of the
most tranquil and beautiful waterways in
all of Europe: the Canal de Bourgogne, the
Canal du Centre, the Canal du Rhône
au Rhine and the River Saône.
The large windows, well above the water
line, and the sun-deck on the top deck of
the boat 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. Burgundy is a region
of France in which gastronomic delights
and the art of living have reigned supreme
since Roman times.
 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.
 Hirondelles'
highly professional crew of four comprises
Master Chef, Tour Guide, and Stewardess,
led by a knowledgeable and experienced Captain
will ensure your cruise is memorable and
more!
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Cruise Highlights |
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All-inclusive open
bar, free wines,gourmet cuisine,
entry
fees to excursions |
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Tour of the Citadel
of Besançon |
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Tour of Doles's
magnificent cathedral and La Maison
Pasteur, home of Louis Pasteur |
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Tour of "Clos
de Vougeot", headquarters
of the Chevaliers du Tastevin.
Your tour is followed by wine
tasting |
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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
Meursault
St Romaine
Pouilly Fuissé
Chorey les Beaune
Pommard
Volnay
Regional Cheeses
Aisy Cendre,
Bouton de Culotte,
Epoisses,
Ami du Chambertin
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Check
availability of this cruise
France Hotel
Barge Programme
| Itinerary
1 - Besançon to Dijon |
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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
DISEMBARK. 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 baggage. |
Click here to view Itinerary 2
Dijon to Escommes |
| NOTE: |
These are sample itineraries
and are subject to change. |
| 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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